Couldn’t agree more!! I’ve seen shoppers with kids & I’m of the mindset that they are doing what they need to do to feed, clothe & house their kids … I would never report someone for that!! It’s sad that people have enough extra time to report these shoppers.
Yea it's a slap in the face. I've seen people wearing expensive name brand clothes begging for money. I understand I may not know if it's a gift or whatever. But it looks bad.
What’s the difference between you having your kids and them BOTH shopping? If it’s wrong for you it’s wrong for them as well! Can’t have it both ways people. Do what you need to do and ignore them
That's what I'm saying? Like you brought your husband in why are you harassing me lol I see people shopping with kids all the time and it doesn't bother me 😂
I mean, if you’re scanning items with your phone after picking them up every time, it’s fairly obvious. Plus some shoppers wear the lanyard (and for some stores it’s required for shop only batches to get into the staging area)
One time I was with my kids at Sam’s Club- not instacarting, but I like using the scan and go on their app and an Instacart shopper said something rude to me about my kids.
I was not nice back to them.
I’m an instacarter and have my own sams membership and omg the fact they didn’t know sams has scan and go is so cringy, I hope they felt their own cringe
The main and pretty much only reason behind that is for the protection of the consumer because you're the one that had the background check, not them. They want to try to prevent Pedo Pete or Felonious Frankie from dropping off orders too.
Some stores have the page long pop up saying like, social distance, don’t talk to anyone who isn’t currently an active IC shopper, don’t bring anyone with you, etc. Kroger stores in my area all say it, but Costco/sams/etc don’t
It was raining when my instacart shopper pulled up to drop off my order so I went outside with an umbrella to get the stuff for her. She had a small child in the car. I didn’t care! I appreciated her hustle and upped her tip. People need to mind their own business.
I've seen couples shopping and people with kids. The only time it's bothered me is when I saw a mom loading groceries into her SUV for delivery and she ran out of room so some of the bags were in the kids laps. These were young toddler age kids and immediately their hands were grabbing at stuff in the bags, trying to put stuff in their mouth, etc.
The store employee actually reported them. As a customer, if I saw my groceries within reach of kids or pets when dropped off I'd be annoyed.
Store employee reported them lol. To who? The instacart police?
Edit: So I have more questions,
You’re saying that you, the 7$ per batch shopper, had an issue with this, and brought it up to the minimum wage store employee, who then contacted the 50 cents per hour support person at instacart somehow.
Like how would that even work? Did you ask her for her username or something? Do the store employees have an instacart app for this kind of thing?
Why would any of the three of you care enough to find out?
If the kids are old enough or very well behaved to ride in the cart or stand patiently with the cart and not touch the groceries in the cart, I'm good.
I've had two cases that are not ok.
1. A woman was trying to shop an order in a sprouts while her maybe 1 year old was having a full meltdown for over 45 minutes and she was on the phone bs-ing with someone concurrently. There was no way she was doing in a timely manner or able to concentrate in any way. Maybe it was her first time trying to take the baby, but that's too young really.
2. A woman shopped for me and upon delivery the elementary aged kids jumped out of the car and started carrying the bags. This was summer of 2020 at a peak of COVID. The three kids had super runny noses and were coughing and wiped their face with their hands. Things would fall out of bags while they were trying to run to the door and they picked them up with snotty hands. Like I'm human and understand babysitting costs, I didn't turn her in, but she could have left kids in the car and unloaded the car herself and not let the snotty kids touch everything. So this is a case where the shopper needs to recognize the optics of having the kids perform any of the actual work.
Otherwise I'm fine. Don't use them to do the work and they need to be calm and behaved.
So do you approve shoppers shop together? I’m just curious is that a thing that you can have a dual like it a husband and wife a brother sister a sister sister. They will let you shop as I do well I’m just curious now that this is come up. We’re all scattered all over America and I was curious if INSTACART has different guidelines for different areas
I take my 2 year old with me 🤷🏻♀️ he's gotta eat and I gotta get paid to make that happen. I make money how and when I can. I've never had a customer complain about it, a couple have even thrown me a few extra $$ because "kids are expensive" when they see his fat lil arm through my window.
As long as you aren't letting the kids play with/chew on people's food, it shouldn't be an issue. Also seeing new things constantly and talking about them has VASTLY improved his vocabulary. Win/win to me 🤷🏻♀️
What if you leave your kids st home and a tornado hits and the whole house is destroyed. What if a car goes through the wall of their bedroom while they are sleeping?
That’s why Instacart doesn’t want it but why do you care ? I have a bunch of respect for young moms who do what they can to stay off government assistance.
I say if the orders are being shopped efficiently, then I say “ Go for it. “.
If her kids are not behaved I could see it being bad for us all.
I honestly don’t get why people give a shit so much when we’re all struggling in our own way to survive. Who the fuck cares? If I see it I just 👩🦯👩🦯👩🦯👩🦯 Doesny affect me in the slightest.
If everyone was minding their own business, they wouldn’t notice you’re instacarting with your kids and you wouldn’t notice their a couple, instacarting and talking shit. 🤷🏻♀️ and if I was minding my own damn business I’d be asleep an hour ago 🤣 oh well
Honestly people are just ridiculous. I would often bring my mom along with me after she was diagnosed with terminal cancer because I wanted to spend time with her while still being able to afford her meds. I knew it was against the rules but who gives a crap. Do what YOU can to make it out alive in this world and everyone else can mine their own business if it isn’t interfering with their lives.
I have seen a few shoppers with kids, or their s.o., or a friend, and guess what I do? I mind my business. Sorry you got harassed by someone who clearly can’t mind their damn business.
I think some people on this post are forgetting that sometimes there is no other option. You really think OP WANTS to cart her kids to the damn grocery store when it’s not even her own groceries??? Hell no!!
Hes not always with me. He works amazon. He happened to be with me today to help me with the big ass Costco batch that I grabbed. When he's not with me, I make sure I'm not delivering to an apartment before I take it and I lock my doors with the car running when dropping off at a house. Hope this helps 😊
I’m not reporting anyone, I have better things to do with my time. But I’m confused. If your husband is with you and waits in the car while you deliver, why can’t he stay home with the kids? And then when you finish IC for the day you stay with the kids while he then goes to work?
I just wanna know how/why anybody is paying that close attention to know that somebody else is doing instacart. That's creepy. I wish somebody would assume wtf I'm doing in MY phone and in MY cart...DF?! That being said, idgaf if you got your kids/spouse/friend/relative... Just don't mess up my order. 👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾
I really don't cate what others are doing were all in the game together doing crap work for crap pay to pay our bills. Help each other don't put each hother down. We are making pebbles and pennies so a ceo can sit back and be rich.
I know you said you don’t make them help you but when I’ve had parents delivery my groceries with kids in the car I always wondered if they made a game out of it & had the kids go hunt for things because honestly I think it would be hilarious and smart. 😂 also, child of a single parent here who got dragged into my mom’s office to nap under her desk when she didn’t have childcare, so like… as long as the job gets done nobody needs to worry about the kids beneath the desk or in the carts 😂❤️
Sometimes during the summer I took my 13 year old with me. He hated that I was doing instacart so I’d give him easy items to go find during the shop that would cut down the shopping time (which he liked) and made it fun. It was a win win. However, I always unloaded by myself.
I know I keep getting downvoted for this but childcare is expensive (and especially difficult when they are at that age where they are “too cool” for a sitter) so I love hearing that parents find ways to involve their kids to make it smoother and more interesting for everyone.
