Convenience and shopping for your favorite Publix products? There’s not a better combo. That’s right, you can make your grocery list, select a time, and pick up your groceries from the store without having to step out of your car. Curbside Pickup, Powered by Instacart, is the perfect service when you’re out running errands and you don’t have a lot of time to do your own shopping. For those who prefer to have groceries brought to their door, we also offer Publix Delivery, Powered by Instacart.
Since this curbside pickup service is increasing in popularity, we have received many questions about how the process works. So, we’re sharing all the answers to our frequently asked questions regarding Publix Curbside Pickup.
How does it work?
Place your order online at delivery.publix.com. You will then select a time to pick up your order. When you arrive at your local Publix, park in the designated Curbside parking spot. You can notify your store that you have arrived — or on your way — through the Instacart app, or you can call the number listed at the parking spot. We recommend using the app to notify the store that you are on the way, as we get an alert and can have the order ready for you in advance.
A Publix associate will bring out your order and load it into your car. It’s as simple as that!
Is Curbside Pickup available in my area?
You can find out if Curbside Pickup is available at your local Publix here. If it’s not yet available, don’t worry! We’re in the process of expanding this service across our operating areas in the Southeast. You can also drive to a location that offers the service. If Instacart says your ZIP code isn’t covered, you can simply enter the ZIP code of the store location and proceed with your order.
How do I create an account or place an order?
You can sign up for both Delivery and Curbside Pickup services by visiting delivery.publix.com. Here, you’ll find on-screen step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.
Do I need to have an Instacart membership for the Curbside service?
Customers must sign up for an Instacart account and simply place their order. Prices for Curbside Pickup are higher than in-store prices.
Is there a minimum order amount for Curbside Pickup?
Yes, there is a $10 minimum when ordering through Curbside Pickup.
Is there a service fee associated with Curbside Pickup
No, there are no service charges, pickup fees or tipping options for Curbside Pickup. Prices for individual items are indicated on delivery.publix.com. Individual items are priced higher online than in our stores to cover additional costs of the service.
What forms of payment does Instacart accept?
Instacart currently accepts all major U.S. credit and debit cards, Android Pay, Apple Pay and Instacart gift cards. Instacart also now accepts SNAP/EBT for Publix orders. They don’t accept prepaid credit cards, Publix gift cards, international payments or cash.
How long after I place an order can I pick it up at my Publix?
Orders can be placed and picked up the same day; in some cases in as little as two hours. Availability is subject to change based on orders and shopper availability.
Can I pick up my prescription using Curbside Pickup?
No. Currently prescription pickup is not available through the Curbside Pickup service.
How will my hot items stay hot and my cold items stay cold until I get to the store for pickup?
Hot items will be prepared about 15 minutes prior to the beginning of the selected pickup window. Hot items will be stored at the appropriate temperature in the deli.
Cold items will be placed in refrigerators at the front of the store designated for Curbside Pickup orders and carried out with the rest of your order.
Can I purchase alcohol through Curbside Pickup?
Alcohol is currently available for purchase in Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee and select locations in Georgia. Alcohol is not available through Curbside Pickup in South Carolina.
All customers purchasing alcohol must show ID before receiving alcohol with their order. Other transactions do not require the customer to show ID.
Can I make a special request for products not on the website?
Absolutely! We are happy to take special requests and we even have a screen that will pop up during your ordering process and walk you through exactly how to do that.
Special instructions can be added to any item or to your order in general. A personal shopper will be able to see these special instructions and can help you with any special requests.
We hope this answered all your burning questions regarding Publix Curbside Pickup, Powered by Instacart. If you have any additional questions you would like answered, please leave us a comment below, or reach out to Instacart through the Publix Delivery Help Center.
Is it possible to request to bag in reusable bags at time of pickup instead of having plastic or paper bags? In other words, place items in a cart and bag them at my car in my own bags.
Hi Jennifer. Should you prefer reusable bags for your curbside and/or pickup orders, simply type a note to that effect in the Notes/Special Instructions field of your order.