Safeway Instacart in 2022: The Complete Guide
Instacart has become a go-to for grocery delivery, with many Safeway shoppers utilizing it for convenient same-day grocery drop-offs. As we approach 2022, Instacart continues to be a top choice for Safeway customers. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything Safeway Instacart has to offer.
Overview of Safeway Instacart
Instacart allows you to shop online from your local Safeway and have groceries delivered to your doorstep in as little as 1 hour. After creating an Instacart account, simply browse your Safeway location, add groceries to your cart, pick a delivery window, and check out.
According to Instacart, over 85% of households in the U.S. have access to Safeway delivery via Instacart. The service has grown exponentially, with Instacart reporting over 500,000 personal shoppers picking and delivering groceries from nearly 40,000 stores nationwide, including Safeway.
Why Choose Safeway Delivery on Instacart?
I‘ve analyzed the key benefits Safeway shoppers can enjoy using Instacart:
Convenience – Skip going to the store and get groceries delivered to your door, especially helpful for busy families or those unable to shop in-person.
Speed – With same-day delivery options as fast as 1 hour, Safeway Instacart is one of the quickest ways to get your grocery essentials.
Rewards – Safeway Instacart lets you earn and redeem Just For U reward points, unlike Safeway Delivery.
Promos – First-time Instacart customers get special discounts, and ongoing promo codes can help you save.
Contactless Delivery – Go contactless and have orders left at your door, minimizing human interaction.
Alcohol Delivery – In select areas, Instacart provides delivery of beer, wine, and spirits to those 21+ (not offered with Safeway Delivery).
Safeway Products Available on Instacart
Based on my research, Instacart offers almost all the same products you would find directly at Safeway. Some key categories available:
- Fresh produce, meat, seafood, deli
- Dairy, eggs, frozen foods
- Bakery breads, desserts
- Pantry staples, snacks, beverages
- Baby products, pet supplies
- Household essentials, health and beauty
| Section | Available on Instacart? |
|---|---|
| Deli | Yes |
| Meat | Yes |
| Seafood | Yes |
| Produce | Yes |
| Bakery | Yes |
| Alcohol | Yes (21+, select areas) |
The only exclusions I found were a few obscure or locally-sourced items. But Instacart shoppers can find nearly all their typical Safeway selections.
Cost Breakdown: Fees for Safeway Instacart
One question many have is how much Safeway delivery costs on Instacart. Here‘s a detailed breakdown of the pricing and fees:
- Delivery Fee: Starts at $3.99 on orders $35+, can be free for Instacart Express members
- Service Fee: Typically 5% of order total, varies by location
- Priority Fee: Starts at $2 for expedited delivery under 1 hour
- Peak Time Fee: Added during busy hours such as holidays, usually $1-1.50
- Tip: Suggested 5-10% tip for personal shopper
| Order Total | Delivery Fee | Service (5%) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100 | $3.99 | $5 | $108.99 |
| $150 | $3.99 | $7.50 | $161.49 |
| $200 | $3.99 | $10 | $213.99 |
In my experience, Instacart delivery fees and service fees are almost always cheaper compared to similar services like Shipt or direct store delivery programs. But tips and priority fees can bump up costs, so factor those in.
Delivery Times and Options
One of the best perks I’ve found with Safeway Instacart is the quick delivery times:
- 1-hour delivery: Get groceries within 1 hour, requires a minimum $10 order
- 2-hour delivery: Schedule 2-hour delivery windows for larger shops
- Next-day: Order by a certain time for delivery the next day
Priority and peak pricing applies to expedited 1-hour deliveries, otherwise fees typically range from $3.99 to $6.99 depending on demand and order size.
Same-day grocery delivery in under 2 hours is extremely convenient when you need essentials fast or forgot a critical ingredient for dinner. Safeway Instacart enables speed and flexibility my local Safeway can‘t match.
Safeway Delivery vs. Safeway Instacart
Safeway does offer its own branded delivery, but there are considerable differences:
- Minimums: Safeway requires a $49 minimum, Instacart is just $10.
- Delivery Fees: Starts at $3.99 on Instacart, $9.95 for Safeway.
- Speed: Instacart offers quicker 1-hour and 2-hour windows.
- Alcohol: Only Instacart provides alcohol delivery where available.
- Rewards: Instacart integrates with Safeway Just For U rewards.
In my opinion, Instacart beats out the Safeway-owned option unless you need a huge grocery haul. The lower minimum, faster delivery, and rewards program integration give Safeway Instacart the edge.
Is Safeway Instacart Worth It?
At the end of the day, is Safeway delivery via Instacart worth utilizing?
The convenience is unmatched: skip going to the crowded store and get all your essential Safeway groceries without leaving home.
It’s speedy: taking advantage of 1-hour delivery for last minute needs is a lifesaver.
You can save time and money: factoring in travel to/from the store and impulse purchases, Instacart can balance out cost-wise.
For busy families, those unable to shop themselves, or anyone wanting to minimize grocery errand time, Safeway Instacart is a winner in my book.
The only downsides are slightly higher item costs and delivery fees, but coupons and promos can help offset this.
Get Your Safeway Groceries Delivered Today!
Instacart offers unbeatable convenience and speed for Safeway grocery delivery. If you‘re looking to simplify shopping in 2022, I highly recommend trying out Safeway Instacart.
Take advantage of first-time promos, utilize 1-hour delivery when you‘re in a pinch, and enjoy getting your Safeway essentials without the hassle. With various tips and tricks, Safeway Instacart can be an easy way to save time and money in the new year.
