Get Paid to Grocery Shop for Others: 6 Apps to Try

Instacart, Shipt, and other grocery delivery apps let you get paid to grocery shop for others and bring orders to their doors. These six apps offer flexible ways to earn extra money, although you will be working out in your community.

You choose which available orders to accept as an independent contractor. Openings, order volume, and earnings vary by location, so check each app before counting on the income.

6 Apps That Pay You to Grocery Shop

1. Instacart

Instacart's full-service shoppers choose orders in the app, shop for groceries, and deliver them to customers. You can work as little or as often as you want.

What you need: You must be at least 18, be allowed to work in the U.S., have a smartphone and reliable car, and be able to lift up to 40 pounds.

How pay works: Instacart pays per batch, which may include more than one order. You see an earnings estimate before accepting and keep 100% of customer tips.

Sign up with Instacart, or read my Instacart overview.

2. Shipt

Shipt shoppers pick out groceries and other items, handle substitutions, and deliver orders within the requested time. You set your own hours and choose the orders you want to take.

What you need: Shipt requires shoppers to be at least 18, with a valid U.S. driver's license, auto insurance, a reliable vehicle, and a smartphone. You must be able to lift 50 pounds. Approval depends on the need for shoppers in your area.

How pay works: Each order has offer pay based on its estimated time and effort. Tips and possible bonuses add to that amount.

Sign up with Shipt, or read my Shipt overview.

3. Spark Driver

Spark Driver lets you shop and deliver orders for Walmart customers. The app also has pickup-and-delivery offers, so check the offer type to see whether you will do the shopping.

What you need: You must be at least 18 and meet the U.S. signup requirements, including a valid driver's license, auto insurance, a reliable car, and a smartphone. The platform operates in all 50 states, but your local zone may have a waitlist.

How pay works: You see estimated earnings before accepting an offer. Pay can include trip earnings, tips, and incentives. You keep 100% of confirmed customer tips.

Learn more and sign up with Spark Driver.

4. DoorDash

DoorDash's Shop & Deliver offers involve shopping for items at grocery, convenience, and other stores. You pay with a DoorDash Red Card and bring the order to the customer.

What you need: You need a smartphone and an activated Red Card for shopping orders. Age requirements range from 18 to 21 depending on your state. Drivers need a valid license and insurance; other delivery methods are available in some cities.

How pay works: You see an estimated payout before accepting. Earnings include base pay, customer tips, and any eligible promotions. Dashers keep 100% of tips.

Learn about DoorDash Shop & Deliver and sign up, or read my DoorDash review.

5. Uber Eats

Uber Eats offers Shop & Deliver orders through its Driver app. You shop for the customer's items, pay with an activated Plus Card, and deliver the order.

What you need: You must qualify to deliver with Uber Eats. Age and vehicle requirements vary by location and delivery method. Check which options are available where you live before applying.

How pay works: The app shows the offered earnings before you accept. Earnings may include base fare, promotions, and tips, and you keep 100% of customer tips.

Sign up to deliver with Uber Eats and read how Shop & Deliver works.

6. Favor

Favor is available in Texas. Its drivers, called Runners, can shop for H-E-B groceries and take other delivery orders. You choose when and where to work and which orders to accept.

What you need: Runners must be at least 18 and have a smartphone, valid driver's license, reliable transportation, auto insurance, and a bank account. Favor also checks your driving record and background.

How pay works: Orders pay a base amount plus tips, with promotions available to some Runners. You keep 100% of customer tips. Weekly deposits are automatic; optional Instant Pay currently costs $0.99 per transfer.

Learn more and sign up with Favor.

Before You Sign Up

These apps can help you earn extra money on a flexible schedule, but the amount you keep will depend on your expenses and how busy your area is.

• Count your costs. Gas, car upkeep, insurance, and any cash-out fees reduce what you keep.
• Allow for unpaid time. Driving to stores, waiting for orders, and handling substitutions all take time.
• Check local openings. An app may serve your city while putting new applicants on a waitlist.
• Read each offer. Look at the item count, distance, delivery deadline, and estimated pay before accepting.

For more ideas, see my list of flexible side gigs.

Also, I share many different types of remote roles in my free-to-get weekly work at home newsletters you can sign up to get here if you are interested in earning in different ways.

Photo by Kenneth Surillo