Instacart has revolutionized online grocery delivery, providing customers with convenient access to groceries from their favorite supermarkets. For Safeway shoppers, Instacart unlocks the ability to get Safeway products delivered straight to their door. But how exactly does the service work, and how does it compare to Safeway‘s own delivery offering?
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore everything you need to know about Safeway Instacart, including availability, costs, products, promos, and more.
What is Safeway Instacart?
Safeway Instacart allows customers to order Safeway groceries for delivery through Instacart.com or the Instacart app. Shoppers can browse Safeway‘s product catalog, add items to their cart, select a delivery window, and pay for their order online.
The key difference from standard Safeway delivery is that the shopping and delivery is handled by Instacart personal shoppers, not Safeway employees. Instacart shoppers pick out customers‘ items, drive them to the delivery address, and can even bring them inside homes/apartments if requested.
How Does the Safeway Instacart Ordering Process Work?
Ordering through Safeway Instacart involves just a few simple steps:
- Create an Instacart account
- Enter your location to select your local Safeway
- Browse products and add them to your cart
- Confirm your order details
- Select a delivery time
- Enter payment and delivery instructions
- Place order
Delivery times can range from 1-hour fast delivery to next day depending on customer preference.
Does Safeway Offer Same-Day Delivery on Instacart?
The good news is that same-day delivery is available from most Safeway locations through Instacart. Customers can select delivery windows as soon as an hour away.
To get orders more quickly, it helps to enable push notifications in the Instacart app and respond to texts/calls from shoppers. Providing gate codes or other relevant delivery instructions also smooths the process.
What Products Can I Order from Safeway on Instacart?
Instacart offers access to the vast majority of Safeway‘s grocery inventory online. From produce to packaged goods to beer and wine, most departments are represented.
Some product categories available include:
- Produce
- Dairy
- Meat & Seafood
- Frozen Foods
- Bakery
- Deli
- Alcohol
- And more
Item availability can vary slightly by location, but the breadth of options enables customers to fulfill most regular grocery trips through Safeway Instacart.
Can I Use Safeway Just For U Rewards?
Yes! Existing Safeway loyalty members can use their Just For U card when ordering on Instacart to earn fuel points, redeem rewards, and get personalized deals.
When setting their Safeway location, customers will be prompted to enter their rewards card number. Any earned rewards/discounts will automatically apply at checkout.
What Safeway Instacart Promo Codes and Discounts Are Available?
Instacart offers a few ways for customers to save on Safeway delivery orders:
- First-order promotions – Instacart gives extra discounts like $20 off or free delivery for a customer‘s first three orders
- Generic Instacart promo codes – These can offer dollar-amount discounts like $10 off or percentage discounts
- Safeway Instacart coupons – Occasional exclusive discounts for Safeway from services like CNN Coupons
- Instacart Express members – Pay a monthly/annual fee for free delivery and reduced services charges
Checking third-party promo code sites and the Instacart app itself can uncover extra savings to offset costs.
How Much Does Delivery & Service Fees Cost?
For orders over $35, Instacart delivery fees start at just $3.99. Service fees vary based on location and order total but help pay shopper labor and operations costs.
One-hour fast deliveries or smaller orders under $35 can incur slightly higher fees. It‘s always smart to check the fee estimates before placing an order.
And customers should consider tipping shoppers as well based on service satisfaction. Every little bit helps support the workers making grocery delivery possible.
How Do Safeway Delivery vs. Safeway Instacart Compare?
Both options enable Safeway grocery delivery, but there are some notable differences:
Cost – Safeway tends to have lower item prices. But Instacart has cheaper base delivery fees and no order minimums.
Speed – Instacart offers faster 1-hour delivery windows. Safeway provides more refined estimated windows.
Availability – Instacart serves more geographic regions. Safeway does not offer first-party delivery in Canada.
Service – Safeway personnel personally shop and deliver. Instacart uses network of contract shoppers.
Weighing priorities around cost, timing, location, and service can determine which makes more sense for any given customer.
The Bottom Line
Safeway Instacart makes on-demand grocery delivery both convenient and affordable. Customers can access the grocery selection they love from Safeway without leaving home.
While the service differs somewhat from Safeway‘s own delivery, the expanded availability, quick turnaround times, and discount opportunities position Instacart as a top contender for grocery delivery dominance.
