Instacart: Deliver Groceries And Earn Money

As Americans and Canadians battle inflation and demand contactless convenience, Instacart has become the silent engine powering pantry restocks nationwide. With over 600,000 active shoppers earning cash between shifts, school runs, or retirement hours, this platform turns local supermarkets into a perfect side hustle. Owned by Maplebear Inc., Instacart now operates in 14,000 cities across US and Canada.

What Is Instacart?

Instacart is a grocery delivery/pickup platform connecting shoppers with customers.

Core dynamics include:

• Two-Sided Model: Customers order via app; shoppers fulfill/deliver orders.

• Shopper Flexibility: Work when you want, no minimum hours.

• Earnings: Shoppers keep 100% of tips + base pay ($5–$25/order).

How Instacart Works?

1. Full-Service Shopping (Primary Earnings)

• Shop + deliver orders → $7–$25/order (base + tip + bonuses).

• Peak Boost: +$2–$12/order during holidays/storms.

2. In-Store Only (Quicker Tasks)

• Shop orders without delivery → $5–$15/order (ideal for multitaskers).

3. Prescription Delivery (Premium Pay)

• Requires certification → +$3–$8/order .

4. Referral Bonuses & Promotions

• Get $10 in credits every time a friend uses your referral link to place their first two orders (they'll receive up to $40 too). Share your unique code via text, email, or social media with no cap on how many people you can refer.

Realistic Earnings

The Dark Side

Despite flexibility, Trustpilot’s 1.2/5 rating highlights pain points:

• Double Payment: Some shoppers report being charged nearly double the listed in-store price for items.

• Customer Service: Users report unresolved complaints despite contacting customer support.

• Incomplete Order: Some shoppers report receiving incomplete orders with missing items.

How to Get Started

1. Apply Online: Instacart Shopper Application

2. Requirements:

   i. 18+ years, U.S. resident

   ii. Smartphone + reliable vehicle

   iii. Clean background check

3. Onboarding:

   i. 45-min virtual training

   ii. $25 activation kit (insulated bags)

Instacart vs. Grocery Gig Competitors

Maximizing Your Strategy

1. Cherry-Pick Orders: Accept only $20+ or $1.50+/mile orders.

2. Peak Times: Work 7–10am (elderly orders) + 4–7pm (family dinners).

3. Multi-App Wisely: Pair with DoorDash for non-grocery deliveries.

4. Tax Write-Offs: Track miles, phone bills, and thermal bags.

Questions?

Email me at coinstocashdollars@gmail.com