Re: How much do you tip?

walkingal · ‎03-09-2010

@Sushismom wrote:
For your online grocery orders? I've been tipping anywhere from 10-20%. Depends on whether they've listened to what I want to replace an item with.

For example, I usually ask for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. If those aren't available, any chicken thighs will do. However, there are a couple of times I've gotten chicken leg quarters. Not quite what I want.

Are the delivery people the same people who are filling your order? I'm using two different grocery delivery companies. One is a large company owned by our largest grocery chain in the area. Those delivery drivers are not the ones packing up the orders. The other delivery option I use is for my smaller orders, and the shopping is done by people employed by the grocery store. There are many options on the web site as to whether you want no substitutions, use substitutions, or to call you. And I love that with both companies you can add the tip to your order.

Janey2 · ‎06-07-2010

My Instacart bill includes tip. Do you tip beyond that tip?

songbird · ‎03-21-2010

Instacart user. I tip the 15%. the people that drive for delivery are really amazing.

Found out how shoppers work. They come in the actual store (I used to think it was warehouse like Amazon) pick the food (and keep in contact the customer to select and for substitutions) get in line (I think they get a special credit card from Instacart) and purchase the food. Hop in a car, drive to deliver the food. Run back to the store, and do it again. They get messages on their cell phones when a customer is in "line" for the next round of food delivery. If you get a lot of customers, you zipping in and around traffic back and forth.

Janey2 · ‎06-07-2010

@songbird I am adjusting my tip. I read about how this works and feel my delivery guy did an excellent job. I was not aware you can adjust the tip.

haddon9 · ‎03-09-2010

I've been getting a lot of my meat & produce from a local farmer's market. I give them a list and they do the shopping for me...curbside pick up. The last two weeks they have added a $20.00 shopping fee for all curbside orders which they now only do since the store itself is closed to the public.

I feel that the fee is high but I still buy from them since they do a beautiful job packing & getting everything I need. I don't add an extra tip though.

As for shopping for my mom in Fl., I've been using Instacart the last three weeks for her. They do a decent job and are quick but between the delivery fee, Instart's fee and suggested tip which is a percent of the order we don't tip extra.

songbird · ‎03-21-2010

@Janey2 wrote:
@songbird I am adjusting my tip. I read about how this works and feel my delivery guy did an excellent job. I was not aware you can adjust the tip.

I only decided to use instacart during the pandemic (I normally did Amazon Fresh, but had to stop when a million other people decided to to it) but I liked the service so much., I will continue with it long after this is over. I've done it 5 times now, and each time I've had a great shopping experience. I chose Instacart Express (free delivery) ideal if you do weekly shopping. Since joining, the service has expanded to more stores in your zip code.

Gorgf · ‎03-10-2010

Maybe with the sporadic stocking there may not be that item in the cooler at the exact time the shopper is putting together your order. Stocking just is so irregular. I would be thankful if I got close to my list..During the times prior to this Pandemic I would say what you order should be the same cut of meat but now hunt and peck for all shoppers. These shoppers look so tired when I have seen them working hard. Sometimes we don't get what we want.

My Aunt broke her hip and had a grocery shopper while recuperating. She was in her 80s but mentally sharp. Her shopper would throw in gum and cookies for herself thinking my Aunt would not check the receipt. Now that would be a no tip situation for sure.

AuntG · ‎03-09-2010

While I don't hate grocery shopping, I can't imagine doing it for others all day long. Combine that with unappreciative customers and it's a thankless job. A 15% tip is the minimum for a job like that.

gidgetgh · ‎03-09-2010

For Instacart, I've been tipping 20% if I get great service from the shopper.

Instacart is NOT cheap. I ordered a normal grocery order the other day and did not include any meat and I was shocked at the total, before tip.

But, it meant that I didn't have to go buy groceries that day so I paid it.

Why is it, when I have a 50/50 guess at something, I'm always 100% wrong?

Sooner · ‎03-10-2010

@buyornot wrote:
I am beyond grateful for anyone who helps me out with shopping because I am choosing not to go into the stores(even though I enjoy grocery shopping) I don't want to get sick and put my kids through that_I'm doing my best to stay well. Anyway, I tip a lot -20%-and I take anything that they bring even if it's not perfect-everyone is doing their best. I had this same policy with my late husband. I knew he was trying to follow my list I don't think this is a time to be too fussy.

@buyornot I agree 100 percent. I think in light of what is going on, I have no right to complain now if I am healthy and have something to eat. I feel privileged that people are willing to go to the store for me, and I am happy to tip them for it. Chicken? It's all chicken isn't it? And me, I would take leg over a thigh any day.