How much to tip for grocery delivery
If someone shops for or brings groceries to your door in the US, start with 10 to 20% of the order. For curbside pickup, a tip usually isn't expected.
The tip goes to the shopper or driver, not the platform. Service and delivery fees are separate.
This order
Add a few details to see what to tip.
15% of a $100 order (min $5)
$15
$15 to the shopper who picked and drove it, Instacart, Shipt, Amazon Fresh, or the store's own. Add more for stairs, a heavy load, or a long drive.
What to tip
10 to 20% of the order to your door. 15% is a fair default; $5 minimum on a small order.
20% or more for a big shop, heavy items, stairs, or a long drive.
$0 for curbside or store pickup where staff cannot accept tips, or when you already tipped in the app.
When to adjust it
Delivery vs curbside pickup
Delivery to your door is tipped 10 to 20%. Curbside and in-store pickup usually are not; most chains do not allow it and the staff cannot take cash. When in doubt, ask.
Which service
Instacart, Shipt, Amazon Fresh, Walmart, and a store's own drivers all follow the same door-delivery custom. Instacart has its own page with the app's 5% default explained.
Heavy or careful loads
Water, litter, cases, and a big produce order picked by hand are real work. Add to the percent, and more again for a walk-up.
Fees are not the tip
The delivery fee and service fee go to the company. Only the tip line reaches the shopper or driver.
Location matters
United States (default)
Tipping for grocery delivery is customary in the US. These ranges are compiled custom, not any platform's policy.
High-cost cities
15 to 20% is normal. Parking and walk-up buildings are what really make a delivery hard.
Outside the US
Grocery delivery norms vary by country. Follow local practice; this page is the American custom.
Common questions
How much do you tip for grocery delivery?
Tip 10 to 20% of the order for delivery to your door in the US, with 15% a fair default and a $5 minimum on small orders.
Do you tip for curbside or grocery pickup?
Usually no. Most chains do not allow tips for curbside or in-store pickup, and staff cannot accept cash.
Do you tip the same for Instacart, Shipt, and Amazon Fresh?
Yes, the door-delivery custom is the same 10 to 20%. Instacart's app defaults to a low 5%, so raise it.
Does the delivery fee count as the tip?
No. Fees go to the platform. Only the tip reaches the shopper or driver.
How much do you tip on a $150 grocery order?
About $15 to $30 for delivery. Go higher for heavy items, stairs, or a long drive.
Sources and policies
These links show relevant company policies and tipping guidance. Our amounts are starting points, and practices can change. Check your booking, bill, or provider before paying.