Instacart Shopper Review: Can You Make Real Money Delivering Groceries?
Some people truly love their weekly trip to the grocery store. There are plenty of others, however, who do not fall into that category. That in combination with the pandemic propelled grocery delivery into the massive industry it is today. In fact, it’s projected to be a $938 billion industry worldwide by the end of 2025.
You can get in on this moneymaker yourself by becoming a full-service Instacart shopper. So not only are you delivering the groceries, you’re shopping for them as well.
There are more than 600,000 Instacart shoppers out there making money through this booming business. We’ll explain how you can become one of them in this Instacart shopper review.
What Is an Instacart Shopper & How It Works
Instacart has been around since 2012 and allows customers to get groceries and household items delivered to their homes. It partners with a long list of retailers — and not just grocery stores like Publix, Aldi, Costco and Sprouts. Instacart users can also get items from Home Depot, Dollar Tree, Best Buy Petsmart and more delivered to them. All they have to do is place their order from the website or app. The shopping is done for them and the items are delivered to their home.
Users can also track the progress of their order in real time and talk with their shopper in case they have questions.
You’d be integral to that whole process as a full-service shopper with Instacart. You’ll use the app to see orders in your area, choose which gigs you want to pick up, then you’ll shop for and deliver the items to that customer. There may also be opportunities to be a shopper only — so no driving — in some areas. But this option isn’t as widely available.
How Much Can You Earn? Pay Structure & Instant Cashout
In addition to tips, shoppers earn per batch rather than a per hour base rate. That means Instacart will determine how much you earn for each order based on the size of the order, how far you have to drive and the effort it took to complete. You can also earn more by shopping during times of high demand.
How much you earn per batch usually falls around $5-$10 per order, however, it can be less or a lot more. It just depends. You also get to keep all of your tips.
According to Instacart, you get paid weekly between Wednesday and Friday for work you complete the week before.
Those who qualify can use Instant Cashout to get their money as soon as two hours after completing a batch. It’s available in select cities and there’s a 50 cent fee.
It’s also important to note that you will be considered an independent contractor, so here’s everything you need to know about independent contractor taxes.
Expenses to Expect (Gas, Car Wear, Taxes)
Because you’re an independent contractor, there are no taxes taken out of your check, but you still have to pay them. Our guide explains in detail, but it’s a good idea to set aside about 30% of your earnings to cover federal income tax and self-employment tax.
Instacart doesn’t reimburse you for gas or car maintenance expenses, or for phone usage. So be prepared to pick up the cost of that. Those can be considered business expenses, meaning you could get a tax dedication for them. Keep accurate details of your mileage and any expenses for tolls, parking and roadside assistance.
How to Maximize Your Instacart Earnings
Here are a few ways to make the most out of your time as an Instacart shopper.
- Study up on store layouts so you can shop as efficiently as possible.
- Pick up batches at stores you know well or that you know are efficient.
- Use things like wagons and coolers to store items and make them easier to transport.
- Be strategic about which batches you pick. Pick up jobs at high-demand times when you can and avoid ones that are small and farther away, which will reduce your overall earnings.
Bonus Tips: Save on Gas and Earn Cash Back
The Upside app can help you earn cash back on gas. The app uses a map feature to show you local gas stations where you can beat the pump price by as much as 25 cents per gallon. Regular users earn an average of $106 per year on gas alone. And Instacart shoppers specifically can earn at least 60 cents per gallon on their first two fill ups. You can score even more cash back on gas by using a cash back credit card (these are our favorite cards for that).
If you’re looking to grow your side hustle earnings, we know of a way to do that, too. Deposit your money into a high-yield savings account so you can earn interest.
Pros and Cons of Being an Instacart Shopper
This is a great side hustle for people with a reliable vehicle. The flexibility that comes with choosing the jobs you want, earning potential from tips and options for an immediate payout all belong in the “pro” column.
However, the vehicle costs, self-employment taxes, inconsistency in income and the stress of putting together orders means it’s not for everyone.
Who Should Try Instacart Shopping?
There are only five requirements to being a full service shopper, according to Instacart. You must be at least 18 years old, eligible to work in the U.S., able to lift at least 40 pounds, plus have a bank account and reliable access to a vehicle and smartphone. If all of that applies to you and you’re looking for a flexible gig, you may want to become an Instacart shopper. People all over the country rely on delivery when they’re busy, sick, overwhelmed or simply don’t want to go to the store. You can help fulfill that need while also making extra income. However, if you hate driving or grocery shopping is your least favorite chore, you might want to try another side gig (here’s a list of our favorites). Those who don’t mind scouring the aisles of stores can go here for more information on signing up.
FAQs About Instacart Shopping
You can, but earnings aren’t always consistent because they depend on the orders you choose, the time of day and how often you’re able to deliver. But there are ways to maximize your earnings, like shopping during high-demand hours and shopping at stores you know well.
Instant Cashout allows you to get the money you earned as soon as two hours after you finish a batch, but it comes with a 50 cent fee. It’s certainly worth it if you’re in a bind and need cash quickly, but don’t use it regularly if you don’t have to.
Definitely. You should accurately track mileage, phone use and supplies you buy, which can reduce your tax burden.
Use a cash back credit card when you buy gas or use the cash back app Upside, which allows you to earn cash back on both gas and food.
It certainly could be a source of full-time income for you, but the flexible nature and the fact that you’re an independent contractor means it’s a side gig for most people. It likely would require a high volume of orders to replace your full-time income.
