In a viral TikTok video that sparked outrage, a woman named Adrielle (@veganrizz) exposed her Instacart shopper’s incompetence by going to the store herself and finding all the items he claimed were “unavailable” in her $145 order.
The Viral TikTok That Sparked Outrage
It all started when Adrielle’s male Instacart shopper claimed he couldn’t find 12 items on her grocery list.
Frustrated, the TikTok creator decided to prove him wrong by taking matters into her own hands and going to the store herself.
In the now-viral video, Adrielle explains,
“I don’t think I’ve been this triggered in a long time. Unless it’s an absolute emergency, and I am debilitated and I need Tylenol and tampons or something, I am never using an app like Instacart, DoorDash, Uber Eats, or GrubHub again in my life.”
She added,
“It’s really frustrating when you pay a service fee, you tip, and pay for groceries with the priority pay option, you fall for all of that, to [then have to] drive to the grocery store after a funeral and find all of the ‘unavailable’ items the shopper couldn’t shop for.”
A Shopping Trip to Expose the Truth
Blackberries, Cheez-Its and More – All Easily Found
Armed with her shopping cart and determination, Adrielle set out to prove her shopper wrong.
She instantly found the blackberries, which were fully stocked in different size containers.
As for the Cheez-Its, while they were out of stock, Adrielle noted that there were two acceptable alternatives her shopper could’ve picked up.
With little effort, she located the almond milk, protein bars, strawberry lemonade, and plant-based chicken wings – all items the shopper claimed were “unavailable.”
To hammer her point home, Adrielle even walked to the other side of the store and found the bottle of sweet chili sauce she had requested, stating,
“I know it’s in stock, but I genuinely don’t feel like walking across the store. But … I want to prove my point. I’ll walk across the store and find it.”
Divided Reactions on TikTok
Adrielle’s video has garnered over 864,000 views and received over 15,600 comments, with TikTok users divided in their reactions.
Why Use Instacart If You Can Shop Yourself?
Many fellow TikTokers weren’t on Adrielle’s side, questioning why she used the service if she could shop for the groceries herself.
One user commented, “If you have the time to go to the store and can find the items this easily, why don’t you just cut Instacart out of the equation, lol.”
Another user echoed the sentiment, saying, “Moral of the story: Do your own shopping.”
Benefit of the Doubt for Shoppers
On the other hand, some TikTok users defended shoppers, suggesting that stock can change between orders.
One fellow shopper commented, “Sometimes they’re genuinely out when you’re shopping and then restock before your next batch. I double take every time like, ‘Bruh that was NOT there 30 mins ago.'”
Another user wrote, “Be kind to Instacart shoppers! My mom does it, and she tries her hardest to find the things!!”
Confirming Stereotypes About Male Shoppers
For others, however, Adrielle’s viral video confirmed stereotypes about male Instacart shoppers.
One TikTok user shared, “The minute you said ‘he could not find,’ we already knew.”
Another added, “This happens all the time when I have a male shopper, especially when it’s feminine items.”
The Controversy Around Gig Work Platforms
Adrielle’s experience highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding gig work platforms like Instacart.
While these services have disrupted traditional industries and provided convenient options for consumers, they’ve also faced criticism and legal battles over issues such as worker pay and quality control.
As these platforms become more prevalent in our daily lives, the scrutiny and calls for accountability are only increasing.
Companies must find ways to ensure reliable service and maintain customer satisfaction.
Finding a Solution for Quality Service
More Robust Shopper Training
One potential solution could be implementing more robust training programs for Instacart shoppers.
This could involve thorough product knowledge training, store layout familiarization, and rigorous assessments to ensure shoppers are well-prepared to handle any order efficiently.
Additionally, ongoing training and refresher courses could help shoppers stay up-to-date with new product offerings, seasonal items, and best practices for exceptional customer service.
By investing in comprehensive training, Instacart could potentially minimize instances of shopper incompetence and improve the overall quality of their service.
Better Vetting and Performance Tracking
Instacart could also explore implementing stricter vetting processes for new shoppers, including background checks, customer service assessments, and trial periods.
This could help weed out individuals who may not be well-suited for the role or lack the necessary attention to detail.
Furthermore, implementing a robust performance tracking system could allow Instacart to monitor shopper metrics, such as accuracy rates, customer satisfaction scores, and efficiency.
This data could then be used to identify top performers, as well as those in need of additional training or disciplinary action.
By holding shoppers accountable and rewarding excellence, Instacart could incentivize high-quality service and maintain a reliable workforce.
Make It Easier for Customers to Give Feedback
Empowering customers to provide detailed feedback on their shopping experiences could also be a valuable tool for improving service quality.
Instacart could implement a user-friendly rating and review system, making it easier for customers to report issues or praise exceptional shoppers.
This feedback could then be used to identify areas for improvement, acknowledge top-performing shoppers, and address recurring issues or complaints promptly.
By actively soliciting and responding to customer feedback, Instacart could demonstrate a commitment to customer satisfaction and continuous improvement.
Concluding Thoughts
Adrielle’s viral TikTok video exposed a frustrating reality that many Instacart customers have likely experienced – a shopper’s inability or unwillingness to locate items, leading to disappointment and wasted time and money.
While humorous in its execution, the story highlights the importance of reliable service and the potential consequences of poor quality control in the gig economy.
As these platforms continue to disrupt traditional industries, companies like Instacart must prioritize accountability, transparency, and customer satisfaction.
By implementing robust training programs, rigorous vetting processes, performance tracking, and user feedback systems, Instacart and similar services can work towards minimizing instances of shopper incompetence and ensuring a positive experience for all customers.
After all, in an era where convenience is king, delivering on that promise is essential for maintaining customer loyalty and trust.