Key Takeaways
- Improve ratings by selecting quality items and delivering quickly for more batch opportunities.
- Increase batch availability by working near high-demand stores and on busy days.
- Use heat maps in the Instacart app to position yourself in areas with more orders.
- Contact Instacart support for strategies to secure more batches and improve performance.
A Brief Overview of Instacart Batches
Instacart batches are customer grocery orders fulfilled by shoppers who pick, bag, and deliver items. Shoppers set their schedules, and batch availability aligns with these hours.
Batch assignments prioritize shoppers with higher ratings. Ratings, based on the last 100 batches, influence batch distribution, allowing for multiple batches to be handled simultaneously.
The highest-paid batches have more items or better tips, with proximity to the shopper’s location also boosting earnings.
Related: How much does Instacart pay?
How to Get More Batches on Instacart
There are several strategies you can take to get more batches on Instacart, such as:
- Boosting your ratings
- Increasing your order volume
- Choosing busy days to work
- Driving to stores where Instacart is commonly used
- Asking Instacart support staff for advice
We delve further into each of these strategies below.
1. Improve Your Ratings
To increase your batches and earnings on Instacart, aim for 4-star and 5-star ratings by efficiently picking high-quality food items and maintaining a professional, friendly demeanor with customers. Quick delivery can also boost your ratings, leading to more batch opportunities.
2. Improve Your Order Volume
If you notice a low number of orders, use the Instacart Shopper app’s heat map to identify areas with higher demand for deliveries. Positioning yourself near these high-demand stores can increase your batch availability.
3. Only Work on Instacart During Busy Days
If you want extra cash and a higher number of batches, working on the busiest shopping days will help.
Usually, people don’t have time to think about groceries during the workweek and leave it off until the weekend.
You may want to choose Saturdays and Sundays as the best days to work, as more people are likely to need groceries during these days.
4. Drive Close to Local Stores That Use Instacart
Being physically close to stores that partner with Instacart can improve your chances of getting batches. Use the app’s heat map to determine busy stores and consider waiting in those areas to receive more orders.
5. Contact Support and Ask
Don’t hesitate to reach out to Instacart support for advice on securing more batches. They may offer helpful strategies you hadn’t considered.
Creative Solution: Instacart Batch Grabber
Another creative way to get more batches on Instacart is to utilize an innovative mobile app known as InstaMan, a batch grabber platform for Instacart.
However, be careful with the type of batch grabber apps you use. Your contract generally states that you cannot manipulate the Instacart software, including the Instacart Shopper app.
Troubleshooting: Common Instacart Batch Problems
If you’re facing a shortage of batches or noticing them only in distant areas, consider these factors and solutions:
- Low Ratings: Instacart prioritizes shoppers with high ratings for batch assignments. Improve your rating by enhancing delivery speed, selecting quality items, and being friendly to increase your batch frequency.
- Low Order Volume: A low number of orders in your area reduces batch availability. Use the heat map in the Instacart Shopper app to find busy areas and position yourself near high-demand stores.
- Competition: High competition from other shoppers can limit your batch access. Achieving higher ratings can give you a competitive edge, making you a priority for batch assignments.
- Location: Being far from stores, especially those with high batch volumes, can decrease your batch opportunities. Relocating closer to such stores can help.
- Slow Acceptance: Instacart values prompt batch acceptance. With only four minutes to accept a batch, ensure you’re ready and quick to respond to increase your chances of securing more batches.
Implementing these strategies can help address common batch-related problems on Instacart, potentially leading to more consistent and conveniently located batch opportunities.
Batches Too Far Away?
If batches appear outside your preferred working area, try resetting your location services by toggling airplane mode on for a minute, then off, and refreshing the Instacart app to correct location tracking.
Wrapping Up
This guide has provided you with the steps you need to take to increase the number of batches you have on the Instacart platform.
By following this guidance, you will gain extra cash as a gig worker and continue benefiting from setting up your own schedule and being your own boss.
Suggested: How to shop with Instacart
