7 Ways To Make Money Delivering Groceries
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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 their plates.
And it makes sense. Busy professionals, parents with jam-packed schedules, and those who 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 return home.
Here’s a look at what it takes and some ways to get started.
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.
Like 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. You control your own schedule as a store shopper.
Instead, you can sign out and sign in when you’re available. Do you have a few hours of nothing planned for 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 can be both the driver and the 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. Become a Spark Driver
If you want to earn extra income, becoming a delivery driver for Walmart customers through the Spark Driver app could be a solid option. As an independent contractor, you can shop and deliver groceries, pick up and drop off customer orders, or return items to the store. This flexibility lets you decide how and when you want to work, giving you control over your schedule.
The Spark Driver app functions similarly to other delivery platforms. You’ll need a reliable vehicle and the app to accept delivery assignments. The pay varies depending on the size of the order and the distance you drive. Although the app is designed to support deliveries from multiple businesses, Walmart is the main partner.
To sign up, you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license. While the company’s website doesn’t disclose estimated earnings, job site Indeed reports an average hourly rate of $24.55. That said, actual earnings can vary depending on your location, availability, and how often you accept jobs.
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 homes 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 access to a reliable vehicle and a smartphone for communication and order receipt.
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 can complete various 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 promote your services as a standalone offering to individuals or businesses in your area interested in hiring a personal grocery delivery person.
One tip for being successful as a personal grocery delivery person with TaskRabbit is 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 communicate and 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 various services, including child care, pet care, and senior care. While Care.com does not specifically offer personal grocery shopping services, caregivers on the platform may be able to provide 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 provide 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 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 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. Grubhub
Delivering food with Grubhub is similar to other gig delivery jobs like DoorDash. As a Grubhub driver, you work as an independent contractor, picking up and delivering food from restaurants to customers.
The platform partners with over 300,000 restaurants across more than 4,000 cities in the U.S., so if you’re in an eligible area, you likely have the opportunity to start delivering.
To become a driver, you must be at least 18 years old (21 in Las Vegas), have a smartphone, and own a vehicle, bike, or scooter. A valid driver’s license is required if you’re using a car, and you’ll need the appropriate ID for bikes or scooters.
Grubhub pays a base rate based on mileage, delivery type, time spent, and your local market. You also keep 100% of your tips. According to Indeed, the national average hourly rate is $14.06.
What is Required To Deliver Groceries?
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 and 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 have the money they need to pay at tax time.
In other words, keeping thorough records and being disciplined to save at least some of your side hustle money is important to running a smart side hustle business.
How Much Can You Make Delivering Groceries?
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 vary depending on the business. Most businesses charge a percentage of the grocery order, a flat rate, or a combination of the two.
This surcharge is how delivery people are paid. Many customers also tip the personal shoppers, which means extra money in your pocket.
The actual pay from the grocery delivery service generally occurs on a weekly basis.
How to Earn More Tips As a Personal Grocery Shopper
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 in delivering 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 an excellent way for you to make money part-time or as a side hustle.
You can create your own hours, get a reliable vehicle, sign up with Instacart or Shipt, and start a grocery delivery service today.
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