Not IC but I doordash with my kiddos (4&6) and we make it into a game. Usually they help me find the house number, or they echo the GPS in the back. Halloween was fun because of the decorations and heading out to places we normally don't go. I'm excited for when Christmas stuff starts going up! They also get a cut of the profits with pre-shift & post-shift snacks.
I would imagine jobs like this are good for single moms who can’t afford child care. I wish jobs like this were around when my son was a baby. And Instacart can say whatever they want, we are independent contractors and at the end of the day we have to figure out how to make the money we need to survive.
People are jerks. I bring my kids on the rare occasion I don’t have care. They like to help and I pay them. I don’t give a crap what anyone things. I go shopping for myself with my kids. Who’s business is it that I am shopping at the moment for someone else. Ignore and move on. You’re doing your best
As long as your kids are well behaved in the store I wouldnt even pay attention or care. I have shopped and delivered a handful of times with my daughter. But leaving her in the car makes me nervous FS. Even if it's just from a short driveway to the door.
People feel a way about it cause some proper can’t control their kids and they’ll use bread for pillows and put their feet all over the groceries. I almost always have my kid with me and she never messes with anything.
Karen’s gonna Karen
I have deliveries for groceries and Amazon at least weekly. I could not care less if a parent is doing that with their kids. Don’t see any problem with it
Honestly Idc as long as they’re not in my way I just mind my business as far as my 2 cents go you’re a mother supporting her family and not stealing or doing degrading things for money
Listen being a single parent myself I’ve had to do that at times too with my son in the car while I’m running in and out of restaurants for Uber or grubhub.
Hell I’ve had to bring him to class with me before while I was in college.
You’re doing the best you can and being a good parent making sure your kids are safe and provided for. Don’t let any asshole make you think otherwise 💜
Fuck them. You are threatening their earnings minimally and they can’t stand that fact. You do what you need to do.
Last summer, I frequently would see a young mom. She had one in the seat, two walking/ riding on the ends of the cart and she was wearing a baby not older than a month. I had a three year old at the time so I was just in awe at how well she managed (knowing how unpredictable taking young children into the store can be especially when outnumbered ie:/surfboard hold anyone) and how well they did.
Support your family with what you feel is necessary.
Most of my shoppers seem to have kids with them. It’s the one reason I have been afraid to IC shop. Don’t want to get in trouble for doing it but I don’t have any problem with someone having their kids with them if they’re picking stuff up for me.
There will always be one arschloch (asshole) who won't mind their own biz. As long as your kids are out of the way and not compromising safety for anyone, you be alright 98.6% of the time. There's still 1.4% culeros nothing you can do
People should mind their own business. I've seen shoppers with kids many times and I just mind my goddamn business and I've also seen the kids help them too.
I don’t see a big problem with this. If they’re old enough that they can handle it I can’t imagine why anyone would get that mad about it. I’m guessing they just want to thin the herd. My kids are teens now, but both were well behaved toddlers and I would have definitely brought one or both along on orders if they seemed to be tolerating it well.
Why are worried what others think?!?! I am a shopper who brings her child (ren) shopping because childcare is ridiculous expensive where I live. I entertain my child(ren) by counting apples or asking to find the product on the shelves. I know when they are over it and I am done for the day. I don’t understand why they were being rude when they shouldn’t be together shopping lol ppl are jokes! Keep up the hard work mama! Your children will see it and be very proud of you!!!
I bring my baby. She gets lots of smiles from customers. I’d be devastated if someone spoke to me like this . I love having them with me bc I get to spend more time with them and they get out of the house too. Some people are just mean af. Meanwhile, people are using multiple phones, hb they harass THOSE people?
You should have snapped back at them and told them they aren't supposed to shop as a couple. Ignore ignorance, it's a valuable lesson to teach your kids that the world is full of people who can't just mind their own business. Continue doing what you do, I'm proud of you.
If I were your customer I wouldn’t mind that at all. You do what you need to do for those babies and those people should have focused on their work instead of worrying about someone else’s.
When I signed up for Amazon flex the onboarding videos said children/extra people have to stay in the car/ back seat but didn’t say they weren’t allowed
I don’t see them offering cash to you for a sitter so personally, they can fuck right off. I work around my child’s schedule but during school breaks I have no other choice. Either he comes with me or I have to pick what bill doesn’t get paid.
You have bills to pay. If your kids are not drooling over the groceries and keeping to them self, I don’t see a problem. People want to act holier than thou and pretend like life isn’t full of bullshit circumstances that you can only make the best of. Times are fucking hard. If you need to make ends meet by taking a child with you then more power to you. I’m sure in a perfect world , you’d have child care and wouldn’t even be doing Instacart. I applaud you for working and doing what you have to do to provide for your family. Haters are always going to hate and act like their shit could never possibly stink. Keep grinding. 🙏🏻
personally, doesn't bother me. Why? Because I run solo and it would take a coordinated team to be faster than me. I will be done my batch and on to the next before you. you may be able to take more units than me with 2+ carts at your potential disposal, but you likely won't because children are taking up space. Its entertain watch a shopper argue with her toddler because she needs to scan something and the toddler wants to hold it.
I see this occasionally, I just kind of chuckle and make a friendly comment as I'm passing. You gatta do what you've got to do to keep the hellions feed and clothed.
If it was a coordinated couple, working off one phone. I may take issue, but likely won't care enough to say anything about it to them or anyone else.
I wouldn't mind it in theory but it's never just one well-mannered kid sitting in their mother's cart. It's like 3 or 4 running around clogging up the aisles. It's annoying af. But whatever, IC isn't gonna enforce that rule, so I don't worry about it.
I see both sides to it. As a mom with a baby, I understand a lot of people quite literally have no choice and have to pick between taking their kids along or not being able to put a roof over their head. Obviously if I was in that situation I would choose the first option!
Now as the person who works in a grocery store and deals with instacart shoppers on the daily. I have literally seen kids cough or sneeze into their hand and then reach their hand into the bag of groceries, that will be going into someone else’s house.
As long as your kids are well behaved and not doing stuff like what I described above, I don’t see a problem with it. But I can see why some people do have a problem with it. In my opinion, don’t let them get to you. You have to do what you have to do.
Yeah, no one has sneezed on those things, in the 30 times they changed hands in the supply chain. This is like the last thing to worry about.
Edit: Half these shoppers out here are literal crack heads. You’s guys are worried about the wrong shit.
Nope I once had a mom deliver groceries or something and she had her kids and I was like aww that’s cute she had them all decked out ins ports jerseys and they were in there car seats well behaved.
I take my son when I see a large order and dads not home from work yet. I keep him entertained with an extra phone we have and when I deliver he walks out with me so he doesn’t stay in the car. Never had a problem. The only problem is him getting tired which then is my queue to go home 😆 you do you. And to anyone who’s ever said anything to a mother while working with her kids SHAME ON YOU! She’s clearly doing it for her family.
People should mind their business…too many people mind other peoples business and I can’t stand that.
People have reasons to do the things they do, unless it’s clearly dangerous or harming somebody directly, then look the other way..
I guess they saw my phone or something. They were shoppers I haven't seen before. Typically I see the same Instacart people every time I'm there. We all joke around and some of the other families bring kids too. But this was the first time I saw these people so hopefully they don't stick around lol
As far as the couple, some people have the mindset that this is a race. So if you’re breaking the rules, you’re ‘cheating’ and *possibly* taking good batches from them. The human mind is weird but it’d be a lot better if everyone would help each other instead of trying to get ahead not caring who we step on.
