Stew Leonard’s FAQ - Online Orders, Instacart, Support and More
Get answers to your Stew Leonard’s questions about Instacart delivery fees, curbside pickup, order changes, customer service, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions about Stew Leonard’s Shopping
Ordering and Shopping Online
Q: How much higher are Instacart prices compared to in-store prices at Stew Leonard’s?
A: Instacart prices for Stew Leonard’s orders are about 15% higher than in-store prices, rounded to the nearest $0.09, to cover service costs.
Q: What is the pickup fee for Stew Leonard’s Instacart curbside orders?
A: Stew Leonard’s Instacart curbside pickup orders have a $1.99 pickup fee, shown during checkout when you select your pickup window.
Q: What is the delivery fee for Stew Leonard’s Instacart orders?
A: Delivery fees for Stew Leonard’s Instacart orders usually start at $3.99 and vary based on order size and delivery time, plus a service and bag fee.
Q: Why does Instacart charge a service fee for Stew Leonard’s orders?
A: The Instacart service fee helps support platform operations like insurance, background checks, and customer support for Stew Leonard’s online orders.
Q: Why is there a bag fee on my Stew Leonard’s Instacart order?
A: Some states require taxes and fees associated with using bags. Bag fees on Stew Leonard’s Instacart orders vary depending on local regulations, not by Stew Leonard’s or Instacart.
Q: How do I log in if I’m having trouble accessing the Stew Leonard’s app or Instacart account?
A: If you’re having trouble logging into the Stew Leonard’s app or Instacart, try resetting your password and creating a new account if needed.
All Stew Leonard’s app members will need to reset their password upon first sign in (click the text that displays this information and the password reset link will appear.)
All Instacart and Instacart+ members will need to register an account.
Instacart+ members can then click the account profile (at top right once signed in) to link their express membership (now called Instacart+).
Q: How do I contact Stew Leonard’s customer service for online orders?
A: For help with Stew Leonard’s online orders, contact Instacart Care 24/7 at 1-888-246-7822.
Q: What should I do if I can’t find an item on Stew Leonard’s online store?
A: If you can’t find a product on Stew Leonard’s website, use a broader search term. For example, searching for “watermelon” instead of “watermelon slices” can help.
How to Place and Manage Orders
Q: How do I place an online order at Stew Leonard’s through Instacart?
A: To place an order, search or browse items, add them to your cart, and follow the checkout steps to enter your delivery information and payment method.
Q: How do I find and add items when shopping online at Stew Leonard’s?
A: You can search for specific items or browse by department on Stew Leonard’s online store. You’ll also see personalized recommendations based on your previous purchases.
Q: How do I add items to my cart on Stew Leonard’s website?
A: Add items to your cart by selecting “+Add” or “Add to Cart” next to the product. To adjust quantities, use the + or – buttons.
Q: How can I review or update my shopping cart while ordering from Stew Leonard’s?
A: Click the shopping basket button to review your cart, check your total, view your available delivery times, adjust item quantities, or remove items before checking out.
Q: How do I check out and place my order for Stew Leonard’s online delivery?
A: When you’re ready to order, go to your cart and click “Checkout.” You’ll need to enter your delivery address, choose a delivery window (up to 5 days in advance), add your payment details, and confirm your order.
Q: Can I edit my Stew Leonard’s Instacart order after placing it?
A: If your shopper hasn’t started working on your order, you can update it on the Order page. If your shopper already started working on your order, you can chat with them for assistance by selecting Chat with shopper from your Order page.
Q: How do I add a new item to an existing Stew Leonard’s Instacart order?
A: Go to Account > Order History > Current Order > Add to Order to search for and add new items to your active Stew Leonard’s Instacart order.
Q: How do I change the quantity or remove an item from my Stew Leonard’s order?
A: Adjust quantities or remove items from your Stew Leonard’s order by selecting your current order in Order History and using the + or – buttons.
Q: How do I approve or replace items in my Stew Leonard’s Instacart order?
A: Manage replacements in your Stew Leonard’s order by visiting Account > Your Orders > Current Order > See Shopped Items and chatting with your shopper.
Q: How can I add special instructions for Stew Leonard’s Instacart orders?
A: You can add item instructions when adding products to your cart, during checkout, or afterward before shopping begins. Through instructions, you can let your shopper know that you prefer greener bananas or help them find the apartment to drop off your order.
