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You've probably noticed them if you regularly go to the store to buy groceries:
- their green shirts
- use her cell phone
- Scan items in your shopping cart
They are Instacart buyers and part-time employees providing grocery deliveries to people who may not have the time or ability to do their own shopping.
In the midst of economic booms and such side troublesPostgenome, Uber and Lyft - there's never been a better time to be an Instacart buyer.
Have you thought about joining Instacart and signing up to shop or drive?
Below we tell you everything you need to know about the application process and what to expect.
Become a buyer
Signing up as an Instacart buyer is a legal way to earn extra income while having a flexible schedule.
- There are two types of shopper options to choose from: shop and ship or just shop.
- Enjoy a flexible schedule and work when it suits you best.
- Become a grocer master by developing new skills while grocery shopping.
Apply for the storeHow much does Instacart cost?
Table of contents
- Reasons to become an Instacart buyer
- What you need to know to be an Instacart buyer
- Instacart Buyer Requirements
- How to become an Instacart buyer
- What to expect after signing up for Instacart
- What to look out for after signing up for Instacart
- Alternative career options for Instacart
- frequently asked Questions
- final thoughts
Reasons to become an Instacart buyer
There are many reasons why being an Instacart buyer is beneficial, but three stand out in particular.
1. Earn extra money
If you want to earn more than you can earn as an employee elsewhere, you can easily make extra money by buying other people's groceries.
2. Kill time
Another advantage is that you can work on your own schedule and be your own boss.
Thanks to this flexibility, you can decide when your next shift will take place and how flexible you need to be to complete it.
3. Develop new skills
Another great thing about the gig economy in general is that you can acquire new skills or services.
In this case, it's all about learning how to find fresh groceries and supplies, and how to use a shopping cart to navigate the sometimes crowded grocery store aisles.
What you need to know to be an Instacart buyer
If you're interested in becoming an Instacart buyer, here's a little about the app, the service, and the type of work you'll get done.
1. Differences in buyer types
You can fill two types of branch positions if:Work for Instacart: Full-service buyers and in-store buyers.
Full-service shoppers are independent entrepreneurs who work independently and take various customer orders via an app (the app is available for every smartphone, including iOS and Android).
Based on the payment amount, they can then decide whether to accept or reject the order and have the order fulfilled in the branch of their choice.
They then deliver directly to the customer's doorstep.
Typically, these associates work in batches, with up to three customer orders being processed from one store, to save time and increase efficiency.
Full-service buyers can be paid by Instacart at variable rates based on delivery distance, mileage benefits, and rewards.
The in-store shopper, on the other hand, is actually a W2 Instacart employee at a supermarket within the Instacart network.
They work in stores, taking orders through the app, running errands for orders, doing checkout and passing items to Instacart drivers for final fulfillment.
These in-store shoppers are paid a guaranteed minimum wage but are still able to work their own hours.
However, if they work at peak times, they earn more.
2. How much do Instacart buyers earn?
Earning as an Instacart buyer depends on several factors.
This includes the time you spend working, shopping and your customer experience (Tips).
As a full-service shopper, you can work as an in-store shopper for as long as you want, for unlimited hoursOnly 29 hours a week。
That means if you are willing to become an independent contractor and take care of home deliveries, it is possible to earn more income.
Literature recommendations:How much does Instacart cost?
3. Does Instacart pay out weekly?
Instacart offers customers weekly payments every Wednesday instead of instant payments.
For all work done from Monday to Sunday, you will receive your earnings on the following Wednesday.
4. You are an independent contractor
If you are a full-service Instacart buyer, please note that you are not an employee of the company, you are an independent contractor.
This means that you are responsible for fees and taxes like a freelancer.
This means you may incur costsestimated taxesOffered throughout the year to reduce your tax burden when filing your tax return.
This includes keeping your books accurate so you can accurately record everything about your income and taxes.
read more:Instacart Tax–Everything you need to know about saving for the tax office
Instacart Buyer Requirements
Would you like to become an Instacart buyer, put some extra money in your wallet and fill the free hours of your day with something productive and useful?
These are the minimum requirements that you should be familiar with before enrolling.
If you meet all of these requirements, you may need to start applying.