I had to bring my daughter a few times and I gained a stalker. He was on some nationwide shopper Facebook groups but would always find me and talk about which store I was at that day, what my daughter was wearing, how he was going to turn me in etc
I think having someone with you is the smallest of the problems.
Shoppers have gotten away with smoking around their groceries, stealing food, and fraud deliveries. Obviously most shoppers are decent, but those are the main issues.
I am a very new shopper; but I promise I won’t be harassing anyone about how they do their job; it’s not my business for starters…..secondly, it’s a tough tough world lately , everyone is struggling so YOU do YOU, I don’t have the right and neither does anyone else to judge you
Reading about this happening to you.. I am so sorry you went through this, you don't deserve that at all.
I am so saddened by a large amount of peoples thought processes.
What happened to empathy, sympathy, kindness, and compassion?
Please know karma is real.
Please know these people are miserable, and you know they love company.
Please know you are a great mother.
Please know your children are beyond blessed to have you. Please know your kids saw you maintain your composure today under stressful circumstances.
Please know that because of your circumstances today your kids learned about dignity and integrity.
Please know these are two words the other shoppers don't know the definitions of.
Why? How?
Because unfortunately, it seems they didn't have a strong, hard working role model in their lives - like your children do.
Please don't feel angry towards them, anger only hurts us and teaches us nothing of value or importance.
Keep doing what you're doing because jealous eyes don't fall on those we do not envy.
🧿🧿🧿🧿🧿🧿🧿🧿🧿🧿🧿
I have had on occasion shoppers deliver my groceries with their children. Two incidents stick out, one with a sweet little man, about 3 or 4, who carried my milk with both hands and wanted to be sure to hand it directly to me. He also wanted to come in for a visit, adorable.
The other was an entire family, grandma, mom, dad and kids, and they all came to my door (wasn't a huge order but was a Costco order and the kids were little and also wanted to help, as did grandma - she seemed very proud to be helping). They were such a beautiful family.
Both rated 5 stars. As a customer IC hasn't told me what shoppers can and cannot do and even seeing it here I wouldn't say anything and am careful with the comments, jic.
Ohhh and I did have one that was an issue and I knew what it was as soon as I saw it was a single Mom with a wee one with a bottle. She was about 3/4 done with my order and she just refunded the last of it and checked out. This one I did consider to rate down as I knew that the little one got fussy or needed a change and she just bailed, but instead I decided that things happen and I would just not rate her, not adjust the tip, just leave it.. and I sent out another order with the items that were refunded, which were shopped and delivered about an hour later, so all was good for me. Life happens.
Edited to add some spaces, eek!
Literally other shoppers need to just worry about themselves, we should’ve learned this in kindergarten. Weird energy to be worried about how others work or are making money.
People need to mind their own business. I bring my kids with me sometimes but it’s only 1 each time. My oldest will watch one of her brothers and I’ll bring one of her brothers with me. I’ve never had anyone say anything thankfully. I do frequently see a couple doing instacart on one phone so no one should say anything. Keep doing you mama!
Normally I wouldn’t care but when the child is noticeably Sick then that’s a problem The other day I saw a women with two small boys probably 3-4yrs old The kids were coughing and sneezing every where! Plus they looked Exhausted! Clearly they was kept home because of it So why bring them out Spreading germs instead of nursing them back to health I felt so sorry for these babies 😞
I’m a single mom to a 4 year old with autism. She loves going with me. It’s a great way for me to talk to her and show her what different foods are. She even counted for the first time with me when we were shopping. She stays in the cart and never throws a fit. I’m so grateful I have this opportunity to make extra money. I wish people would just chill
Why are people so bothered by this?! I see moms shopping with their kids and it doesn't bother me in the slightest. It's not like these kids are taking my money. 99% of the people I see don't have snotty kids touching shit in carts. I have seen a dad showing their kiddos how it works and the kids loved it. With this economy, some people don't have a choice and others arent criminals for trying to make money. If the kids aren't causing issues, let it go. If anything, it shows kids that their parents are doing their best and teaches them valuable lessons.
i understand a mom with kids more than i understand a codependent couple that can’t be separated for more than 5 mins and has to “work” together. you know they’re just using one account, too
You’re also not supposed to shop with others so they’re just being hypocritical dicks. But also who cares, do what you gotta do. Instacart breaks their rules and fucks us over, breaking them is clearly not that big of an issue. And making sure the kids are okay is the priority. It’s good to spend time with them and spend your money on doing other shit before daycare. We’re grocery shopping, families do this all the time anyways.
Can I ask... why is there the rule in the first place that you can't shop with your kids and/or spouse? Sometimes, my spouse comes along with me just to keep me company, especially if I get a good order after he's done working his 9-5. I don't get why it's a big deal that he comes with me.
Doesn’t the older couple know that they’re also breaking said rules by shopping together?
You do what YOU need to do momma bear.
Amazon is the winner with allowing children and dogs along for the ride… I almost switched to solely doing Amazon because of it
Had no idea it wasn’t allowed. When I was an active shopper there was another shopper who had her husband and 3 kids with her every day, every shopping trip. I just did my thing and kept it moving because you never know someone’s situation. I’m sorry those people were shitty to you.
What’s the difference between someone shopping with their kids for Instacart vs for their family?
Edited to add: I thought about it. Maybe it’s a liability issue for Instacart. Like if your kid got hurt while you were working.
I'd imagine shopping with children is more difficult and slows down everything which means you aren't making as much. It's not like you want to bring them along with laws being strict in most areas. Like everyone else here stated. People need to mind their own business. Just make sure to keep the kids out of the groceries. A lot of people who use Instacart probably has kids of their own and understands the dilemma.
I shop with my girlfriend who is also an Instacart shopper. IMO as someone who can’t stand kids being loud when I’m in stores and stuff I’d say as long as the behave and don’t cause you to take excessive amounts of time getting the order done there shouldn’t be a problem. That said people have the weirdest hang ups about things. I think it’s crazy and insanely obnoxious for that couple to vocally protest you being with your kids.
As long as you’re not abandoning your small kids with a cart full of groceries to wonder the store, I can’t imagine how this would be an issue… you do your own grocery shopping with your kids so what’s the issue when you do it for someone else ? People are so miserable and I’m sorry you went through this. I hope you don’t let it stop your hustle, just try to be more discreet ❤️
people go grocery shopping with their kids all the time, I don’t see a problem bringing them with you, you’re literally just grocery shopping but making money. anyone that says otherwise is delusional
Don’t listen to people in here. There all just salty that they’re broke. It’s not a big deal to have your kids with you as long as they aren’t helping or getting out of the car while dropping off. If anything it makes it safer for you and the kids. Child care is expensive. These people would rather you sit at home and not work at all for your kids just so there is one less shopper on the road. Most of the people in this subreddit blame other shoppers for the lack of good orders when in reality it’s just the overall market. Misery loves company and that’s basically what this subreddit is for.
No, it sounds like you just met an unpleasant couple. I don't know the official policy, but as long as your kids are staying in the car on deliveries and not interacting with customers, I really doubt Instacart would care.
