Thinking about starting a side-hustle and heard that Shipt pays people to deliver groceries? Since you already shop for groceries regularly without earning a dime, getting paid for it sounds like an amazing opportunity! Before jumping in, though, you’ll want to understand how the platform works, weigh the advantages and disadvantages, and explore whether better alternatives exist. This comprehensive Shipt Shopper review will walk you through everything you need to know.
What Is Shipt?
Shipt operates as a grocery delivery and pickup service accessible through both their website and mobile app. The platform currently serves over 50 million U.S. households across more than 270 metropolitan areas nationwide, with ongoing expansion plans.
Working as a Shipt shopper means accepting orders to shop for groceries, bag items, and deliver them to customers.
Becoming a Shipt shopper requires meeting these basic qualifications:
- Be 18+ years of age
- Have a valid U.S. driver’s license and auto insurance.
- Have a reliable vehicle (1997 or newer).
- Ability to lift 40 pounds.
- Have an up-to-par smartphone to download their app: iPhone (iOS 10 or newer) or Android (5.1 or newer) smartphone.
The signup process begins at the Shipt website by clicking “Get paid to shop,” followed by “Apply now” to complete the application. Alternatively, download their mobile app and tap “Apply Today” at the bottom—though this redirects you to their website for the actual application.
Following your application submission, Shipt conducts a brief video interview. Upon successful completion, you’ll receive a Shipt shirt and prepaid shopper card for purchases.
Shipt Shopper Pros
Understanding how to join Shipt is just the beginning—let’s explore the key advantages of becoming a Shipt shopper.
Complete Schedule Control
Like most delivery side-hustle apps, Shipt allows you complete control over your schedule, providing maximum flexibility for your time and lifestyle. For those seeking a side-hustle that works around their existing commitments, becoming a Shipt shopper delivers that convenience. You can also select specific location zones where you prefer to shop and deliver.
Strong Earning Potential
For a side-hustle, Shipt offers impressive compensation for grocery shopping services. According to Shipt’s website, shoppers typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour.
The payment structure remains transparent and simple: $5 base pay per order plus 7.5% commission on the total order value. Large, expensive orders naturally translate into higher payouts.
Shipt’s “promo” offers further boost earning potential by providing enhanced compensation for specific deliveries. Maximizing your income means accepting as many promo opportunities as possible.
Tips represent another significant income stream! Shipt’s customer base often includes disabled individuals, elderly customers, and busy parents who genuinely appreciate their shoppers’ service and reward them accordingly.
New shoppers start with a trial period allowing only one order per hour slot, but active shoppers eventually gain access to multiple simultaneous orders. This capability dramatically increases efficiency and earning potential!
Quick Payment Schedule
Rather than waiting for traditional bi-weekly paychecks, Shipt processes payments weekly every Friday. This accelerated payment schedule benefits anyone looking to access their earnings sooner.
Minimal Drive Time
A major advantage of Shipt shopping involves spending most of your working time actually shopping for groceries. Unlike platforms such as Uber or Postmates that require extensive driving, Shipt keeps your drive time minimal while allowing you to work within your preferred area. Reduced driving translates to lower gas expenses and less vehicle wear and tear.
Shipt Shopper Cons
Understanding the drawbacks alongside the benefits will help you make a well-informed decision about becoming a Shipt shopper.
No Instant Cash Out
Unlike competing delivery and driving platforms, Shipt lacks an “instant cashout” feature. While weekly payments beat bi-weekly schedules, many other apps allow immediate access to your earnings whenever needed.
App Communication Limitations
Although the application functions well overall, customer communication presents challenges. Most apps contain all interactions within their platform, but Shipt requires texting customers directly from your personal phone number when making substitutions. Privacy-conscious individuals may find this arrangement problematic.
More Complex Application Process
Shipt’s application process proves more involved than competing platforms. The mandatory video interview may discourage some applicants, making Shipt shopper approval more challenging compared to alternatives like Instacart.
Difficult Order Cancellation
Dropping deliveries with Shipt proves significantly more difficult than with other platforms. Rather than simply canceling orders for reassignment to other shoppers, the app requires contacting headquarters first. This restriction diminishes the convenience typically associated with side-hustle work.
Are There Apps Better Than Shipt?
For a superior alternative to Shipt, consider Instacart. Instacart typically offers higher compensation and includes mileage reimbursement, unlike Shipt. Additionally, Instacart provides instant payout options and displays tip amounts upfront. Shipt conceals tips until after order completion, making it harder to evaluate whether accepting specific orders makes financial sense.
Instacart also offers greater versatility than Shipt by providing two distinct positions: in-store shopper and full-service shopper. Those without vehicles can still earn money grocery shopping by choosing Instacart’s in-store shopper role.
Furthermore, Instacart handles all customer communications within their app, eliminating the need for personal phone contact.
While Instacart generally surpasses Shipt, both platforms offer solid earning opportunities. However, Instacart’s market saturation creates intense competition among shoppers for available orders. To maximize order availability, consider signing up for both platforms.
If grocery shopping doesn’t appeal to you, these food delivery and rideshare alternatives might be better fits:
Is Shipt Worth It?
Among the many easy side hustles available today, Shipt definitely qualifies as accessible and rewarding. While Shipt may not lead the grocery delivery market, working as a Shipt shopper can generate substantial supplemental income. The flexible scheduling proves particularly attractive, and the reduced vehicle wear compared to other delivery services adds appeal!
With large orders and generous tips, you can potentially earn up to $25 per hour!
Shipt becomes especially worthwhile when you consider earning money for an activity you already perform weekly or bi-weekly—grocery shopping.
Final Thoughts: Being A Shipt Shopper
Working as a Shipt shopper represents a legitimate side-hustle opportunity featuring competitive pay and flexible scheduling. It presents an excellent choice for individuals who enjoy grocery shopping and want to help their community while earning solid income.
However, privacy-conscious individuals who prefer avoiding personal phone contact with customers should consider Instacart instead. Instacart also becomes the better choice if instant cashout functionality is essential to your needs.
That said, working for both platforms simultaneously can increase order availability and provide greater flexibility in choosing which deliveries to accept based on compensation. Depending on your location, Shipt might actually stay busier than Instacart, making it worth trying as a Shipt shopper!
