Tips and Tricks to Increase Earnings Potential with Instacart
Life is busier now more than ever. I know I’ve struggled juggling work, paying the bills, and finding time for myself in the midst of all of this crazy. That’s why this year I’ve turned my focus to finding a side-gig that can actually pull in additional income while remaining flexible. After chatting with friends and searching for the best option, I found Instacart.
As an Instacart shopper you pick up groceries at the store and then deliver them straight to your customer’s door. I live in Connecticut, and Instacart shoppers in the area have shared with me that they make about $217/week when they complete 10 trips –– and that’s before tips, which make up about 50% of my income, but can vary. This is a solid boost to your earnings.
Though I’m definitely not complaining about roughly $217/week plus tips, I’ve combined the best tricks that may help you become an above-average earning shopper –– because, let’s face it, it’s time to actually save up for that vacation, or bring in extra means to pay the bills.
As an Instacart shopper, the more orders you complete, the more money you make –– that means efficiency is your new best friend. Try shopping in an area that you’re familiar with and implementing a shopping system. For example, produce first, then pantry items, then frozen food. If you have a mental map of the store, you’ll save time retracing your steps to find the cookies you forgot to grab.
"I like how flexible it is! Hop on and work whenever you like" – Jordan
One of the top perks of shopping with Instacart is that shoppers keep 100% of their tips, which make up about 50% of my income, but can vary. Communication with your customer, the quality of produce, and the timeliness of delivery can all be effective when it comes to the customer satisfaction with their order –– which really boosts your potential for a better tip.
"I love to shop. I wanted to find a way I could be helpful and I wanted to find an actual reason to go out. And during the pandemic, I think I got a lot of purpose in it." – Kenya
When you head out to shop, make sure you leave the house prepared –– this includes having a portable charger in case your phone gets low on battery, sturdy insulated bags to keep items fresher for longer, and a neck lanyard for your phone to keep both of your hands free. You’ll finish with more efficient trips and happier customers. –– something that you don’t always get at other gig jobs.
"I had trouble finding a job, and I didn’t realize how easy it is. And at the end of the day you can just cash out." – Roberto
The more you keep track of your experiences while shopping, including logging driving miles, the easier your life will be when filing for tax deductions. If you keep track of your mileage, you might be able to save money and make your tax-filing a lot less stressful –– it’s a win-win.
"I like to help people out who otherwise might not be able to get their groceries" – Jordan
It’s time to start putting your needs first and making that extra income you’ve been looking for. With Instacart, you always have control over how many orders you decide to accept and the customer service experience you provide, giving you more opportunities to make extra tips. If you’re looking for something flexible that can bring you extra income, sign up to shop with Instacart today!
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by Ashley Graef