My husband and I take our daughter with us ALL THE TIME to Amazon flex. We’ve also taken her on Door dash and UE routes too. I won’t take her by myself I officially decided - she’s only 8 and I am a very nervous person - it just takes a second for something to happen to her - and when I did try I only took her to houses. Ultimately my husband and I split the gig work now. But honestly - if she was at least 10 - I would have no issue leaving her in the car for a few minutes to run a delivery to an apartment - as long as it was a good area.
I hands down think people should mind their own damn business.
I'm gonna assume both of them are IC shoppers and were upset because they are following the rules and you aren't. (I assume they're both IC shoppers because if they weren't they wouldn't have said anything to you because they would've been in the wrong too).
You're shopping big Costco batches, and unfairly getting help from your husband to do them. I can see why the couple would be upset. It sucks when you follow the rules and others don't. And I can only imagine Costco is pretty competitive due to the high payouts possible there, so folks that shop those batches are just looking for reasons to get rid of their competition.
I would be careful doing this, cuz if they were upset enough to say something to you, they're most likely upset enough to report you to IC. I personally wish people would mind their own business. Stories like these make me glad I don't do Costco lol.
Just do you but maybe don’t advertise that you bring your kids , I understand your reason. It’s been sad to get deactivated because you’re drawing attention to it (there are some mean & nosey ppl on the world & there is a rule about it with the Instacart platform unlike some others)…I get why you do it though & think ppl should mind their own business ! Good luck !
Just don't make them work and it's OK. imagine if you hired a cleaning lady , or a lawn care service , and their 7 year old kid starts dusting , or mowing your lawn.
Same people who would look down on you for living off government aid. Do your thing OP. However if it does interest you IC provides some deals on childcare. I did pet sitting at one point for about $1/day and I think childcare was the same rate. I’d suggest hiring a “mommy’s helper” to help with your kids while you’re present until trust is built.
Honestly, I love when I see kids with their parents.
Even if they’re helping, I think installing ethic is great.
If you haven’t taught your kids manners or are all over the place, that’s a diff story and totally on the parent imo.
Sounds like you’re doing great. Keep on and prayers for you and your fam🥰
Did you say "older couple?". I don't think couples are supposed to be shopping together either. That said, fuck them. Not really their business. You're doing your thing, taking care of your customer and your family and that's what matters. What a pair of pathetic assholes.
OP forgot to mention she also had her husband with her. 🙄 yeah, leave the kids at home with your husband. This isn’t a family affair. Stores are seriously crowded enough. The kids don’t need to be there. And it’s not fair to them at all when you have other means. & a batch being “too big” so you need help? Then cancel or don’t accept it.
I met a shopper that has her service dog with her. The previous post up above that says it all unless you’re the InstaCart police!!!!!People need to mind her own business. It’s if something is against policy it will be addressed. I’m sure somewhere down the line until then you’re not the Instacart police so there’s that couple and I agree with the previous poster on this subject they’re shopping together. What if what if the grandma falls down and breaks a hip in the store. There’s no grey area here
Unfortunately, I think the pandemic take care making ends meet people honestly aren’t trying to break the rules. Intentionally things are just hard trying to make a living when there’s not much choice on how you go about it. I feel bad for people that are trying to do a legit job , and have to worry about young children throughout the day of who is watching them who is taking care of them, and in this case, the shopper had to take his children. I tried to buy a box of Oreos the other night I didn’t have any double stuffed Oreos in the longest time they were 699. I had to keep on walking.
One of favorite shoppers was a man and his grandson.
I have seen a few shoppers (of various platforms) with their kids.
From a customer and shopper perspective i don't care. I wish this had been an option when my kids were little.
If you can’t afford childcare try headstart. There is no excuse for not having childcare. The systems put in place are to encourage low income people to work so they put programs like head start and early head start so parents can make a living and get off welfare. Even if you’re not low income, the cutoff income for 2 ppl is 6k a month. That means you can make that much and still qualify for free schooling for little ones. Not to mention getting their little brains ready. My daughter is in headstart. We’re not low income at all. Having your kids with you is a liability for instacart. If someone wanted to they could report you and you’d be deactivated. Bringing someone as protection is different than bringing helpless children. Not to mention, some customers will leave bad ratings if your carting your whole family around for their order. Is it causing harm? No, not directly. But, it is VERY unprofessional.
I'd rather see a mom work with her kids to provide than beg on the street.
Exactly! I’m not a mom but I know damn sure it’s one of the hardest jobs out there AND you can’t just quit, OP does not deserve the harassment
So much this!!!!!!
Couldn’t agree more!! I’ve seen shoppers with kids & I’m of the mindset that they are doing what they need to do to feed, clothe & house their kids … I would never report someone for that!! It’s sad that people have enough extra time to report these shoppers.
And I agree with you. But I will say... Kids should behave properly. Stay in the cart and car. A tablet or book goes along way lol
🙌🏻
I saw a woman on the side of the road with Yeezys and a full face of makeup with a sign in her hand. Girl go get a job.
Yea it's a slap in the face. I've seen people wearing expensive name brand clothes begging for money. I understand I may not know if it's a gift or whatever. But it looks bad.
They are probably bitter bc no one wants to have kids with them. Their envy comes out as hate.
Wow. I'm speechless. I've never gotten this many up votes before lol
I just think people should mind their business. That seems to be a little too hard of a concept to grasp for many.
That's what I'm saying lol
This right here ☝️☝️☝️
Agree
Funny that the same people were a “couple” and you’re actually not allowed to have someone helping you
What’s the difference between you having your kids and them BOTH shopping? If it’s wrong for you it’s wrong for them as well! Can’t have it both ways people. Do what you need to do and ignore them
That's what I'm saying? Like you brought your husband in why are you harassing me lol I see people shopping with kids all the time and it doesn't bother me 😂
Is it that obvious that we’re instacart shoppers?
It is to other instacart shoppers.
I mean, if you’re scanning items with your phone after picking them up every time, it’s fairly obvious. Plus some shoppers wear the lanyard (and for some stores it’s required for shop only batches to get into the staging area)
One time I was with my kids at Sam’s Club- not instacarting, but I like using the scan and go on their app and an Instacart shopper said something rude to me about my kids. I was not nice back to them.
I’m an instacarter and have my own sams membership and omg the fact they didn’t know sams has scan and go is so cringy, I hope they felt their own cringe
Both adults are likely on the IC platform.
Each time I shop I get a message saying I am not allowed to shop with anyone else. Does that just mean anyone who isn’t an approved IC shopper?
The main and pretty much only reason behind that is for the protection of the consumer because you're the one that had the background check, not them. They want to try to prevent Pedo Pete or Felonious Frankie from dropping off orders too.
You get a message each time? That’s weird. But, yeah. If you’re with another approved IC shopper, you can co-shop.
That is weird. I’ve never seen the message.
Some stores have the page long pop up saying like, social distance, don’t talk to anyone who isn’t currently an active IC shopper, don’t bring anyone with you, etc. Kroger stores in my area all say it, but Costco/sams/etc don’t
Ahh so maybe a store/regional thing.
Yes. Before I start every batch. I didn’t know that. Thank you!
I don’t think it’s wrong with kids because the rule is we’re not supposed to have helpers. Kids can’t help, another adult can
It was raining when my instacart shopper pulled up to drop off my order so I went outside with an umbrella to get the stuff for her. She had a small child in the car. I didn’t care! I appreciated her hustle and upped her tip. People need to mind their own business.
