If grocery shopping is something you enjoy, you might be wondering whether diving into Instacart makes sense. The idea of earning money while doing what you already do daily sounds appealing. Even better is the chance to grocery shop on your schedule while generating income. But you’re probably asking yourself: what are the real pros and cons of Instacart? Is the opportunity truly worthwhile? This comprehensive Instacart review will walk you through everything you need to know, so keep reading.
What Is Instacart?
Instacart delivers grocery and pick-up services through its website and mobile platform. Operating across all 50 U.S. states and 5,500 cities throughout the U.S. and Canada, they partner with over 350 retailers spanning more than 25,000 grocery stores.
Working as an Instacart shopper means handpicking food and household items for customers who place orders through the app, then delivering those products directly to their doorstep.
To check if delivery is available in your area, click here.
Becoming an Instacart shopper requires meeting these basic requirements:
- Must be 18 years or older and legally authorized to work in your local market.
- Own a reliable smartphone with service to download and operate the Instacart app.
- Capable of lifting 30-40 lbs.
- Successfully pass a background check
- Maintain a checking or savings account for direct deposit payments
Full-service shoppers must also satisfy these additional requirements:
- Possess a valid driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance coverage.
- Own thermal-insulated bags that seal completely and accommodate three standard-sized paper grocery bags. These bags must be free from harmful chemicals. Instacart offers pre-approved options at $26.99 for four bags, though you can substitute with a cooler.
To get started, head to the Instacart website and select “Become a Shopper.” Alternatively, download the mobile app and tap “Sign Up.” From there, you’ll create your free account and verify your identity.
In-store shoppers must complete an in-person orientation session.
Every Instacart shopper receives a prepaid card for checkout transactions.
How To Earn Money With Instacart
Instacart offers two distinct earning opportunities. Let’s explore both options to help you determine which approach suits your situation better.
1. In-Store Shopper
In-store shoppers don’t need vehicles for grocery delivery. Instead, you receive orders through the app, select items, and bag them for pickup. An Instacart delivery driver then handles the customer delivery portion.
This position classifies you as a part-time employee with a 29-hour weekly maximum. In-store shoppers receive benefits including 401K access, though weekly hours aren’t guaranteed and fluctuate based on shopper demand.
In-store shoppers earn a fixed hourly rate that varies by location. Glassdoor reports an average of $13/hr for In-Store Shoppers, with a range spanning $7-$21.
2. Full Service-Shopper
Full-service shoppers handle the complete process: receiving orders, shopping, bagging, and delivering to customers within specified timeframes. Occasionally, you might receive delivery-only assignments. This role operates as an independent contractor position without work-related benefits.
Compensation includes per-item and per-order commissions for each delivery, plus additional pay for trips exceeding 14 miles. While rates vary by location, earnings typically range from $3-$25 hourly, with potential spikes to $35+ depending on order size and location.
The Advantages Of Being An Instacart Shopper
Here are the primary benefits of working as an Instacart shopper.
Schedule Flexibility
Instacart shoppers enjoy the freedom to set their own schedules. Even in-store shoppers receive weekly hour assignments through the app, which they can accept or decline while adding extra shifts as desired.
Multiple Work Options
Instacart’s dual work structure makes it more versatile than apps focused solely on food delivery. Working without a car is possible as an in-store shopper, making Instacart accessible to a broader audience. If you can walk to a participating local grocery store, you can become an Instacart shopper!
Strong Earning Potential
Location-dependent earnings with Instacart can be substantial. Even in-store shoppers often earn above their area’s minimum wage!
Full-service shoppers have exceptional earning potential with large orders containing many items. Per-item payment means that even with a $9 base delivery fee, handling 60 items at $0.40 each adds an extra $24—and that’s before tips!
Instacart customers typically tip generously because they understand quality grocery shopping demands attention to detail: brand specifications, allergy requirements (like gluten-free options), selecting quality produce, and proper weighing. This time-intensive work earns appreciation from customers who prefer avoiding these tasks themselves, resulting in generous tips for Instacart shoppers.
While not universal, generous tips in certain areas can comprise half your total income!
Fast Payment
Instacart pays faster than traditional 9-5 jobs, with weekly direct deposits for both in-store and full-service shoppers.
Full-service shoppers can access “Instant Cashout” after completing five batches, allowing up to five daily withdrawals (minimum $5 required). Tips aren’t eligible for instant cashout, and each transaction carries a $0.50 fee.
User-Friendly App
The Instacart shopper app features intuitive design and clean aesthetics. Built-in mapping makes navigation to destinations seamless.
Instacart’s app-based communication system eliminates traditional boss reporting, reducing stress—especially when you need time off.
The app tracks performance and provides improvement suggestions for in-store shoppers while managing hour assignments.
Reduced Drive Time
Unlike Uber, Instacart typically doesn’t require long-distance travel from your home base. Both shopper types spend most of their time on actual grocery shopping tasks.
While full-service shoppers handle deliveries, you’ll generally stay within your local area. This means less driving time and reduced vehicle wear compared to other delivery apps requiring extensive travel.
The Drawbacks Of Being An Instacart Shopper
Here are the main disadvantages of working as an Instacart shopper.
Limited Hour Availability
Oversaturated markets make securing initial hours challenging.
This challenge particularly affects full-service shoppers. While schedule flexibility exists, it’s meaningless without available hours. New shoppers often must monitor the app constantly to catch available scheduling opportunities.
Achieving “early access” status provides scheduling priority, allowing you to book preferred times and locations.
Early access requires completing 90 hours across three weeks or 25 hours over three weekends. Maintaining this status demands consistent minimum hour fulfillment.
Low-Paying Delivery-Only Orders
Full-service shoppers occasionally receive delivery-only assignments that pay significantly less. Without generous tips, these orders can feel like wasted time, vehicle wear, and gas expenses.
Greater Complexity Than Other Delivery Apps
Instacart differs from other food delivery services because it requires actual grocery shopping, demanding greater attention to detail. You must select correct items matching customer preferences, and when preferred brands/products aren’t available, you need customer approval for substitutions.
Produce weighing adds another complexity layer. Since Instacart charges by weight, finding a 15-pound watermelon might require multiple trips to the scale for accuracy.
This additional grocery shopping complexity exceeds the simplicity of Postmates’ grab-and-deliver model or Uber’s passenger pickup-and-dropoff system.
Are There Alternative Apps Like Instacart?
For an Instacart-similar experience, consider Shipt. However, Instacart typically offers superior pay in the grocery delivery sector. Still, Shipt might be worth exploring since it dominates certain markets over Instacart.
If you prefer other delivery/driving apps without the shopping component, consider these alternatives:
Despite alternatives, Instacart remains competitive in compensation. For maximum earning potential and consistent work availability, consider working across multiple platforms.
Is Working As An Instacart Shopper Worth It?
Instacart proves worthwhile as an excellent side-hustle offering flexible scheduling. Achieving early access provides even greater hour flexibility, while certain areas offer impressive pay rates for gig work.
With generous tips and large orders, some areas offer $35+ hourly earnings! The reduced driving requirement compared to other delivery/driving apps adds appeal.
Unless watermelon weighing sounds unbearable, Instacart deserves your consideration!
Final Thoughts: Working As An Instacart Shopper
Instacart leads the grocery delivery app market with competitive pay and flexible scheduling. Remember that compensation varies by location, but being an Instacart Shopper remains excellent for anyone seeking extra income on their own terms.
Car ownership isn’t required, providing more options. You can work as either a part-time employee or independent contractor, giving you control over taxation and benefit preferences.
Now get out there and start earning money while grocery shopping!
