“I May Actually Lose My Mind”: 67 Posts From Instacart Shoppers Who’ve Seen It All (New Pics)


Grocery shopping used to be a fun and exciting experience. I would take my time perusing all of the new products and contemplate what I wanted to make for dinner each night of the week. Nowadays, however, it’s often a stressful game of searching for discounts and deals and trying to spend as little as possible without starving until I have to return to the store.


To make this process slightly less painful, many people opt to have their groceries delivered. But these services can be hit or miss for customers and couriers. We took a trip to the Instacart Shoppers subreddit and gathered photos and screenshots of their most amusing experiences down below. Keep reading to also find a conversation with Sergio Avedian, Senior Contributor at The Rideshare Guy, and be sure to upvote the pics that remind you to always tip couriers generously!

#1 MVP- Better Believe I Doubled The Tip


I am stuck at home with a toddler and so happy to pay for someone to do my shopping. Look at the bags I was greeted with when I got home! I was giddy.


Image credits: abschnorf


#2 Delivery For Ms. Kitty


Image credits: tfoote7


#3 This Dog Wouldn’t Let Me Stage The Items LOL


Image credits: kmalmrose


To find out more about what it's like to work as an Instacart shopper, we got in touch with Sergio Avedian, Senior Contributor at The Rideshare Guy. He was kind enough to have a chat with Bored Panda and discuss some of the pros and cons of this profession.


"Working as an Instacart shopper offers flexibility and independence, making it an attractive option for those looking to earn extra income on their own schedule," Sergio shared. "Shoppers can choose when and where they work, which is a major perk, especially for those balancing other jobs or personal commitments. The potential to earn tips can also increase overall pay, and for those who enjoy grocery shopping, the job can feel relatively easy."


#4 I Was Supervised On A Delivery This Afternoon


Image credits: Left0fcenterr


#5 Delivered To An Ice Cream Shop


Image credits: Middle-Tangerine-945


#6 This Initial Message


Image credits: ChainsawLullaby


"However, there are some challenges," Sergio continued. "Earnings can be inconsistent, as they depend on order volume, customer tips, and batch availability. The job also requires using your own vehicle, which leads to gas expenses and wear and tear."


"Some orders can be physically demanding, involving heavy lifting or multiple-store trips. Additionally, navigating crowded stores, long checkout lines, and item substitutions can be frustrating," the expert added. "Despite these downsides, many shoppers find Instacart to be a convenient way to earn money on their own terms."


#7 $1m House; $0 Tip


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#8 So I Delievered To My Boss.. Surprised $450 Tip


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#9 Just Lost A $15 Tip For Not Driving Past This Sign


They live about 15 miles from town and messaged me “this is the last time I pre-tip”. Good luck ever getting your groceries delivered again!


Image credits: UnboxTheWorld


So what kind of person would make a great Instacart shopper? "Someone who is detail-oriented, efficient, and customer-focused," Sergio says. "Strong time management skills are essential, as shoppers must navigate stores quickly while ensuring accuracy with orders."


"Being physically fit helps, as the job often requires lifting heavy grocery bags and making multiple trips to and from a vehicle. Patience and problem-solving skills are also valuable, especially when dealing with out-of-stock items or special customer requests," he continued. "Friendly and professional communication can lead to better tips and higher customer ratings."


#10 I Drew Up A "Thank You" Card For My Customers


I'm also an artist, so I thought of printing up some thank you cards. They've helped with getting consistent ratings, so I find it worth the occasional sheets of cardstock. 


Image credits: MarmieMakes


#11 First Time This Has Happened In 2 Years Of Shopping


I've seen on here so many times where the customer is like "yeah get yourself a drink too" but never had anything even close to that happen until now


Image credits: kingofzdom


#12 I Delivered To A Very Pawlite Customer Today


Image credits: New_Lobster_8770


On the other hand, Sergio says this job may not be ideal for those who dislike grocery shopping, struggle with time management, or have difficulty lifting heavy items. "People who rely on a steady paycheck might also find the income too unpredictable," he noted. "Additionally, those without reliable transportation may face challenges, as the job requires frequent driving. Overall, Instacart shopping is best suited for self-motivated individuals who enjoy flexible, on-the-go work and interacting with customers."


