Instacart Shopper review

How it works

You sign up in the Shopper app, complete identity checks and background screening, and pass onboarding. Full-service shoppers shop and deliver as independent contractors, using their own car. The app offers batches of orders, which you can accept or skip depending on availability. You shop, check out and deliver, then get paid through the app. In-store shopper roles are offered in some areas as employee positions inside a specific store.

Pros and cons

Who it is for

Instacart suits people with a reliable car who want flexible grocery shopping and delivery work. It is a weaker match if you do not drive or if you need steady weekly hours. If you prefer delivering food, compare DoorDash, and for rideshare income see Uber.

Requirements and onboarding

Full-service shopping generally requires that you are at least 18 years old, that you can legally work in the US, and that you have a smartphone that runs the Shopper app. Many guides also mention that you must be able to lift around 50 pounds. Car requirements include a valid license, auto insurance and a vehicle that meets the app's rules. Alcohol deliveries have an older minimum age.

Confirm the current requirements on the Shopper sign-up page, since rules differ by market. The process includes a background check, and you should not pay anyone to speed up approval.

How pay works and what to track

Pay is shown per batch, and tips are added by customers. Compare the batch pay with the miles and time involved, including store travel, waiting and checkout. A batch that looks good on paper can be less profitable if the store is far or the items are scattered across the aisles.

Track your mileage, fuel and time from the first day. Income from delivery apps is generally taxable, and IRS guidance on self-employment and forms like the 1099 can help you plan. Read how much gig apps really pay after costs and gig workers and IRS reporting for a method.

Safety, scams and customer service

Shopping while you have a time limit can lead to mistakes, so use the app's item notes and substitution rules carefully. Keep your phone secure while driving and avoid rushing between stops. If a customer behaves unsafely, report it through the app.

Be cautious with any message that asks you to pay for a shopper kit, a training course or a background check outside the app. Official onboarding happens in the app and on the official website. Requests for gift cards, bank logins or early payment are scams. The how to start gig work safely guide lists more warning signs.

Alternatives worth comparing

If you prefer delivering restaurant food, DoorDash is the closest comparison. For short errands that do not need a vehicle, TaskRabbit offers a different model. If you want in-store hourly work with a fixed schedule, Instawork and Snagajob list local shifts.