Instacart rolls out new 'large item' delivery program

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Instacart is rolling out a new fulfillment program that allows for same-day and scheduled delivery of large items like outdoor furniture, home office supplies and electronics.

The program, “Big & Bulky” is launching nationwide, with launch partners that include Big Lots, Container Store, Mastermind Toys, Office Depot, Spirit Halloween and Staples. Customers are also able to simultaneously order grocery items and household goods alongside the large items.

“By introducing Big & Bulky, consumers can now access an even wider selection of items for same-day delivery,” said Daniel Danker, Instacart’s Chief Product Officer.

For the larger item orders, Instacart shoppers who drive large vehicles can opt-in to shop batches with large items, unlocking new earnings opportunities and giving them the ability to shop even more batches. 

Instacart says the move will maximize shoppers’ earnings potential, an initiative that furthers the company’s “earn on your terms” commitment announced earlier this year. 

Related:Indian food e-marketplace Quicklly taps Instacart for grocery delivery

So far, the company says its shopper community has responded positively to the new offering — in pilot regions, 97% of shoppers with eligible vehicles opted in to shop bulky batches.

The past several months have been full of roll-outs from Instagram, both with regard to enhanced functionality and loyalty. Earlier this month, the company gave grocers the option to field high-margin catering orders online from customers. In June, Instacart , which has several family shopping options, launched, and a month later, the company additionally launched a personal shopper rewards program. The San Francisco-based company has also been testing shoppable video ads and enhanced shoppable display ads in an effort to help consumer packaged goods brands boost customer engagement.