#13 Customer Left Me An Envelope With Money


Customer messaged me in the app saying there’s an envelope for me. I picked it up and saw this note with a $5 bill inside. Thought it was super sweet and wanted to share.


Image credits: RobbinK2


#14 Customer Made Me Sob!!


I've never had a customer put this much effort into giving me a review and I've been doing this for over 3 years. I honestly didn't do anything special, it's how I treat all my other customers. It's really refreshing to feel noticed and appreciated. She made not just my day but my whole life lol. I'll be forever grateful.


Image credits: chubbychick2


#15 I've Now Done It All... Homeless Camp Delivery


I can't make this up...I delivered hot dogs, burgers, POPSICLES, ice cream, donuts, cheesecake, and organic veggies to a homeless camp...
She met me at the railroad track intersection with a pull cart ????????????
Can't make this up.


Image credits: Distinct_King316


We were also curious about what customers should know before ordering their groceries to be delivered.


"Before placing an order on Instacart, customers should know that their experience depends on the shopper’s ability to find items, store availability, and communication," Sergio told Bored Panda. "It’s important to be responsive to messages in case substitutions are needed, as some items may be out of stock. Adding specific instructions, such as preferred replacements or 'no substitutions,' can help ensure a smoother experience."


#16 Nicest Thing I’ve Ever Received On Delivery


Image credits: Ethan9119


#17 Pay May Be Low But This Was A Great Tip


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#18 I Bearly Made It To This Delivery


Delivered to a gated community here in our little mountain town and was met with this friendly fellow. I think could smell all the yummy groceries in my car, literally walked right towards my car before finally crossing the road.
Notice the bear/deer crossing sign behind him.


Image credits: WillingRecognition75


Customers should also keep in mind that tipping is a big part of a shopper’s earnings, Sergio says. "So offering a fair tip for their time and effort is appreciated. Delivery times can vary based on order size, store traffic, and shopper availability, so planning ahead is key. Customers should also double-check their address and order details before confirming to avoid delays or mix-ups."


#19 Most Heart Wrenching Instacart Order I’ve Had


Image credits: PotatoManX


#20 Well, This Was A First…


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#21 "Tip Yourself 5 Dollars"


Takes 5 dollars out of my wallet and puts it back
Thanks I appreciate you!! ????????
Side note didn't see a "funny" flair so used this one guess it works as well.


Image credits: Silevo65


"While Instacart aims to provide convenience, shoppers are human and do their best to fulfill orders accurately," Sergio added. "Being patient and understanding can make the experience better for both the customer and the shopper."


And if you'd like to learn even more about what it's like to delivery groceries for Instacart, or other similar services, be sure to visit The Rideshare Guy!


#22 Finally Had One Of “Those” Customers


i deliver in this area a lot. it’s a safe neighborhood. why are people so weird lol.


Image credits: caffeinatedminn


#23 My Proof Of Delivery Photo


Image credits: mutantdustbunny


#24 Anyone Else Get Bizarre Orders Like This LOL


Image credits: Loopy_27


We hope you're enjoying your scroll through these photos, pandas! Keep upvoting the ones that you find most surprising, and let us know in the comments below if you've ever utilized a grocery delivery service like Instacart. Then, if you'd like to check out another Bored Panda list featuring this subreddit, look no further than right here!


#25 Having A Stare Down With This Peanut Butter


Image credits: GoodgaldollOF


#26 Jesus Christ Crystal


Image credits: Shot_Dragonfruit_387


#27 Got Tipped $70 Bc Neighbors Called The Cops


To make a long story short, Karen neighbor called the cops on me because I was “parked illegally” on the street… I was on the side of the road in a residential neighborhood with my hazards on. Guy I was delivering to came out and talked to the cops with me. When I left I saw the notif that he increased my tip from $8 to $68. Thanks!!


