1. Communicate with the Store Staff: Start by politely inquiring with the store staff if they have any available bags. Sometimes, stores may have a stock of bags that they can provide for online shopping orders. Ask them if they can accommodate your request, especially if you’re shopping for a large number of items.
2. Use Your Own Bags: In the event that the store truly cannot provide bags, don’t panic. Instacart understands that this situation may arise, and they encourage shoppers to use their own bags in such cases. So, make sure you carry reusable bags with you when you go shopping. This not only helps the environment by reducing plastic waste but also ensures that you have a backup option when bags aren’t provided.
3. Contact Instacart Support: If you regularly encounter stores that don’t provide bags, it’s a good idea to reach out to Instacart Support. You can do this through the shopper app or by visiting their website. Let them know about the issue and ask if they can provide guidance or suggestions for handling these situations. They may offer alternatives or provide you with approved vendor options for purchasing reusable bags.
4. Inform the Customer: Transparency is key when it comes to providing excellent customer service. If you’re unable to bag the items due to a lack of bags, communicate this to the customer. You can send them a quick message through the app, letting them know that the store didn’t provide bags and that you’ll be delivering the items without bags. Most customers will understand, especially if you’ve communicated proactively.
5. Consider Alternatives: If you’re concerned about the items being loose in your car or during delivery, you can explore alternative options for containing them. For example, you can use boxes provided by the store or invest in reusable bins or crates to transport the items safely. Make sure to handle fragile items with care and separate them from heavier items to avoid damage.
6. Provide Excellent Service: Even without bags, you can still deliver a great shopping experience. Ensure that you carefully select fresh produce, double-check the items against the customer’s list, and deliver the items promptly. Remember, your rating and tips can be positively impacted by your overall service, even if bags aren’t provided.
7. Provide Feedback: Finally, consider providing feedback to Instacart and the store itself. You can let Instacart know about your experience through their feedback channels, and they may take steps to address the issue with the store. Additionally, providing feedback to the store management about the importance of providing bags for online shopping orders can help improve the situation for future shoppers.

Remember, remaining calm, professional, and adaptable in these situations will reflect well on your service as an Instacart shopper. By taking these steps, you can effectively handle stores that don’t provide bags and still deliver a positive shopping experience for your customers.