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Who is Instacart's target market? Are people really too busy to go to the grocery store and are willing to pay a premium for delivery? Amazon works because thei

by shanev 14y ago

Who is Instacart's target market? Are people really too busy to go to the grocery store and are willing to pay a premium for delivery? Amazon works because their items are actually cheaper than retail. If Amazon items were priced at a premium, few would use it. I personally enjoy grocery shopping. It's a relaxing break from my day. I like picking out my own produce and cuts of meat. I don't think it's something many people would be willing to outsource.

zem 14y ago
personally, i happily walk to safeway and whole foods when i want stuff from there, but by the time i take a taxi or two buses each way to trader joe's, i might as well just let instacart deliver. i definitely don't buy fresh produce that way, but there are some prepackaged things for which i prefer the trader joe version to the stuff i can get in my walking neighbourhood.
mietek 14y ago
I've been using Ocado in the UK to deliver most of my shopping over the past 3 years. I'd rather relax with a good book than by searching for groceries and lugging them home. Not to mention, not everyone owns a car, especially not in London — and not in San Francisco, either.
ebiester 14y ago
People who don't have a car, mostly. When I lived outside a big city, I didn't think twice at going a few miles to the Trader Joes, even if I didn't need much. Right now, I'm in San Francisco and without a car, and it's an event to go just about anywhere from where I live, short of a small corner store.
- ultimoo 14y ago
  You should try out ZipCar. I'm not pitching it against InstaCart, which will prove to be cheaper for groceries, but more like a trip to Fry's or Ikea maybe.
mchristoff 14y ago
Even with a car it can be pretty annoying going to TJs. The one near me always has a massive line and is super hectic. ZenCart FTW.
sbalea 14y ago
I would. If this was available here in NJ, I'd be on it in a heartbeat. TJs and WF are two of my favorite stores and they're both relatively far from me, about 25 minutes away. Add the time spent finding items on shelves and I would be looking at a serious time saver.

by shanev 14y ago

zem 14y ago

personally, i happily walk to safeway and whole foods when i want stuff from there, but by the time i take a taxi or two buses each way to trader joe's, i might as well just let instacart deliver. i definitely don't buy fresh produce that way, but there are some prepackaged things for which i prefer the trader joe version to the stuff i can get in my walking neighbourhood.

mietek 14y ago

I've been using Ocado in the UK to deliver most of my shopping over the past 3 years. I'd rather relax with a good book than by searching for groceries and lugging them home. Not to mention, not everyone owns a car, especially not in London — and not in San Francisco, either.

ebiester 14y ago

People who don't have a car, mostly. When I lived outside a big city, I didn't think twice at going a few miles to the Trader Joes, even if I didn't need much. Right now, I'm in San Francisco and without a car, and it's an event to go just about anywhere from where I live, short of a small corner store.

ultimoo 14y ago
You should try out ZipCar. I'm not pitching it against InstaCart, which will prove to be cheaper for groceries, but more like a trip to Fry's or Ikea maybe.

mchristoff 14y ago

Even with a car it can be pretty annoying going to TJs. The one near me always has a massive line and is super hectic. ZenCart FTW.

sbalea 14y ago

I would. If this was available here in NJ, I'd be on it in a heartbeat. TJs and WF are two of my favorite stores and they're both relatively far from me, about 25 minutes away. Add the time spent finding items on shelves and I would be looking at a serious time saver.