You probably already know that the world of grocery delivery is seriously growing in popularity. People are falling more and more in love with the idea of being able to take this task off of their plates.
And it makes sense. Busy professionals, parents with jam-packed schedules, and those who just can’t get to the store for whatever reason still need groceries.
Even for simple convenience reasons, people are starting to have their groceries delivered to their door. After all, it takes some work to drive to the store, fill the cart and then drive back home again.
Here’s a look at what it takes and some ways to get started.
In This Article
What is a Personal Grocery Shopper?
A personal grocery shopper is someone who goes and buys groceries for other people.
The great thing about this “side hustle” way of doing personal grocery shopping for others is that you can create your own work schedule – a part-time schedule that works around the rest of your life.
As with other car-based side hustles, you can let Instacart and Shipt know when you’re available for grocery delivery gigs through their on-demand delivery apps.
This concept has revolutionized the business as people no longer have to work with a manager to create a schedule around other people and the business. You control your own schedule to be a store shopper.
Instead, you can sign out and sign in when you’re available. Got a few hours of nothing planned one Saturday? Do some grocery shopping and make some cash.
Ways To Make Money As A Personal Grocery Shopper
Here’s a look at some top ways to make money delivering groceries.
1. Instacart Shopper
To work for Instacart, you need to be 21 years old (18 in some states) and have a reliable car. You also need to be able to lift 30 pounds with or without an accommodation.
Instacart requires that you be eligible to work in the U.S. and have a recent smartphone (iPhone 5 or Android 5.0 or newer) as that is how much of your communication with Instacart will occur.
With Instacart you can be a full-service shopper meaning you get to be the driver and a shopper.
Or you can simply be a driver, meaning you’d go to the store, pick up the groceries that someone else bought and packaged up, and bring them to the client.
As a driver or driver/shopper for Instacart, you can work unlimited hours at your convenience.
2. Shipt Shopper
Shipt works similarly to Instacart with a few different parameters. As a Shipt shopper, you have to be 18 years or older. You also have to be able to lift at least 25 pounds and need a newer smartphone.
Also, with Shipt you will both shop for and deliver the groceries to each client.
The company also requires you to have a working knowledge of the produce section at grocery stores. Efficiency is valuable in the grocery delivery business. Shoppers need to find items quickly.
Read our full Shipt Review to learn more.
3. Walmart Personal Shopper
One way to make money as a Walmart personal shopper is to sign up to work as an independent contractor for a grocery delivery or pickup service that partners with Walmart. These services allow customers to place orders online or through a mobile app and then have their groceries delivered to their home or available for pickup at a Walmart store.
As a personal shopper, you would be responsible for selecting and purchasing the items on the customer’s shopping list and then either delivering the groceries to the customer or making them available for pickup.
To work as a personal shopper, you will typically need to have access to a reliable vehicle, as well as a smartphone to use for communication and to receive orders. You may also be required to pass a background check.
Personal shoppers are typically paid per order, with the amount varying depending on the size and complexity of the order.
4. Amazon Personal Shopper
One way to make money as an Amazon personal shopper is to sign up to work as an independent contractor for a grocery delivery or pickup service that partners with Amazon. These services allow customers to place orders online or through a mobile app and then have their groceries delivered to their home or available for pickup at an Amazon pickup location.
As a personal shopper, you would be responsible for selecting and purchasing the items on the customer’s shopping list and then either delivering the groceries to the customer or making them available for pickup.
To work as a personal shopper, you will typically need to have access to a reliable vehicle, as well as a smartphone to use for communication and to receive orders.
You may also be required to pass a background check. Personal shoppers are typically paid per order, with the amount varying depending on the size and complexity of the order.
In addition to working for a delivery or pickup service, you may also be able to make money as a personal shopper by offering your services directly to individuals or businesses in your area.
This could involve creating a website or social media presence to advertise your services and then working with clients to create custom shopping lists and either delivering or making the items available for pickup.
5. Taskrabbit
TaskRabbit is a platform that connects individuals and businesses with local freelancers who are available to complete a variety of tasks, including cleaning, moving, handyman services, and more. To make money with TaskRabbit, you will need to sign up to be a Tasker on the platform and create a profile outlining your skills and availability.
To make money as a personal grocery delivery person with TaskRabbit, you could create a profile on the platform and advertise your services as an add-on to your other Tasker services. You could also advertise your services as a standalone offering to individuals or businesses in your area who may be interested in hiring a personal grocery delivery person.
One tip to be successful as a personal grocery delivery person with TaskRabbit, it is important to have strong organizational and communication skills and to be reliable and professional. You will also need to have access to a reliable vehicle and a smartphone to use for communication and to receive orders.
You may also want to consider specializing in a particular type of grocery delivery, such as organic or specialty products, to stand out from other Taskers on the platform.
