When I first learned of Instacart I knew I had to investigate further.
As a weekly grocery shopper, I understand the frustration of dealing with zombie-like people planting their cart where I need to go. I get it when I seen the eye-roll of the young man while he slaloms through the mothers and their noisy children.
I actually like grocery shopping. It’s “my” time. I get to the store early enough that I can sort through the items and read the ingredients without feeling rushed.
So, when I heard of Instacart and how I could be a Shopper I was more than intrigued. I wanted to find out more how I could grocery shop for others and make money doing it.
What is an Instacart Shopper?
Located in San Francisco, Instacart connects people with the need for groceries to personal shoppers who deliver the groceries to their door within a few hours. Using the website or mobile app, customers select groceries from a variety of stores and you, the Instacart Shopper, visits the grocery store, finds the requested items, and delivers them. You are assigned jobs via the Instacart app, which you can either accept or decline
Currently, Instacart Shoppers deliver in the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, Chicago, Boston, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and Los Angeles.
Drats ! I wish I lived in one of these areas. The good news, though, Instacart is a growing business so if it’s not available in your area be sure to check their site often.
The Pay and Work Schedule
Being a personal grocery shopper can earn you a nice chunk of cash. Even though it is a commission based job, the amount of the commission is dependent on many things including the number of items the customer orders.
So, how much can you get paid to grocery shop for others? Instacart claims you can make up to $25 per hour AND shoppers are often tipped when they make the delivery…which you keep 100% of. You’ll be paid weekly, via direct deposit. Hint: the best days to roll in the cash are Sunday’s and Monday’s
As far as your work schedule is concerned, just set your availability each week for days and times that fit your lifestyle. Simple as that. There are no required number of hours you must work, and you can deliver groceries between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and midnight.
How to Apply
According to Instacart:
To apply, you’ll need a valid driver’s license, a good driving record, and proof of auto insurance. You will also need a recent smartphone. Shoppers must be 21 years old, able to lift 25 lbs and be able to work during some nights and weekends.
The application asks for basic information, followed by a short online quiz to determine your ability to make correct shopping purchases. Shortly after completing the application and quiz, you can expect a telephone interview where more in-depth questions are asked, such as your work background and experience.
Prior customer service experience is a great skill to have as well as a comfortable attitude towards grocery shopping. The more shopping you have done – for family, roommates, groups of people – the better your chances of being approved as a shopper.
I believe there is a short training session that lasts about an hour and a half and includes online training as well as in-person training.
Apply to be an Instacart Shopper Here
I think Instacart is on to something great here. Many people who live in the cities don’t drive, or they live several flights up, so having a large order of groceries delivered to their door is like manna from heaven.