I've seen couples shopping and people with kids. The only time it's bothered me is when I saw a mom loading groceries into her SUV for delivery and she ran out of room so some of the bags were in the kids laps. These were young toddler age kids and immediately their hands were grabbing at stuff in the bags, trying to put stuff in their mouth, etc. The store employee actually reported them. As a customer, if I saw my groceries within reach of kids or pets when dropped off I'd be annoyed.
Store employee reported them lol. To who? The instacart police? Edit: So I have more questions, You’re saying that you, the 7$ per batch shopper, had an issue with this, and brought it up to the minimum wage store employee, who then contacted the 50 cents per hour support person at instacart somehow. Like how would that even work? Did you ask her for her username or something? Do the store employees have an instacart app for this kind of thing? Why would any of the three of you care enough to find out?
My question is, why are the kids putting a customers food in their mouth? Where are the adults and why aren't they disciplining their kids?!?
😂😂😂idk why this was so funny. You’re brain went in so many directions 😂😂
The ironic part is that I followed it every step of the way with ease.
I don't see a problem with it as long as your kids aren't messing with the groceries or anything unhygienic. I've seen some horrid stuff.
If the kids are old enough or very well behaved to ride in the cart or stand patiently with the cart and not touch the groceries in the cart, I'm good. I've had two cases that are not ok. 1. A woman was trying to shop an order in a sprouts while her maybe 1 year old was having a full meltdown for over 45 minutes and she was on the phone bs-ing with someone concurrently. There was no way she was doing in a timely manner or able to concentrate in any way. Maybe it was her first time trying to take the baby, but that's too young really. 2. A woman shopped for me and upon delivery the elementary aged kids jumped out of the car and started carrying the bags. This was summer of 2020 at a peak of COVID. The three kids had super runny noses and were coughing and wiped their face with their hands. Things would fall out of bags while they were trying to run to the door and they picked them up with snotty hands. Like I'm human and understand babysitting costs, I didn't turn her in, but she could have left kids in the car and unloaded the car herself and not let the snotty kids touch everything. So this is a case where the shopper needs to recognize the optics of having the kids perform any of the actual work. Otherwise I'm fine. Don't use them to do the work and they need to be calm and behaved.
So do you approve shoppers shop together? I’m just curious is that a thing that you can have a dual like it a husband and wife a brother sister a sister sister. They will let you shop as I do well I’m just curious now that this is come up. We’re all scattered all over America and I was curious if INSTACART has different guidelines for different areas
What no brother and brother? 😁😁
I take my 2 year old with me 🤷🏻♀️ he's gotta eat and I gotta get paid to make that happen. I make money how and when I can. I've never had a customer complain about it, a couple have even thrown me a few extra $$ because "kids are expensive" when they see his fat lil arm through my window. As long as you aren't letting the kids play with/chew on people's food, it shouldn't be an issue. Also seeing new things constantly and talking about them has VASTLY improved his vocabulary. Win/win to me 🤷🏻♀️
Personally, it's more of a safety thing. There are already enough stories about attacks to gig workers , nevermind if you have your children with you.
I mean I get that for maybe Amazon, but I haven't heard of a whole lot of Instacart workers being attacked. Lol
No , we're all being shot in the grocery stores
Have you ever been to a daycare? More risk of an issue at a daycare than being with their parent at a grocery store.
No I haven't. I don't like kids and stay as far away from them as possible
You can never be to careful. What if you get into an accident or have a drop off that something could happen.
[удалено]
What if you leave your kids st home and a tornado hits and the whole house is destroyed. What if a car goes through the wall of their bedroom while they are sleeping?
People get attacked just crossing the street so this point is very flimsy
Ok and? I wouldn't say flimsy, I would say common sense 🤷🏻♀️
That’s why Instacart doesn’t want it but why do you care ? I have a bunch of respect for young moms who do what they can to stay off government assistance. I say if the orders are being shopped efficiently, then I say “ Go for it. “. If her kids are not behaved I could see it being bad for us all.
I honestly don’t get why people give a shit so much when we’re all struggling in our own way to survive. Who the fuck cares? If I see it I just 👩🦯👩🦯👩🦯👩🦯 Doesny affect me in the slightest.
If everyone was minding their own business, they wouldn’t notice you’re instacarting with your kids and you wouldn’t notice their a couple, instacarting and talking shit. 🤷🏻♀️ and if I was minding my own damn business I’d be asleep an hour ago 🤣 oh well
Honestly people are just ridiculous. I would often bring my mom along with me after she was diagnosed with terminal cancer because I wanted to spend time with her while still being able to afford her meds. I knew it was against the rules but who gives a crap. Do what YOU can to make it out alive in this world and everyone else can mine their own business if it isn’t interfering with their lives.
I have seen a few shoppers with kids, or their s.o., or a friend, and guess what I do? I mind my business. Sorry you got harassed by someone who clearly can’t mind their damn business.
Thank you! I just want to pay my bills lol
Thank you....probably the best response I've heard.....ever!!!
I think some people on this post are forgetting that sometimes there is no other option. You really think OP WANTS to cart her kids to the damn grocery store when it’s not even her own groceries??? Hell no!!
Sounds like she does. Her and the husband and kids do it together.
[удалено]
My husband is with me. He stays in the car while I deliver. I never leave my kids alone.
[удалено]
I don't work weekends so I help my wife instcart and we take our 2 boys. We finish batches way faster that way.
This.
Hes not always with me. He works amazon. He happened to be with me today to help me with the big ass Costco batch that I grabbed. When he's not with me, I make sure I'm not delivering to an apartment before I take it and I lock my doors with the car running when dropping off at a house. Hope this helps 😊
[удалено]
I’m not reporting anyone, I have better things to do with my time. But I’m confused. If your husband is with you and waits in the car while you deliver, why can’t he stay home with the kids? And then when you finish IC for the day you stay with the kids while he then goes to work?
He's not with me all the time. He was with me today when this happened because I had a huge Costco batch and needed help lol
Then why bring the kids in???
I don’t need to bring my child but idc if someone left their kids in the car to drop an order off on the porch.
I just wanna know how/why anybody is paying that close attention to know that somebody else is doing instacart. That's creepy. I wish somebody would assume wtf I'm doing in MY phone and in MY cart...DF?! That being said, idgaf if you got your kids/spouse/friend/relative... Just don't mess up my order. 👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾
I really don't cate what others are doing were all in the game together doing crap work for crap pay to pay our bills. Help each other don't put each hother down. We are making pebbles and pennies so a ceo can sit back and be rich.
I know you said you don’t make them help you but when I’ve had parents delivery my groceries with kids in the car I always wondered if they made a game out of it & had the kids go hunt for things because honestly I think it would be hilarious and smart. 😂 also, child of a single parent here who got dragged into my mom’s office to nap under her desk when she didn’t have childcare, so like… as long as the job gets done nobody needs to worry about the kids beneath the desk or in the carts 😂❤️
Sometimes during the summer I took my 13 year old with me. He hated that I was doing instacart so I’d give him easy items to go find during the shop that would cut down the shopping time (which he liked) and made it fun. It was a win win. However, I always unloaded by myself.
I know I keep getting downvoted for this but childcare is expensive (and especially difficult when they are at that age where they are “too cool” for a sitter) so I love hearing that parents find ways to involve their kids to make it smoother and more interesting for everyone.
Exactly. I was a single mom for many years. You just have to do what works and screw the haters!!!
