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Writer's picturePayal Das

Pincode vs Instamart: Which is better?

In the fast-paced world of convenience shopping, people are constantly searching for ways to make their lives easier and more efficient. One of the latest trends in this industry is the rise of grocery delivery apps that promise to bring fresh produce, pantry staples, and household essentials right to your doorstep with just a few taps on your smartphone.


Two of the most popular apps in this space are Pincode by PhonePe and Instamart. Both offer similar services, but they differ in terms of features, availability, pricing, and overall user experience.


In this detailed article, we will compare and contrast Pincode and Instamart to help you decide which one is better suited to your needs.


Pincode vs Instamart
Pincode vs Instamart

Here is a detailed review of Pincode vs Instamart:


Table of Content


1. Pincode vs Instamart: About The Apps

Pincode by PhonePe

Pincode is a grocery delivery app launched by PhonePe, one of India's leading digital payment platforms. The app offers a wide range of products, including fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, packaged foods, personal care items, and more. Users can browse through various categories, add products to their cart, and place an order for home delivery within a specified time slot.


One of the key features of Pincode is its seamless integration with the PhonePe payment platform, allowing users to pay for their orders using their preferred payment method securely. The app also offers cashback and discount offers on select products, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious shoppers.


Instamart

Instamart, on the other hand, is a grocery delivery service operated by Reliance Retail, a major player in India's retail industry. The app offers a diverse selection of products, including fresh produce, groceries, household essentials, and even gourmet items sourced from trusted suppliers. Users can add items to their cart, choose a convenient delivery slot, and place an order for doorstep delivery.


Instamart boasts features such as express delivery within a few hours, a wide range of payment options, and a user-friendly interface that makes the shopping experience smooth and hassle-free. The app also offers competitive pricing and occasional promotions to attract and retain customers.


Here is a comparison of Pincode vs Instamart overview:

Pincode

Instamart

  • The Pincode app provides hyper-local delivery services.

  • Users can order products from nearby stores through the Pincode app.

  • It focuses on delivering convenience by catering to specific neighborhoods.

  • Pincode utilizes a network of local stores and delivery partners for efficient service.

  • The app aims to strengthen local economies while providing personalized and familiar shopping experiences for users.

  • Swiggy Instamart offers on-demand grocery delivery service.

  • Users can order essential household items and groceries conveniently through the Swiggy app or website.

  • Delivery is promised within minutes, ensuring quick access to necessities.

  • Leveraging Swiggy's delivery infrastructure, it provides reliable and timely service.

  • Swiggy Instamart caters to the growing demand for online grocery shopping, providing convenience and efficiency to users.


Swiggy Refer and Earn

2. Pincode vs Instamart: Delivery Systems

When it comes to delivery options, both Pincode and Instamart offer home delivery within specified time slots. Pincode typically offers next-day delivery options, allowing users to schedule their orders in advance. Instamart, on the other hand, provides express delivery within a few hours, making it a convenient option for last-minute shopping needs.


Here is a comparison of Pincode vs Instamart delivery systems:

Pincode

Instamart

Location picked:

Chandra Nagar, Basheer Bagh, Hyderabad

 

Delivery Time:

2 hours (estimated) Delivery timings: From 7am-1am Unique Feature: Shows the 'Top Stores' in your location

Location picked:

Chandra Nagar, Basheer Bagh, Hyderabad

Delivery Time:

24 minutes (estimated) Delivery timings: From 6am-3am Unique Feature: 'Instamart Lite' is a separate app by Swiggy Instamart which fulfills tobacco needs of users.

Pincode By PhonePe Refer and Earn

3. Pincode vs Instamart: Delivery locations

Both Pincode and Instamart provide services in major Indian cities. Instamart covers more areas throughout India and Pincode covers more areas within the cities. In both Instamart and Pincode app order tracking option is available.


Here is a comparison of Pincode vs Instamart delivery locations:

Pincode

Instamart

Delivers in 10 cities:

  1. Bangalore

  2. Mumbai

  3. Delhi

  4. Noida

  5. Gurugram

  6. Chennai

  7. Hyderabad

  8. Ahmedabad

  9. Pune

  10. Kolkata

Delivers in 26 cities:

  1. Ahmedabad

  2. Bangalore

  3. Central Goa

  4. Chandigarh

  5. Chennai

  6. Coimbatore

  7. Dehradun

  8. Delhi

  9. Faridabad

  10. Gurgaon

  11. Hyderabad

  12. Indore

  13. Jaipur

  14. Kochi

  15. Kolkata

  16. Lucknow

  17. Mumbai

  18. Mysore

  19. Noida

  20. Noida 1

  21. Pune

  22. Surat

  23. Thiruvananthapuram

  24. Vadodara

  25. Vijayawada

  26. Vizag

Swiggy Refer and Earn

4. Pincode vs Instamart: Available items

The Pincode app offers a curated selection of items primarily sourced from local stores within specific neighborhoods, ensuring a hyper-local shopping experience.