Image credits: perez-hilton


#28 One Of The Strangest Orders I’ve Ever Shopped


So I get an order for 18 items for $28 and I take it and then realize it’s like 113 units or something like that. I contemplated canceling but decided to just shop it as quickly as possible. All fruit mind you. $308 worth of fruit to be exact ????. Turns out the guy ordering sends an order like this to his sister on her birthday every year as a prank. I shopped and checked out fairly quick and get to the house. I start handing bags to the lady and she goes “honey the fruit is here again”. I’m glad I followed through with the order it was definitely worth the laughs and ended up being $48 after tip increase for a bunch of fruit. Hopefully they have a good blender or donate some of this because there’s no way anyone is eating this much fruit. ????????


Image credits: Happy-Kitchen3111


#29 Customer Tipped Me $50 After I Had A Breakdown????


During this batch: i ripped my pants when i started shopping, i left my windows down in the rain and hail and somehow i guess i was so stressed i left my car running while i was shopping ??? like have never done that idk what happened. my windows were so foggy and it was raining so hard i couldn’t see very well, the car in front of me didn’t have brake lights and i nearly rear ended them and all the groceries went flying. customer b’s eggs broke and both orders were mixed up and all over the car. i pulled over in the rain and sorted through the groceries for awhile and hoped i got everything right but at that point i couldn’t even see past my tears. i tried to hold it together when i got to the door but was very obviously not ok. i told her about the near accident and how the groceries went flying and apologized but she was just worried about if i was ok. genuinely the kindest customer i’ve ever had. after the second delivery i saw she tipped me $50???? she had also messaged me to tell me all her groceries were there and everything was perfect. i told her how much i appreciated it but idk if i could express it well enough through messages. i hope she knows she really made a difference


Image credits: therealslim80


#30 You Say Tomato… I Say Wtf???


I can’t tell if the shopper was seriously that clueless or if they think it’s a fun way to mess with customers? The garden center is on the opposite side of the store as the produce… I’m flabbergasted.


Image credits: mrsmcgrasshopper


#31 Trapped In Customer’s Vestibule


Image credits: Mundane_Confection_6


#32 I May Actually Lose My Mind


Image credits: Alternative_Bit_6726


#33 Reported This Guy, Felt So Uncomfortable


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#34 I Was Delivering My Order When…


Strong wind knocked over the basketball net right on to their truck while I was waiting for the customer. ???? luckily I never got to see the reaction since the customer never showed up for their order.


Image credits: Electric_feels_now


#35 This Customer Thought I Was Ringing Her Doorbell?


I had this customer and they were freaking out on me even though i had not arrived yet. This was an alcohol delivery so I got worried about the delivery being face to face.


Image credits: Important-Try1133


#36 Awesome Free Score After Cancellation


I did a small, 3 item Sam’s Club shop. Was 2 15lb briskets, some Hot sausage links and a pack of hot dog buns to be delivered to someone’s food truck. Delivery address was about 3.5-4 miles away from the store. Once I got there (a medical campus) I couldn’t find the food truck anywhere. I messaged them asking where exactly there food truck was. The then messaged me a totally different address about 45 minutes away. I told them that and how it’s not the address they listed, they apologized that it was the wrong address, and told me to cancel. I called up IC support and they helped me cancel it. This is about 30lbs and $150 worth of brisket I got for free


Image credits: RangerAZ1989


#37 Found This Posted On A Local Group


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#38 I’m Happy That I Told Customer About Gas Leak


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#39 *cue Panic Attack*


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#40 Some People Are Awesome


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#41 My Favorite Part When Delivering Orders ❤️


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#42 Shopped An Order For My Best Friend Yesterday


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#43 $385 Worth Of Free Groceries


So customer was writing me back while shopping and just completely stopped...I tried calling numerous times to ask about a replacement but no answer. When I arrived to the business location it was closed and nobody answered. Usually I'll leave the items at door but this was a business and it had a wine bottle...called Instacart and they told me to return the wine and keep the rest! $36 order turn into $385 worth of free groceries.