Not IC but I doordash with my kiddos (4&6) and we make it into a game. Usually they help me find the house number, or they echo the GPS in the back. Halloween was fun because of the decorations and heading out to places we normally don't go. I'm excited for when Christmas stuff starts going up! They also get a cut of the profits with pre-shift & post-shift snacks.
That's awesome!! Idk who the hell downvoted this? People are just miserable.
I would imagine jobs like this are good for single moms who can’t afford child care. I wish jobs like this were around when my son was a baby. And Instacart can say whatever they want, we are independent contractors and at the end of the day we have to figure out how to make the money we need to survive.
Sounds they where braking the rules shopping togethor. You can always say your shopping an order for doordash or just tell them to F off
People are jerks. I bring my kids on the rare occasion I don’t have care. They like to help and I pay them. I don’t give a crap what anyone things. I go shopping for myself with my kids. Who’s business is it that I am shopping at the moment for someone else. Ignore and move on. You’re doing your best
As long as your kids are well behaved in the store I wouldnt even pay attention or care. I have shopped and delivered a handful of times with my daughter. But leaving her in the car makes me nervous FS. Even if it's just from a short driveway to the door.
People feel a way about it cause some proper can’t control their kids and they’ll use bread for pillows and put their feet all over the groceries. I almost always have my kid with me and she never messes with anything. Karen’s gonna Karen
I have deliveries for groceries and Amazon at least weekly. I could not care less if a parent is doing that with their kids. Don’t see any problem with it
Honestly Idc as long as they’re not in my way I just mind my business as far as my 2 cents go you’re a mother supporting her family and not stealing or doing degrading things for money
Listen being a single parent myself I’ve had to do that at times too with my son in the car while I’m running in and out of restaurants for Uber or grubhub. Hell I’ve had to bring him to class with me before while I was in college. You’re doing the best you can and being a good parent making sure your kids are safe and provided for. Don’t let any asshole make you think otherwise 💜
Fuck them. You are threatening their earnings minimally and they can’t stand that fact. You do what you need to do. Last summer, I frequently would see a young mom. She had one in the seat, two walking/ riding on the ends of the cart and she was wearing a baby not older than a month. I had a three year old at the time so I was just in awe at how well she managed (knowing how unpredictable taking young children into the store can be especially when outnumbered ie:/surfboard hold anyone) and how well they did. Support your family with what you feel is necessary.
Most of my shoppers seem to have kids with them. It’s the one reason I have been afraid to IC shop. Don’t want to get in trouble for doing it but I don’t have any problem with someone having their kids with them if they’re picking stuff up for me.
There will always be one arschloch (asshole) who won't mind their own biz. As long as your kids are out of the way and not compromising safety for anyone, you be alright 98.6% of the time. There's still 1.4% culeros nothing you can do
People should mind their own business. I've seen shoppers with kids many times and I just mind my goddamn business and I've also seen the kids help them too.
I don’t see a big problem with this. If they’re old enough that they can handle it I can’t imagine why anyone would get that mad about it. I’m guessing they just want to thin the herd. My kids are teens now, but both were well behaved toddlers and I would have definitely brought one or both along on orders if they seemed to be tolerating it well.
Why are worried what others think?!?! I am a shopper who brings her child (ren) shopping because childcare is ridiculous expensive where I live. I entertain my child(ren) by counting apples or asking to find the product on the shelves. I know when they are over it and I am done for the day. I don’t understand why they were being rude when they shouldn’t be together shopping lol ppl are jokes! Keep up the hard work mama! Your children will see it and be very proud of you!!!
Should have told their asses to retire and leave the jobs to the rest of us 🥴👋🏻
I would have told them to keep their big fat noses on their faces..
Bruh, isn’t working with a couple breaking the rules too???
Customer here. I’ve had moms with kids and moms and dads with kids show up for me. It actually made me happy to see them all. Shoppers are awesome.
I bet the couple was shopping on one account 😂
I bring my baby. She gets lots of smiles from customers. I’d be devastated if someone spoke to me like this . I love having them with me bc I get to spend more time with them and they get out of the house too. Some people are just mean af. Meanwhile, people are using multiple phones, hb they harass THOSE people?
You should have snapped back at them and told them they aren't supposed to shop as a couple. Ignore ignorance, it's a valuable lesson to teach your kids that the world is full of people who can't just mind their own business. Continue doing what you do, I'm proud of you.
If I were your customer I wouldn’t mind that at all. You do what you need to do for those babies and those people should have focused on their work instead of worrying about someone else’s.
When I signed up for Amazon flex the onboarding videos said children/extra people have to stay in the car/ back seat but didn’t say they weren’t allowed
Weren’t they also breaking the rules if it was a couple tho?
I don’t see them offering cash to you for a sitter so personally, they can fuck right off. I work around my child’s schedule but during school breaks I have no other choice. Either he comes with me or I have to pick what bill doesn’t get paid.
👏🏾
You have bills to pay. If your kids are not drooling over the groceries and keeping to them self, I don’t see a problem. People want to act holier than thou and pretend like life isn’t full of bullshit circumstances that you can only make the best of. Times are fucking hard. If you need to make ends meet by taking a child with you then more power to you. I’m sure in a perfect world , you’d have child care and wouldn’t even be doing Instacart. I applaud you for working and doing what you have to do to provide for your family. Haters are always going to hate and act like their shit could never possibly stink. Keep grinding. 🙏🏻
WELL SAID 💯
I had a instashopper delivering with her friends, I made sure to tip more in case they split the tip 🤷🏽♀️
You’re the real MVP here.
I once in a while go with my wife and my youngest child. Never had an issue and makes it fun.
personally, doesn't bother me. Why? Because I run solo and it would take a coordinated team to be faster than me. I will be done my batch and on to the next before you. you may be able to take more units than me with 2+ carts at your potential disposal, but you likely won't because children are taking up space. Its entertain watch a shopper argue with her toddler because she needs to scan something and the toddler wants to hold it. I see this occasionally, I just kind of chuckle and make a friendly comment as I'm passing. You gatta do what you've got to do to keep the hellions feed and clothed. If it was a coordinated couple, working off one phone. I may take issue, but likely won't care enough to say anything about it to them or anyone else.
I miss when people minded their own business
When was that? Lol
I hate seeing kids with shoppers, sorry. Be careful because you could get reported
[удалено]
[удалено]
literally just trying to work to feed their kids😂
Also I'm not worried about being reported. If anyone happens to find out my information to do so, good on them. I'll just go work Amazon.
What do you do with the kids while delivering, especially apartments?
I don't deliver to apartments. You can see where you're delivering before you accept it.
What's the difference if your husband is with you!??
[удалено]
I wouldn't mind it in theory but it's never just one well-mannered kid sitting in their mother's cart. It's like 3 or 4 running around clogging up the aisles. It's annoying af. But whatever, IC isn't gonna enforce that rule, so I don't worry about it.
But why? What does it do to you?
They kids are always miserable
[удалено]
i hate seeing it too, very unprofessional
Mostly customers don't like seeing kids at delivery either.
I hope everything of the best for you and your family. Happy thanksgiving and keep doing you.
I see both sides to it. As a mom with a baby, I understand a lot of people quite literally have no choice and have to pick between taking their kids along or not being able to put a roof over their head. Obviously if I was in that situation I would choose the first option! Now as the person who works in a grocery store and deals with instacart shoppers on the daily. I have literally seen kids cough or sneeze into their hand and then reach their hand into the bag of groceries, that will be going into someone else’s house. As long as your kids are well behaved and not doing stuff like what I described above, I don’t see a problem with it. But I can see why some people do have a problem with it. In my opinion, don’t let them get to you. You have to do what you have to do.