Full service buyer requirements
To become a full-service Instacart buyer, make sure you meet the following requirements:
- 18 years or older
- Eligible to work in the US or Canada
- Consistent access on smartphones running iOS 9 or higher or Android 5.0 or higher
- Own a registered, insured and working vehicle
- Ability to lift at least 30 pounds
- Ability to comply with all Instacart food safety guidelines
Inquiries for customers in store
If you want to be a buyer in your store, you must meet additional requirements before you can become a part-time Instacart W2 employee.
- 18 years or older
- Eligible to work in the US or Canada
- Consistent access to smartphones (same operational requirements as above)
- Ability to lift at least 30 pounds
- Ability to comply with all food safety guidelines
As you can see the only real difference between the two requirements is in the vehicle.
Since you want to make deliveries and be a full service buyer, you must also have a registered, insured, and working car.
To be a store shopper you do not need this section.
Become a buyer
Signing up as an Instacart buyer is a legal way to earn extra income while having a flexible schedule.
- There are two types of shopper options to choose from: shop and ship or just shop.
- Enjoy a flexible schedule and work when it suits you best.
- Become a grocer master by developing new skills while grocery shopping.
Apply for the storeHow much does Instacart cost?
Instacart Insurance Requirements
As mentioned above, Instacart requires some employees to purchase insurance before they can become customers.
However, this requirement only applies to those who want to sign up as a full-service shopper.
If you're just shopping in store and don't want your order delivered, you don't need insurance at all.
If you are applying for a full-service position, no special business insurance is required.
All you have to do is meet or exceed the coverage required by your state.
Instacart background check
As a form of screening of potential employees and contractors, Instacart conducts background checks on all applicants before accepting new positions.
What is an Instacart background check?
Use InstacartChecker Corp.Conduct all background checks.
If they make a conditional offer and you accept it, you authorize them to conduct that review.
According to Checkr, they offer AI background checks including criminal, civil, driver, drug/health and international data to verify personal information.
background check process
Background checks are typically completed within 10 days.
However, it may take longer if there are special circumstances such as: B. court closures or a high number of cases.
If you want to check yoursInstacart background check, you can update it through the Checkr Applicant Portal.
What Makes a Buyer Banned from Instacart?
You must meet the basic requirements mentioned above in this article. However, you can also be disqualified for not having a driver's license if your background check reveals a criminal offense or other serious conviction.
How to become an Instacart buyer
Applying for Instacart Driving is a simple process that only takes a few minutes.
documents you need
If you are registered as a full service shopper you will need to show your driver's license, otherwise any ID will suffice.
Otherwise, you can receive payments simply by linking your debit card to the account.
Sign up for Instacart. 【Tutorial】
Follow the instructions below to become an Instacart buyer.
Total time: 2 minutes
1. Click on the referral link
To join the company and become an Instacart driver, first click on our referral link which will take you toDriver login page on Instacart website。
Enter your first name, last name, email address, zip code and referral code (if available).
2. Download the Instacart Shopper app
From there, the app will prompt you to download the Instacart Shopper app.
Enter your phone number in the field. This will appear and a download link will be sent to your mobile device.
3. Enter basic information
Fill out the form with your first name, last name, email address, mobile phone number and zip code.
You can also enter a referral code if another Instacart buyer recommends you drive for Instacart.
Then click “Create Account”.
4. Verify account
You will then receive a verification code via SMS.
Enter the code in your application.
Type "Enter SMS Code" on the screen
5. Confirm that you meet the requirements
Confirm that you meet the Instacart Shopper requirements.
6. Confirm that you have a car.
You will then need to confirm that you have a vehicle to drive.
7. Choose a character
Select the Shop and Drive gig, review the gig details, and click Select this role.
8. Start the quiz
Click "Start" to start the survey.
You will be asked about your experience in a supermarket or customer service role and what you would do in a relevant situation.
9. Take photos
After completing the questionnaire, click "Take Photo" to send in pictures of the front and back of your driver's license.
10. Follow the remaining instructions
Follow the remaining instructions to submit the required personal information and approve the background check.
Once your documents and questionnaire responses have been accepted and your background check is impeccable (usually within a week or so), Instacart will send you a prepaid debit card.
