Instacart streamlines log-in, delivery for drivers

Instacart is introducing three new features aimed at improving the delivery experience for drivers and customers.

The grocery technology company is rolling out the features for its shoppers (the term Instacart uses to describe what are primarily independent contractors that fulfill and deliver its customers’ orders) in an effort to make it easier to use the shopper app and safely and accurately deliver orders.

The new features include:

• The ability for shoppers to log in using their device’s facial recognition and fingerprint identification features. After enabling passkeys, they will no longer need to verify account information via text when signing in.
• Customers now have the option to match their provided in-app addresses with those listed in the USPS database, to help ensure shoppers deliver to an accurate address. Instacart is also prompting customers to provide more detailed information like unit and floor numbers, to help shoppers locate them more easily.
• Instacart is introducing the ability for shoppers to chat with customers for up to 20 minutes after a delivery is completed, to help ensure a successful completion of their order. 
• Instacart is now sending customers a notification to turn their porch light on if it’s dark outside when a shopper is delivering their order. This is intended to help shoppers identify delivery locations and make more secure nighttime deliveries.

Instacart expects to roll out these new features to all shoppers and customers in the coming weeks.

[Read more: Instacart provides shoppers more control over earnings]

“Giving shoppers the tools and support they need so they can shop how and when they want is incredibly important to us,” said John Adams, VP of shopper & fulfillment product at Instacart. “We’re committed to adding new features to the shopper app that help streamline the shopper experience and eliminate any issues that may arise so shoppers can focus on doing what they do best – providing excellent service to their customers. These updates are part of our ongoing commitment to giving shoppers support while they shop and beyond.”

Based in San Francisco, Instacart partners with more than 1,400 national, regional, and local retail banners to deliver from more than 80,000 stores across more than 14,000 cities in North America.