Key Takeaways
- Instacart batches start as early as stores open, typically around 7 AM to 11 PM.
- Full-service shoppers shop and deliver, while in-store shoppers only prepare orders.
- Peak Instacart hours are weekday evenings and all day on weekends.
- Shopper batch access prioritized by ratings, with best batches for top-rated shoppers.
What Are Instacart’s Regular Hours?
Instacart operates from the time stores in your area open until they close, with typical availability from 7 AM to 11 PM.
However, Instacart also partners with 24/7 stores such as Walgreens, CVS, 7-Eleven, and others, offering the possibility of accepting batches outside these typical hours.
Instacart is available 24/7, but the availability of late night/early morning and holiday deliveries is contingent upon the operating hours of stores in your specific location.
What Time Does Instacart Release Batches?
Instacart releases batches for shoppers to accept typically around 7 AM, but this can vary depending on the location and store opening hours in your area.
Batches can be available as early as 6:30 AM, and for stores that open earlier or operate 24/7, such as early Costco orders, batches may be available before 7 AM.
The release time for batches ranges from as early as 6 AM to as late as 9 or 10 AM, depending on when stores in your area begin operations.
Best Time To Take On Instacart Batches
The optimal times to accept Instacart batches are typically during weekday evenings (4 PM to 8 PM) and throughout the day on weekends, with Sunday being the busiest day of the week.
This pattern follows the general trend that many people, especially those with 9–5 jobs, prefer deliveries either before or after work hours or on weekends.
However, the rise of remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic has introduced variability, with some preferring deliveries during work hours on weekdays.
To maximize earnings, Instacart shoppers can use the “Best times to shop” feature in the shopper app, which provides detailed forecasts of the busiest times for each day, allowing for effective planning of work schedules.
Related: How to get more batches on Instacart
How Does Instacart Decide Who Gets Batches?
Active Instacart shoppers can log into their app and go online to see nearby batches at any time, but Instacart gives priority to top shoppers for the best and highest-paying batches.
In the past, shoppers with the highest ratings could see the best batches in their area.
After delivering an order, customers were encouraged to rate their shopper with a 5-star system, and Instacart determines your average from your last 100 orders.
Recently, though, Instacart changed how rating works, and shoppers gain access to the best batches.
A new rating system exists where shoppers must maintain a 4.7 rating to maintain priority access to batches.
The advantage of this new rating system is that Instacart will drop ratings from the customers who gave fewer than five stars on their last three orders.
Final Notes
Luckily, Instacart is a 24/7 service. Full-service shoppers can decide when they want to work and set their schedules to maximize earnings.
Many people work for Instacart to supplement their income, while others work solely for Instacart. Whatever you decide to do, now you know what time Instacart batches start, so you make the most of this side (or full-time) gig.