Image credits: Coppa_Jets


#44 Jealous Of My GF ????


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#45 What In The Actual F**k?


She probably thinks we get paid by the hour. She must also think the sun revolves around her... like there's other customers you know?? Plus that won't work...


Image credits: KairoArturo


#46 Dang Girl What Did You Do


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#47 This A$$hole Has Ordered 629 Times


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#48 I Hate Lying Customers


What is the point when i have a clear picture of it being the exact item.


Image credits: Fun_Whereas_3644


#49 Support Cancelled The Wrong Order: Now I Have This


Double order. Order A went through fine. Order B was being declined on payment. Support accidentally cancels order A. Now I have this Lego which is worth 5x what I would have been paid.


Image credits: Alive_League1680


#50 Got Tip Baited


Dude, I was so stoked! Huge Costco order – two orders in a batch one order has some stuff and nine cases of 24-pack zero-sugar sparkling water! Other order had like 13 items, Delivered right to the door, as requested. Then I lugged all that crap up two flights of stairs (no elevator!), said thanks, and finished the second delivery. But then I saw the pay – the tip was slashed from $170 to $10! All that happiness vanished, man, I was so hurt. I didn't screw anything up. Why would someone do that? I was practically gasping for air carrying all that stuff!


Image credits: pranaybabu83


#51 Anyone Else Bring A Bud Along?


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#52 Me When A Customer Said I Ruined Her Christmas


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#53 My Biggest Order Ever. Just Pick Up At Best Buy


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#54 I’m Sorry What?


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#55 Target Tipped Me $10


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#56 “Please Leave Inside Fence”


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#57 I Damn Near Dropped My Phone When I Seen This!!


Highest paying order I’ve ever had!


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#58 I Hate These Type Of People


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#59 Order Was Cancelled As I Was Checking Out


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#60 Parking Was In Fact Not Free


I get this order, he says it's free parking. His apartment is in a business type plaza with no street parking. I get there and my gut tells me it isn't free. So I ask for assistant at the kiosk (the one that prints your parking ticket to get into the garage) and they tell me it's only free if a business validates my ticket. I ask if tenants can validate and she says no.

How many people did this guy get to pay for their own parking? Once you drive in, you can't leave without paying. Why why why do people do this?

In case you're wondering what happened: I message him and he insists it's free, tries to convince me to go up. Says he always has stuff delivered. I explain I'll try to find parking and get his stuff to him. He becomes hostile about how I don't listen. So I contact support...his order was canceled.


Image credits: Ashpear24


#61 This Guy…expects To Be The Only Customer


Shop most of a double order then get a message from this guy asking if he’s the only customer. When he found out I had one other order he threw a hissy fit and demanded to be the only customer to be shopped for. Yes, I was muttering obscenities under my breath as I put his items back.) What is wrong with people smfh (this was just part of the convo I happened to screenshot)


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#62 Instacart Needs To Ban These Customers


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#63 Why Does Instacart Think This Is Acceptable? ????????‍♀️


How do they get away with this nonsense? $23 batch pay?? The $44 tip is a joke. The amount of time and work that would require, then to drive it all 40 miles!! I don’t know who’s more delusional, Instacart or the customer?! The water alone roughly weighs 4,350 lbs. I’m dumbfounded.


Image credits: IllustriousDealer389


#64 It Finally Happened


Was trying to deliver an order this morning and the customer had 4 dogs. I couldn’t open my door for almost 5 minutes because the dogs wouldn’t leave the area and I finally open my door and one of the dogs jumps on me and bites my arm. Anyone who’s been in this situation before? What have you done?


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#65 What Do I Do?


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#66 My First Bad Experience


This lady was constantly sending me messages asking me to send her pictures of the items she wanted to see how they looked, I did not mind. She then started refunding a lot of items so I told her to cancel my order. It was a big order 60 items nothing heavy, 30 items were fruits and vegetables and the store is 1.9 miles away. The tip was $50 plus a paid for fast delivery. Am I wrong for wanting to cancel the order?


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#67 Well It Finally Happened To Me ????


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