Side hustles are becoming increasingly popular today. With the gig economy on the rise, there are more opportunities than ever for people to make some extra money on the side. Whether you're looking for a full-time job or just want to supplement your current income, there are plenty of ways to earn a few extra dollars each month.
From freelance writing and marketing to becoming an Uber driver or an Airbnb host, the possibilities are endless when it comes to finding ways to make money on the side. One such popular side hustle is working as an Instacart delivery driver. Instacart is a grocery delivery app that allows customers to order groceries and have them delivered right to their doorstep. Driving for Instacart, you can be in charge of your own work schedule and earning potential, giving you flexibility and freedom that most people don’t have in their nine-to-five jobs.
In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about being an Instacart delivery driver: from signing up as a driver and what kind of vehicle is required, to training processes and earnings potentials. We’ll also look at some common challenges drivers face along with tips for success. By the end of this article, you will have all the information you need in order to decide if delivering for Instacart is the right side hustle option for you.
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What is Instacart?
Instacart is an online grocery delivery service that allows customers to order groceries from their favorite stores and have them delivered right to their doorstep. With Instacart, you can shop from multiple stores at once with all your items arriving together, saving time and money. The service also offers a variety of features like personal shopping, which allows users to customize their orders and add special requests, as well as an Express membership option for added convenience.
Advantages of Becoming an Instacart Delivery Driver
Becoming an Instacart delivery driver is a great way to make some extra money on the side. Unlike other side hustles, there are several unique advantages that come with being an Instacart delivery driver.
For starters, you can potentially earn extra money while shopping for others – something that's not always available with other gigs. You also get to choose when you work, so you can make your own schedule and plan around your existing commitments. And since you're paid daily, you don't have to wait long before seeing the fruits of your labor!
You also get to choose which orders to accept and determine how much work you want to do each week. Plus, there are two roles available (shop and deliver or only shop), giving you even more flexibility. So whether you’re looking for a full-time job or just want something to supplement your current income, being an Instacart delivery driver may be perfect for you.
The Cons Of Becoming An Instacart Shopper
One of the biggest drawbacks is the demanding hours. You must be available for at least 20 hours a week, and during times of high demand, you may end up working more than expected. Additionally, Instacart doesn't provide its shoppers with any benefits like health insurance or paid time off.
Injuries are another potential downside as you could hurt yourself while carrying heavy groceries or walking long distances. Plus, depending on where you live, there may not be enough orders in your area to make it worth your time and effort. On top of that, being an Instacart Shopper is hard work—which can be rewarding—but you'll need to be on your feet for long periods and lift heavy boxes. Finally, pay can be low during slow times and there’s no tipping option when there are no orders.
Requirements and Qualifications Needed to Become a Driver
Becoming an Instacart Delivery Driver requires meeting a few qualifications and having the necessary skills to succeed.
To become an Instacart driver, you must be of legal age to work (usually 18 or older), have access to reliable transportation, and have a valid driver’s license with proof of auto insurance. You’ll also need a smartphone and an internet connection so you can access orders on the app.
Another necessity is having access to a car. Instacart requires that you bring your own car if you want to be a full-service Instacart shopper. That doesn't necessarily mean that you need to possess your own car. Borrowing your girlfriend's car, renting a car for the day, or even using your parent’s car are all acceptable alternatives. If you don't have a car or don't have access to a car, becoming an In-Store Shopper is still a good way to make money with Instacart. And as you make more and more money through your new side hustle, you can buy a car from your earnings later.
So who makes a good Instacart driver? Someone who is organized and detail-oriented, as well as friendly and helpful to customers. Driving for Instacart can also be physically demanding at times so it is important that drivers also have good physical stamina. You should be able to lift 30+ lbs without breaking your back. Taking pride in your work and being reliable are also key characteristics that will help set you apart from other drivers.
How Do I Sign Up as a Driver?
Ready to join the Instacart team? Here’s how to get started:
- Download the Shopper app and provide your name and location. You’ll also give the company permission to run a background check.
- In-store shoppers must attend an in-person orientation session which you can book through the app. Full-service shoppers will sign a contractor agreement and W-9 tax form, while in-store shoppers will sign an offer letter and W-4 tax form.
- Instacart gives all new shoppers a preloaded payment card that they must register and wait up to five to seven business days to receive in the mail.
