How to Become an Instacart Shopper

Want to join the Instacart team and start making money by shopping for others? Well, you’re in luck! I’m here to guide you through the process step-by-step. Let’s get started!

What exactly is an Instacart Shopper?

An Instacart Shopper is someone who partners with Instacart to fulfill grocery orders for customers. It’s basically like being a personal shopper!

As a Shopper, your main job is to go to local stores, find the items on customers’ shopping lists, and then deliver those goodies right to their doorsteps. Easy peasy, right?

Here’s your step-by-step guide to becoming an Instacart Shopper:

So you’re interested in becoming an Instacart shopper? Good news, the process is pretty straightforward. Just keep in mind that the steps I’m about to explain might differ a bit depending on where you live and any updates to Instacart’s rules.

Step 1: Deciding Between Full-Service Shopper or In-Store Shopper

If you’re thinking about joining our team, the first thing you’ll need to decide is what type of shopper you want to be: Full-Service Shopper or In-Store Shopper.

As a Full-Service Shopper, you’ll have the opportunity to handle both shopping and delivery. This means you’ll be in charge of selecting and delivering the groceries to our customers. It’s a great option if you enjoy the flexibility of setting your own hours and being your own boss.

Full-Service Shopper:

With this role, you’ll receive shopping requests through our Instacart Shopper app. You’ll then head to the store, gather the items on the list, and deliver them directly to our customers. It’s a rewarding experience that allows you to interact with our customers and provide them with the products they need.

In-Store Shopper:

If you prefer to focus solely on shopping and leave the delivery to someone else, then the In-Store Shopper role is perfect for you. As an In-Store Shopper, your main responsibility will be gathering and preparing the orders. You’ll be based at a specific store and will fulfill orders for customers who choose either curbside pickup or delivery.

So whether you prefer the full-service experience or the in-store role, we have opportunities that suit your preferences. Join our team today and start enjoying the benefits of being an Instacart Shopper!

Step 2: Take a Look at What Store Shoppers Need

Now we’re getting into the nitty-gritty details. In this step, I’m going to fill you in on what you need to know as a store shopper. Pay close attention!

First things first, before we dive in, let’s make sure you have the right requirements. You gotta check all the boxes, my friend.

So, as a store shopper, here’s what you need to have locked down. Keep in mind—I’ll keep it simple for you.

You need to be able to access the internet. That’s important! This is how you’ll do your shopping, so make sure you’re all set up with a device like a computer or a smartphone.

Next up, you’ll need a way to pay. Whether it’s a credit card, an online payment system like PayPal, or something else, you gotta have a method to make those purchases. No money, no goodies!

Now, here’s a big one: you need to know what you want to buy. This might sound obvious, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed with options. So, before you start your shopping adventure, have an idea of what you’re after so you can chase it down without getting sidetracked.

Lastly, you gotta have the patience for it. Shopping can take time, especially if you’re searching for something specific. You might need to do some digging and comparing before you find your perfect item. So, gear up with a little bit of patience.

Phew! That’s it for the requirements. Just remember, my friend, check your internet connection, have a payment method handy, know what you want, and bring a little patience along for the ride.

Now, let’s move on to the next step in our shopping journey!

Before we get started, let’s make sure you’ve got everything you need to be an Instacart Shopper. It’s important to meet a few requirements, like being at least 18 years old, having the strength to lift and carry groceries, and of course, having a smartphone with a good internet connection.

Step 3: Get the Instacart Shopper App

If you want to start shopping with Instacart, the first thing you need to do is find the app in your device’s app store. Easy peasy! Just search for Instacart and hit that download button. This app is going to be your trusty sidekick, helping you with everything from getting orders to chatting with customers.

Step 4: Fill out the Instacart Employee Application

When you’re ready to get started, open the Instacart Shopper app and just follow the simple instructions to finish your application. They’ll ask you for some personal information, like your name and address, and you’ll also need to agree to their rules before you can continue.

Step 5: Go to an Orientation (If Needed)

If you live nearby, you might have to go to a meeting where they’ll tell you all about Instacart. They’ll teach you about the app, the rules, and how to do a great job. Just open the app to find out when and where the meeting is.

Step 6: Wait for Instacart to Approve Me

Once you’ve sent in your application and finished any needed orientation, you’ll have to wait for Instacart to approve you.

This approval process might take a while, so it’s important to be patient. While you’re waiting, remember to keep an eye on your email and app notifications for any updates.

Step 7: Receive Your Instacart Payment Card

Hey there, let me walk you through the next step! Once I give the green light, Instacart will send you a special card called the Instacart debit card. This card is super handy because it’s used to pay for all the yummy groceries you’ll be picking out.

Now pay attention, because this part is really important. Not only do you need to activate the card, but you also have to keep it safe and sound. This little card is your ticket to completing orders, so you definitely don’t want to lose it!