As soon as you receive the card that you use every time you pay in store, you can start the first delivery.
What to expect after signing up for Instacart
What is the next step after registration?
What to expect between application and approval.
How long does it take to become an Instacart buyer?
The approval process is often only delayed by background checks, which take an average of ten days.
However, the process can take longer if the number of cases is unusually high or the courts are closed significantly.
What is the approval process for Instacart buyers?
The information you provide will be checked as part of the approval process. It will also check whether you meet the basic requirements for the position you are applying for.
How do I know if Instacart approves or disapproves me after I sign up?
You can go to the Shopper app and find your login status.
If you see "Awaiting Approval," it means the team hasn't had time to review your application.
What happens if I'm on the waiting list on Instacart?
If you find yourself in itInstacart Waiting List, it just means the zip code you live in is already full of drivers or hauliers.
If things change over time, you may be accepted.
If you wish to shop outside of your zip code please contact
Instacart Customer Service。
You can start a live chat with an Instacart agent or email them to share these new zip codes.
You can skip the waiting list by working outside of your immediate area.
What happens if I get rejected by Instacart?
If you are denied, you have the legal right to correct any errors that led to it and even claim damages under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
What to look out for after signing up for Instacart
After you've applied and been accepted, there are a few things to consider when starting your new part-time job.
1. There is a learning curve
The first thing you need to know is that there is a learning curve.
Even if you are a professional buyer yourself, shop for others and learn howInstacart-Shopper-AppIt might be a bit challenging at the beginning.
Don't expect your order to be filled as quickly as your own and take some time to get used to it.
2. Gain experience with other customers
You can learn a lot about the Instacart experience from other customers.
You can see them in stores with their branded shirts and full shopping cartsInstacart Thermotasche。
Don't be afraid to ask for advice, help, or even stories about their grocery delivery experiences.
It's a great way to unwind and meet other people who feel the same way.
Alternative career options for Instacart
Instacart also offers other career opportunities.
The company often employs staff to provide customer service.
The requirements for this are less specific than those for drivers and buyers.
If you prefer some type of office work, this might be an even more attractive opportunity.
Even if you don't interact with customers in person, you will be expected to answer emails and take the occasional phone call.
Customer service may also ask you to help customers.
Training is usually provided so you don't need to have any customer service experience.
The benefit of a customer service representative can also be more attractive.
Fuel and transportation are not covered, but you will receive medical benefits.
frequently asked Questions
Getting started in your career as an Instacart driver is easy, especially once you are confident that you meet all of the requirements for the position.
Read our answers to these frequently asked questions to learn more about how Instacart Shopper performs.
Do Instacart buyers get shipping?
Yes, they have to pay for shipping unless they did itInstacart Expressbuild.
Can I be a full service buyer if I own a regular bike or electric scooter?
Unfortunately, Instacart does not allow bike or scooter deliveries.
All full-service shoppers should have a car they can use to safely deliver their groceries.
We recommend owning at least a standard sedan with a roomy trunk, as grocery delivery orders tend to be larger than the typical grocery delivery request.
Do Instacart buyers get shipping discounts?
No, you will not receive a shipping discount.
However, Instacart offers other advantages over Perkspot.
If you're looking to save on grocery orders, consider using itInstacart-Promo-Codes。
Who pays Instacart buyers?
Instacart pays in-store customers by the hour and full-service shoppers by the hour.
It is worth mentioning thatInstacart shoppers don't have to pay for their groceries out of pocket。
Instead, the company gives them a card that they can use to bill the company for groceries.
Can I drive for Instacart full time?
absolut.
If you are looking for a full-time job rather than a part-time job, Instacart is definitely an option.
The Company does not limit the number of hours you can work. If demand is high enough, you may be able to pick up groups of 40 hours per week.
However, as an independent contractor, you are not entitled to any discounts or specific volume orders.
final thoughts
If you've been thinking about joining the Instacart train, you have two choices.
You can be an in-store shopper and part-time Instacart employee (no car required), or you can be a full-service shopper, be your own boss, and use your car for grocery delivery.
The application process is easy as long as you meet company requirements and pass a background check.
Sign up today and become an Instacart buyer.