Bottom Line
Instacart shoppers help customers by buying groceries at local stores and delivering them to their doorstep.
Over the years, Instacart has grown due to its effectiveness and quality customer service.
It may not be the best side hustle out there, but it is an excellent way to make extra money for car fuel and maintenance expenses.
The Pros:
- It has partnered with various massive grocery stores chains
- Excellent customer service lines
- You can choose to work full time or part-time
The Cons:
- Unavailable in rural areas
- Instacart prices may be higher than those in stores
Since the start of the pandemic, there has been an increased use of delivery services as people spend more time indoors.
Door-to-door delivery services such as Instacart have grown in popularity providing excellent services and job opportunities to some people.
Like most services, Instacart has its wins and fails. This review will take an in-depth look into Instacart to help determine if it is worth it.
What Is Instacart?
It is a popular grocery delivery service that has partnered with various grocery stores to help get items directly to customers at home.
Instacart’s success relies on personal shoppers to fulfill and deliver orders.
The orders come in through the Instacart mobile app, available for both Android and iOS users.
Instacart is one of the most extensive services in North America, operating in metro areas in all 50 states.
Requirements To Work For Instacart
To start working for Instacart, you need to download the shopper app and enter your ZIP code to confirm whether there are in-store or full-service shopper openings in your area.
But what does this mean for you:
You will need to meet the following basic requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old and 21 years to deliver alcohol in some states
- Capable of lifting at least 30 pounds
- Have a working smartphone
- Have a checking or savings account to receive payment
- Pass a background check which may take up to 10 business days
How To Sign Up For Instacart?
Getting started on Instacart is a simple process you can easily manage in the following steps:
Step 1: Download The Shopper App
Instacart app, free for iOS and Android users, will ask for your basic information, including name, location, and authorization, for a background check.
After registering, you will need the app to set your availability, track your earnings, and communicate with Instacart’s customer care.
Step 2: In-Person Orientation
All in-store shoppers are expected to choose a session for an in-person orientation on the app. It is a mandatory part of the onboarding process.
Step 3: Fill Out The Paperwork
Independent contractors need to sign a contract agreement and a W-9 tax form while part-time employees sign an offer letter and a W-4 tax form.
Step 4: Payment Details
When checking out a customer’s order, shoppers use a preloaded payment card provided by Instacart.
It works like this:
For new shoppers, the card arrives within 5 to 7 business days after your approval.
Instacart Store Partners
Instacart has partnered with over 300 retailers in different locations to make shopping and payments easy.
Some of the most popular grocers include:
- Kroger
- Costco
- Publix
- Wegmans
- Aldi
Pharmacies include:
- CVS
Retailers include:
- Best Buy
- Bed, Bath and Beyond
- Petco
How Much Do Instacart Shoppers Make?
The amount you can earn on Instacart depends on whether you are an in-store or full-service shopper.
1. Full-Service Instacart Shopper
A full-service Instacart shopper is an independent contractor who shops for and delivers groceries to customers.
The role is available wherever Instacart operates, and you can work whenever it is convenient.
The pay depends on the order with a guarantee of earning at least $5 for a delivery-only batch and $7 to $10 for a full service.
And the good news?
A full-service Instacart shopper can also earn some extra money through tips when making deliveries.
2. In-Store Shopper
They are part-time Instacart employees who only shop in the store without making deliveries.
They work at least 15 to 20 hours every week, including Mondays and Sundays.
The position for temporary in-store shoppers is available in many states to help meet the increasing demand. It lasts for a maximum of 90 days.
In-store shoppers earn a fixed hourly rate that varies from one location to another.
How Do Instacart Shoppers Get Paid?
Instacart makes payments to in-store and full-service shoppers every week through a direct deposit to a savings or checking account.
But wait, let me tell you something:
Full-service shoppers can also enjoy Instant Cashout, an immediate transfer to your debit card.
The Instant Cashout feature becomes available after completing five batches.
Who Can Benefit From Instacart?
Instacart is meant to help both shoppers and customers get a certain fulfilment.
It is an excellent way for people looking to make some extra money during their spare time.
The following are people who find Instacart valuable and worth using:
1. Busy People
Some people who work from home or go to the office every day may be too busy to find time to do their grocery shopping.
Instacart allows you to focus on your business and other duties by ensuring you get your shopping on time. Instacart also allows same-day delivery for urgent orders.
2. People With Certain Health Conditions
People with chronic fatigue, mobility impairments, and other health issues greatly benefit from home delivery services.
3. People Concerned About Infectious Diseases
After the recent pandemic, it is not a surprise for people to stay at home to avoid exposure to the virus.
Grocery delivery services eliminate physical visits to stores making shopping safer even for those who shop individually.
4. People Trying To Avoid Impulse Buying
Making online orders helps get rid of the temptations to shop for items you don’t necessarily need.
Instacart vs. Shipt
Conclusion
If Instacart is available and popular in your area, it is a great way to use your spare time profitably.
If you meet the minimum requirements, the app is pretty straightforward to use, and you can start making money as soon as Instacart approves you.
