Instacart is a convenient service that has swept across America and Canada ever since its inception in 2012. Today, it is the most popular door-to-door grocery delivery service in use.

With the convenience of online shopping or using the versatile mobile app, you can easily save time and effort.

With continuously growing support, Instacart is constantly searching for independent contractors. Independent contractors are the delivery agents and in-store shoppers that make up the lifeline of the company.

What Is an Instacart Driver?

An Instacart driver is referred to as a Shopper. There are two employment options as an Instacart Shopper. The first is an In-store Shopper. Independent contractors who apply for In-store Shopper positions are granted the responsibility of collecting orders placed online or through the mobile app. They specifically get orders ready for either the scheduled pick-up or for the drivers who are scheduled to deliver the grocery bundles.

In most cases, you will be assigned to a designated retailer, where you will be working on scheduled shifts. Independent contractors who apply for Shopper positions are given the responsibility of delivering the ordered groceries. At times, it may also include having to fill the orders and complete the full service, depending on how much support Instacart has in your given area.

Instacart Shoppers are responsible for the safe delivery and transportation of orders placed either online or through the app. They are coordinated using the Instacart app, and they are permitted to work on schedules that suit their needs.

All In-store Shoppers and Full-service Shoppers are employed under an independent contract. This contract does not extend any benefits and only agrees to hourly rates determined by the contract.

Requirements

Despite being a leisurely position, applying for any of these positions require certain demands from Instacart that should be met. As an In-store Shopper, the requirements are basic and limited to requiring that you should be eighteen years of age and older and have no criminal history. Also, Instacart requires that you be in possession of a smartphone that is compatible with the Instacart application.

When applying to be a Driver or Full-service Shopper, you will have to have a valid driver's license. You will also need to have your own car that is in reliable condition, as well as valid auto insurance and car registration documents for the car you intend to use.

More than that, you should be in a physically capable condition, meaning that you can, at the very least, lift and haul fifty pounds.

Who Is Eligible?

Anyone is eligible for the independent contractor positions offered by Instacart, as long as they meet the prerequisite demands of Instacart. The only other requirement that is asked for is that those who apply should have permission to work in the United States of America.

If applying for work in Canada, you should have a legal working permit in the aforesaid country.

Average Salary / Rates

The average salary of an Instacart driver will vary greatly depending on individual factors. Instacart can pay their drivers either on a fixed hourly rate or according to completed orders. These factors cause continuous fluctuations and will determine the monthly outcome of each individual’s salary.

Every applicant’s region and dedication will greatly influence their success as an Instacart driver. The fixed hourly rate that is most commonly paid by Instacart can range from anywhere between $10 to $11.

On average, the annual salary earned by most drivers, as reported on Indeed.com by many Instacart drivers, will range somewhere around $32,117. This is only an estimated median, and individual earnings per year will differ greatly among drivers. Those who apply as In-store Shoppers will be paid a fixed hourly rate, and the average annual salary is estimated to be about $56,297.

Drivers and In-store Shoppers do not receive any benefits. Both the fuel and maintenance of the vehicle remains the responsibility of the driver, and this will not be covered or reimbursed by Instacart. This, it is recommended to use a fuel-efficient vehicle that is in good, reliable condition.

How To Apply

Application for an independent contractor position is simple and easy. All you need to do is visit their webpage, and on the home landing site, you can click the tab “Become a Shopper”. Also, you can scroll down to the bottom of the page and select the option with the same caption.

Alternatively, you can follow this provided link for direct access to the application form. You will have to provide the correct details that are requested, then you will be prompted to download the Instacart app on your mobile. After this procedure, you will be an official part of the team.

Also Read: How to Become a Grocery Delivery Driver

Summary

Instacart is constantly in search of Drivers and Shoppers. If you need employment, why not consider working for the Instacart team. Applying for the job is easy and simplified, and as long as you meet the requirements, you will quickly receive feedback on how to become an official independent contractor.