Gearing up for Instacart is easy! With a few quick steps, you'll be on your way to being part of the team and earning extra cash with every delivery you make.
What Does Instacart's Background Check Mean?
The background check is a reliable measure taken by Instacart to ensure the safety of their customers. It's an important part of becoming an Instacart driver, and all drivers are required to successfully pass the check before they can start working with Instacart.
Typically, your name, driver’s license number, and Social Security number will be used to run through local, state and national databases for anything related to your criminal history within the past 7 years. Certain felonies, violent crimes or sexual offenses will automatically disqualify applicants, while minor driving-related convictions or misdemeanors related to intoxication must not exceed 3 violations in a span of three years with no major violations in seven years or less.
Instacart always asks shoppers to provide consent at the beginning of the application process before running the background check. It may take five to ten business days until you receive a response from Checkr regarding your background check results.
Don't feel overwhelmed by this process! You might have some things in your past that could prevent you from passing this step – things everyone experiences as we move through life – but rest assured that even if you're not eligible for Instacart today there are plenty of other opportunities waiting for you out there too.
Start Taking Jobs And Make Money
Taking orders on Instacart is an exciting way to earn some extra cash. When you become a shopper for Instacart, you'll get access to the app and be able to look for orders up for grabs in your area.
As an in-store shopper, you’ll be assigned shifts each week based on your availability and can expect to work up to 29 hours per week. Full-service shoppers have the flexibility to make their own schedule, but will still need to stay alert – order selection is affected by factors such as your customer rating and delivery speed. Plus, waiting too long might mean someone else takes the order before you!
Before taking an order, review the details it offers: store location, items required and how much you’ll earn. Once accepted, update your progress through the app as you shop – letting customers know of any changes or refunds – so they can track their orders. When done, pay at checkout with the preloaded payment card that Instacart provides all new shoppers (which should arrive within 5-7 business days). As a full-service shopper, you then deliver the order directly to the customer's home.
For tips on being successful as an Instacart driver, start by arriving at the store early and double-checking each item against what’s listed in the app. Store discounts are also available from time to time which can help increase your earnings – utilizing them when possible might just mean a larger paycheck at the end of your shift! Need help carrying items? Don't be afraid to ask customers if they'd like assistance; many times they do appreciate it. Most importantly, remember that communication between yourself and customers goes a long way in ensuring successful deliveries – so don’t forget about those friendly smiles!
Let's Talk Money: How much do Instacart shoppers make and how are they paid
Full-service shoppers have the potential to earn $15 – $20 per hour, although this figure varies depending on your city, the number of orders available, and other factors like distance and effort. For example, larger orders typically pay more than smaller ones, and busy events—like holidays or the Super Bowl—can mean extra money for Instacart drivers. The app will show you guaranteed earnings for an order before accepting it, plus an estimated potential total for comparison. Full-service shoppers will make at least $5 for each delivery-only order and $7 -$10 per full-service order.
In-store shoppers typically earn around $13 per hour (in 2020) and are considered W2 employees—which means they receive a fixed wage that can vary by location.
All Instacart drivers are paid every week via direct deposit into their checking or savings accounts. As a full-service shopper you have access to Instant Cashout; with this feature you can transfer funds to your debit card right away (although there is a transaction fee of $0.50 after each cashout). You must complete five orders before using Instant Cashout for the first time; additionally all transfers require at least $5 in earnings.
Of course there are tax implications to consider: independent contractors who drive for Instacart need to prepare for quarterly estimated payments plus withhold money when tax time rolls around (W2 employees don’t have to worry about this step). Keeping track of miles is also important if you want to take a mileage deduction during tax season ($0.58 in 2022). Everlance is a handy app for tracking miles traveled while delivering orders or traveling between stores.
Finally, there’s gas cost: based on rising gas prices most delivery companies offer fuel surcharges of up to 40 cents per customer order. It’s worth noting that drivers still carry the burden of their own expenses including car insurance and more—so always double check these details before taking on too much work.
