Community Chat

[Mindy D]

"How do I get paid?

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

Full-service shopperShoppers 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."

Quoted from the Instacart website

[Mindy D]

"How are Instacart shopper earnings....calculated?

Instacart shopper earnings in ... are based on:

• Size of the order
• Time of day when the order is placed
• Number of items in the order and size of items in the order
• How difficult each item is to shop for
• Estimated delivery distance
• Batch incentives, quality bonuses, peak boosts, and customer tips"

Quoted from the Instacart website

[suzyQ3]

I have read a couple of articles about how Instacart treats its contract shoppers. They are under a great deal of pressure from the company -- and the customers. It is no dream job.

[Spurt]

Ive had excellent experiences with my Instacart Shoppers. I read somewhere that they can also receive extra bonuses based on customer ratings ......

[busymom22]

Instacart shoppers have become a saturated market. One problem is that shoppers make almost all of their money from tips. A shopper will take a "job" as it will show a specific tip, then after delivery the buyer can change that tip.  There have been problems where a buyer will entice a shopper to take a job then cheat them out of the tip later. Being an Instacart shopper isn't an easy job nor guarantees good pay.

[kivah]

Six weeks ago, I ordered lots of food thru InstaCart (Costco). There were 2 large items (case of water and case of paper towels) that they didn't deliver - but they charged me on my Costco Citibank Card. I emailed InstaCart and they said they put a $32 credit on my new InstaCart a/c - which I did NOT want - but had no choice. Today I ordered a lot more groceries from InstaCart (Costco) - and they credited me $27.04. Where's my $5.00???? I didn't see a link where I could email them.

Something Fishy!!!!!!!!!!!!

They now give 5% tip to the shopper - and I give the shopper extra $$$$ when they arrive. Ordering on-line is so much easier for me - as I definitely don't want to wear a mask and be close to lots of people - as I run thru Costco

[kivah]

Today I called Instacart about my $5.00 credit from 2 months ago. The woman (in India) told me that since I had 2 credits on Oct. 20th (about 30 minutes apart) - I only get one credit now - and for my next order, I'll get the $5.00 credit. Does this make sense? Today's order and delivery went very well - I ordered for a family of 5 - and it's all for me!!! Again, I gave the delivery guy a big tip when he arrived - plus he'll get the tip thru Costco.

I'm so appreciative for this service - I could never shop that long, pushing the cart and wait on line. 

[songbird]

@Spurt  Yes.  They get bonuses based on their ratings.  When I compliment the shopper (I always do) they ask me for 5 star ratings.  I've been with Instacart about 7 months now.  Never had any serious problem with them.  Just once when the shopper got involved in a traffic accident.  He texts me from the hospital.  Someone delivered my food and the injured shopper got the credit ratings. 

[silkyk]

I'd like to ask how much you guys tip your grocery delivery person? TIA.

[Spurt]

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@songbird wrote:

@Spurt  Yes.  They get bonuses based on their ratings.  When I compliment the shopper (I always do) they ask me for 5 star ratings.  I've been with Instacart about 7 months now.  Never had any serious problem with them.  Just once when the shopper got involved in a traffic accident.  He texts me from the hospital.  Someone delivered my food and the injured shopper got the credit ratings. 

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@songbird 

WOW!!! He even texted you from the hospital!!!! WOW!!!

I have had just good experiences too....and make sure to give them 5 star ratings....Yesterday, I put in a Petco order (since Petsmart was out of what I needed in store and online)....the shopper and I had a few laughs via chat and photos while shopping for special food/treats and a couple of pet toys for my friend's pets.....who knew there would be so much to discuss regarding the details of catnip mice...😸