Instacart Shoppers Review 2024: How Much Do Instacart Shoppers Make?

Have you ever found yourself pondering the elusive question, “How much do Instacart shoppers make”? Oh, believe me, you’re not alone! I used to be just as intrigued until I decided to take the plunge and become an Instacart shopper myself.

Imagine the allure of flexible hours, the freedom to be your own boss, and the opportunity to turn your passion for grocery shopping into cold, hard cash. Intrigued? Well, you absolutely should be!

In this captivating article, we’ll take you on a thrilling journey deep into the world of Instacart, giving you an insider’s view of what it’s like to ride the grocery shopping wave. From practical tips on how to kickstart your journey as a shopper or driver to unlocking top-notch money-making strategies, we’ve got you covered from start to finish.

So, if you’re eager to know exactly how much you can make as an Instacart shopper and unlock the secrets to success in this booming gig, then stick around and let’s uncover the hidden treasures that await you. Get ready for a thrilling ride!

How Much Do Instacart Shoppers Make?

Instacart shoppers’ earnings vary depending on their roles and circumstances. Instacart offers two main gigs for those looking to make income on the side:

• Full-Service Shopper: As an independent contractor, you shop for groceries and other household items and use your car to deliver them to the customer. You are responsible for your own taxes.
• In-Store Shopper: As a part-time employee, you receive orders through the app and proceed to shop and bag the groceries in the store.

Independent full-service shoppers’ commissions vary, and they keep all the tips they receive. On the other hand, in-store shoppers earn a fixed hourly rate based on their availability.

Three major factors influence how much an Instacart shopper makes:

• Number and type of orders completed.
• Hours spent working.
• Location.

While there are no undisputed figures for Instacart shoppers’ earnings, rough estimates based on online user reviews suggest that full-service shoppers make just over $20 per hour while in-store shoppers make just under $20.

Additionally, Instacart offers a referral program where you can make money by referring friends to the platform using your Instacart referral code. Your friends must complete several trips within their first 30 days to qualify for the referral bonus.

RELATED: How To Make 1000 Dollars A Day, Week, Or Month: 20 Proven Ways

What is Instacart Shopping and How Does It Work?

Instacart is a popular grocery delivery service that provides customers with a convenient way to shop for groceries without physically visiting a store. They partner with local stores to deliver goods directly to customers’ homes. 

The process involves two types of shoppers: full-service shoppers, independent contractors responsible for shopping and delivering, and in-store shoppers, part-time workers involved only in shopping.

The flexibility of working hours makes it an attractive option for those seeking a side hustle while pursuing other endeavours.

To use Instacart, customers simply need to download the Instacart app, available on Android and iOS. After selecting their city, they can add groceries to their cart, choose a preferred delivery time, and proceed to checkout.

With operations in over 5,000 cities across the United States and Canada, Instacart has a wide reach. In Canada, they serve popular markets in provinces such as Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, and PEI. In the U.S., they operate in 40 states.

Customers without a membership subscription can place orders with a delivery fee of $3.99 for orders over $35 and $5.99 for orders below $35. However, those with the Instacart Express membership enjoy a convenient option with an annual subscription fee of $99, which includes free delivery for all orders over $35.

As a notable grocery delivery app, Instacart relies on everyday people like us to operate. They hire in-store shoppers responsible for gathering items from store shelves and delivering them to customers’ homes.

Pros of Being an Instacart Shopper

• Weekly payments
• You get to work on your own time
• The app is easy to use
• The customer service support is impressive
• 100% of the tips go straight to your pocket
• Delivering groceries gets you paid

Cons of Being an Instacart Shopper

• Timed orders often come with hassles
• Dealing with customers can be frustrating
• Expenses of driving
• The areas you can work in may be limited
• The pay can be volatile
• There is also the headache of finding free parking

How to Become an Instacart Shopper

Becoming an Instacart shopper is a straightforward process that you can easily navigate by following these steps:

• Create an Account: Begin by visiting shoppers.instacart.com and filling in your name, email, phone number, and other required information.
• Choose Your Shopper Type: Decide whether you want to become a full-service or in-store shopper. If you opt for full-service, you must provide a copy of your driver’s license. In-store shopper applicants will receive an email invitation for an in-person onboarding session, with the flexibility to select a date and time that suits their schedule.
• Pass a Background Check: Instacart conducts a standard background check. Once you are approved, you can proceed to the next steps.
• Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements, which include being at least 18 years old, eligible to work in the US or Canada, having a recent smartphone, and being able to lift between 30-40 lbs (12-20 kg) if necessary for the job.
• For Drivers: If you plan to use your vehicle for deliveries, ensure it is in good working condition.
• Start Working: Once you have completed the onboarding process and fulfilled all requirements, you can start working as an Instacart shopper and earn money at your convenience.