6. Care.com
Care.com is a platform that connects individuals and families with caregivers for a variety of services, including child care, pet care, and senior care. While Care.com does not specifically offer personal grocery shopping services, there may be opportunities for caregivers on the platform to offer this type of service to their clients.
To make money as a personal grocery shopper with Care.com, you could create a profile on the platform and advertise your services as an add-on to your other caregiver services. For example, if you are providing senior care or child care, you could offer to do the client’s grocery shopping as part of your duties. You could also advertise your services as a standalone offering to individuals or families in your area who may be interested in hiring a personal grocery shopper.
To be successful as a personal grocery shopper with Care.com, it is important to have strong organizational and communication skills and to be reliable and professional. You may also want to consider specializing in a particular type of grocery shopping, such as organic or specialty products, to stand out from other caregivers on the platform.
7. Favor Delivery
Favor Delivery is a company that offers on-demand delivery services, including grocery delivery, in various cities across the United States. As a Favor Delivery driver, also known as a Runner, you can make money by picking up and delivering groceries to customers in your area.
To become a Runner with Favor Delivery, you will need to fill out an online application and undergo a background check. Once you are approved, you can start accepting delivery requests through the Favor app. When you receive an order, you will use the app to navigate to the store, purchase the items on the customer’s shopping list, and then deliver the groceries to the customer’s address.
As a Runner with Favor Delivery, you will be paid per delivery, with the amount varying depending on the distance of the delivery and other factors. You will also be responsible for your own taxes and any necessary insurance.
Overall, becoming a Runner with Favor Delivery can be a convenient way to make money by delivering groceries in your area. The company provides its Runners with a supportive community and resources to help them succeed. If you have a reliable vehicle and are looking for a flexible gig, delivering groceries with Favor Delivery might be a good option for you.
8. Burpy
Burby is a grocery delivery service that allows customers to place orders online or through a mobile app and have their groceries delivered to their home. As a delivery driver for Burby, you can make money by picking up and delivering groceries to customers in your area.
To become a delivery driver for Burby, you will need to fill out an online application and undergo a background check. Once you are approved, you can start accepting delivery requests through the Burby app. When you receive an order, you will use the app to navigate to the store, purchase the items on the customer’s shopping list, and then deliver the groceries to the customer’s address.
As a delivery driver for Burby, you will be paid per delivery, with the amount varying depending on the distance of the delivery and other factors. You will also be responsible for your own taxes and any necessary insurance.
Overall, becoming a delivery driver for Burby can be a convenient way to make money by delivering groceries in your area. The company provides its drivers with a supportive community and resources to help them succeed. If you have a reliable vehicle and are looking for a flexible gig, delivering groceries with Burby might be a good option for you.
What is Required To Be a Personal Grocery Shopper?
There are a few things you need before starting a personal grocery shopping side hustle. First, most companies require you to have up-to-date auto insurance, a reliable car, a valid driver’s license, and a decent driving record.
Second, most grocery delivery businesses perform a background check on applicants. This is to ensure the safety of their customers.
And third, it’s important to know that as a personal shopper you will probably work as an independent contractor.
You are responsible for keeping track of your income, your expenses, and filing your taxes each year so that Uncle Sam knows you are paying taxes on what you make as an independent contractor.
Most independent contractors intentionally set aside a percentage of each paycheck they get from the businesses they work for. That way, they can be sure to have the money they need to pay at tax time.
In other words, keeping thorough records and being disciplined with saving at least some of your side hustle money is important to running a smart side hustle business.
How Much do Personal Grocery Shoppers Make?
Most grocery delivery businesses state that their drivers/delivery people make up to $25 per hour. A reasonable expectation would be $15 per hour.
The rates charged to customers are calculated a few different ways depending on the business. Most businesses either charge a percentage of the grocery order, a flat rate or a combination of the two.
This surcharge is how delivery people are paid. Also, many customers give tips to the personal shoppers, which means extra money in your pocket.
The actual pay from the grocery delivery service generally occurs on a weekly basis.
Here are the specifics on two popular grocery delivery services, Instacart and Shipt, and how they can help you bring in some extra money without the time commitment of a regular job.
More Tips to Make The Most MOney
There are a few things you can do that might help you make more money as a personal grocery shopper.
- Shop with care and pick out quality produce that is in good shape
- Be diligent to deliver your orders on time
- Deliver with a smile and treat your clients well
- Be available during peak times (like weekends), early and late hours
- Familiarize yourself with your local grocery stores
Summary
If you like the idea of grocery shopping for others – or even just delivering groceries to those in need – this could be a great way for you to make money part-time or as a side hustle.
Create your own hours, get a reliable vehicle, sign up with Instacart or Shipt, and start grocery delivery service today.
