Has anyone used Shipt?

[scbusf]

I'm thinking about giving my mom a subscription to the grocery delivery service Shipt. Has anyone used it? What did you think of it?

 

My mom is having major back surgery, so I thought it might be a good thing to give her to help out for a while.

[Lady Florida.]

Yes, and I have mixed feelings about it. It's only available in my area for delivery from Publix (not sure where you live, but it's a regional grocery chain) so I can only speak about that. I learned the hard way that not everything on sale at Publix will get you the sale price from Shipt. They also have some of their own sales that are independent of Publix. Also, there's an upcharge that's buried in the fine print as are many other hidden costs and the part about not always getting the Publix sale prices. I know, buyer beware and all that, but apparently they've had a lot of complaints about how well they hid all that information until after you paid your membership fee. I used it near Christmas when I first got it and was going crazy trying to get a lot done. A trip to the grocery store would have been a real pain. I've only used it three more times since buying my membership because I really, really dislike that upcharge. I did get the membership at half price in one of their promotions before it went "live" in my area, so I don't feel as if I paid too much for the service. 

 

I have some homeschool friends who became Shipt Shoppers and they have some complaints as well, especially about how they're paid. Their complaints sound similar to those of many Uber drivers around the country. They're paid such a small amount and depend on tips. I paid my membership fee and I pay an upcharge, but now I feel guilty if I don't tip, so of course I do and then it costs me even more for the convenience. Also, you need a minimum of a $35 order if you don't want to pay a delivery fee so she probably won't want to use it for just a few things. Of course, it doesn't take much to get $35 worth of groceries, but just be aware of that.

 

As a customer one of my other complaints is similar to complaints of the shoppers. You can't request a particular shopper. Each time I used it I've had a different shopper. I was happy with each of them, and they made sure to text me with questions or if an item was out of stock. However, if I really liked one of them I can't request that shopper in the future. As shoppers they have the same complaint. From their point of view they can't build a base of satisfied repeat customers. I've also heard them say the way shoppers are chosen seems unfair, but since I'm not a shopper I'm not privy to how they're chosen. I do know many of the shoppers feel there's a system of favorites that isn't necessarily based on either performance or seniority. 

 

So, with all of those complaints, I have been glad to use it the few times I did need it (or felt like I needed it). I'm also glad I didn't pay full price for the membership.  I can see where it would be a good service for someone without transportation (one of the times I used it was when dh and ds each had one of our vehicles and I was without one all day - we have no public transit worth anything here). It could be useful for those who are shut in or otherwise find it difficult to get out. I have friends who both have OI (osteogenesis imperfecta) and both use wheelchairs.The wife drives but has a van with major accomodations, and the husband is unable to drive at all. Their son has a milder form but isn't of driving age yet. They would find the service invaluable even with all the extra costs and other issues, though I think they're hesitant about signing up after hearing from people they know who have either used it or are Shipt Shoppers.

 

You said it would help your mom out for a while. For the short term it might be helpful, and as I said I've never had complaints about the actual Shipt Shoppers. For long term membership I wouldn't recommend it unless it's really needed or you have money to burn. I won't be renewing my membership at the end of the year (it began in mid-December so I still have 9 months of it left).

Edited April 2, 2016 by Lady Florida