Swiggy Instamart boasts a diverse and extensive inventory of items available for purchase. The Swiggy Instamart Lite app even offers cigarettes, tobacco and other such essentials. Instamart seems to have wider range of products.


Here is a comparison of Pincode vs Instamart available items:

Pincode

Instamart

Categories: Grocery & Essentials Eggs, Meat & Fish Fruits & Vegetables Milk & Dairy Health & Wellness Pet Supplies ONDC Food

Categories: Fresh Vegetables Fresh Fruits Dairy, Bread and Eggs Rice, Atta and Dals Masalas and Dry Fruits Edible Oils and Ghee Munchies Sweet Tooth Cold Drinks and Juices Biscuits and Cakes Instant and Frozen Food Meat and Seafood Cereals and Breakfast Sauces and Spreads Tea, Coffee and More Cleaning Essentials Pharma and Hygiene Bath, Body and Hair Paan Corner Home Kitchen Office and Electricals Baby Care Pet Supplies Beauty and Grooming

Pincode By PhonePe Refer and Earn

5. Pincode vs Instamart: Prices

Pricing is a crucial factor for many consumers when choosing a grocery delivery service. Both Pincode and Instamart strive to offer competitive pricing on their products to attract and retain customers. Pincode occasionally runs cashback and discount offers on select items, allowing users to save money on their purchases.


Instamart also offers affordable pricing on most products, along with occasional promotions and deals to incentivize users to shop on the platform. Both apps provide transparent pricing, including delivery charges, so users can make informed decisions while placing their orders..


Here is a comparison of Pincode vs Instamart prices:

Pincode

Instamart

Item purchased: Nestle Milkmaid Sweetened Condensed Milk (380g) - Rs. 147 Bill Details: Item Total - Rs. 147 Delivery Charges - Rs. 15 Taxes - Rs. 0 Total - Rs. 162 Offer Applied: Up to Rs. 200 Cashback on PhonePe (on select stores)

Item purchased: Nestle Milkmaid Sweetened Condensed Milk (380g) - Rs. 147 Bill Details: MRP Total - Rs. 147 Handling Fee (incl GST) - Rs. 4 Delivery Partner Fee - Rs. 0 Total - Rs. 151 Offers Applied: Free Delivery (saved Rs. 30) Standard Delivery Fee: Rs. 30 on orders below Rs. 199 Rs. 16 on orders above Rs. 199

Swiggy Refer and Earn

6. Pincode vs Instamart: Payment Options

When it comes to payment options, both Pincode and Instamart offer a variety of choices to cater to different preferences. Pincode integrates with the PhonePe payment platform, allowing users to make secure transactions using UPI, debit/credit cards, wallets, and other methods. Instamart, on the other hand, accepts payments through various modes, including cash on delivery, cards, net banking, and more.


Here is a comparison of Pincode vs Instamart payment options:

Pincode

Instamart

Pay with UPI: PhonePe UPI payment Other Payment Options: BHIM UPI RuPay Visa MasterCard

Pay on Delivery:

Cash on Delivery UPI:

Gpay Cards:

Credit or Debit Cards

Wallets:

Paytm Payments Bank Wallet

Amazon Pay Balance

PhonePe

MobiKwik

Net Banking:  Top 43 banks in India More Payment Options: Pluxee Card Pay Later - Simpl CRED pay


7. Pincode vs Instamart: Discounts and Special Offers

Both the Pincode app and Swiggy Instamart may offer discounts and special offers to attract and retain customers. Promotions include pincode app cashback and pincode app referral code options. Similarly, Swiggy offers Instamart coupon.


Here is a comparison of Pincode vs Instamart discounts and special offers:

Pincode

Instamart

Special Offers:

  • Up to Rs. 200 Cashback daily

  • Earn Rs. 100 for every referral


Other Offers (free delivery):

  • 1/2kg Nagpur Oranges on orders above Rs. 299

  • Buy 1 get 1 cold-pressed groundnut oil

  • Buy 1 get 1 free on cow/buffalo ghee

Referral Program: Pincode app Refer and Earn

Special Offers:

  • Flat 50% off + free delivery upto Rs. 100 on orders above Rs. 149


Other Offers (for Occasions):

  • 'Splash Of Joy' - Holi essentials

  • 'The Ramadan Bazaar' - Iftar essentials

  • 'Power Up Your World' - up to 90% off on electronics

Referral Program: Instamart Refer and Earn

Pincode By PhonePe Refer and Earn

8. Pincode vs Instamart: Customer reviews

Customer reviews are generally positive for both apps. However, Instamart has a slight edge over Pincode grocery app as it is aasociated with Swiggy, an app that caters to consumers seeking speed and variety, making it an attractive option for those looking for a wide selection of items and quick delivery.


