You've just placed a Kroger delivery order, and now you're wondering, how do I add a tip? It's a great question, and the answer isn't always as straightforward as it seems, as Kroger uses different delivery models. But don't worry, we're here to guide you through it step-by-step. Let's make sure your hard-working delivery person gets the appreciation they deserve!
Understanding Kroger Delivery Tipping Policies
Before we dive into the "how-to," it's crucial to understand a key distinction with Kroger delivery:
Kroger-Fulfilled Deliveries: If your order is directly fulfilled by Kroger associates (meaning, a Kroger employee in a Kroger-branded truck delivers your groceries), tipping is generally not necessary and often not accepted. Kroger states, "your smile is our reward. No tipping is necessary for our drivers since we've already taken care of it."
Third-Party Partner Deliveries (e.g., Instacart, Shipt): If your Kroger order is fulfilled by a third-party service like Instacart or Shipt, you absolutely can and should tip. These drivers are independent contractors, and tips make up a significant portion of their income.
You'll usually see during the checkout process how your order will be fulfilled. Look for phrases like "Fulfilled by Kroger Delivery" or references to third-party services.
Now, let's get to the steps!
Step 1: Determine Your Delivery Method – The Crucial First Question!
"Hold on a minute," you might be thinking, "how do I even know who's delivering my groceries?" This is the most important first step, as it dictates your tipping options.
Sub-heading: Checking During Order Placement
During Checkout: When you're finalizing your order on the Kroger website or app, pay close attention to the delivery details.
Look for explicit mentions of "Kroger Delivery" or logos of third-party partners like Instacart.
Often, the option to add a tip will only appear if a third-party service is handling your delivery. If you don't see a tipping option at checkout, it's highly likely your order is being fulfilled directly by Kroger.
Sub-heading: Checking After Order Placement
Order Confirmation Email/App: After you place your order, check your confirmation email or the "My Purchases" section of the Kroger app. It usually specifies the delivery service.
Driver Communication: If your order is coming via a third-party, you'll often receive updates directly from that service (e.g., Instacart app notifications) and might even be able to communicate with your shopper. This is a strong indicator it's a third-party delivery.
Step 2: Adding a Tip During Checkout (For Third-Party Deliveries)
If you've determined your order is being handled by a third-party, the easiest time to add a tip is during the checkout process.
Sub-heading: Locating the Tip Option
Review Your Order Summary: As you navigate through the checkout steps, you'll reach an "Order Summary" or "Payment" section.
Look for "Add Tip" or "Adjust Tip": Within this section, there should be a clear option to add a tip. It might be a pre-set percentage (e.g., 5%, 10%, 15%) or a custom amount.
Enter Your Desired Amount: Select a pre-set option or manually enter the amount you wish to tip. Remember, 10-20% of your total bill is a good starting point for grocery delivery tips, but adjust based on order size, complexity, and delivery conditions.
Step 3: Adding a Tip After Delivery (For Third-Party Deliveries)
What if you forgot to tip, or want to adjust the tip after your groceries have arrived? For third-party deliveries, this is often possible!
Sub-heading: Through the App/Website
Check Your Order History: Log into your Kroger account on the website or app and navigate to your "My Purchases" or "Order History."
Find the Relevant Order: Locate the specific delivery order you want to tip for.
Look for a "Add Tip" or "Adjust Tip" Option: Many third-party integrations (or even Kroger's system if it's facilitated through them) will provide an option to add or modify a tip for a certain period after delivery (often up to 24 hours, sometimes longer).
Confirm the New Tip: Follow the prompts to add or adjust the tip amount and confirm the change.
Sub-heading: Via the Third-Party App (If Applicable)
Go Directly to the Instacart/Shipt App: If your delivery was explicitly through Instacart or Shipt, you might have even more control by going directly to their app.
Find Your Order: Within the Instacart or Shipt app, navigate to your past orders.
Adjust Tip Option: You should find an option to adjust the tip there. Instacart typically allows tip adjustments for up to three hours after delivery, and additional tips up to 24 hours after delivery.
Sub-heading: In-Person (Cash Tip)
Directly to the Driver: If you are present at the time of delivery and your order is handled by a third-party driver, you can always offer a cash tip directly to them. This is often appreciated as they receive the full amount instantly.
Consider this if: You prefer giving cash, or if for some reason the app isn't allowing you to add a tip after the fact and you know it's a third-party driver.
Step 4: What if I can't find a tipping option? (For Kroger-Fulfilled Deliveries)
If you've gone through all the steps and still don't see an option to add a tip, it's highly probable that your order was fulfilled directly by Kroger's own delivery service.
Sub-heading: Don't Sweat It!
Kroger's Policy: As mentioned, Kroger's official stance is that tips are not necessary for their direct delivery associates. They are compensated by Kroger.
Your Smile is Their Reward: While it might feel counterintuitive in a tipping culture, respecting their policy is important. A friendly "thank you" and a good review of their service can go a long way!
Final Thoughts
Tipping is a gesture of appreciation for service well-rendered. By understanding Kroger's different delivery models, you can ensure your gratitude reaches the right people in the most appropriate way. Whether it's a direct tip through a third-party app or simply a heartfelt thank you to a Kroger associate, your consideration makes a difference!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to know if my Kroger delivery is fulfilled by a third party?
You can usually tell during the checkout process on the Kroger website or app, where it will specify "Fulfilled by Kroger Delivery" or show logos/names of third-party partners like Instacart. After placing the order, check your confirmation email or the "My Purchases" section of the app.
How to add a tip before placing my Kroger delivery order?
If your order is fulfilled by a third-party service, you will typically see an option to add a tip (often a percentage or custom amount) in the "Order Summary" or "Payment" section during the checkout process.
How to add a tip after my Kroger delivery has been completed?
For third-party deliveries, log into your Kroger account (or the specific third-party app like Instacart) and navigate to your order history. There should be an option to "Add Tip" or "Adjust Tip" for a certain period after delivery.
How to change my tip amount after I've already submitted it?
For third-party deliveries, you can often go back into your order details in the Kroger app/website or the third-party app (e.g., Instacart) within a specific timeframe (often a few hours up to 24 hours) to adjust the tip amount.
How to tip my Kroger delivery driver with cash?
If your delivery is fulfilled by a third-party driver (not a Kroger employee), you can offer them a cash tip directly when they arrive with your groceries. This ensures they receive the full amount immediately.
How to know if Kroger delivery drivers accept tips?
Kroger's own delivery drivers (Kroger associates in Kroger-branded vehicles) generally do not accept tips, as per Kroger's policy. Drivers from third-party services like Instacart or Shipt do accept and rely on tips.
How to leave feedback for my Kroger delivery driver if I can't tip?
Even if you can't tip a Kroger-fulfilled delivery driver, you can still provide positive feedback through Kroger's customer service channels, surveys, or by leaving a good review. A genuine "thank you" also goes a long way.
How to understand the standard tipping etiquette for grocery delivery?
For third-party grocery delivery services, a standard tip generally ranges from 10-20% of the total order value. Consider increasing it for large, heavy orders, excellent service, or challenging weather conditions.
How to contact Kroger customer service about tipping questions?
If you have specific questions about tipping your Kroger delivery, you can usually find contact information for Kroger customer service on their website under "Help" or "Contact Us."
How to find my past Kroger delivery orders to add a tip?
Log into your digital Kroger account on their website or mobile app. Look for a section labeled "My Purchases," "Order History," or "Past Orders" to view your previous delivery details.
