Who has tried shopping using Instacart? I recently shopped at Costco using Instacart, which saved me the time a trip to Ukiah would take, plus the gas and the milage on my car.

However, in comparing in-store prices with Instacart prices I found that Costco offers Same-Day Delivery to Costco members. News to me.

I made a list of what Costco toilet paper cost in Instacart and what it cost for Same-Day delivery. The difference was $1.48 more with Instacart. Extra virgin olive oil was cheaper for Same-Day by $1.08. Tomato soup in a box, Same-Day, was cheaper by $1.03. I could have saved $15.64 by using Same-Day Delivery. I still would have shopped in my favorite chair, saving time, gas money and wear on my 24-year old Beetle.

Some people say they buy less via Instacart versus in-store because in-store they put added items in their basket that catch their eye. Plus, there’s also those people offering a taste of veggie hotdogs or some such treats, that you can also buy.

I buy more online. I try to stick to my list, but I’m tempted by things I’d never tried before like the frozen spring rolls I bought on my last Costco Instacart order. Or the six-pack of tomato soup in a box.

It’s like going to the local movie theater where there are five movies to choose from or staying home and watching Netflix where there are 6,621 movies, series and specials available.

I first began using Instacart when I was too sick to shop for myself. It was a great alternative to finding a friend to help. Knock wood, I haven’t had Covid and I think Instacart would be a great way to take care of yourself if you live alone, without spreading Covid. I once had bronchitis that lasted for months, and my dear friend would drop off food to my doorstep. She was my Instacart.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t factor in Costco membership fee ($65), Instacart membership fee ($99), Costco *uses Instacart for delivery* ($0 for orders over $35). Instacart delivery fee ($0 for orders over $35), tips to the delivery person are optional and encouraged for both Costco and Instacart.

As for Instacart from local stores, there are many offering the service; Mar-Val Food Stores, Safeway, Grocery Outlet, Walmart, Dollar Tree, CVS, Home Depot, Michael’s (wish I had known that as I needed a pickup on a print I had framed). Most charge a service fee and delivery fee for long distance.

How do the shoppers/drivers get paid?

One shopper/driver said that with the high price of gas she had to make sure an Instacart delivery isn’t too far away. Some sources say that a shopper/driver can be successful with a strategic and realistic plan. It takes more than a gung-ho attitude, it takes an actual business plan that takes into account; knowledge of local market, fuel economy, keeping track of mileage, being professional. I was impressed when a shopper/driver came with a hot/cold tote for the frozen goods I had bought.

I also learned that Costco Same Day Delivery (they use Instacart for delivery) will charge your debit /charge card more than the order total. Their information says: “For orders in process, Instacart places a temporary authorization hold for a slightly higher amount than estimated order total. This difference accounts for potential changes in final total due to special requests, added items, items replaced at a different price, and actual weight of items.” They refund any difference in 5-7 business days.

What’s a girl to do?  Watch my bank account for the $22 they overcharged me.

Lucy Llewellyn Byard welcomes comments and shares. To contact her, email  lucywgtd@gmail.com