Did you know Instacart lets its employees work from anywhere? They don’t have to go back to the office. This is why Instacart jobs are so popular for those wanting flexible work.
Started in 2012, Instacart aims to change the grocery industry. It uses technology to connect customers with local stores and personal shoppers. These shoppers take care of the grocery orders and deliver them in 30 minutes or less. Instacart values customer happiness, efficiency, and teamwork, making it a key service for millions in the U.S. and Canada.
Key Takeaways
- Instacart offers flexible, remote-friendly employment options, with 100% remote work opportunities.
- The company’s “Flex First” philosophy prioritizes employee work-life balance and provides the flexibility to work from home, an office, or a combination.
- Instacart shoppers can earn competitive pay and enjoy a range of benefits, including health insurance, paid time off, and career development opportunities.
- Instacart is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable work environment, with a focus on diversity and removing proximity biases.
- The company’s innovative approach to grocery delivery and commitment to its workforce make it an attractive employer for those seeking flexible, rewarding side hustles or full-time careers.
What is Instacart and How Does it Work?
Instacart is a service that lets you order groceries from local stores and get them delivered fast. They aim to make grocery shopping easy with their tech. They want to be the main system for grocery shopping online.
Instacart’s Mission and Business Model
Instacart works with many grocery stores to let you pick items from different places in one order. This new way of shopping online has changed how we get our groceries. It makes shopping easy and convenient for everyone.
Instacart’s Delivery Process
Instacart uses personal shoppers to go to stores and pick out what you need. Then, they bring it right to your door. This service is great for saving time and avoiding the crowds, especially when you can’t go shopping yourself.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average customer grocery list size | 72 items, with a total cost of around $170 |
| Potential orders per 8-hour shift | 16 for a full-time Instacart employee, with other shoppers averaging a few orders per hour |
| Handling of produce items | Varying quantities, such as ¼ lb. of mushrooms being equivalent to four mushrooms |
| Challenges faced | Physically reaching items in the store, dealing with drained phone batteries due to scanning each item, and timely responses to customer messages about substitutions |
| Instacart’s impact on the grocery industry | Generated approximately 116,000 jobs, accounting for 70% of net job creation, and contributed $2.9 billion in additional grocery revenue between 2013 and 2019 |
“Instacart’s mission is to be the ‘operating system for the grocery industry,’ using technology to streamline the shopping and delivery process.”
Types of Instacart Jobs Available
Instacart is a top grocery delivery service that offers two main jobs: Instacart In-Store Shopper and Instacart Full-Service Shopper. These jobs let you earn good pay and pick your work hours.
In-Store Shopper
As an Instacart in-store shopper, you’ll pick and pack items for customers in stores. This job has a set schedule and pays about $13 an hour.
Full-Service Shopper
Instacart full-service shoppers do it all: shop, pack, and deliver orders. They make about $14 an hour before tips, with chances to earn more because of tips and flexibility.
Both Instacart in-store shoppers and Instacart full-service shoppers work on their own time and get paid for each order they complete. Pick the job that fits your lifestyle and preferences best.
| Job Type | Average Hourly Pay | Scheduling Flexibility | Earning Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instacart In-Store Shopper | $13/hour | Structured (Capped at 29 hours per week) | Stable wages, no tips |
| Instacart Full-Service Shopper | $14/hour before tips | Flexible (Unlimited hours) | Potential for higher earnings with tips |
“Instacart has been a game-changer for me, allowing me to earn extra income while having the freedom to work on my own schedule. As an Instacart full-service shopper, I’ve been able to build a flexible and rewarding side gig that fits seamlessly into my lifestyle.”
Benefits of Working for Instacart
Instacart gives its workers great benefits and perks. It’s a top choice for those wanting flexible and rewarding jobs. As an Instacart shopper, you set your own hours. This lets you work as much or as little as you want, for a better instacart work-life balance.
Flexible Scheduling
Flexible scheduling is a big plus at Instacart. You can work as many or as few hours as you like. This is perfect for those with other commitments or who want a good work-life balance. You can make a schedule that suits your life and needs.
Competitive Pay
Instacart shoppers also get to earn instacart shopper earnings that are very competitive. You get paid based on how many orders you complete. During busy times, you can earn a lot, making it a great way to make money.
