Q: What were the Instacart AI price tests and why did Instacart stop them? A: The tests used Instacart’s Eversight AI to run item-level price experiments that could show different prices for the same product to different shoppers, and Instacart said it has ended those tests effective immediately. Instacart AI price tests explained: the decision followed public criticism and reported regulatory inquiries after consumer groups found some shoppers paid as much as 23% more and an average 7% variance across 437 shoppers. Q: Who controlled prices on Instacart during these tests? A: Retailers who sell products on the platform control their own pricing, not Instacart, and the company said it worked with retailers to align online and in-store pricing “wherever possible.” Ending the Eversight tests means retailers can no longer run those item-level experiments on Instacart, but they will still set the prices customers see. Q: How large were the price differences found by consumer groups? A: Consumer groups reported examples where some customers were charged as much as 23% more than others for the same item at the same store, and they found an average price difference of 7% across a sample of 437 shoppers in four cities. Those findings were published in a report released on Dec. 9 that prompted scrutiny of the tests. Q: Did federal regulators respond to the report on the price tests? A: Shortly after the report was released, the Federal Trade Commission reportedly sent Instacart a civil investigative demand seeking more information about the Eversight tool, and the agency said it was disturbed by press reports while declining to comment on ongoing inquiries. The FTC had also announced that Instacart would pay $60 million to settle a separate lawsuit alleging deceptive tactics, a settlement in which Instacart did not admit or deny the allegations. Q: Does ending Eversight price tests mean Instacart prices will now match in-store prices? A: Not necessarily; Instacart said it will no longer allow retailers to use Eversight for item-level price testing, but retailers still set their own prices on the platform, so online and in-store prices may not always match. Sales, stock levels, store strategies and service or delivery fees can still cause price differences. Q: What practical steps can shoppers take to avoid paying more on Instacart? A: Compare items and prices with the store’s own app or website, link your loyalty account and apply coupons when possible, and review the service, delivery and other fees before checking out. Instacart AI price tests explained in the article’s checklist also recommends setting “no substitutions” or choosing exact substitutes, screenshotting cart totals and promo details, and checking the final receipt to request fixes if needed. Q: What should I do if my Instacart receipt shows unexpected price changes? A: Compare the order estimate to the final receipt and note any price changes, replacements or weight-based differences, keeping screenshots and your order number as evidence. Contact Instacart support or the retailer promptly to request a review or correction, as the article advises saving documentation and reporting large unexplained differences. Q: Will retailers still use AI or data to set prices elsewhere now that Instacart paused item-level tests? A: Yes; the article notes Instacart paused item-level tests run through its platform, but retailers may continue to use data and AI on their own websites or in stores. The piece suggests shoppers should watch for greater transparency going forward, such as clearer price labels, better fee breakdowns before checkout and simpler refund paths if things go wrong.