Target on Instacart 2022: The Complete Guide
Target made waves by partnering with Instacart back in 2018 to bring same-day grocery delivery to guests. Four years later, this collaboration remains intact despite speculation of its demise.
In fact, the service saw order volume increase by 138% from 2020 to 2022 largely driven by the pandemic pantry stocking‘s effect on digital adoption.
But how exactly does Target function on Instacart as we head deeper into 2022? What are the best practices for placing orders? And is it actually worth it compared visiting your local store?
As a long-time Instacart driver and avid Target shopper myself, I‘ve compiled everything you need to know:
How Does Shopping Target via Instacart Work?
The first step is downloading the Instacart app on your mobile device or visiting Instacart.com. Next, you‘ll want to either:
- Search “Target” in the main search bar
- Scroll to find Target listed under "Deals from your Favorite Stores"
- Select the red Target logo to visit the storefront
You‘ll immediately notice Instacart prioritizes Target‘s grocery, household goods and personal care selection over other categories.
This includes produce, refrigerated items, frozen foods, pantry staples, cleaners, pharmacy products and more. But departments like clothing, books, electronics or homewares are not available.
Once you start adding items to cart, the experience mimics online shopping directly from Target:
- Browse categories or search for specifics
- Add to cart and checkout when ready
- Select delivery date/time and input payment
- Provide delivery instructions
One perk over using Target.com is the option to save favorite purchases. By tapping the "Buy it Again" tab, you can quickly reorder the mac & cheese or shampoo your household goes through regularly.
Can You Return Target Instacart Orders?
Yes – one of the best aspects of Target using Instacart is their lenient return policy.
If you receive an incorrect or damaged item, simply initiate a return through the Target store desk as you would with a regular purchase receipt.
Just make sure to bring the digital Instacart receipt on your phone for reference!
Unfortunately individual shoppers cannot process exchanges or replacements directly if your order has issues. But Instacart‘s customer service is available to handle refunds on problematic items purchased through the app.
Instacart Membership: Express vs. Free
Instacart offers an optional Express membership providing unlimited free deliveries for orders over $35 when shopping Target:
| Membership | Cost | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Instacart Express | $9.99/month or $99/year | Free delivery on orders $35+ |
| 5% credit back on qualified picks | Reduced service fees |
Meanwhile, complimentary Instacart accounts still pay delivery fees:
| Order Total | Delivery Fee |
|---|---|
| $35+ | $3.99 |
Express also includes lowered service fees – basically Instacart‘s commission on each order. This amounts to a 5% credit towards future Target purchases in the form of an Instacart credit.
When deciding whether Instacart Express merits the $10 monthly subscription, consider your average order total and frequency. Instacart provides a membership cost breakdown estimating exact savings across tiers of usage.
For most consistent Target shoppers, Express nets savings fairly quickly. But occasional users might lose money on the bulk yearly plan.
Target Prices: Instacart vs In-Store
Here comes the bad news. Industry experts estimate Target prices run 5-15% higher when comparing Instacart to in-store.
This holds true based on my own manual price checks between mobile app and physical shelves.
A few category examples:
| Item | Instacart | Target.com | In-Store |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bananas (1 lb) | $0.69 | $0.19 | $0.19 |
| Dannon Yogurt (6 ct) | $4.39 | $3.49 | $3.49 |
| Tide Detergent (75 oz) | $14.29 | $11.99 | $11.99 |
The reason comes down to Instacart tacking on retail commissions and platform fees to maintain profitability. Unfortunately, those costs pass directly to us customers.
Yet when factored against gas and time savings or convenience, many find Target Instacart worth the upcharge…in moderation.
My advice? Price compare expensive household items using Target‘s app while building orders. Stick to affordable essentials otherwise.
Can You Use SNAP EBT Benefits on Target Instacart?
At this time, Target delivery through Instacart does not support EBT SNAP payments.
However, Instacart continues expanding EBT/SNAP acceptance on a state-by-state basis contingent on grocer approval.
So there remains a possibility Target Instacart will flip the switch to allow food stamp benefits for low-income households. But for now, shoppers must pay using a standard debit/credit card.
5 Pro Tips for Shopping Target Via Instacart
As a veteran Instacart driver and deals-driven Target regular, I‘ve picked up helpful tricks along the way. Use these to maximize savings and convenience:
- Stick to grocery basics rather than impulse buys. Prices run highest on non-essentials.
- Review replacements if items sell out. Don‘t accept something drastically different than expected.
- Schedule delivery at least 2 days out for best slot availability
- Notify Instacart ASAP about issues to get credited
- Always rate shoppers 5 stars + tips for prompt service
Following these simple guidelines ensures a smooth, budget-friendly Target Instacart experience!
The Final Takeaway
Instacart grants easy access to Target‘s extensive supermarket selection without leaving home. And while certain caveats exist around pricing and inventory, the sheer convenience proposition keeps customers coming back.
As grocery delivery further penetrates the average household‘s budget, expect enhancements like EBT benefit support. For now, Instacart provides exceptional supplemental value for regular Target patrons.
Just make sure to shop smart so you bank the convenience without breaking bank!
