Is Instacart Worth It As A Side Hustle?

Side hustles have become a part of young people’s lives. They seek flexible and innovative ways to boost their income. From freelance work to becoming retailer staff, individuals try their hands at everything. One new popular option that has emerged recently is Instacart, a leading online grocery platform in the US. It connects customers with personal shoppers who pick and deliver groceries from their favorite local stores. 

Before you take up any part-time job, evaluating its pros and cons is essential. You must evaluate all aspects and determine if it will benefit you. From the financial potential of Instacart to the job demands and overall satisfaction, you need to weigh everything to determine if Instacart is the right fit for you. But, is Instacart worth it as a side hustle? This article will explore the advantages of working with Instacart and help you decide if you should go ahead with the option as a side hustle.

Understanding The Instacart Platform 

With same-day delivery and a user-friendly app, Instacart makes grocery shopping faster, more convenient, and accessible for millions of households. In today’s dynamic world, hundreds of side hustle options are available. Instacart is one such option, but is it truly worth it? Read along and find out:

How Instacart Works

Instacart is a grocery delivery service that allows you to browse and order from the comfort of your home. The company has developed an app through which consumers can place online orders. It connects you to all grocery stores, and you can select which one you want to shop from. 

A personal shopper is then assigned to the order to pick and pack the groceries, often contacting the customer about substitutions if needed. The order is either delivered to the customer’s door or prepared for curbside pickup. Behind the scenes, Instacart integrates with retail partners for real-time inventory, uses smart logistics to match orders with nearby shoppers, and manages the entire fulfillment process for a fast, convenient shopping experience. The app provides you with real-time updates regarding where the shopper is and how long it will take for them to deliver. 

Benefits Of Joining Instacart 

There are many benefits of joining Instacart as a full-service shopper. Some of them include:

1. Setting your flexible hours so you can commit to other work too.
2. Working from various locations without any fixed office environment.
3. You can set your tasks and work according to your will without any micromanagement from your superiors.
4. It’s an excellent opportunity to earn more income.
5. You get to engage with your community members and contribute to your community.

Requirements For Becoming An Instacart Shopper 

According to their official website, there are only five requirements for becoming an Instacart shopper:

• You should be at least 18 years old.
• You need to be eligible to work in the US.
• You must have a bank account.
• You should have consistent access to a vehicle and a recent smartphone.
• You need to be strong and be able to lift 40 lbs with or without accommodation.

Read related blog: Is Amazon Flex a Good Side Hustle?

Instacart’s Earning Potential

Instacart’s earning potential is key in determining whether it fits you well. Plus, how much you earn depends on how much time you allot for this side hustle. You will earn more if you can dedicate more time to becoming an Instacart shopper. 

The grocery delivery platform offers various avenues for income, including base hourly rates, tips, and potential bonuses. Let’s take a broader look at it: 

Hourly Rates And Tips

Instacart full-service shoppers earn on an hourly basis, which could also differ depending on the customer’s order size and location.

Based on salary data for 18,448 employees, the salaries of Instacart shoppers vary widely, with annual earnings typically ranging from about $15,000 for a driver or independent contractor to $40,581 for a full-service store shopper.

Hourly wages generally fall between $13.88 for store shoppers and $23.76 for full-service shoppers and delivery drivers. 

Peak Hours And Demand

Peak hour is considered when consumer activity is the highest. More and more others will pour in, and the demand for shoppers and delivery drivers will be high. If you become a full-service or store shopper during peak hours, your earnings will be boosted.

Strategically working during these busy periods can maximize your income, as the increased demand often results in more frequent and higher-paying deliveries. Understanding how peak hours work and aligning your free time properly can enhance your overall earnings potential. 

Additional Income Streams

When it comes to Instacart, you have an opportunity to earn more than your base pay. You can earn extra money through customer tips, which can significantly boost overall earnings. You can also participate in referral programs and ask your friends to become shoppers, too.

You will be given extra compensation for recommending new people to the app. Furthermore, diversify your income by partnering with other economy gig platforms and freelance opportunities to multiply your income level.

Read related blog: How to Make $500 a Week With Instacart

Challenges Of Working In Instacart 

Working in a fast-paced environment always presents challenges. One thing is certain: It will not be easy, but with perseverance and determination, it will improve. 

Physical Demands Of The Job 

Here are some physical challenges that you might face while working as a grocery delivery agent:  

• You need to be physically fit and active, as this role requires a lot of walking, lifting, and carrying groceries.
• You should know how to navigate crowded grocery stores and handle heavy bags.

The job requires stamina and resilience, especially during busy hours or peak seasons. Extensive standing and walking can strain your body. That’s why shoppers must be physically fit and practice good ergonomic habits to manage these demands.  

Time Commitment And Flexibility 

Even though Instacart offers flexible timings, it comes with its challenges. They must work during peak hours, which can be any day.

They might have to sacrifice their weekends and evenings. Therefore, you must learn time management and adequately balance your work and personal life. Plus, differences in order volume could affect their income. 

Expenses Associated With The Job 

Instacart workers often face various expenses that can impact their net earnings. These include gas, vehicle maintenance, insurance, and other vehicle-related expenses for delivery drivers. You also have to pay your taxes. These can have an impact on your overall income.

Instacart Vs Other Economy Gigs

Instacart offers a great opportunity for people looking to increase their income. Unlike traditional gig jobs, where drivers or freelancers provide services indirectly to individuals, Instacart focuses on grocery shopping and delivery directly to consumers. 

Instacart Vs Other Delivery Apps

There are notable differences between Instacart and other delivery apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats. Instacart primarily involves grocery shopping and delivery, requiring shoppers to navigate stores and select items. On the other hand, apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats focus on delivering prepared meals from restaurants. 

As an Instacart shopper, you need to dedicate more time to this work, but other food delivery agents have easier work, as their job is just to deliver the food. Choosing between the two depends on personal preferences and earnings potential. 

Factors To Consider When Choosing A Gig Economy Job 

When selecting a gig economy job, you need to consider: 

• If the base pay, tips, incentives, and bonuses align with your income needs and financial goals.
• Assess the job’s physical demands and see if you can pull through it.
• Consider expenses like vehicle, maintenance, or work supplies, and how these things impact your net income.

Conclusion 

Finding out whether Instacart will financially benefit you depends on how focused you are at work. You might enjoy working as a full-service shopper if you enjoy flexible tasks and have physical stamina to ride a bike and deliver groceries. Lastly, your job satisfaction depends on your flexibility and commitment to this job. 

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Read related blog: Cash Advance for Instacart drivers

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