Thanks to grocery delivery services like Shipt, you can get paid to do someone else’s grocery shopping for them. But is it worth your time and effort to become a Shipt shopper? In this Shipt shopper review, we’ll give you a complete overview of working for the grocery delivery service, including how it works, how much you can make, and how to get started.
or, skip straight to the section on how to sign up for Shipt
What Is Shipt?
Shipt is a same-day delivery service that connects local community members with people who get paid for shopping at major retailers such as Target, Meijer, Walmart, Petco, and CVS.
Shipt pays shoppers for their efforts, compensating them with up to $22 per hour or more for deliveries. Shipt shoppers work as independent contractors and use the Shipt app to shop and deliver items to families in their local area. So it all takes place through an easy and user-friendly mobile app, and most people do it as a part-time job on their own schedule.
Shipt Features
Shipt is loaded with great features and perks, making them one of the premier apps on the market right now.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect when using Shipt.
Flexible work
Shipt is aligned with the flexible gig economy and doesn’t require workers to set hours or be on call. Instead, shoppers can work when they want and where they want for maximum earning potential and flexibility. The service is similar to apps like Uber Eats and Instacart.
This makes Shipt great for college students, busy professionals looking for a side hustle, and caregivers and nurturers who need to bring in some extra money to run their household.
Non-binding opportunity
While Shipt has an application process, the company is non-exclusive. Shipt shoppers don’t have to worry about being exclusive to the company because they can work as freelancers. So there’s no threat of running into non-compete issues or being held back from other opportunities. You can be both a Shipt and an Instacart shopper at the same time.
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Prepaid cards
Shoppers don’t have to worry about paying for items out of pocket and getting reimbursed. All items get covered through a prepaid Shipt card, which automatically loads with funds for orders that require payment.
Educational resources
Shipt offers optional resources, including online courses to help you become a more informed and knowledgeable shopper.
Why take the time to browse educational resources? It’s simple: The better you are at shopping, the more likely you’ll get bigger tips.
How Does Shipt Pay Shoppers?
Shipt pays shoppers every Friday through a direct deposit program that funnels money right to your bank account. So there is never any threat of missing payments or experiencing delays. The process is efficient and automatic. You don’t even have to send in any invoices for added convenience.
This part is important. Nothing is worse than a payment delay when freelancing, although it happens quite frequently. Companies that pay promptly are therefore worth their weight in gold.
Shoppers are paid on a per order basis, and they can also earn tips and bonuses for added earning potential.
Signing Up and Getting Started
Shipt is selective about whom they bring on board, so you have to go through an application process before getting started.
To start, head over to Shipt.com and submit your first and last name, as well as your email address, phone number, and zip code. You need to be at least 18 years old to qualify.
Next, Shipt is going to ask for some basic information. For example, this includes taking a questionnaire, submitting video responses so the company can get to know you, and signing a Shipt shopper agreement, which is meant to weed non-serious shoppers out. Most shoppers tend to agree that it’s worth going through the process, but of course, some may feel differently.
Next, wait for a recruiter from Shipt to get back to you. This may take a few days or weeks and it depends on your area’s current need. After getting approval, you can download the app and start shopping.
Here’s a list of what Shipt shoppers need to get started:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Valid mailing address
- Reliable vehicle — 1997 or newer
- Valid driver’s license
- Ability to lift 45 pounds
- Knowledge of produce
- Smartphone — Apple or Android
If you go through the process, act professionally, say the right things, and have all your documentation in order, then you should hear back from the company.
It’s well within your right to inquire if you don’t hear back from the Shipt team after a reasonable amount of time. The team is generally very responsible and easy to deal with (more on customer service below).
Does Shipt do background checks?
Shipt uses consumer reports and collects detailed background checks on workers through a third-party vendor called Checkr. In addition, the company searches federal databases when hiring. So this is something to expect before getting started.
Shipt Promos Bonuses, Coupons
Shipt offers some enticing perks for shoppers. Here are some of the top perks to know about.
Tax prep
Working as an independent contractor can be challenging from a tax perspective, and people often have questions when filing. Shipt offers tax prep services and is currently even offering a 50% discount from TaxSlayer. This is a great perk that users should consider taking advantage of.
As a tip, it’s always good to work with tax consultants when working as an independent contractor. You don’t want to miss important details and wind up owing a lot to the government.
Free annual membership
Shoppers get a free Shipt membership, meaning you don’t need to worry about Shipt Pass delivery fees — which can be helpful if you’re out hustling and don’t have time to shop for yourself.
Auto benefits
Shipt recognizes that shoppers need their automobiles to get around and make deliveries. So the company provides some great auto perks for shoppers to ensure their cars remain functional.
