Dealing with Irritating Instacart Customers: Should You Block Them?
As an Instacart shopper, it's essential to understand who you might want to block for future orders. This article explores the types of customers who might frustrate you and explains why customer blocking can be a valuable tool for maintaining a positive experience.
Types of Customers to ConsiderBlocking
Instacart shoppers face a wide range of customer types, from those who are rude and ungrateful to those who promise to tip more but follow through with zero. Here are some common reasons you might want to block certain customers:
Rude Customers
These customers can be especially disruptive. They might send passive-aggressive notes or display a lack of respect for your service. If you encounter rudeness, it's important to stay professional. However, if the behavior persists, consider blocking them.
Low Tipping Customers
Customers who consistently tip below a reasonable rate, especially given the size of their order and the distance you travel, can be a major source of frustration. Low tipping can affect your income and impact your motivation to provide excellent service.
Customers Who Don’t Respond in Urgent Situations
While many customers might have the "Meet Customer" option selected, some might fail to respond when it's time to meet for the delivery. This silence can be frustrating, especially if it leads to delays or additional phone calls to reach them.
Customers with Complicated Delivery Instructions
Addressing complex delivery locations can be challenging, especially if customers don’t provide door codes, gate codes, or other critical information. In some cases, it might be best to block customers who make the process unnecessarily difficult.
Customers Who Leave Cars at the End of the Driveway
Waiting in the rain for a customer who leaves their car at the end of their driveway can be inconvenient and uncomfortable. This type of behavior is unacceptable, and you have every right to block such customers.
Handling Obnoxious Customers
Customers who can't take no for an answer, especially when it comes to their physical appearance, might need to be blocked. For example, if a customer answers the door in the nude, it's reasonable to block them, as it's common courtesy to at least cover yourself when expecting a delivery.
Reviewing the Benefits of Blocking Unpleasant Customers
Instacart shoppers often interact with a diverse range of customers. Some are extremely rude and unappreciative, while others never bother to tip at all. After detailing these behaviors, we can see the advantages of blocking such customers:
No Tippers or Rude Customers
Customers who refuse to tip or treat you as if you owe them something can be incredibly frustrating. If you find yourself in this situation, blocking them can be a wise decision, especially if they display other inappropriate behavior. Remember, rudeness will not get you banned, but it will earn you a report.
Non-Tippers and Low Tippers Handling
If someone promises to tip more later but never follows through, it can be disappointing. Similarly, customers who offer a low tip relative to the order size and distance might not be worth the frustration. If you encounter such behavior, blocking them can help you avoid future disappointments.
Conclusion
As an Instacart shopper, you encounter a wide array of customers, and some might not be a good fit for you. Whether it's customers who are rude, low tippers, or those who fail to meet urgent delivery needs, you have the right to block them. Customer blocking can improve your experience and ensure that you continue to receive the best service possible.