Instcart Shopper Review 2023: Is Instacart Worth It?

Instacart is a leading grocery delivery service that allows customers to order groceries from their favorite stores and have them delivered to their doorstep.

However, many people are also turning to Instacart to earn extra income as shoppers in gig economy jobs.

Working for Instacart is an enticing option for those looking for flexible work hours and the opportunity to work independently.

The real question is, “Is Instacart worth it?”

In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about working for Instacart, including the expected pay, work hours, ways to get paid, and how to make more money.

Instacart Shopper Key Takeaways

Here’s a quick rundown on working for Instacart:

Instacart offers a flexible schedule, allowing shoppers to choose their own hours and work as much or as little as they want
You don’t buy the groceries for others- Instacart provides you with a card to pay.
Instacart offers shoppers an average hourly pay of $13 – $22, depending on which job you have and where you work.
Instacart hires two types of shoppers: full-service shoppers and in-store shoppers.
Full-service shoppers are responsible for shopping and delivering groceries to customers.
In-store shoppers only shop for the customers, and then the customer picks up the order.
Full-service shoppers are considered independent contractors, while shoppers working in-store are considered part-time employees and receive benefits such as paid time off and 401(k) options.

Is Instacart Worth It?

Ultimately, the answer to “Is Instacart worth it?” depends on your financial needs and goals.

If you’re looking for a flexible side hustle with the potential to earn additional income, Instacart could be a great option.

But if you don’t have a car, hate grocery shopping, or want to earn $50+ an hour, you may want to consider other side hustles or a new career.

To me, this side hustle is an easy pick that can fit into your lifestyle and gives you an easy way to make money around your regular job.

If you’re willing to put in the effort, there is potential to earn extra money through tips and large batches.

Instacart Shoppers

Types of Shoppers

There are two main types of Instacart shoppers: Full-Service Shopper and In-store Shoppers.

Each role has its own responsibilities, but both are essential for the smooth functioning of Instacart’s grocery delivery services.

Let’s talk about how they work:

Full-Service Shopper

A Full-Service Shopper is an independent contractor with the dual role of a personal shopper and a delivery driver. 

These shoppers shop and purchase the items in a customer’s order from their chosen grocery store, ensuring that they pick what’s on the list and get everything that’s readily available.

Once the shopping is complete, Full Service Shoppers also handle the delivery.

You’ll carefully pack and transport the groceries to the customer’s doorstep within a designated delivery window. 

In-store Shopper

In-store Shoppers are part-time Instacart employees who work exclusively at specific grocery stores.

Their primary responsibility is to pick and pack groceries for customers who have placed orders through the Instacart website or app.

In-store Shoppers earn an hourly wage, and their schedules are more structured than Full Service Shoppers.  

Expected Pay

The average hourly Instacart pay for shoppers varies depending on location, demand, and delivery fee.

Indeed reports that full-service shoppers earn an average of $21.21, and in-store shoppers earn $13.42 per hour.

Full-Service Shoppers can expect to earn more due to the added responsibility of delivering groceries.

Still, their income may also fluctuate based on factors like peak pay, order volume, and fees.

Work Hours

As an Instacart Full Service Shopper, you can set your weekly work schedule.

The shifts available to shoppers are on a first-come, first-served basis, and workers can choose more than one shift at a time.

As you gain more experience as a shopper, you can get “early access” to the next week’s schedule, allowing you to secure your desired delivery time slots.

Instacart offers an “on-demand” option, allowing part-time shoppers to claim batches in real-time, even when they’re not officially on the clock.

Ways To Get Paid

Instacart pays its shoppers weekly, ensuring a regular income flow for their shoppers. 

Here’s a breakdown of how Instacart shoppers can get paid to help you decide is Instacart worth it:

Full-Service Shopper Pay

To help shoppers track their potential income, Instacart offers an overview of estimated earnings for each order and a weekly summary. 

The amount earned per order is influenced by factors like the total number of items, the delivery distance, and the effort involved in shopping and delivering the groceries.

So small batches could be $5 for a few items and then delivery down the street since it’s quick and easy. when they apply

Full-Service Shoppers also keep 100% of their customer tips, which can significantly enhance their overall earnings.

In-store Shopper Pay

In-store shoppers earn a fixed hourly wage, outlined in their initial offer letter when they apply for the job.

These shoppers work scheduled shifts based on their personal availability, with a maximum of 29 hours per week.

It provides a more stable income than the Full Service Shoppers’ variable pay.

Referral Bonuses 

Another income-boosting opportunity for Instacart shoppers is the referral program. Shoppers can earn extra money in certain locations by referring friends to shop with Instacart. 

The person who makes the referral and the new shopper may be eligible for rewards through this program. 

To qualify, the referred shopper must complete a specific number of batches within a designated time frame.