When shopping for Shipt, it’s possible to receive discounts on auto insurance, maintenance discounts, and even gas savings programs. The company partners with Avis, Budget, NTB, Tire Kingdom, Gas Buddy, and Jiffy Lube.
Lifestyle
Shipt has partnered with companies like Nift, ShopRunner, Toggle, and Hurdlr for additional perks.
Healthcare
Healthcare coverage is available for medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as discounted prescription plans and gym memberships.
Shipt Security
Shipt doesn’t offer much security information on its website. However, from a physical security standpoint, the company does provide services to protect shoppers while they are out and about.
For example, Shipt offers no-contact deliveries, helping shoppers avoid interaction with customers and maintain some space and distance. The company also offers phone number protection, so that the shopper’s number always stays private when interacting with customers.
In addition, the company offers security perks like identity theft protection and legal resources.
Customer Service and Support
It’s a great feeling knowing that the company that you’re working with has your back and is there to solve challenges when they arise.
Shipt offers a contact page with a contact form so shoppers and customers can submit feedback or ask questions at any time, for an email response.
In addition, Shipt lists a telephone number, email address, and physical addresses for its offices in Birmingham, Alabama, and San Francisco. Live chat service is also available on the Shipt website, for instant access to Shipt customer service members.
Shipt Review Pros and Cons
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of working for Shipt.
Pros
- Decent hourly pay up to $22
- Flexible work policies
- Worker perks
- Commitment to safety and support
Cons
- Selective application process, with background checks
- Acceptance is based on local demand
- You have to use your own car
- The job requires lifting heavy objects
Tips for Working With Shipt
Consider the following pointers to get the most out of your Shipt shopping experience.
Always be on time
This part is important. If you want to get good tips and reviews and avoid complaints, it pays to meet your assigned delivery window. Don’t make customers wait or forget to go on a run. If you do this consistently, you could wind up losing your position and losing money.
Customer service gets better tips
Put some thought and care into the process. Pick fruits and vegetables that aren’t damaged, and make sure items aren’t delivered in a way that is sloppy. The more care you put into the process, and the more accurately you gather items from the grocery list, the more money you will make.
Look into other side hustles
Shipt is a great service, but you aren’t going to be able to get by doing it as a full-time job.
Let’s take a look at some alternative side hustles to supplement working with Shipt.
Alternatives to Shipt
Shipt is part of a growing lineup of on-demand apps that deliver goods to community members.
Here are some similar apps to check out.
Instacart
Instacart offers a similar pricing model to Shipt, where you can get paid for going on shopping trips and delivering the items to customers.
DoorDash
DoorDash is an on-demand delivery app that connects with local businesses and lets drivers pick up items from multiple stores.
Grubhub and Uber Eats are two competing services to check out as well.
Postmates
Postmates is an on-demand delivery app that goes beyond food items and allows drivers to deliver household and office supplies to customers around town.
Saucey
Saucey provides an on-demand delivery service exclusively for alcohol. So drivers can get paid to deliver booze to households and parties around town.
Amazon Flex
Amazon Flex is a delivery service that enables drivers to pick up and drop off Amazon Prime items and deliver them to customers around town. Download the Flex app, and complete your own on-demand deliveries for customers in your local area.
Shipt Review Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most frequently asked questions about Shipt.
Is Shipt legit?
Shipt is a completely legit delivery app and on-demand service.
Shipt pays up to $22 per hour and can provide steady work depending on availability in your local area. The app is safe to use, and the company offers a variety of great perks like auto care, insurance coverage, and even COVID-19 related financial support to shoppers.
Is Shipt in my area?
Shipt now offers nationwide service and same-day deliveries in most states. Check out Shipt’s complete list of locations on its website.
Can Shipt shoppers see who tips?
Shipt’s policy is that you can’t see who tips until two hours after the delivery is complete. At that point, shoppers gain visibility and can see if extra money was deposited.
The Bottom Line
It’s never been easier to start a new side hustle, and Shipt is one of the best personal shopper apps out there. You can use Shipt to bring in extra cash and supplement whatever other income-producing projects that you are working on.
The more you earn from grocery shopping, the more you’ll want to go out there and hustle. Drivers often start working with the first order, get a taste of the good life, and then double or even triple down on production — replacing downtime during the day and evening with money-making endeavors to get ahead.
Make no mistake about it: Once you embrace the money-making mindset, you will be unstoppable. You may even be able to retire early and live the life of your dreams. However, the pathway to financial independence requires hard work and relentless effort. But it can be done — and driving around delivering groceries for services like Shipt can be a great start.
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