- From your cart: Click or tap Instructions on the item for which you’d like to leave a note
- From the checkout page: Click or tap Review to review items and add instructions
- After you ordered: Visit the Order page to review your items and add any instructions
Item instructions carry over to future orders. If your item preferences change, make sure to review your notes when ordering the same items in the future.
Delivery Options and Troubleshooting
Q: Can I request Stew Leonard’s Instacart orders to be left at my door?
A: Yes, you can select the “Leave at my door” option during checkout for Stew Leonard’s delivery, and your shopper will take a photo upon drop-off.
Please note—If you choose for your order to be left unattended, you accept full responsibility for the order after it has been delivered, including any loss due to theft or temperature sensitivity damage.
Q: What happens if an item is out of stock at Stew Leonard’s for my Instacart order?
A: You can allow your Instacart shopper to choose the best replacement, pick a specific alternative, or choose no replacement for a refund.
- Find Best Match: Your shopper selects the best possible replacement. This is the default option for when items aren’t available.
- Pick Specific Replacement: To select your own replacement, tap or click on the item, then select Pick Specific Replacement. You can search the catalog or choose a replacement from a list of suggestions.
- Don’t Replace: If you prefer not to replace an item, choose Don’t Replace to get a refund instead.
Keep in mind you’ll be refunded or charged for the difference in price for replacement items. If you have order notifications turned on, look for alerts when an item is replaced or refunded.
Q: How do I add delivery instructions to my Stew Leonard’s Instacart order?
A: Add delivery instructions at checkout or after placing your Stew Leonard’s order to help your shopper find your location easily. Your delivery driver sees these instructions when they start heading your way.
Useful info to include—
- Parking locations
- Building security or gate information
- Specific directions for hard-to-locate front doors
- Any markers on your home that might help the shopper find the best entrance
Q: Are Stew Leonard’s in-store sales and promotions available online?
A: Some in-store sales and promotions may not be available for online orders.
Food Safety
Q: How does Stew Leonard’s and Instacart ensure food safety during online orders?
A: Shoppers are trained in food safety best practices, checking expiration dates, seals, and quality. Insulated bags and coolers are used during transport.
Accounts, Loyalty, and Memberships
Q: How can I sign up for Stew Leonard’s email specials and updates?
A: You can subscribe to Stew Leonard’s Weekly Specials, store events, and other updates by signing up for email alerts.
Q: How do I get help with my Stew Leonard’s Loyalty Account?
A: Contact the Stew Leonard’s Help Desk at 1-800-729-7839 for loyalty account support.
Q: How do I link my Instacart+ membership to my Stew Leonard’s account?
A: By linking your Instacart+ membership to your Stew Leonard's account, you can enjoy Instacart+ benefits while ordering through the Stew Leonard's website.
To link:
- Log in to the shopnow.stewleonards.com site.
- From the homepage, select the Account button at the top right corner next to the cart icon (it should show your membership account name).
- Select My Profile.
- Here, you should see a box on the right hand of the screen asking to link your Instacart+ membership to your Stew Leonard’s Account.
- Enter your Instacart email and password, then select Log in.
- An authorization box will pop up asking you to authorize Stew Leonard's to use your Instacart account. Select Allow.
- Your Instacart+ membership is now linked to your Stew Leonard's account!
Tracking Orders and Deliveries
Q: How do I track my Stew Leonard’s online order?
A: To track your order, go to Account > Order History > Click on an order to view its status.
Q: How do I track my Stew Leonard’s order once shopping has started?
A: If you have text message notifications enabled, you’ll get an alert when your shopper starts. You can view shopped items, replacements, refunds, and chat with your shopper by going to Account > Order History > Current Order.
Q: How do I track my Stew Leonard’s delivery once it’s on the way?
A: You’ll receive a text message with the estimated time of arrival. If needed, you can click "Chat with shopper" to send last-minute delivery instructions.
Delivery Process and Receiving Your Order
Q: What happens after my Stew Leonard’s order is picked and packed?
A: Once your order is packed, delivery begins. Sometimes, the person shopping your order may not be the one delivering it.
To make sure you get your delivery as scheduled
- Keep an eye out for text messages and phone calls from the delivery driver.
