The innovation of technology has revolutionized many sectors; undoubtedly, food and grocery delivery service industries are no exception. Instacart and Uber Eats are two titans in the on-demand delivery landscape, each with unique operations that set them apart. This essay aims to elucidate the differences between Instacart and Uber Eats delivery services based on convenience, pricing, and availability.
Instacart, founded in 2012 [1], specializes in grocery delivery and pick-up service, while Uber Eats, established in 2014 [2], has carved a niche for itself in the food delivery landscape. While they both provide delivery services, they cater to different market needs. Both platforms have experienced surge owing to the pandemic by providing contact-less delivery options amidst the lockdowns and catering to the increased demand in home delivery services [3].
In terms of convenience, they have effectively leveraged technology to make it simpler for the users to navigate their apps. Uber Eats, for instance, is designed primarily for ordering food from local restaurants. It offers real-time tracking of the food delivery and an option for users to schedule a delivery in advance. On the contrast, Instacart's interface is geared towards grocery shopping from local grocery stores, allowing the customers to choose their preferred delivery times [4]. It also provides a unique feature where customers can converse with personal shoppers about their item preferences, a functionality that is absent in Uber Eats.
Analyzing the pricing structure, Uber Eats uses a dynamic pricing model. It has a booking fee that varies based on the distance between the user and the restaurant [5]. Also, during periods of high demand, surge pricing may apply, where the delivery charges increase. Contrarily, Instacart offers a more straightforward pricing system. There is a delivery fee per order and an optional membership known as Instacart Express, which allows for free deliveries on orders above $35 [5].
Casting light on availability, Uber Eats is accessible in over 500 cities across six continents, with its service being more centralized in urban areas. It is esteemed for its wide variety of food options [6]. On the other hand, Instacart is predominately available in North America, serving around 5500 cities. It permits access to a broad range of products from multiple local supermarkets and mega-retailers [7]. However, in more rural or less populated regions, the availability of these services becomes more limited.
In summary, the choice between Instacart and Uber Eats primarily depends on the user's needs. While Instacart is optimal for those seeking a hassle-free grocery delivery service with a straightforward pricing model, Uber Eats is best suited for individuals desiring a wide range of ready-to-eat food options. Nevertheless, both franchises continue to explore ways to enhance their service and increase user satisfaction, which will drive the future of the delivery service industry.
Sources:
[1] "About Instacart". Instacart, 2021. URL: https://www.instacart.com/about/
[2] "About Uber Eats”. Uber Eats, 2021. URL: https://www.ubereats.com/about/
[3] Ozimek, Adam. “How Much Has Food Delivery Grown in 2020?”. Upwork, Dec 15, 2020. URL: https://www.upwork.com/about/press/releases/how-much-has-food-delivery-grown-in-2020
[4] "Comparing Grocery Delivery Services". Consumer Reports, May 5, 2021. URL: https://www.consumerreports.org/online-grocery-shopping-services/comparing-grocery-delivery-services/
[5] Liao, Shannon. “Why Do Fast Food Delivery Prices Vary by Location?”. Vox, March 1, 2019. URL: https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2019/3/1/18244657/postmates-grubhub-uber-eats-delivery-fee
[6] "Uber Eats in numbers". BusinessofApps, January 11, 2021. URL: https://www.businessofapps.com/data/uber-eats-statistics/
[7] "Instacart Delivery: How it Works and Is it Worth the Cost?". Clark, March 22, 2021. URL: https://clark.com/save-money/instacart-shopping-delivery-service-review/
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