Have you recently become an Instacart shopper?
Or are you interested in potentially pursuing this type of gig and becoming a full-service shopper?
If so, you’ll need to learn how to schedule Instacart, how this grocery delivery platform works, and the requirements along with actions necessary to work as an Instacart shopper.
In this overview, you will learn how to schedule Instacart, including the minimum and the maximum number of hours you’ll be required to work.
Keep reading to learn how Instacart works. Now, let’s get started!
Table Of Contents
What is Instacart?
Before you can schedule Instacart work hours, you’ll need a good understanding of the Instacart platform.
The Instacart app provides a simple method for grocery delivery if you either cannot physically shop for your groceries or do not have the time for this particular errand.
Furthermore, Instacart operates as a grocery pick-up service, which means you can choose a curbside pick-up for already packaged groceries.
The company operates in the United States and Canada.
You can obtain Instacart services through its mobile app or website.
You can only order groceries at participating retailers, so you’ll want to find out if your nearby favorite grocery shops partner with Instacart.
How Does Instacart Work?
Instacart allows one to buy specific groceries from a local shop through its online platform.
Then a full-service shopper is sent to buy the order and deliver it to the customer’s home the same day.
An Instacart shopper goes to get the produce and other items from grocery stores like Kroger, Costco, and Shaw’s.
Instacart also works all over the United States and includes one of the largest grocery delivery options around the nation.
Shopping for Instacart
If you’re looking to become a personal shopper, you should consider signing up for the gig on Instacart.
As a full-service shopper, you’ll get the opportunity to set your own hours and gain a delivery fee after dropping off the groceries.
It’s a great way to earn some more money on the side.
You can practically go grocery shopping as much or as little as you want.
There are some maximum and minimum hours you’ll need to meet.
Otherwise, you can create a flexible schedule.
How it Works
First, go to shoppers.instacart.com.
You’ll need to download the personal shopper Instacart app from the Apple app store or Google Play store.
Then, you will have to pass a background check before you can start working as an Instacart shopper.
Background checks tend to be processed within 10 days, but delays are possible.
You will need to have a vehicle to deliver groceries from the local shop to customers’ homes.
The best part is that you can make your own schedule and make extra money.
Responsibilities
Instacart store shoppers are responsible for meeting the required delivery time for each grocery delivery service.
The same-day delivery services, as well as pick-up services, are often completed in as little as one hour, so you’ll need to act fast when shopping for and packaging groceries.
In-store shoppers work for Instacart to shop and package orders for each store one at a time.
These particular Instacart shoppers do not require a car to deliver groceries.
They work up to 29 hours per week.
Requirements
A full-service shopper working for Instacart need to follow the requirements below:
- Turn 18 years of age or older
- Have eligibility to work in the United States or Canada
- Have a smartphone like an Android 5.0 or later, or an iOS 9 or later
- Ability to lift 30 pounds or more
- Own a vehicle that is registered
- Have car insurance that meets relevant laws
Lastly, you’ll need to follow all food safety requirements from Instacart when shopping for and delivering groceries.
Pay
Instacart pays its personal shoppers at least $20 per hour, which includes tips.
The tips are usually anywhere from 5 percent to 20 percent of each order.
Instacart shoppers get to keep 100 percent of their tips as the company does not take any of it out from the final payment.
However, the fastest and most effective Instacart shoppers can make up to $45 per hour.
Yet, you’ll also spend a fair amount of money on gas as a personal shopper, so you’ll want to deduct that amount from your income.
How to Set Up Your Instacart Schedule
To set up your Instacart work schedule, you will first need to log into the Instacart app with your shopper credentials.
On your dashboard, tap “Select Hours.”
Now you can choose the days you would prefer working as a personal shopper for Instacart.
You can also choose pick-up hours if you’d rather not handle the deliveries but can select food items and put together grocery bags.
How Instacart Shopper Schedules Work
Instacart shopper schedules are relatively easy to set up.
You can choose whatever hours on whatever days you’d like to work as long as you meet a minimum number of hours and don’t bypass the maximum hours.
You can choose either an in-store shopping schedule or a full-service shopper schedule.
In-store shoppers complete grocery picking and packaging for curbside pick-up.
Full-service shoppers pick the produce, purchase it for the customers, and deliver the groceries to their homes.
Minimum Number of Hours
Most states in the nation require Instacart personal shoppers to work at least three hours per week at a minimum.
However, if you are an in-store shopper, you’re a part-time employee of Instacart, and you’ll have to work at least 15 hours per week, including on Sundays or Mondays.
Maximum Number of Hours
The maximum number of hours you’re allowed to work as a personal shopper for Instacart is no more than 29 hours in total.
Part-time hourly workers cannot work more than 29 hours a week for Instacart.
The Instacart app provides details on when to clock in, clock out, and take breaks.
Best Hours to Work
The Instacart shopper application provides a “best times to shop” button under the batches you can choose.
When you click on this button, you’ll get location-specific information telling you the best times to complete Instacart grocery delivery in your region.
During busy shopping periods, you can get bonus payments.
Generally, the best hours to work are between 4:00 PM and 9:00 PM on weekdays and at any point during the weekends.
More batches are expected on weekends in the mornings.
Step by Step Instructions
To set up an Instacart schedule, follow the steps below.
- Log into your Instacart app with your username and password
- On the dashboard, click on “Select Hours”
- Select the “Next Week” button and pick the days you’d like to work
- You then click on “Pickup Hours” to choose the days you want to work
- Check that the region you have setup corresponds to the area where you can work
- Click on the checkmark for the hours you’d prefer working
- Click on the “Save” button
How to Schedule Deliveries in Advance
Instacart has the “Order Ahead” feature to ensure consumers can schedule groceries for delivery ahead of time.
This feature can actually allow customers to place grocery delivery orders up to two weeks in advance.
Step by Step Instructions
Follow the steps below to schedule your grocery deliveries in advance.
- Find the items you wish to buy
- Add the items to your cart
- Review your cart
- Confirm your order details
- Schedule your delivery for later in the week, or as far into the future as two weeks, after placing the order
- Place your order with your home address and payment information
Before You Go
Follow the information in this overview to schedule your Instacart grocery deliveries.
Now that you’ve learned how to complete this, it’s time to start working on the platform and making extra money.
