I was shocked when I tried to used one of the food delivery apps at how much it was going to cost. For a burger, fries, and drink, the cost was over $30. Just adding the listed price of the food came to $18, and there were two sets of fees and the additional tip.

Being really cheap, I decided to walk the 25 minutes to get my food. Not only did I avoid the fees, I paid less than $14 including a 20% tip.

that one does't get sitting at the computer.

I had justified the initial attempt because I was really busy....

Although I had assumed that this was a DoorDash markup. Maybe It's both.

not available in the locale.

Nope. Even during COVID, I just refused. Not only the expense, but I just prefer to shop myself.

of old retired folks with computers and lots of time.
Makes all the money they spend on marketing a total waste.
As I told the roofing company, bad news makes it around the world before good news makes it across the street. They agreed and begged me to stop.

Target owns Shipt, so they don't have to bake in fees for a third-party. Shipt does charge more for some items and from some stores if ordered through the Shipt site or app. We order a lot of groceries from Target through the Target site, and there's no mark-up vs. the in-store prices.

We also get delivery from HEB, a grocery chain here in Texas. They charge about 3% more for items purchased curbside or delivery, but they're upfront about it -- it's noted on their website and when you use the services.

at Wegmann's on Instacart, they tell you upfront that the prices are higher than in-store prices. I believe it's to pay for the privilege of having someone do that shopping for you - and for storing the order until it's time to be delivered.

But I'm not at all surprised. It would be nice to know what the markup is.

I pay the shopper well through tipping but I realize not everyone does. Plus I pay ShipT a $99 annual fee, but I realize that doesn't come to much when divided over say 30 or more shopping "trips" a year.

Edit - And I'm guessing that ShipT charges the store a fee in return for a considerable volume of business.

that is included is the minimum amount is high is included in the total price. It is for the driver who delivers the order. Sometimes it’s the shopper but sometimes it isn’t. And there’s a way to change the amount if needed

Instacart was a godsend during the pandemic. So much so that I continue to use it to order groceries that Target does not deliver. I use Target for all other shopping including groceries, with a discount and free shipping for orders $35 and over.

I'd still like a little more transparency on how much they mark up the prices. Maybe because I'm an old-style lefty, dunno.

"The only tip that is included is the minimum amount is high is included in the total price"

ShipT claims the entire tip goes to the shopper. And yes, with ShipT one can change the tip too. And yes, ShipT is free delivery for orders $35 or more.

Another thing is that I can't use coupons, or if I can, they certainly don't make that known very well or I'm obtuse. That's a lot of savings. Stores spend a lot of money to print coupons in circulars and newspapers, and I'm sure thay appreciate shoppers who pay full price for everything.

"Instacart was a godsend during the pandemic. "

Well, for me ShipT (or Instacart or whatever grocery delivery service) is a necessity for me until I become mobile again.

Hope it will be soon.