How To Make More Money

Instacart pays competitively, but there are ways to boost your income and maximize your time spent shopping and delivering groceries.

Here are the best ways we found to make more money as an Instacart shopper:

Learn the store layout:  Knowing where the products are will help you shop more quickly and get orders complete faster. Download store apps to search for stuff or get familiar with the store ahead of time.
Master the shopping list: Look at the entire batch order on the Instacart app before you start shopping so you can plan your route through the store to save time and boost your efficiency as a shopper.
Use your phone alarm to schedule strategically: Set reminders on your phone to claim high-demand work hours and get the best first come, first served hours.
Optimize customer communication: Use the Instacart app’s messaging feature to contact customers about substitutions or special requests.

Shopper Requirements

Before applying for a gig as an Instacart shopper, you want to make sure you understand the Instacart Shopper requirements for shoppers:

Here are the requirements for both shoppers:

Full-Service Shopper Requirements

To become a successful Full-Service Shopper, you must meet a few basic requirements.

These include:

Be at least 18 years old
Eligible to work in the United States
Access to a vehicle (with insurance and registration)
Access to a smartphone (iPhone 6s / Android 5.0 or newer)
Capability to lift 50 lbs with or without accommodation

By meeting these requirements, you can take advantage of flexible work hours and earn money while helping others with their grocery shopping needs.

In-store Shopper Requirements

As an In-store Shopper, your main task will be to shop for groceries and get them ready for customers or drivers to pick up.

You’ll need to meet a few basic requirements:

Be at least 18 years old
Eligible to work in the United States
Access to a smartphone (iPhone 6s / Android 5.0 or newer)
Be able to lift 50 lbs with or without accommodation

How To Become an Instacart Shopper

1. Click The Link

You can sign up with Instacart here and start filling out your information.

Enter your zip code and provide your name, email address, and cell phone number.

After you’ve been accepted to be an Instacart Shopper, you’ll receive a link to download the Instacart app for shoppers.

2. Enter Your Deets

After installing the app, you’ll be prompted to enter some important personal details.

You need your driver’s license ID number, Social Security number, and bank direct deposit information (so you get paid!).

You’ll also need to consent to a background check—a standard procedure for most gig economy jobs.

3. Get Approved

Once you’ve submitted all the required information, Instacart reviews your application.

The approval process typically takes around 5-10 business days.

After being approved, you’ll need to complete an online onboarding process, which guides you through accepting orders, shopping, and using the app effectively. 

4. Make Your Account

After your approval, it’s time to set up your Instacart shopper account.

You’ll learn more about the shopping process and get familiar with the app’s features.

Instacart will mail you a payment card to pay for groceries, ensuring you won’t need to use your personal credit or debit card.

5. Start Accepting Jobs

Once your account is set up and you’ve received your payment card, you can start accepting jobs.

Keep an eye on the app for available orders in the Instacart shopper app. Choose the ones that suit you best, and follow the customer’s instructions for shopping and delivery.

Open the Instacart Shopper app to receive notifications about available batches of Instacart work.

The notification will give you important information about the order, such as:

A map indicating your current location and the delivery address for the Instacart orders
An estimate of your earnings for the order, including digital tips (excluding potential cash tips)
The total number of items in the order
The overall driving distance for the delivery
Any requirements for heavy lifting in the order

You have four minutes to accept an order, during which the app will continuously send reminders.

You can decide whether to accept or ignore the order, but remember that rejecting too many batches may lead to penalties.

Pros & Cons Of Working For Instacart

Pros

Flexible work-life balance
No minimum hours required
Quick payment processing
Work and walk at the same time
Work or quit when you want

Cons

No gas reimbursement for drivers
No guaranteed orders are available- gig economy work comes and goes
May need extra automotive insurance

Other Food Delivery Services

If you’re considering shopping for groceries and delivering orders, you may be interested in other food delivery services!

Here are the best food delivery services to work for:

DoorDash

DoorDash is another popular food delivery service that offers an easy way for customers to deliver people’s meals right to their doorsteps. 

As a DoorDash delivery driver, or “Dasher,” you can enjoy the flexibility of choosing your work hours and earn an hourly rate and tips on your orders. 

The company has also established partnerships with numerous local stores and restaurants, increasing the variety of orders available to Dashers.

Postmates

Postmates is a well-known delivery option that caters to a wide range of needs, including food, grocery pickup, and other retail items. 

As a Postmates driver, you’ll have the opportunity to earn money by delivering goods to customers from various businesses. 

The flexibility of working hours and the variety of delivery options make Postmates a good choice for those looking to work in the gig economy. 

Uber Eats

Uber Eats is a great service backed by the renowned rideshare company Uber.

This platform allows customers to order meals from their favorite restaurants and have them delivered right to their doors. 

