Instacart’s Hidden Grocery Markup Revealed!
Ever notice that you never receive the original store receipt with your Instacart order? This isn’t a fluke, it’s a strategic move by Instacart to keep you from seeing the hidden markup on your grocery items. One of the first messages that Instacart sends to its new shoppers is a text with instructions to NOT give the store receipt to customers when delivering their groceries.
Let’s take a closer look at what these missing receipts are hiding and how much Instacart’s hidden mark-ups can actually cost you.
Check out this example from Costco and notice the 21% grocery markup!
Instacart makes a large percentage of their profit by marking up the price of groceries purchased in their app, compared to the in-store prices. This is not the decision of the grocery store, but a hidden markup imposed by Instacart. These markups vary by store, product, and a number of other variables — and can be as high as 50% more than in-store prices for certain items.
Once we discovered this total lack of transparency, we knew we needed to do something about it. So, we’re going to break it down even further for you, comparing the Instacart Costco order above to how that order could have broken down if it was ordered with a Personal Shopper on Dumpling.
While we’re on the topic of transparency, it’s important to note that transparency around WHERE Your money is going, is just as important! So, let’s break that down too.
If you’re like most people, you’re starting to add up the fees with this hidden markup and probably are feeling a little taken advantage of. You’re not alone…
Not only are you paying more due to the hidden markup, you also don’t benefit from any in-store specials or coupons.
This means, you could be paying up to DOUBLE the in-store price when you purchase items through Instacart. On the flip side, this is one of Dumpling’s best features- you get your very own Personal Shopper, who can seek out special offers & sales, just as you would yourself.
If you’re feeling frustrated, taken advantage of, or upset over Instacart’s hidden markup -we’ve got you!
You can find your very own Personal Shopper on Dumpling (yes, this means you’ll get the same shopper for every order 🤗) and pay in-store prices for all of your groceries.
