I did a deep dive into a subreddit for instacart workers ('shoppers') and here are some takeaways, in case it's helpful to anyone else. if you're an instacart worker and have corrections or additions please do chime in

- instacart added tons of new workers, so there's often intense competition for orders and the best orders (larger orders, like ordering groceries for a week) are gobbled up instantly. so don't feel too bad about ordering, especially if it's a larger order

- the best way to tip an instacart worker is to tip 10% through the app, then adjust the tip higher after delivery. this keeps your order from a) being poached by people using bots to nab the best orders b) coming off like a tip-baiting scam. workers love positive tip adjustments

- it's okay to tip in cash, but do a blended tip (10% app tip, top up with cash in an envelope taped to your door). why? because workers can see how much you're going to tip before accepting your order — if you tip zero in the app, it will scare all the best workers away

- when you tip, consider how cumbersome your order is for a single person, how hard it is to park and haul the groceries to your door, and the fact that they're literally risking their life on your behalf. that said, workers understand that some people can't afford to tip big

- if you want to make your order easier on the worker, limit special requests or spontaneous add-ons to couple per order, be reasonable about replacements or things being out of stock, be patient (workers can be given multiple orders at a time) and maybe don't get ice cream lol

- in addition to tipping well, it means a lot if you leave out cloth masks, hand sanitizer, water or snacks for workers. suffice it to say instacart does not give a shit about its workers and the protective supplies it gives them are often low quality or slow to arrive

- instacart workers are allowed to add items to your order while shopping for you. you can absolutely use this system to treat your worker — let them know that if they see a snack they like or find hand sanitizer, they should add it to your order but keep it for themselves