As an Uber Eats driver, you can take advantage of the flexibility of choosing your working hours, much like with other gig economy jobs.

Grubhub

Grubhub is a well-established food delivery gig that connects customers with their favorite local restaurants.

As a Grubhub driver, you can enjoy the benefits of flexible working hours and the freedom to choose your delivery area. 

They also offer competitive earnings potential and a large network of restaurant partners, providing drivers ample opportunities to earn money and explore their local communities.

FAQS On Working For Instacart

Do Instcart Shoppers make good money?

Income can vary daily with any gig economy job, but many shoppers find that Instacart pays competitively compared to similar delivery jobs.

Instacart Shoppers have the potential to make a decent income ranging from $13 – $22, but your pay will depend on factors like location, demand, and your efficiency.

Full-service shoppers earn a per-order payment and can receive tips, while an in-store shopper receives an hourly wage.

Why do people become Instcart Shoppers?

Many people become Instacart Shoppers to earn extra income.

Whether you’re looking to supplement your existing job or make extra money, Instacart provides an easy and convenient way to earn money without a long-term commitment.

As a shopper, you can choose your own schedule and work as much or as little as you want, making it an ideal option for stay-at-home moms or college students.

And for some people, shopping is a fun and enjoyable activity, and becoming an Instacart Shopper allows them to turn their shopping into a paid job.

What are the downsides of working for Instcart?

Working for Instacart has some downsides, such as vehicle expenses like fuel costs and potential wear and tear on your car.

Additionally, depending on your insurance policy, you may need additional coverage to protect yourself and your vehicle while working for Instacart.

Another potential downside is the lack of guaranteed orders, as Instacart is a gig economy platform.

Finally, since Instacart shoppers are considered independent contractors, they do not receive health insurance or paid time off benefits.

Is working for Instcart better than DoorDash?

Whether working for Instacart is better than DoorDash depends on individual preferences and circumstances.

Both platforms offer flexible hours and the opportunity to earn extra income.

However, Instacart focuses on grocery shopping and delivery, while DoorDash specializes in restaurant food delivery.

Some people may prefer the nature of Instacart’s work, while others might enjoy the faster-paced environment of DoorDash.

BONUS: Instacart For Users

How Much Instacart Costs

Instacart can be a convenient and time-saving way to get your groceries delivered to your doorstep.

In addition to the delivery fee and the cost of groceries, there may be a service fee and other fees you’ll need to pay, depending on the store and the type of order you’re placing.

Let’s take a closer look at what Instacart service fee may be applied to your order:

Delivery Fees

If you’re new to Instacart, you’re in luck – your first delivery is free!

After that, the delivery cost depends on whether you’re an Instacart Express member.

Those who sign up for Instacart Express will get free delivery on orders over $35.

But even if you’re not an Express member, you get same-day delivery for orders over $35 starting at $3.99.

Instacart Express Cost (Now Instcart Plus)

To reduce fees and delivery costs, you might want to consider signing up for Instacart Plus (formerly Instacart Express).

It’s a membership program that offers a variety of benefits that can help you save time and money.

The Instacart cost is $99 per year or $9.99 per month and includes unlimited free delivery on orders of $35 or more (per retailer), lower fees, and other exclusive benefits.

Other Fees

In addition to delivery and service fees, other charges may be associated with using Instacart, such as separate fees for alcohol delivery, store fees, and processing fees for debit or credit card payments.

Tipping Costs

Tipping is strongly encouraged on Instacart, as it’s a way to show appreciation for your shopper’s hard work and efficiency. 

While the recommended tip is usually $5 or 20% of the total bill (whichever is higher), we encourage you to consider tipping more if you can afford it, especially during these challenging times. 

Remember, many people rely on Instacart as a source of income, so your generosity can go a long way in supporting them.

So the next time you order on Instacart, remember to show your shopper some love with a tip! 

Pros & Cons For Users

Pros

Convenient shopping without leaving home
Same-day delivery available in many areas
Option to shop from multiple stores in one order
Instacart Plus membership offers free delivery and reduced service fees.

Cons

Higher prices than in-store shopping
Service fees and delivery fees can add up
Limited availability in certain areas

Final Thoughts

So, is Instacart worth it for those looking for a gig job?

Our Instacart Shopper review has shown that if you value flexibility and being your own boss, Instacart can be a great option.

You can choose your own schedule and work as much or as little as you want.

That being said, there are some things to consider. You’ll need to cover your own vehicle expenses, and there’s no guarantee that orders are always available.

Plus, as an independent contractor, you won’t receive benefits like health insurance or paid time off.

But you earn an hourly rate and tips that can boost your income with consistent work and efficiency.

Ultimately, whether or not Instacart is worth it depends on your goals and priorities. It’s up to you to weigh the pros and cons and decide if Instacart is the right choice for you.