How do you complete your first Instacart batch?
A first Instacart batch has six stages: drive to the store, shop and scan items, check out with the Instacart card, bag carefully, deliver to the door, and finish with the in-app photo. The parts new shoppers most often get wrong are produce codes, the receipt (keep it out of the bag unless the app says otherwise), bagging fragile items on top, and leaving bags where an outward-opening screen door will knock them over.
1. Before you go in
- Park near the exit side, not the entrance; you leave with heavy bags.
- Read the whole list in the car: note frozen, deli and heavy items.
- Pre-open a few produce bags and hang them on the cart.
2. Shopping and scanning
- The list is sorted by aisle. Scan each barcode until the green check appears.
- If a barcode won't scan, flatten it, find better light, step back. Then use the app's manual entry or photo option. Never match a wrong barcode.
- Produce uses PLU codes (bananas 4011, Hass avocados often 4046). Enter the scale weight when asked.
- Frozen and cold items go in last.
3. Checkout
- Tell the cashier it is an Instacart order and have the loyalty barcode scanned first if the app shows one.
- Pay with the Instacart card. "Credit" often avoids a PIN; if asked, use the PIN in the app.
- Photograph the receipt in the app. Keep the paper receipt out of the customer's bag unless the app says otherwise, because store prices can differ from Instacart prices.
4. Bagging
- Bread, eggs, chips and berries on top.
- Raw meat in its own bag.
- Chemicals never with food.
- On double batches, mark bags "A" and "B" and keep them in separate parts of the car.
5. At the door
- Cross-check the house number against the order, not the map dot.
- Leave bags on the hinge side of an outward-opening screen door, or well clear of its swing.
- Loose dog in the street? Stay in the car and contact the customer through the app.
6. Photo and finish
Take the delivery photo in the app with the bags and the door number in frame, send a short note, then complete the delivery. See proof-of-delivery tips.
Pick an easy first batch
Choose a small order at a store you know, close to home, with no heavy items or alcohol. Speed comes with repetition; see what a good SPI is.
Frequently asked questions
Do you put the receipt in the bag for Instacart?
Generally no, unless the app instructs you to. Photograph it in the app and keep the paper copy for a while, because store prices can differ from Instacart prices.
What if an item will not scan on Instacart?
Flatten the barcode, improve the light and try again. Then use the app's manual entry or photo option. Never scan a different item's barcode.
What is a good first batch for a new Instacart shopper?
A small order at a familiar store, nearby, without heavy items or alcohol.
What is the screen door rule?
Never leave bags directly in front of an outward-opening screen or storm door; put them on the hinge side or clear of its swing so nothing gets knocked over.
Go deeper. Chapter 3 of the guide simulates a complete first order, and Chapters 1 and 2 (free in the web reader) cover equipment and getting started. Get the full guide or read chapters 1–2 free.
Related guides
- What should you do if your Instacart card is declined?
- What should Instacart shoppers message customers?
- What is a good Instacart SPI?
Sources
- Instacart Shopper app: shopping, checkout and delivery steps (in app)
- International Federation for Produce Standards: PLU codes