- Leave helpful instructions for parking, gate codes, or other clues to find your home.
Q: How can I help ensure smooth delivery of my Stew Leonard’s order?
A: Keep your phone handy for texts or calls from the driver, and leave clear parking or entry instructions.
Q: What happens if the delivery driver can’t find my location?
A: The driver will text or call you. Unless you specifically request for them to do so, drivers can’t leave an order unattended. If they can’t reach you and no unattended delivery is requested, your order may be canceled.
Q: What should I do if I can’t receive my Stew Leonard’s delivery?
A: Arrange for a friend or neighbor to accept it and inform your shopper via delivery instructions or chat. Alternatively, select “Leave at My Door Delivery” during checkout. You can leave additional instructions for your shopper and receive a photo confirmation once your groceries are delivered.
Q: How do I reschedule a Stew Leonard’s delivery?
A: You can change your delivery date and time up until a shopper begins working on your order.
Here’s how to reschedule:
- On a computer, click Account, then Order History; on a mobile device, use the side navigation and select Order History.
- Find the order and select Reschedule.
- Choose a new delivery time and/or date.
- Select Save.
- The new delivery date/time will update in the Order Info box. You’re all set!
Tipping and Payment
Q: Should I tip my Stew Leonard’s Instacart shopper?
A: Yes, tipping is encouraged. The default tip is 5% (or your previous order’s tip, whichever is higher), with a $2 minimum. You can adjust the tip up to 24 hours after delivery.
Q: How do I modify my tip for a Stew Leonard’s order?
A: You can adjust your tip while placing the order or within 24 hours after the delivery is completed.
Q: What payment methods can I use for my Stew Leonard’s online order?
A: Payment must be made on the Stew Leonard’s website. Cash, checks, or third-party apps (Venmo, Zelle, etc.) are not accepted.
Q: What should I do if there are payment issues with my Stew Leonard’s order?
A: Contact customer support through the Stew Leonard’s website. You should not reimburse your shopper directly.
Refunds, Returns, and Cancellations
Q: How do I request a refund for a Stew Leonard’s online order?
A: Request a refund within 7 days of delivery. Please let us know as soon as possible if your order—
- Is missing items you were charged for on the final receipt.
- Contains damaged, spoiled, or otherwise unusable items.
Q: How are refunds processed for Stew Leonard’s online orders?
A: Refunds are processed immediately but may take 5–10 business days to appear in your bank or credit account. You won't see refunds in your Instacart account. You can see any credits in the Credits, promos & gift cards section of your Instacart account. Credits automatically apply to your next order at checkout.
Q: Can I return items from my Stew Leonard’s online order?
A: Yes, you can return items in-store with your digital receipt. The return is subject to Stew Leonard's return policies.
Q: How do I cancel a Stew Leonard’s online order?
A: Before shopping begins you can cancel an order for a full refund. Cancel by going to Account > Order History > Select the order > Cancel order.
When you cancel an order during the shopping or delivery process, you may be charged a cancellation fee of up to $15. To cancel after shopping has started, reach out to Instacart Care at 1-888-246-7822.
Billing and Authorization Holds
Q: What are the possible unknown charges or holds from Instacart?
A: Unknown charges could be an Instacart+ subscription fee, an authorization hold for an order in progress, or an adjusted total for replacements, added items, or weight changes.
Q: What is a temporary authorization hold on my Stew Leonard’s order?
A: Instacart places a temporary hold slightly higher than your estimated total to account for changes. The hold drops within 3–5 business days after delivery or cancellation. Instacart will only charge you for the total of the items delivered to you.
Q: Why is my final Stew Leonard’s order total different from the checkout estimate?
A: Changes like item replacements, added items, or weight-based pricing can cause the final total to differ.
Q: Why does Instacart show recurring charges for Stew Leonard’s orders?
A: For security reasons, Instacart’s payment processor can’t store a card's CVC on file. Instacart’s payment processor flags the initial charge as "recurring", so you don’t have to re-enter your card information every time you place an order.
Q: What should I do if I see a fraudulent charge related to a Stew Leonard’s order?
A: Contact Instacart support at [email protected] with the last four digits of your card, charge date, and amount before disputing it with your bank.
When a dispute is filed, the associated Instacart account is placed on hold during the investigation, which can take up to 90 days.