Some instacart shoppers can earn between $15 to $25 or more per hour. High-demand periods can even offer $30 to $50+ per hour.
| Earning Potential for Instacart Shoppers | Hourly Rate | Weekly Earnings (40 hours) |
|---|---|---|
| Low-end Estimate | $15 | $600 |
| High-end Estimate | $25 | $1,000 |
Instacart really cares for its workers with great benefits and perks. These include health insurance, life insurance, mental health support, and a home office stipend for remote workers. With its flexible hours and good pay, Instacart is a great choice for those looking for a fulfilling job.
Requirements to Become an Instacart Shopper
To become an Instacart shopper, you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license. Instacart checks your criminal history from the past 7 years and your driving record for major violations in the last 3 years.
Full-service shoppers do both shopping and delivery. They need a reliable car with the right insurance that meets state laws. They might also need extra insurance for ridesharing, depending on where they live. All shoppers, in-store and full-service, must lift up to 50 pounds easily.
- Minimum age requirement: 18 years old
- Valid driver’s license
- Ability to lift 50 pounds
- Reliable vehicle with appropriate insurance (full-service shoppers)
- Smartphone capable of running the Instacart app
- Passing a comprehensive background check
Instacart offers training to help new shoppers learn about the company. The application is quick, taking about 15 minutes. But, the full approval, including the background check, can take up to two weeks.
By meeting these instacart shopper requirements, you can start working with Instacart. You’ll deliver groceries and give great customer service.
Application and Onboarding Process
Becoming an Instacart shopper is easy. First, you apply online through the Instacart Shopper app or the website. About half of applicants don’t finish the sign-up process.
After applying, Instacart’s local teams review your form and materials. If you pass, you move on to the onboarding phase. This includes a background check to make sure Instacart’s shoppers are safe and reliable. This check usually takes ten business days but might take longer now.
Background Check
The background check is key in the Instacart onboarding. It checks the integrity of its shoppers to keep customers trusting Instacart.
Training and Orientation
After the background check, new shoppers start training. They learn about picking items, filling orders, and talking to customers. Instacart gives them the tools they need to do well.
There are also in-person sessions every week. You can change or cancel these if needed. Some might wait longer because their application is still being reviewed.
The process of applying and onboarding at Instacart makes sure the workforce is safe and reliable. It also gives new shoppers the training and support they need to do well.
Life as an Instacart Shopper
Being an Instacart shopper means handling a variety of tasks every day. You start by logging into the app and picking orders in your area. Then, you head to the stores to pick out the items and pack them up for delivery.
While shopping and delivering, you talk to customers, keeping them updated and handling their special requests. Being an Instacart shopper needs you to be flexible, solve problems, and give great customer service.
A Typical Day on the Job
Instacart shoppers face many challenges and chances in their work. The pay has gone down over the past three years, now at $4 per batch of orders. Yet, shoppers look for ways to make more money.
Some focus on orders over $50, as these are less common. Others drive further or stay in hotels to earn more. The competition among shoppers is strong, with those near the store getting orders first.
Despite this, shoppers keep aiming for excellent customer service and higher earnings. They use referral bonuses, work during busy times, or take advantage of holidays to make more money.
“I’ve had to adjust my expectations and strategies as an Instacart shopper. The pay cuts and increased competition have made it tougher, but I’m still finding ways to maximize my earnings and provide great service to my customers.”
Some shoppers aim to make Instacart their main job to boost their income. Full-service shoppers can earn $7 to $10+ per batch, plus tips. In-store shoppers get a set hourly wage, with a minimum of $5 per order.
They can get paid weekly through direct deposit or use the “Instant Cashout” feature for faster access to their money.
The life of an Instacart shopper is about being adaptable, resilient, and always looking for better earnings and customer satisfaction. Despite the hurdles, many find joy in the job’s flexibility and chances.
instacart jobs: Finding the Right Fit for You
Instacart offers many job options that fit different lifestyles and goals. Whether you want a side job, part-time work, or a full-time career, Instacart has something for you. They offer good pay, benefits, and chances for growth, making it a great choice for many.