Here is a comparison of Pincode vs Instamart customer reviews:

Pincode

Instamart

Pros:

  • user friendly

  • safe payment transaction

  • fair prices

  • smooth delivery


Cons:

  • not getting deliveries on time

  • slow updates on availability of items

  • lack of customer support


Play Store reviews:

  • Customer reviews - Best

  • Ratings - 4.3 / 5 stars on Play Store

  • Downloads - 1M+

  • Total Reviews - 18K reviews

  • Link - Pincode App

Pros:

  • well organized in-app features

  • cares for delivery driver's safety

  • budget friendly

  • fast delivery


Cons:

  • cancellation fees charged

  • items missing

  • minor bugs in the app


Play Store reviews:

  • Customer reviews - Best

  • Ratings - 4.4 / 5 stars on Play Store

  • Downloads - 100M+

  • Total Reviews - 7.85M reviews

  • Link - Instamart app


9. Pincode vs Instamart: Cancellation and Return Policy

Pincode's policy on cancellation, return, and refunds may vary depending on the policies set forth by individual partner stores. Users are advised to review the terms and conditions provided by the specific store from which they made their purchase.


In contrast, Swiggy Instamart offers a more standardized approach to cancellation, return, and refund processes. Users can cancel their orders before they are processed through the app, and refunds for canceled orders are initiated automatically.

Pincode

Instamart

Cancellation:

Orders can be cancelled till before it is marked as 'Out for Delivery'.

Returns:

No returns or replacements once order has been placed and delivered.

Cancellation:

Only accepts cancellations if order as not been delivered in time or not been picked up by PDP.

Refunds:

Only if order has no been delivered for over two hours and either Seller or Swiggy cancels the order.

Swiggy Refer and Earn

10. Pincode vs Instamart: Restaurant Selection

When it comes to restaurant selection, the Pincode app and Swiggy Instamart offer different approaches tailored to user preferences. Pincode app curates a selection of local restaurants and eateries within specific neighborhoods, prioritizing support for local businesses and personalized dining experiences.


Here is a comparison of Pincode vs Instamart Restaurant Selection:

Pincode

Instamart

Dining options:

  • Select from quick bites, bakeries, cafés, fine dining restaurants, and more available in your vicinity.

  • Explore offerings from renowned chains like McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Barbeque Nation, Baskin Robbins, Empire, and over 5,000 other restaurants in Bangalore.


Dishes:

Indulge in a variety of favorites including Biryani, Pizza, Masala Dosa, Burgers, Lassi, Coffee, Gulab Jamun, and much more.

Renowned chains:

Uncover your preferred local restaurants along with popular chains such as Dominos, KFC, Burger King, Pizza Hut, FreshMenu, McDonald’s, Subway, Faasos, Cafe Coffee Day, Taco Bell, and more.

Diverse Cuisines and categories:

Extensive array of cuisines and categories including North Indian, Chinese, South Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, American, Healthy options, Street Food, Breakfast delights, Late Night Cravings, and more.



Conclusion

In conclusion, both Pincode and Instamart are reputable grocery delivery apps that offer convenient and affordable shopping solutions to consumers. The choice between the two ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.


If you prioritize quality, seamless payment options, and occasional cashback offers, Pincode by PhonePe may be the better option for you. The app's focus on essentials, along with its integration with the PhonePe platform, makes it a user-friendly choice for budget-conscious shoppers.


On the other hand, if you require a wider range of products, express delivery options, and competitive pricing, Instamart by Reliance Retail could be the ideal choice for you. The app's diverse selection, quick delivery service, and multiple payment options make it a preferred option for those seeking a comprehensive shopping experience.


In the end, both Pincode and Instamart have their strengths and weaknesses, and it's essential to consider your priorities while selecting the app that best fits your lifestyle and shopping preferences. Whether you opt for Pincode or Instamart, you can rest assured that you'll enjoy the convenience of doorstep grocery delivery and the satisfaction of having your everyday needs met with just a few taps on your smartphone.

 

FAQs on Pincode vs Instamart:


Q1. What is the pincode app?

Ans: Pincode is a grocery delivery app that has been developed by PhonePe. The PhonePe Pincode app offers delivery of food, grocery and other household supply items. Users can browse through a curated selection of items available from nearby stores, place orders through the app, and have their purchases delivered to their doorsteps in a timely manner.


Q2. How does the Pincode app work?

Ans: The Pincode grocery app allows users to order food or grocery items through their app. Users make their orders online and Pincode provides delivery in one day. The app coordinates with partnered stores to prepare and deliver orders via assigned delivery partners. Once delivered, users receive confirmation, simplifying the process of shopping for everyday essentials with convenience and timely delivery.


Q3. Which cities are using Swiggy Instamart?

Ans: Swiggy instamart is available in 26 major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata etc.


Q4. Is Instamart available in Delhi?

Ans: Yes, Instamart online is available in Delhi. It is popularly used for ordering food online.


Q5. Is Instamart owned by Swiggy?

Ans: Yes, Instamart is owned by Swiggy. If offers instant delivery of grocery by using the dark store business model. Swiggy introduced Instamart as part of its expansion into the grocery delivery space, offering users the convenience of ordering groceries and household essentials online and having them delivered quickly to their doorstep.

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