How Do Instacart Shoppers Get Paid?

Instacart pays its shoppers through a secure and convenient direct deposit system weekly. As a full-service shopper, you can utilise their ‘Instant Cashout’ feature if you wish to receive your earnings faster. This option becomes available after completing 5 batches.

With the Instant Cashout feature, you can cash out up to 5 times a day whenever you need funds (as long as you have a minimum of $5 in earnings). The maximum amount you can withdraw daily using this method is $3,000.

It’s essential to note that full-service shoppers are considered independent contractors, which means they are responsible for making estimated quarterly tax payments.

Is Being an Instacart Shopper Worth It?

If you’re wondering whether becoming an Instacart shopper is worth it, the answer lies in your priorities and available time. The flexibility of this role allows you to earn extra income while managing other commitments. To make the most of it, consider integrating shopping into your life without compromising higher-priority activities.

Achieving better earnings as an Instacart shopper involves building strong customer relationships and ensuring timely deliveries. Positive customer ratings and happy customers can significantly boost your income. Like any side hustle, the value of being an Instacart shopper depends on how effectively you can monetize your time.

As a part-time gig, Instacart offers personal shoppers and drivers the opportunity to earn money on their own schedules. Super-users of the app emphasize that delivering orders promptly and satisfying customers can substantially increase your earnings.

Remember that Instacart shopping is just one of several ways to make money as your own boss. To explore other food delivery jobs, consider checking out a list of alternative money-making ideas.

How Does Instacart Compare to Other Grocery Delivery Services?

Several grocery delivery services are worthy alternatives to Instacart in Canada. Among them are Whole Foods (which has a delivery service that can be accessed via Amazon Prime Canada), Cornershop, Costco Canada, Grocery Gateway, and many others.

To get a better idea of how the very best of these services compare when placed side-by-side, check out the table below:

Final Thoughts on How Much Do Instacart Shoppers Make in Canada

If you’ve been wondering, “How much do Instacart shoppers make?” – the answer is right here! As an Instacart shopper, your earnings are determined by various factors such as your time commitment, customer satisfaction, and prompt deliveries. You can boost your income significantly by maintaining excellent customer relationships and striving for positive reviews.

If you’re seeking a flexible side hustle that allows you to earn money on your own schedule, becoming an Instacart shopper is a fantastic option. Take charge of your financial future and earn those extra bucks while doing what you love!

FAQs on How Much Money Do Instacart Shoppers Make

How Does Instacart Make Money?

Instacart makes money from delivery charges, a $99/year membership fee, payments from grocery partners, mark-up prices (up to 15% higher than the in-store prices of goods), and advertisements.

Is Instacart Good in Canada?

Yes, it generally is. They have carved out a place for themselves in the Canadian grocery delivery service market through their partnerships with many local stores. If their customer reviews are anything to go by, they are one of the best in Canada.

What’s the Best Grocery Delivery Service in Canada?

There is no particular answer to this question. What really matters is what the best grocery delivery service is to you personally.

Choosing the best grocery delivery service in Canada depends on a few factors: your location, what you’re looking to buy, the prices, and what kind of money you want to spend.

If you live in a big city, you will have more options. But if you live in a small town, your options will probably be limited, so take your choice and make the best of it.

Where Can I Buy Groceries Online in Canada?

You can purchase groceries online via Amazon (Whole Foods), Cornershop, Costco (free delivery for those with Costco membership), Grocery Gateway, Instacart, Metro, PC Express, Save On Foods, Voila, and others. Confirm if these services are available where you are before you attempt to use them.

Which Grocery Delivery Service is Cheapest in Canada?

Instacart charges a $3.99 grocery delivery fee. They are the cheapest among the big grocery delivery services in Canada.