When looking at an Instacart job, think about what you’re good at, what you like, and what you need. Instacart has jobs like in-store shopping and full-service delivery. This gives you many choices to fit your life and work style. By knowing what each job offers, you can pick the Instacart job that meets your goals and needs.
| Instacart Job Type | Average Hourly Pay | Key Responsibilities | Preferred Skills |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Store Shopper | $15 – $20 |
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| Full-Service Shopper | $18 – $25 |
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Understanding what each Instacart job offers helps you choose the right one for you. Instacart supports its workers with good pay, benefits, and growth opportunities. This makes it a great choice for those looking for a rewarding and flexible job.
“Instacart has provided me with the flexibility to work around my schedule and earn a decent income. The job has allowed me to supplement my income and gain valuable experience in the gig economy.”
Instacart’s Commitment to Its Workforce
Instacart is all in on supporting its diverse team. It offers great Instacart employee benefits and works hard to make a fair and welcoming workplace.
Benefits and Perks
Instacart gives its team health insurance, dental, and vision plans, plus paid vacation. They care about their team’s health with wellness programs and kitchens. They also offer chances for career growth and learning.
Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives
Instacart aims to make its team more diverse and inclusive. They focus on making sure everyone feels seen and valued. They have groups like Nightshades, Women@, and Abilities@ to help people connect and feel supported.
Being named a “Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality” shows how serious Instacart is about instacart diversity and inclusion. They celebrate cultural months and support underrepresented voices. This makes a strong sense of belonging and realness at work.
Instacart also helps everyone outside of work. They make products for everyone and support new entrepreneurs. This helps make sure everyone can use and enjoy their products.
“Instacart is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment that celebrates the unique backgrounds and experiences of its employees.”
With amazing instacart perks and benefits and a strong focus on instacart diversity and inclusion, Instacart really supports its team. They make sure everyone can do well at work and in life.
Career Growth Opportunities at Instacart
At Instacart, the journey doesn’t stop at just a job. The company offers many instacart career advancement and instacart job promotions chances. It focuses on instacart professional development and instacart internal mobility. This helps employees grow and succeed in the company.
Shoppers who do well and show a strong commitment can quickly move up to leadership roles. They might also explore new areas like operations, marketing, or customer service. Instacart is great for those looking for a career that is both fulfilling and rewarding.
Instacart has many training and mentorship programs. These help employees get the skills they need to move up. The company invests in its people, offering workshops and one-on-one coaching.
The company also values internal mobility. It encourages employees to try different departments and roles. This lets them find new passions and grow their skills. It makes Instacart’s team skilled, engaged, and ready to help the company succeed.
| Key Benefits of Career Growth at Instacart |
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Instacart is a top choice for those looking for a dynamic and fulfilling career. It invests in its people and offers many growth opportunities. This helps employees thrive and contribute to the company’s success.
Tips for Succeeding as an Instacart Shopper
To be a top Instacart shopper, you need good time management and great customer service skills. These skills help you make more money and give your customers a great shopping experience.
Time Management
Managing your time well is key for Instacart shoppers. Knowing your local grocery stores helps you move faster and pick items quicker. Skilled shoppers can earn $15 to $25+ per hour and get extra pay during busy times.
Using smart strategies can make you work more efficiently. For example, order deli items or grab wait tickets first. Park near the cart corrals, bag produce while waiting, and use a collapsible cart for big orders. These tips help you finish deliveries faster and better.
Customer Service
Great customer service is a must for Instacart shoppers. Clear communication with customers can lead to bigger tips. Always smile, listen to what customers need, and make sure you get their orders right. This approach can get you positive reviews and more business.
Also, use apps that offer cashback or free gift cards to make customers happier. By improving your time management and customer service, you can do well in the long run. With the right approach and hard work, you’ll become a trusted Instacart member.
Conclusion
Instacart offers flexible and rewarding jobs for those wanting to make money on their own time. It’s a top grocery delivery service with in-store and full-service shopper jobs. These jobs can offer good pay and a better balance between work and life.
Instacart supports its workers with many job options, benefits, perks, and chances for growth. This makes it a great choice for those looking for a job that fits their life.
If you’re searching for a side job or a career, Instacart has a lot to offer. You can choose your hours, earn well, and explore different career paths. Instacart is a unique way to achieve financial success with flexibility.
Instacart stands out in the gig economy with its focus on its workers and the variety of roles it offers. It’s a great choice for those wanting a rewarding career.