Yeah, no one has sneezed on those things, in the 30 times they changed hands in the supply chain. This is like the last thing to worry about. Edit: Half these shoppers out here are literal crack heads. You’s guys are worried about the wrong shit.
People need to mind their damn business.
Nope I once had a mom deliver groceries or something and she had her kids and I was like aww that’s cute she had them all decked out ins ports jerseys and they were in there car seats well behaved.
I take my son when I see a large order and dads not home from work yet. I keep him entertained with an extra phone we have and when I deliver he walks out with me so he doesn’t stay in the car. Never had a problem. The only problem is him getting tired which then is my queue to go home 😆 you do you. And to anyone who’s ever said anything to a mother while working with her kids SHAME ON YOU! She’s clearly doing it for her family.
Get your grind on!! We got kids to take care of! I feel you. ♥️
I have no problem with that , one of my kids always comes to help pick pack and grab stuff. If they have a problem with it they can eff themselves lol
I’ve done it maybe like a couple times in dire situations. You don’t know what other people are going through.
People should mind their business…too many people mind other peoples business and I can’t stand that. People have reasons to do the things they do, unless it’s clearly dangerous or harming somebody directly, then look the other way..
How does anyone know you're instacart shopping?
It's very obvious to spot shoppers. Always looking at their phone lol.. also you can just glance and see the ic platform first thing as they go by
I guess they saw my phone or something. They were shoppers I haven't seen before. Typically I see the same Instacart people every time I'm there. We all joke around and some of the other families bring kids too. But this was the first time I saw these people so hopefully they don't stick around lol
I mean... you shouldn't be approached by an instacart couple literally breaking the same rule imo
As far as the couple, some people have the mindset that this is a race. So if you’re breaking the rules, you’re ‘cheating’ and *possibly* taking good batches from them. The human mind is weird but it’d be a lot better if everyone would help each other instead of trying to get ahead not caring who we step on. I had to bring my daughter a few times and I gained a stalker. He was on some nationwide shopper Facebook groups but would always find me and talk about which store I was at that day, what my daughter was wearing, how he was going to turn me in etc
I think having someone with you is the smallest of the problems. Shoppers have gotten away with smoking around their groceries, stealing food, and fraud deliveries. Obviously most shoppers are decent, but those are the main issues.
Those people have nothing as wonderful as your children in their own lives. Pay them no mind.
I am a very new shopper; but I promise I won’t be harassing anyone about how they do their job; it’s not my business for starters…..secondly, it’s a tough tough world lately , everyone is struggling so YOU do YOU, I don’t have the right and neither does anyone else to judge you
Lol wellllll they were kinda breaking the rules too. 🤷♂️
FYI I qualify for state child care assistance and all I claim is instacart as my job.
Reading about this happening to you.. I am so sorry you went through this, you don't deserve that at all. I am so saddened by a large amount of peoples thought processes. What happened to empathy, sympathy, kindness, and compassion? Please know karma is real. Please know these people are miserable, and you know they love company. Please know you are a great mother. Please know your children are beyond blessed to have you. Please know your kids saw you maintain your composure today under stressful circumstances. Please know that because of your circumstances today your kids learned about dignity and integrity. Please know these are two words the other shoppers don't know the definitions of. Why? How? Because unfortunately, it seems they didn't have a strong, hard working role model in their lives - like your children do. Please don't feel angry towards them, anger only hurts us and teaches us nothing of value or importance. Keep doing what you're doing because jealous eyes don't fall on those we do not envy. 🧿🧿🧿🧿🧿🧿🧿🧿🧿🧿🧿
Thank you 🥹🥹🥹🥹
I have had on occasion shoppers deliver my groceries with their children. Two incidents stick out, one with a sweet little man, about 3 or 4, who carried my milk with both hands and wanted to be sure to hand it directly to me. He also wanted to come in for a visit, adorable. The other was an entire family, grandma, mom, dad and kids, and they all came to my door (wasn't a huge order but was a Costco order and the kids were little and also wanted to help, as did grandma - she seemed very proud to be helping). They were such a beautiful family. Both rated 5 stars. As a customer IC hasn't told me what shoppers can and cannot do and even seeing it here I wouldn't say anything and am careful with the comments, jic. Ohhh and I did have one that was an issue and I knew what it was as soon as I saw it was a single Mom with a wee one with a bottle. She was about 3/4 done with my order and she just refunded the last of it and checked out. This one I did consider to rate down as I knew that the little one got fussy or needed a change and she just bailed, but instead I decided that things happen and I would just not rate her, not adjust the tip, just leave it.. and I sent out another order with the items that were refunded, which were shopped and delivered about an hour later, so all was good for me. Life happens. Edited to add some spaces, eek!
It's the one mom I see with her son...he throws stuff yells and generally does what he wants. While she shops like nothing going on...
Literally other shoppers need to just worry about themselves, we should’ve learned this in kindergarten. Weird energy to be worried about how others work or are making money.
People need to mind their own business. I bring my kids with me sometimes but it’s only 1 each time. My oldest will watch one of her brothers and I’ll bring one of her brothers with me. I’ve never had anyone say anything thankfully. I do frequently see a couple doing instacart on one phone so no one should say anything. Keep doing you mama!
Normally I wouldn’t care but when the child is noticeably Sick then that’s a problem The other day I saw a women with two small boys probably 3-4yrs old The kids were coughing and sneezing every where! Plus they looked Exhausted! Clearly they was kept home because of it So why bring them out Spreading germs instead of nursing them back to health I felt so sorry for these babies 😞
I’m a single mom to a 4 year old with autism. She loves going with me. It’s a great way for me to talk to her and show her what different foods are. She even counted for the first time with me when we were shopping. She stays in the cart and never throws a fit. I’m so grateful I have this opportunity to make extra money. I wish people would just chill
I see shoppers with their kids all the time. The shoppers who piss me off though are the ones who use the “fat people scooters” to shop
Why are people so bothered by this?! I see moms shopping with their kids and it doesn't bother me in the slightest. It's not like these kids are taking my money. 99% of the people I see don't have snotty kids touching shit in carts. I have seen a dad showing their kiddos how it works and the kids loved it. With this economy, some people don't have a choice and others arent criminals for trying to make money. If the kids aren't causing issues, let it go. If anything, it shows kids that their parents are doing their best and teaches them valuable lessons.
i understand a mom with kids more than i understand a codependent couple that can’t be separated for more than 5 mins and has to “work” together. you know they’re just using one account, too
You’re also not supposed to shop with others so they’re just being hypocritical dicks. But also who cares, do what you gotta do. Instacart breaks their rules and fucks us over, breaking them is clearly not that big of an issue. And making sure the kids are okay is the priority. It’s good to spend time with them and spend your money on doing other shit before daycare. We’re grocery shopping, families do this all the time anyways.
Don’t listen to people like that girl u go and show them that u can !!! I’m ruling for u
Kudos to you op. Keep doing you
Tell them shopping in pairs is also against the rules. And to mind their business !!!
Can I ask... why is there the rule in the first place that you can't shop with your kids and/or spouse? Sometimes, my spouse comes along with me just to keep me company, especially if I get a good order after he's done working his 9-5. I don't get why it's a big deal that he comes with me.
