Get Paid to Grocery Shop: Make Money as an Instacart Shopper

Have you been looking for a way to make some extra cash? Do you enjoy grocery shopping? If so, you should consider becoming an Instacart shopper. 

Instacart is a great option for anyone looking for a flexible job that lets them work their own schedule. Whether you’re looking for a full-time job or just a way to make some extra cash, Instacart offers opportunities for both. 

As an Instacart shopper, you can set your own schedule and work as much or as little as you want. Plus, the pay is competitive, and you can earn additional income through tips. 

And the best part about Instacart is that they don’t require any previous experience to become a shopper. So, this is great for anyone looking for an entry-level position. 

What is Instacart?

Instacart is an on-demand grocery delivery and pickup service that lets customers shop for groceries online from their favorite local stores and have them delivered to their doorstep by a personal shopper. 

The company partners with a variety of retailers, including national chains like Costco and Kroger, as well as local and regional stores, to provide a wide selection of products to customers. Customers can use the Instacart app or website to place orders, track their delivery, and communicate with their personal shoppers. 

Instacart shoppers receive the order, pick out the items in-store, and then deliver them to the customer’s designated location. The service is available in hundreds of cities across the United States and Canada.

How to Make Money With Instacart

Instacart offers two ways to make money as a shopper – either as an in-store shopper or a full-service shopper.

The main difference between an Instacart in-store shopper and a full-service shopper is the type of work they do.

An in-store shopper is responsible for selecting and bagging the groceries that customers have ordered through the Instacart app. In-store shoppers work exclusively in the store and do not make any deliveries.

On the other hand, a full-service shopper is responsible for both shopping for and delivering the customer’s groceries. Full-service shoppers use their own vehicles to deliver groceries to the customer’s doorstep.

Another key difference is how shoppers are paid. In-store shoppers are typically paid an hourly wage, while full-service shoppers are paid based on the number of orders they fulfill, the distance they travel to deliver the groceries, and any tips they receive from customers.

How Much Do Instacart Shoppers Make?

The exact amount of money you can make as an Instacart shopper depends on several factors, like your location, the number of hours you work, the type of shopper you are (in-store or full-service), and the number of orders you fulfill.

As an in-store shopper, you can expect to earn an hourly wage that varies based on your location but typically ranges from $15 to $20 per hour. 

As a full-service shopper, you can earn money based on the number of orders you fulfill, the distance you travel to deliver the groceries, and any tips you receive from customers. 

According to Instacart, full-service shoppers can earn up to $45 per hour during peak times, but the average pay is around $15-$25 per hour, depending on the location and the number of orders completed. Full-service shoppers also have the potential to earn additional income from bonuses and referral programs.

What are the Schedules?

Both in-store and full-service shoppers with Instacart are independent contractors and can work their own hours. As independent contractors, shoppers can set their own schedules and choose which hours they want to work. However, shoppers’ schedules can vary based on their availability and the demand for shopping and delivery services in their area. 

In-store shoppers typically work part-time schedules that range from 20 to 29 hours per week. These shoppers have the option to choose their own schedules but may have to work according to customer demand.

Full-service shoppers have more flexibility in their schedules because they can choose which orders to accept and when to work. They may work part-time or full-time hours and can choose to work during peak demand periods to maximize their earnings.

Instacart also offers “On-Demand” shopping opportunities, which allow shoppers to pick up orders as they become available without committing to a set schedule.

Generally, the schedules of Instacart shoppers can vary based on their preferences and the demand for shopping and delivery services in their area. Still, the platform offers various scheduling options to accommodate different lifestyles and work preferences.

Qualifications to Become and Instacart Shopper

In order to become an Instacart shopper, there are several qualifications and requirements that you’ll need to meet:

• Age: You must be at least 18 or older to become an Instacart shopper.
• Eligibility to work in the U.S.: You must be eligible to work in the United States and have proper work authorization documentation.
• Smartphone and access to the Instacart Shopper app: You must have a smartphone that’s compatible with the Instacart Shopper app, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy items: You need to be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds without assistance.
• Good communication and customer service skills: Instacart shoppers need to have good communication and customer service skills to interact with customers, store employees, and other Instacart shoppers.
• Clean criminal record: Instacart conducts background checks on all shoppers, and those with a criminal record may not be eligible to work for the platform.
• Reliable transportation: Full-service shoppers must have a reliable vehicle and valid driver’s license, while in-store shoppers do not need to have their own transportation.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for a full-time job or you just want a side hustle to earn some extra cash, Instacart provides an opportunity for you to earn money by shopping and delivering groceries for people in your community.

If Instacart sounds like something you’d be interested in, you can go here and read more about shopper opportunities with Instacart.