Both DoorDash and Instacart offer valuable delivery services, but they cater to different needs. DoorDash is better suited for restaurant and quick convenience items, while Instacart excels in grocery and retail deliveries. The choice between the two depends on the user's specific needs and preferences.
| Attribute | DoorDash | Instacart |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery Speed | Average delivery time of approximately 26 minutes. Factors such as traffic, restaurant delays, and driver availability can affect delivery speed. | Aims for deliveries within hours or at a scheduled time. Real-time updates are provided. Priority fees can be charged for the earliest delivery window. Delivery times can be affected by high demand, shopper issues, or logistics. |
| Service Fees | Flat service fee which is around 15% of the bill. | A delivery fee starts at $3.99 for orders over $35. A 5% service fee is applied to non-Instacart+ orders. Additional fees may include bag fees, bottle-tax fees, priority fees, regulatory fees, and long-distance service fees. Instacart+ members get lower service fees. |
| Restaurant/Store Selection | Over 750,000 restaurant and convenience store locations across the United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan. | Partners with over 900 retailers in the US and Canada, including major chains and local stores. Offers access to multiple stores, including grocery chains, pharmacies, and specialty stores. You can shop for groceries, beverages, beauty products, and more. Partnerships with over 1,500 national, regional, and local retail banners. |
| Geographic Coverage | Operates in over 4,000 cities across the United States, Canada, and Australia. Available in all 50 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, New Zealand, Germany and Japan. | Operates extensively across the United States and Canada. Available in all 50 states and Washington D.C. in the United States, and all 10 provinces in Canada. Focuses on major metropolitan areas but also extends into suburban and rural areas. Reaches over 14,000 cities. |
| Order Accuracy | Customers can report any issues, such as missing or incorrect items, through the app or website. | Some users report issues with missing or incorrect items. Communication with your shopper can improve accuracy. Instacart is using AI to improve inventory tracking and address out-of-stock issues. |
| Customer Support Responsiveness | Customers can contact support through the app or website. | Offers customer service through live chat, email, and phone assistance. Live chat typically provides instant responses, while email inquiries may take 24-48 hours. The company responds to most customer complaints in a satisfactory manner. Some users have reported long wait times and unresolved refund requests. |
| Driver Professionalism | Drivers should maintain a professional and presentable appearance. Drivers should avoid offensive clothing. | Delivery teams are consistently courteous and punctual. Tipping is optional but may affect how quickly your order is fulfilled. Customers can adjust tips up or down for up to 3 days after delivery. |
| App Usability | User-friendly and easy to navigate. Offers features like real-time tracking, scheduling, and various payment options. | The Instacart app is user-friendly with a simple layout and easy navigation. It allows real-time communication with personal shoppers. The app makes it easy to create a shopping list and offers suggestions. |
| Special Promotions and Discounts | Discounts for new users, seasonal deals, student discounts, and offers for DashPass subscribers. | Frequently offers discounts and promotions, including deals for first-time users. New customers may be eligible for free delivery on their first order. Instacart+ members get access to exclusive member perks and offers. Various promo codes are available for both new and existing users. |
| Delivery Tracking Accuracy | Provides real-time tracking information. | Tracking is generally accurate, allowing users to monitor order progress and communicate with shoppers. You can track your order without a tracking number via the app or website. Real-time updates show what items have been picked and the estimated arrival time. |
| Handling of Order Issues (Refunds, Replacements) | Customers can request refunds or replacements for incorrect, late, or missing orders. | If an item is unavailable, shoppers will replace it with a similar item or offer a refund. You can communicate with the shopper during the process to approve replacements or additions. Customer service is known for its responsiveness and ability to resolve issues promptly. You have 4 days after delivery to report issues through the app or website. |
| Availability of Subscription Services | DashPass provides unlimited deliveries with a $0 delivery fee and reduced service fees for eligible orders. | Instacart+ waives delivery fees on orders over $35 and reduces service fees. Instacart+ costs $99 per year or $9.99 per month. Instacart+ members may also get free membership to Peacock streaming service. Instacart offers SNAP recipients a discounted Instacart+ membership (50% off) with $0 delivery fees in as fast as 30-minutes on all orders over $35. |