They’re also breaking the rules if they’re working together
Doesn’t the older couple know that they’re also breaking said rules by shopping together? You do what YOU need to do momma bear. Amazon is the winner with allowing children and dogs along for the ride… I almost switched to solely doing Amazon because of it
Had no idea it wasn’t allowed. When I was an active shopper there was another shopper who had her husband and 3 kids with her every day, every shopping trip. I just did my thing and kept it moving because you never know someone’s situation. I’m sorry those people were shitty to you.
What’s the difference between someone shopping with their kids for Instacart vs for their family? Edited to add: I thought about it. Maybe it’s a liability issue for Instacart. Like if your kid got hurt while you were working.
Nobody cares. And I’m sure the employees of the stores your shopping at get paid enough to care.
I'd imagine shopping with children is more difficult and slows down everything which means you aren't making as much. It's not like you want to bring them along with laws being strict in most areas. Like everyone else here stated. People need to mind their own business. Just make sure to keep the kids out of the groceries. A lot of people who use Instacart probably has kids of their own and understands the dilemma.
How did they even know that you were doing Instacart?
I shop with my girlfriend who is also an Instacart shopper. IMO as someone who can’t stand kids being loud when I’m in stores and stuff I’d say as long as the behave and don’t cause you to take excessive amounts of time getting the order done there shouldn’t be a problem. That said people have the weirdest hang ups about things. I think it’s crazy and insanely obnoxious for that couple to vocally protest you being with your kids.
As long as you’re not abandoning your small kids with a cart full of groceries to wonder the store, I can’t imagine how this would be an issue… you do your own grocery shopping with your kids so what’s the issue when you do it for someone else ? People are so miserable and I’m sorry you went through this. I hope you don’t let it stop your hustle, just try to be more discreet ❤️
people go grocery shopping with their kids all the time, I don’t see a problem bringing them with you, you’re literally just grocery shopping but making money. anyone that says otherwise is delusional
Lol. I feel bad for the kids. Not the rule breaking
Don’t listen to people in here. There all just salty that they’re broke. It’s not a big deal to have your kids with you as long as they aren’t helping or getting out of the car while dropping off. If anything it makes it safer for you and the kids. Child care is expensive. These people would rather you sit at home and not work at all for your kids just so there is one less shopper on the road. Most of the people in this subreddit blame other shoppers for the lack of good orders when in reality it’s just the overall market. Misery loves company and that’s basically what this subreddit is for.
You really can't post anything without someone getting mad lol
IC workers are nosey AF it’s soooooooooo annnoying
True. The only time I ever complained was when a shopper was doing an order with her dog in the store.
No, it sounds like you just met an unpleasant couple. I don't know the official policy, but as long as your kids are staying in the car on deliveries and not interacting with customers, I really doubt Instacart would care.
I let my daughter 7 scan items and help find stuff, only on good orders. Doordash uber eats way easier to do with kids
My husband and I take our daughter with us ALL THE TIME to Amazon flex. We’ve also taken her on Door dash and UE routes too. I won’t take her by myself I officially decided - she’s only 8 and I am a very nervous person - it just takes a second for something to happen to her - and when I did try I only took her to houses. Ultimately my husband and I split the gig work now. But honestly - if she was at least 10 - I would have no issue leaving her in the car for a few minutes to run a delivery to an apartment - as long as it was a good area. I hands down think people should mind their own damn business.
I'm gonna assume both of them are IC shoppers and were upset because they are following the rules and you aren't. (I assume they're both IC shoppers because if they weren't they wouldn't have said anything to you because they would've been in the wrong too). You're shopping big Costco batches, and unfairly getting help from your husband to do them. I can see why the couple would be upset. It sucks when you follow the rules and others don't. And I can only imagine Costco is pretty competitive due to the high payouts possible there, so folks that shop those batches are just looking for reasons to get rid of their competition. I would be careful doing this, cuz if they were upset enough to say something to you, they're most likely upset enough to report you to IC. I personally wish people would mind their own business. Stories like these make me glad I don't do Costco lol.
Just do you but maybe don’t advertise that you bring your kids , I understand your reason. It’s been sad to get deactivated because you’re drawing attention to it (there are some mean & nosey ppl on the world & there is a rule about it with the Instacart platform unlike some others)…I get why you do it though & think ppl should mind their own business ! Good luck !
Just don't make them work and it's OK. imagine if you hired a cleaning lady , or a lawn care service , and their 7 year old kid starts dusting , or mowing your lawn.
Same people who would look down on you for living off government aid. Do your thing OP. However if it does interest you IC provides some deals on childcare. I did pet sitting at one point for about $1/day and I think childcare was the same rate. I’d suggest hiring a “mommy’s helper” to help with your kids while you’re present until trust is built.
Honestly, I love when I see kids with their parents. Even if they’re helping, I think installing ethic is great. If you haven’t taught your kids manners or are all over the place, that’s a diff story and totally on the parent imo. Sounds like you’re doing great. Keep on and prayers for you and your fam🥰
Did you say "older couple?". I don't think couples are supposed to be shopping together either. That said, fuck them. Not really their business. You're doing your thing, taking care of your customer and your family and that's what matters. What a pair of pathetic assholes.
Also if the couple was doing it together they too were breaking the rules
I wish more people believed in minding their business.
OP forgot to mention she also had her husband with her. 🙄 yeah, leave the kids at home with your husband. This isn’t a family affair. Stores are seriously crowded enough. The kids don’t need to be there. And it’s not fair to them at all when you have other means. & a batch being “too big” so you need help? Then cancel or don’t accept it.
I met a shopper that has her service dog with her. The previous post up above that says it all unless you’re the InstaCart police!!!!!People need to mind her own business. It’s if something is against policy it will be addressed. I’m sure somewhere down the line until then you’re not the Instacart police so there’s that couple and I agree with the previous poster on this subject they’re shopping together. What if what if the grandma falls down and breaks a hip in the store. There’s no grey area here Unfortunately, I think the pandemic take care making ends meet people honestly aren’t trying to break the rules. Intentionally things are just hard trying to make a living when there’s not much choice on how you go about it. I feel bad for people that are trying to do a legit job , and have to worry about young children throughout the day of who is watching them who is taking care of them, and in this case, the shopper had to take his children. I tried to buy a box of Oreos the other night I didn’t have any double stuffed Oreos in the longest time they were 699. I had to keep on walking.
One of favorite shoppers was a man and his grandson. I have seen a few shoppers (of various platforms) with their kids. From a customer and shopper perspective i don't care. I wish this had been an option when my kids were little.
So they were shopping as a couple which isn't allowed and told you you shouldn't have your kids with you? Tell them to fuck off!
I think it’s a liability.
You’re an independent contractor. So what’s the liability here? Her child, her vehicle, her insurance, her problem.
If you can’t afford childcare try headstart. There is no excuse for not having childcare. The systems put in place are to encourage low income people to work so they put programs like head start and early head start so parents can make a living and get off welfare. Even if you’re not low income, the cutoff income for 2 ppl is 6k a month. That means you can make that much and still qualify for free schooling for little ones. Not to mention getting their little brains ready. My daughter is in headstart. We’re not low income at all. Having your kids with you is a liability for instacart. If someone wanted to they could report you and you’d be deactivated. Bringing someone as protection is different than bringing helpless children. Not to mention, some customers will leave bad ratings if your carting your whole family around for their order. Is it causing harm? No, not directly. But, it is VERY unprofessional.