Alternatives To Instcart As A Side Hustle
While Instacart is a prominent company to driver for, it's not the only one.
| DELIVERY SERVICE | CLUSTER | TYPE OF GOODS | SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| INSTACART | Grocery | Groceries | No additional requirements aside from driver qualifications |
| DOORDASH | Restaurant | Variety of foods | No additional requirements |
| AMAZON FRESH | Grocery | Groceries | Must be an Amazon Prime Member |
| SHIPT | Grocery | Groceries, products from partner stores like Rite Aid, Target, CVS, Petco | No additional requirements |
| UBER EATS | Restaurant | Variety of foods | No additional requirements |
| GOPUFF | Convenience Store | Snacks, drinks, cigarettes | No additional requirements |
| WALMART DELIVERY | Grocery | Groceries | Must have a Walmart account |
For those looking for a flexible side hustle with steady income potential, Instacart is a fantastic option. The convenience and flexibility it offers makes it one of the most popular grocery delivery services. As an Instacart driver you are able to set your own schedule and take on as many or as few orders as you want each week—and unlike other services like DoorDash, you’ll only deliver groceries and not food from restaurants. You also won’t need to worry about signing up for any additional membership service since there are no extra requirements after meeting the initial requirements to become an Instacart driver.
That being said, if you’re looking for something different than Instacart there are several other options that can fit your needs. DoorDash is a food delivery service that partners with restaurants, so if you prefer delivering food from well-known eateries this could be the ideal choice for you. Similarly Uber Eats offers fast and reliable delivery in select areas and specializes in restaurant deliveries.
If delivering groceries isn’t really your thing but you still want the flexibility associated with becoming an on-demand worker then Gopuff might just be perfect for you—it is a convenience store delivery service that allows shoppers to order snacks, drinks, and even cigarettes right to their door! And while Walmart does offer grocery delivery in select areas across the United States they require shoppers to have an account with them before they can access their services—something that doesn’t apply to Instacart drivers.
Instacart isn’t the only game in town when it comes to flexible on-demand work—there are plenty of alternatives available depending on what kind of delivery service appeals most to you! With a little bit of research (and perhaps some trial-and-error), it shouldn't be too hard to find something that works best for your lifestyle and interests.
FAQ
Q: What is Instacart?
A: Instacart is a grocery delivery and pickup service available in many parts of the United States. Customers can order groceries online and have them delivered to their door, or they can pick up their orders using the convenient Instacart app.
Q: How do I become an Instacart driver?
A: To become an Instacart driver you will need to first download the Shopper app and provide your name and location. You may also be required to attend an in-person orientation session and sign some forms. After that’s taken care of, you’ll receive a preloaded payment card which you must register so you can accept orders.
Q: How often am I expected to work as an Instacart driver?
A: In-store shoppers usually have shifts assigned each week based on their personal availability, with up to 29 hours per week available for work. Full-service shoppers are free to make their own schedule, should look for orders through the app or set alerts for when orders become available in their areas.
Q: Does Instacart have any alternatives?
A: Yes! Companies like DoorDash, Amazon Fresh, Shipt, Uber Eats, Gopuff, and Walmart Delivery are all potential alternatives when it comes to on-demand delivery services. Each of these companies has its own unique features and requirements that make them stand out from one another—it’s important to research each option thoroughly before deciding which is right for you!
Q: What kind of goods does Instacart deliver?
A: Instacart only delivers groceries—nothing else! This includes all sorts of items like fresh produce, dairy products, pantry staples and other household necessities. Your customers won't be asking you to bring them food from restaurants or cigarettes from convenience stores; just groceries from your local stores!
Q: How will I get paid as an Instacart driver?
A :Payment for your deliveries come in take-home pay form; funds are deposited directly into your bank account once per week on Wednesdays (or Thursdays if Wednesday falls on a holiday). The amount paid will depend on several factors such as the size and complexity of the order as well as customer ratings.
Q: Do I need any additional memberships or accounts when working with Instcart?
A :No! All that's required is that you meet the initial driver requirements (which generally includes downloading the Shopper app), attend orientation sessions (for in-store shoppers) and register your preloaded payment card with them. Other than that there shouldn't be anything else that needs doing—you're good to go!
Q: What areas of the United States can I use Instacart in?
A: Instacart is available in many parts of the United States, including major metropolitan cities such as New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco. Customers are able to place orders online throughout these areas; however, areas that offer pick-up only may have more limited hours or services. You can check your local area by searching for “Instacart” on the Google Play Store or App Store to see if it is available near you.
