Instacart is a popular grocery delivery and pickup service that has revolutionized the way people shop for their daily essentials. With its vast network of personal shoppers and partnerships with local stores, Instacart has made it possible for customers to order their groceries online and have them delivered to their doorstep in as little as an hour. But have you ever wondered how much it costs to join Instacart as a shopper or a customer? In this article, we will delve into the details of Instacart’s costs and fees, helping you make an informed decision about using the service.
Instacart Shopper Fees
To become an Instacart shopper, you don’t have to pay any upfront fees. However, there are some requirements and expenses you should be aware of:
Requirements to Become an Instacart Shopper
To be eligible to work as an Instacart shopper, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Own a reliable vehicle (in some areas, a bike or scooter may be acceptable)
- Have a smartphone (iPhone or Android)
- Be able to lift 40 pounds or more
Instacart Shopper Expenses
As an Instacart shopper, you will be responsible for some expenses, including:
- Gasoline: You will need to pay for gasoline to drive to stores and deliver groceries to customers.
- Vehicle maintenance: You will be responsible for maintaining your vehicle, including oil changes, tire rotations, and other repairs.
- Phone and data expenses: You will need to have a smartphone and a data plan to access the Instacart app and communicate with customers.
Instacart Customer Fees
As an Instacart customer, you will be charged various fees for using the service. Here are some of the fees you can expect to pay:
Delivery Fees
Instacart charges a delivery fee for each order, which varies depending on the location and the type of delivery. Here are some estimated delivery fees:
- Standard delivery: $3.99-$7.99
- Express delivery: $5.99-$9.99
- Free delivery: Available for orders over $35 (in some areas)
Service Fees
Instacart also charges a service fee, which is a percentage of the total order cost. The service fee varies depending on the location and the type of store. Here are some estimated service fees:
- Standard service fee: 10%-15% of the total order cost
- Express service fee: 15%-20% of the total order cost
Tips and Taxes
In addition to the delivery and service fees, you will also be charged tips and taxes on your order. Tips are optional, but they are expected to be around 10%-15% of the total order cost. Taxes vary depending on the location and the type of items purchased.
Instacart Membership Fees
Instacart offers a membership program called Instacart Express, which provides customers with free delivery on orders over $35, as well as other perks. The membership fee is:
- Monthly membership fee: $9.99
- Annual membership fee: $99
Other Instacart Fees
There are some other fees you should be aware of when using Instacart:
Replacement Fees
If you need to replace an item in your order, you may be charged a replacement fee. The fee varies depending on the item and the store.
Cancellation Fees
If you need to cancel your order, you may be charged a cancellation fee. The fee varies depending on the store and the time of cancellation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of joining Instacart as a shopper or a customer varies depending on several factors, including the location, the type of delivery, and the type of store. As a shopper, you will need to pay for gasoline, vehicle maintenance, and phone and data expenses. As a customer, you will be charged delivery fees, service fees, tips, and taxes. Additionally, you may be charged replacement fees and cancellation fees in certain circumstances. By understanding these fees, you can make an informed decision about using Instacart and budget accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Instacart is a convenient and flexible way to shop for groceries, but it’s essential to be aware of the costs involved. By considering the fees and expenses, you can make the most of the service and enjoy the benefits of grocery delivery and pickup. Whether you’re a busy professional or a parent on-the-go, Instacart can be a valuable resource for saving time and increasing productivity.
What are the requirements to become an Instacart shopper?
To become an Instacart shopper, you must meet certain requirements. First, you need to be at least 18 years old and have a valid government-issued ID. You also need to have a reliable vehicle, a smartphone (iPhone 6s or newer, Android 5.0 or newer), and a data plan that can support the Instacart app. Additionally, you need to have a clean driving record and be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
Instacart also requires its shoppers to have a bank account, as this is how they will receive their payments. You will also need to undergo a background check, which Instacart will facilitate. Once you have met all these requirements, you can sign up to become an Instacart shopper through their website or mobile app.
How much does it cost to join Instacart as a shopper?
Joining Instacart as a shopper is free. You do not need to pay any fees to sign up or start working as a shopper. However, you will need to pay for expenses related to your vehicle, such as gas, maintenance, and insurance. You may also need to pay for a data plan to support the Instacart app.
Instacart also offers a service called Instacart Express, which is a membership program that offers unlimited free delivery on orders over $35. However, this is not a requirement to become a shopper, and you can still work as a shopper without subscribing to Instacart Express.
What are the costs associated with being an Instacart shopper?
As an Instacart shopper, you will be responsible for certain expenses related to your vehicle, such as gas, maintenance, and insurance. You may also need to pay for a data plan to support the Instacart app. Additionally, you may need to pay for expenses related to your phone, such as a phone case or screen protector.
Instacart also offers a service called Instacart Care, which is a support program that offers assistance with expenses related to accidents or injuries that occur while working as a shopper. However, this is not a requirement, and you can still work as a shopper without subscribing to Instacart Care.
Can I use my own vehicle to work as an Instacart shopper?
Yes, you can use your own vehicle to work as an Instacart shopper. In fact, Instacart requires its shoppers to have a reliable vehicle that can support the demands of the job. You will need to have a vehicle that is registered and insured, and you will be responsible for maintaining it and paying for expenses related to it.
Instacart does not provide vehicles for its shoppers, so you will need to have your own vehicle to work as a shopper. However, Instacart does offer a service called Instacart Shopper Support, which can provide assistance with vehicle-related expenses or issues that may arise while working as a shopper.
How do I get paid as an Instacart shopper?
As an Instacart shopper, you will get paid through the Instacart app. You will receive payment for each delivery you complete, and you can track your earnings through the app. Instacart pays its shoppers on a weekly basis, and you can expect to receive your payment on the same day each week.
Instacart also offers a service called Instant Cashout, which allows you to cash out your earnings instantly. This service is available for a small fee, and it can be a convenient option if you need to access your earnings quickly.
Are there any fees associated with cashing out my earnings as an Instacart shopper?
Yes, there are fees associated with cashing out your earnings as an Instacart shopper. If you use the Instant Cashout service, you will be charged a small fee, which varies depending on the amount you cash out. However, if you wait to receive your weekly payment, you will not be charged a fee.
It’s worth noting that Instacart does not charge any fees for signing up or working as a shopper. The only fees you may incur are related to cashing out your earnings or using certain services, such as Instacart Express or Instacart Care.
Can I work as an Instacart shopper part-time or full-time?
Yes, you can work as an Instacart shopper part-time or full-time. Instacart offers flexible scheduling, which allows you to choose when you want to work and how many hours you want to work. You can work as little or as much as you want, depending on your schedule and preferences.
Instacart also offers a service called Peak Pay, which allows you to earn more money during busy times. This can be a great option if you want to work more hours or earn more money, but it’s not a requirement, and you can still work as a shopper without participating in Peak Pay.