What's Happening in Cedar Park, TX…

The grocery delivery service Instacart, which is based in San Francisco, is expanding into the Austin area, including Cedar Park.

In an announcement, made on June 4th, the company said that customers would be able to order from H-E-B, Central Market, Royal Blue, and Costco.

Membership, in those stores normally requiring them, will not be necessary. To place orders, customers need only go to Instacart.com or use the Instacart app. For a flat delivery fee, customers can have their groceries delivered to almost any residence in Austin, in addition to the surrounding communities and suburbs such as Cedar Park.

Of course, the convenience of this service comes at a price. Customers can expect to pay more per item, except alcohol, than the stores charge. This is in addition to the $3.99 delivery fee attached to a two-hour delivery or the $14.99 charged for one-hour delivery. There is also a $10 minimum order. However, with the purchase of an Instacart Express membership, at $99 per year, and minimum orders of $35, customers can avoid delivery charges.

The service presents a marketing opportunity for local participating grocery stores, particularly those with delis. With the help of professional flyer printing, stores can advertise the convenience of this service while pointing out that those ordering party trays and large quantities of hot food for a party won't have to worry about transporting their goods.