Step 8: Let’s Go Shopping!

Once you’ve got your Instacart payment card, you’re all set to go shopping! Just log in to the Instacart Shopper app, choose when you’re available, and start accepting shopping requests.

Follow the app’s directions to find your way around the store, pick out items, and give top-notch customer service.

How Much can an Instacart Shopper Make?

So let’s talk about how much moolah you can make with Instacart. As an Instacart Shopper, your earnings can change depending on a few things. Each order you take on will come with a base payment, which includes a batch payment and a commission for each item.

But that’s not all! You also have the chance to rake in some extra dough through tips from customers. So, when it comes down to it, your total income will depend on how many orders you complete and how generous those gratuities are.

Boosting Your Earnings with Instacart

If you want to amp up your earnings as an Instacart Shopper, there are some tricks you can use. First off, try to be as efficient with your time as possible by grouping orders that are in the same area. By doing this, you can knock out multiple orders in one swoop.

Let’s talk about how to be a successful Instacart Shopper and make some great money. Trust me, it’s all about delivering top-notch customer service and being smart about when and where you work.

Here Are Some Tips to Help You Thrive:

Being a successful Instacart Shopper involves having a good plan, providing excellent service, and managing your time effectively. Here are some helpful tips to help you thrive:

• Create a Smart Work Schedule: Take a look at the busiest shopping hours and customer demand to make the most of your availability. This might mean working early in the morning when the stores are less crowded or in the evenings when there are lots of orders.
• Plan Your Routes in Advance: Get to know the most efficient ways to get to and move around the stores you’re assigned to. This will help you save time.
• Make Use of Technology: Take advantage of apps that can help you manage your tasks and schedule, keeping you organized and on track.
• Get Familiar with Popular Items: Pay attention to items that are frequently ordered and where they’re located in the store. This will help you speed up your shopping trips.
• Stay Updated: Make sure you know about all the latest deals, discounts, and new products at the stores you like to visit. This information can help you serve your customers better.
• Take Action: When you find out that an item is out of stock, let your customers know right away and suggest alternative options. This will save them time and frustration.
• Be Polite and Professional: Remember to always use good manners and maintain a professional attitude. This can make a big difference in receiving positive feedback from your customers.
• Ask for More Information: If you’re not sure about a customer’s order, don’t hesitate to ask for more details. It’s better to be clear than to make mistakes.

4. Stay Motivated and Persistent:

• Stay Positive: Shopping can be tiring and dealing with difficult customers can be tough, but keeping a positive and patient attitude can make the experience better for both you and the customer.
• Aim for High Ratings: Shoppers with higher ratings receive more orders. Always strive to provide the best service to maintain a high rating.
• Stay Persistent: Don’t let challenging days or difficult customers discourage you. Keep pushing for improvement and learn from your experiences.
• Handle Groceries Carefully: Treat every item as if it was your own. This means being gentle with fragile items and making sure perishable items stay fresh.
• Make it Personal: Pay attention to the little details, like greeting customers by their name or remembering their preferences. By doing this, you can create a memorable shopping experience that keeps customers coming back for more.

Remember, being a successful Instacart Shopper is all about continuous learning, adaptability, and putting the customer first. As you gain more experience, you’ll develop your own strategies and best practices that work for you.

Mastering the Instacart Shopper App

Getting to know the Insacart Shopper app is essential for a smooth shopping experience. Take the time to explore all the features and settings available to you. This includes setting your preferences, managing your schedule, and understanding how to accept or decline orders.

Let’s talk about how to use the app effectively so you can find what you’re looking for in the store. Make sure to update the app regularly to take advantage of all the cool new features and improvements that can make your shopping experience even better.

Frequently Asked Questions: How to Join Instacart as a Shopper

What makes In-Store Shoppers different from other roles at Instacart?

In-Store Instacart Shoppers have a special role in the Instacart family. Unlike Full-Service Shoppers who both shop for and deliver orders, In-Store Shoppers focus solely on gathering and preparing orders.

They work closely with specific stores to make sure orders are efficiently and accurately put together. This role is perfect for customers who prefer to pick up their orders curbside or have them delivered.

How can In-Store Shoppers transition to becoming Full-Service Instacart Shoppers?

If you want to change your role preference in the Instacart Shopper app settings, you can do so. This will give you the ability to accept both shopping and delivery requests. By making this transition, you’ll have the chance to earn more money and have a more diverse shopping experience.

What are some common challenges that Instacart Drivers face and how can they be solved?

Instacart drivers have to deal with different challenges in their roles. One common challenge is dealing with traffic and finding a place to park, which can make deliveries take longer.

To solve this, drivers can get to know the delivery area, plan their routes in advance to be more efficient, and use navigation apps for updates on current traffic.

Another challenge is carrying heavy grocery bags, so using equipment like a dolly or reusable bags with wheels can make the physical strain easier to handle.