Question 1

What is Instacart?

Accepted Answer

Instacart is an app that connects you to customers who need groceries. You use the app to sign on, find orders, then shop and deliver those items to your customers. When you get paid, you can cash out instantly and you can earn even more with tips for great service.

Question 2

How do I sign up to become a shopper?

Accepted Answer

Just create an account at shoppers.instacart.com. After that, just download the Shopper app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store to complete the sign up process and get your background check started. When your background check has cleared and you’re approved to shop, you can sign on to shop and make money on your own schedule.

Question 3

How do I get paid?

Accepted Answer

How much a shopper earns depends on their role type and other factors.

Full-service shopper
Shoppers get paid per batch that they complete. Instacart provides estimates for your earnings on every order as well as total earnings for the week. The amount you earn per batch of orders depends on the number of items, type of items, driving distance, and effort involved in shopping and delivering. You keep 100% of customer tips. You also get opportunities to earn extra through promotions Instacart runs.
As independent contractors, full-service shoppers have the flexibility to work as little or as often as they want. This means that total earnings potential depends on the individual.

In-store shopper
In-store shoppers are Instacart employees who earn an hourly wage, detailed in the initial offer letter. In-store shoppers are scheduled for shifts based on personal availability, up to 29 hours each week.

Question 4

What is shopping like?

Accepted Answer

Hear from real shoppers about what its like to shop with Instacart in this video.

Question 5

What are the requirements to become an Instacart shopper?

Accepted Answer

In order to become a shopper, you must be at least 18 years of age, have legal authorization to work in the U.S., be able to lift up to 40lbs without accommodation, have regular access to a reliable car and have regular access to a smartphone capable of running the Instacart Shopper app. You must also pass a background check.

Question 6

What documents do I need to sign up?

Accepted Answer

The first thing you’ll need to have on-hand is your contact information (the details on your driver’s license should cover this step). You will also need to have your social security number readily available. The sign up process will then ask you to set up direct deposit so you can get paid! You’ll need your banking information to complete this step.

Question 7

How long is my background check going to take?

Accepted Answer

Background checks normally process within 10 business days, but sometimes it can process much faster. Due to high volumes and temporary court closures, delays are possible. Learn more at the Help Center.