Lisa Nguyen
Transportation Researcher, UCLA
Complete Instacart Shopper Guide
Tips and strategies for making money as an Instacart shopper.
In This Article
Step-by-Step Guide
Complete onboarding
Background check and tutorial.
Learn the store layouts
Knowing where products are saves time.
Be selective with batches
Calculate per-mile earnings before accepting.
Communicate with customers
Send updates and ask about replacements.
Speed matters
Faster shopping means more batches per hour.
Pro Tips
- Decline low-tip batches
- Learn produce codes
- Communicate replacements
- Heavy pay orders have extra pay
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FAQs
How much do Instacart shoppers make?
$15-$25/hour including tips is typical.
What about heavy orders?
Instacart adds 'heavy pay' for large orders.
How long does it take to complete this guide?
This guide is designed to take approximately 22 min to read through. Actual implementation time varies based on your experience level and the complexity of your specific situation. First-time practitioners should expect to spend additional time on hands-on steps.
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Important Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered tax, legal, or financial advice. Consult a qualified professional (CPA, tax attorney, or financial advisor) for advice specific to your situation.