How to Grocery Shop like a Professional Shopper this Holiday Season

So you’ve decided to host your family for the holidays this year! Whether you’re planning to shop for yourself or save time by using Instacart, it pays to have a game plan to ensure you don’t fall prey to common holiday shopping pitfalls.

There are more than 130,000 incredible shoppers in the Instacart community — most of whom grocery shop much more than the average person. They’re grocery shopping gurus with a wealth of insider knowledge that they’ve never shared… until now.

Just in time for the year-end food and hosting finale, here are Instacart shoppers’ best pro-tips:

Pro-Tip #1: Ditch Your Cart

This is the most oft-suggested tip from shoppers. If you venture to the store, grab a cart AND a handbasket, and store the handbasket under the cart. When you get to crowded areas, park your cart outside the aisle or off to the side where it won’t be in the way, and use the basket to get what you need quickly.

“I started grabbing a handbasket and placing it under my cart to use in [the] produce [section]and the baking aisle. The entire store started doing the same thing!” — Caleb P. — Alexandria, VA

Pro-Tip #2: Zero in on Endcaps

Many grocery stores move popular seasonal items to endcaps (grocery store-speak for the displays at the end of aisles). Be sure to check them for the best selection and deals.

“Keep an eye on displays and endcaps. A lot of the time common items are on a display and you can either avoid getting in a traffic jam in the aisle, or find an item/great replacement that was out of stock in the aisle.” — Angie S. — Chicago, IL

Pro-Tip #3: Shop Frozen Last

Stores will be crowded and you probably have a big list, so your shopping trip may take longer than usual. Shoppers recommend selecting your frozen items last so they don’t start thawing before you leave the store.

Pro-Tip #4: Follow the Online Grocery Delivery Commandments

You could brave the store yourself OR you could let Instacart shoppers shop for you. Nervous about handing over such a high stakes haul ahead of hosting? Shoppers say that following simple grocery delivery commandments help ensure they can get you exactly what you need this holiday season:

• Be Specific — This is the time to be high maintenance! When asked what they wish customers would do more of, shoppers say the more specificity the better, so they can make the best decisions on your behalf. So go ahead, write instructions for the items you order, choose replacement preferences and share whether you’re open to different brands. Maybe even share what you’re making for dinner! The more info, the better.

“Substitutions! We strive to get every item on the list, but if it’s not there we’re left to make decisions for what to use as a replacement. However, if you select an alternative it makes things easier for both the shopper and our customers.” — Amanda G. — Rochester, NY

“If you or your family have a food allergy or other diet restriction, please tell us! We know how to choose replacements for vegan/vegetarian/gluten-free/dairy-free!” — Rachel G., Rochester, NY

• Communicate — Another top suggestion from shoppers is to communicate with them while they shop for you. Especially around the holidays, shoppers may need to make decisions about replacements, substitutions and brand preferences. Being available to respond to their text or phone call will help them shop well for you.

“When we send you messages while we’re shopping, the response/feedback is helpful for us so we’re not guessing and you’re not ending up with something you don’t want. We want you happy and satisfied as a customer.” — Monica F. — Maple Grove, Minnesota

Pro-tip #5 The Ultimate Holiday Shopping Tip: Embrace the Holiday Spirit

And last but certainly not least, shoppers want to encourage everyone to remember to embrace the holiday spirit and be kind and patient as you navigate crowded stores and organize big shopping lists.

“Be polite, and flexible. Sometimes it’s faster to come back for an item rather than to push your way to it.” — Kellie S. — Atlanta, GA

“Sit back and enjoy the extra time you have by letting us shop for you! Enjoy family or bake an extra pie!” — Kathleen P. — Phoenix, AZ

Happy Holidays!

Instacart

Instacart is the leading grocery technology company in North America, partnering with more than 1,400 national, regional, and local retail banners to deliver from more than 80,000 stores across more than 14,000 cities in North America. To read more Instacart posts, you can browse the company blog or search by keyword using the search bar at the top of the page.