I’m physically disabled and have issue shopping due to bone tumors all over my bones (poly ostotic fibrous dysplasia with mccune albright syndrome). It hurts to live, walk, lift, exist, etc.
I’m also on what is essentially a keto diet to help keep my diabetes in the “pre-diabetes” state.
I use Instacart to help me survive and eat. It helps me not burden others and helps my independence.
Groceries are becoming more and more expensive. This is particularly true if you’re on a special diet like me.
Delivering five or so bags of groceries or a few larger (but essential) items can be like $150-200 on Instacart per trip. Then, when I check out, Instacart recommends tipping $40+?
That seems insane to me. Like $20 for that amount seems about right? Maybe throw in an extra $10 if I have some heavy things or items that are large in volume.
Should I be tipping $40+ dollars?
I mean… given that Instacart probably pays them nothing and they’re taking something up to 2 hours of their time AND using their own vehicle AND need to cover their own healthcare and retirement AND many people under tip them, I’m sure $40 is what would incentivize most people to do this job.
That said. Tipping is the wrong way to do this. People need to stop accepting these gig jobs. You’re just weakening the labor market for everyone.