I hate how instacart doesn’t warn you about certain apts. every apt should have a cart for delivery people & no don’t tell me to purchase one. It’s not very often that I take apt building orders. I don’t work for free. The order was shopped and delivered at a timely fashion. Taking my tip away was harsh. #instacart #gigworker #groceryshopping
As an Instacart shopper myself, I completely understand the frustration of delivering to apartment complexes without adequate equipment. Carrying multiple bags and gallons of milk up stairs or through long hallways without a delivery cart is challenging and can slow down the process, even when customers expect fast service. One thing that often goes unnoticed is how the rating system impacts gig workers. It takes about 100 ratings to raise your score by just one point, but not every customer leaves a rating, which can make it feel like your hard work goes unappreciated. Even when orders are completed promptly and carefully, losing tips because of delivery difficulties or misunderstandings can be very discouraging. I believe apartment complexes should provide carts for delivery people as a standard amenity. It would benefit both shoppers and customers by speeding up deliveries and reducing the physical burden on workers. Instead of expecting shoppers to buy their own carts or struggle without them, clients and platforms like Instacart could advocate for better infrastructure. From my experience, clear communication with customers when placing orders involving apartments is essential. Giving warnings about complex deliveries or the need for additional time helps set realistic expectations and preserves good relationships. Tips are an important part of gig work income, and fairness in tipping should reflect the effort involved, especially with heavy or complicated deliveries. Overall, supporting gig workers with appropriate tools and fair compensation encourages better service and reduces burnout. Until delivery companies address these issues, sharing honest experiences like these can raise awareness and hopefully lead to improvements in the gig economy.