[2023] How to Make Money on Instacart: A Review

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Depending on who you ask, grocery shopping is either an enjoyable chore or one to be dreaded. I fall into the latter group.

Thankfully, with the advent of the gig economy and the popularization of delivery services, Americans no longer have to run these errands if they don’t want to. Apps like Instacart can pair shoppers with those who want their errands done for them.

But for those looking for ancillary ways to increase their income, joining Instacart can be an excellent way to do so. Here is how you can make real money grocery shopping through Instacart.

How I learned about Instacart

I remember the first time I used Instacart as a buyer. I was in Florida on vacation, without a rental car to just drive to the local Publix. But since I wanted a few snacks and some produce on hand, I decided to place an order.

I was shocked by how easy and convenient the process was, so I decided to do some more research. And what I found in Instacart was a business model that provided affordable grocery delivery, while at the same time providing a great opportunity for freelancers to make good money!

Register to work for Instacart

Curiosity took over, so I tried to learn as much as I could about the company. And I quickly discovered that signing up to shop and deliver for Instacart was easier than I expected, though there are a few eligibility requirements you should be prepared to meet.

First, the registration process. It is a basic 5-step process:

Start by downloading the app: It is available through both the Apple App Store and Android’s Google Play and may require you to update your smartphone’s software.

Complete an orientation (maybe): Those registering to work as actual in-store shoppers may need to complete an in-person orientation session. You’ll see options available in your area through the Instacart Shopper app.

Complete the required paperwork: Before you can actually start working, there are some required documents that you’ll need to complete. Among these are your form I-9, which essentially proves that you are eligible to hold employment in the United States. You’ll also have tax paperwork to complete.

Load prepaid card: Once you are approved as a shopper, Instacart will send you a prepaid card that you’ll use to check out wherever you shop.

Start to work: You’ll then be ready to work!

You may opt to work as a full-service shopper (somebody that will both shop for and delivery groceries) or as an in-store shopper that hands off the delivery to be completed by another Instacart worker.

Instacart full-service vs. in-store shoppers

You’ll want to be aware of the differences between full-service and in-store shoppers before you sign up to work for Instacart. Let’s analyze the differences, starting with in-store shoppers.

Instacart in-store shoppers are actually employed by the company, and they:

Work solely in stores completing shopping orders
Work assigned shifts of up to 29 hours per week

Full-service shoppers, on the other hand, are independent contractors rather than employees on the payroll. They also complete orders and:

Are eligible to earn customer tips
Make their own schedules (rather than assigned shifts)

Personally, I’m a fan of becoming a full-service shopper because of the potential to earn customer tips.

Instacart eligibility requirements

I mentioned that you’ll need to fulfill a number of basic eligibility requirements in order to use Instacart as your side hustle. Among them are:

You must be at least 18 years old (unless delivering alcohol, in which case you may need to be at least 21
Passing a background check for safety
Have a bank account to receive your weekly earnings via direct deposit
Being able to lift up to 40 pounds at a time if needed

If you’re looking to be a full-service shopper (meaning that you’ll both do the shopping and complete the delivery), you’ll also need to have a driver’s license, a vehicle to drive, and auto insurance that meets all state requirements where you live.

How much money do Instacart shoppers make?

The amount of money you’re able to make through the platform depends on a number of factors, mainly:

Whether you are a full-service shopper or in-store only
How many hours you work per week
Whether or not you earn tips

1. Full-service vs. in-store shopping

I’ve already mentioned that full-service shoppers have the potential to earn and keep customer tips. And while this can make a difference, you’ll want to keep in mind that full-service shopping is more complicated logistically.

You’ll need to drive and locate your customers’ homes, unload bags, and do so in both a time and money conscious way.

2. Hours worked per week

Of course, the amount of money you’ll make will be partly dictated by the hours you are willing to work. Of course, full-service shoppers will also want to work when the platform is busy.

Instacart orders are placed seven days a week, but the following times are some of the busiest dates/times of the week:

4 – 9 PM on weekdays, after most people get home from work and realize that they need groceries, forgot items, etc.
Anytime between 9 AM – 6 PM on Saturday and Sunday

3. Whether you earn tips

If you decide to work as a full-service shopper, you’ll want to go above and beyond to provide a good customer experience. Focus on all the little things, like communicating with your customers as to when they can expect their order.

Be proactive, communicate well, and take care with any breakable or fragile items in the delivery.

If you do all of these things and focus on the customer, you’ll have the opportunity to earn plenty of tips.

In general, though, Instacart shoppers can expect to make between $10 and $25 per hour. In fact, the company has minimum pay standards in place. These are set at $5 for deliveries and $7-$10 for full-service jobs.

In-store shoppers are paid an hourly rate that averages about $18 per hour.

Is Instacart the right side hustle for you?

My readers oftentimes ask whether Instacart is a good side hustle. It absolutely can be, but it depends largely on the person. In my experience, shopping for Instacart can be a great side hustle for those willing to work a fast-paced second job.

The money you make will be dependent on the number of orders that you fill, so time is money.

Working as an Instacart shopper may also be right for those:

That like to hustle
That like to grocery shop
That love the idea of flexible hours and making their own schedule

Pros of working for Instacart

Shopping and/or delivering groceries for Instacart has some distinct advantages for sure.

Among my favorite perks are the special benefits offered to shoppers, including:

Discounted tickets to movies, concerts, theme parks, and more!
Travel discounts, including flights, cruises, and hotels
Discounted rates on auto insurance, financing, and repairs
And more!

There are more perks too, like being able to work when you want to!

Get paid to grocery shop

Of course, Instacart is not the only app that you may use in order to make money grocery shopping for others. In fact, you may consider a host of other sites and mobile apps, including:

goPuff
FreshDirect
Shipt

Most of these other companies are more regional than Instacart is, meaning that some or all of their competitors may be unavailable in your area.

But all could be worth a try as you try to make a few extra dollars.

Instacart frequently asked questions

I know you likely still have questions, so here are some of the most frequent questions I’m asked about shopping for Instacart.

1. How much can I make on Instacart in one day?

If you’re able to earn the average of about $15 per hour, you may be able to earn $100 a day or more depending on your hustle, customer tips, and how many orders you are able to complete.

Generally, though, most shoppers will only work a few hours at a time due to the repetitiveness of the work. I recommend that you start another side hustle in conjunction with working for Instacart to help mix things up.

2. How do I apply to work for Instacart?

Applying to be a grocery shopper is really easy to do. You can start the process here, and then can complete all the required steps after you create a profile in the app.

Then, once your account is approved, you can start shopping.

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