I will speak directly about Instacart because I have worked there for over a year. Most App delivery companies will likely be similar. If you are physically fit enough to shop, load, and carry 50 pounds, you meet the physical requirements for Instacart and most other delivery companies. Further, a reliable car, insurance, and the ability to pass a background check are needed. But more than the car and the physical requirements, the job is solitary. I talk to the employees at the stores I shop, but only to help me find items on my list. I communicate very little with IC clients, preferably only via text and a brief exchange at the door. Most people don’t answer the door; if they do, it is hurried or awkward. I announced myself as Instacart and asked if they needed assistance to bring bags inside. Very rarely does someone ask me to carry bags inside. At corporate drop-offs, you almost always bring food to a kitchen area, stack orders in a closet, and leave the rest on a counter or table.
Making quick decisions is essential. Because most of your interactions are text and photos via the App, they should be brief and precise. Showing only a few options closeup in photos or brief text is best. Or quickly choose the App and shop while you wait to see if substitution is okay. More than likely, it is, and communication is not necessary. Finding or substituting all items on the list is essential so your initial payout remains the same and you maintain a good rating. Also, the more you can find, the more you will learn about other shops, and the fast shopper gets more shops. Therefore, you will make more money because you can do more shops in your allotted time. So, it would be best if you made quick, clear decisions.
Instacart is an independent contractor job, so you pick your hours and work the jobs you want. Because of freedom, there is less certainty. For example, Instacart shoppers are paid weekly and start at zero every week. An average of three hours or more has been my experience to make the money I want. My goal is over $50 every three hours; I sometimes earn more, sometimes less, and average about $18 an hour. I approach my day as a whole and do not agonize over individual orders or setbacks. There will be no-shows, difficulty filling orders, finding homes, and just plain old difficult people. Move on because I make my money goal at the end of the day or week. Usually, I meet or exceed it. What you give up in benefits and security, you regain freedom and independence.
Freedom
alone
Lots of driving Grocery shopping
little interaction
Hopefully active all-day
Walking, sometimes upstairs, with heavy loads
Pushing heavy cart
Being in different places all the time, parking garages, and isolated homes
Able to follow, sometimes weird, directions
Able to understand foreign voices on the helpline and clients
Make snap decisions about deliveries and orders
Make substitutions correctly
Follow Through
Able to communicate via text
Not easily flustered
There are lots of Delivery options to make money. I choose Instacart because it is primarily grocery delivery, and I can deliver and shop as a full-service shopper from early morning through the evening. However, there are different stores in my zone, and I can shop or deliver. I do the same thing every day, but it’s different. Instacart also has in-store shoppers. Some of the apps focus on Restaurants and other retail. Here is a comprehensive list of app-focused delivery sites. Check to see what is in your area. Also, check out the pros and cons of each App before signing up.
Further, I had a friend give me first-hand information on the money she made and help me get started. Look to your circle of friends for help to find this information before filling out an app online. Most companies like Instacart have very generous referrals you should take advantage of. Look at Glassdoor, Indeed, Facebook groups, and Reddit to get an idea of individual companies fit for you. The list provided is from PennyHorders.com’s top 6 paying companies in order.
Postmates.com
DoorDasher.com
Shipt.com
Ubereats.com
Instacart.com
Grubhub.com
Please like and share if you think it will help another newbie. Check out another post to help you save time and make the most of your day with delivery jobs, specifically Instacart. The following post discusses how to choose shops quickly, make the most money, and not be angry about taking poor shops.
See Coronavirus Shopping Guide
We Compared 6 Top Grocery Delivery Apps to Find the One That’ll Pay You the Most