I love Shipt. Their shoppers have saved me more than once when I needed groceries but could not get to the store, did not feel like going to the store, had two small children who I did not want to take to the store ... you get the picture, right? But, what is it really like to be a Shipt Shopper?
I love to share ideas of ways that you can work from home, pay off debt, or have more freedom. While Shipt Shoppers don’t technically work from home, they do get to create their own schedules and decide when and how much they work. This intrigued me. While Shipt Shopping is not the right gig for me, it may be for you. I caught up with a real Shipt Shopper, Heather, and got the inside scoop on what it’s really like to be a Shipt Shopper.
What does a Shipt Shopper actually do? Short answer: Shipt Shoppers simply shop from a list and deliver. To go a little more in depth, a Shipt Shopper is notified when there is a shop to be done in their area of choice with info about the location, window of time the shop has to be done in, and the estimated amount of money you’ll make on the shop. You can accept or turn down that shop at your discretion.
If you accept the shop, you just head to the store indicated in the shop info at the time indicated, check off the shopping list as you pick up the items, check out at the register, take a picture of the receipt through the app, text the customer to let them know you’re on your way, click the map for directions, and drop off the groceries. Aside from texting the customer to ask about substitutions for items not available at the store, it’s as simple as that.
How do you make money as a Shipt Shopper? Shipt Shoppers make a percentage of the total grocery order, plus tips. The Shipt website says you can make $15-$22 on average per hour and I have found that to be true. To be clear, you get paid per order, not per hour.
Does Shipt pay mileage or fuel reimbursement? No, Shipt does not reimburse fuel. However, you choose your area based on what’s closest to you, so your mileage is limited. You are considered an independent contractor and can write off your fuel costs on your taxes. It’s important to track your mileage. Shipt covers this in training.
How many hours per week do Shipt Shoppers have to work? This is my favorite part of Shipt Shopping! I am a lover of most unconventional ways of making money because they typically involve doing it when and as often as I want to (or don’t want to). You are basically your own boss. You set your hours of availability on your shopper app. You can set them ahead of time or wake up each morning and set your hours for the day. Even if you set your hours for the day and then change your mind or something comes up, you can reset them to unavailable whenever you want or turn down shops anytime you want.
How do Shipt Shoppers pay for the grocery orders? Shipt will send you a card that it loads with money each time you except a shop. Shipt loads it with extra money in case the customer texts you and asks you to pick up something extra, or you have to substitute an item for a higher-priced item. I have only had to contact Shipt’s shopper tech support once because my card wasn’t loaded yet. I did a quick chat through the app and they loaded it immediately. The whole process took about three minutes.
What is your favorite thing about being a Shipt Shopper?
The flexibility, for sure! You can work as little or as much as you want to and you don’t have to decide ahead of time. Anyone can do it in their spare time or as a full time job.
What is the most challenging aspect of being a Shipt Shopper? At first the most challenging part was time management and being nervous. I went into it thinking I would rush through the grocery store like it was “Super Market Sweep” because that’s what I do when I’m shopping for my own groceries. In, out, easy peasy. But when I got to the store for my first shop, I realized that it’s easy for me to shop for myself because I know myself. I know that I don’t mind generic brands and I know the exact ripeness I like my bananas to be. I don’t have to second guess every decision I make when I’m shopping for myself.
For my first few shops, I was nervous. I had to ask the customers a lot of questions, and the shops took me more time than I expected, which equals less money. Fortunately, that got better quickly. I got more comfortable and realized most people want you to ask questions and those who don’t will tell you to use your best judgment and they are happy with the outcome.
How often do you get paid? Shipt Shoppers get paid weekly via direct deposit, so it should be noted that all shoppers are required to have a checking account. Sometimes you get cash tips. Some tips are paid through the app so they’ll be added into your weekly paycheck.
Are there any requirements to be a Shipt Shopper? Yes, but they are reasonable: at least 18 years of age; valid U.S. driver’s license and auto insurance; a reliable vehicle, 1997 or newer; knowledge of produce selection; insulated cooler bag; ability to lift 40 pounds; and iPhone (iOS 10 or newer) or Android (5.1 or newer) smartphone.
Can you take your kids with you when you’re Shipt shopping? Shipt makes it clear during training that anything but solo shopping is prohibited. Taking other adults who have not been vetted by the company (each shopper agrees to a background check) may upset some customers because you are going to their homes. Shipt also states that you are not allowed to bring children, but I have seen Shipt Shoppers at the stores with their kids. My opinion is that children are prohibited from tagging along because most likely they would cause too much distraction for your shop. That would extend shopping and delivery times. If you’re a mom and you want to make some extra money, I would suggest working while your kids are at school or after they go to bed. Night time is actually the prime time to make the most money anyway.
Do you ever feel uncomfortable during the delivery at a stranger’s house? At first I was nervous about going to people’s houses. Obviously, there is always some risk involved in this. After all, the Shipt Shoppers are the only ones getting background checks, not the customers. After my first shop I felt much better. Most customers are extremely nice and the transactions are very short and sweet. Some people ask you to bring their groceries inside and I decide on a case-by-case basis if I will do that. Shipt allows shoppers to politely decline to bring groceries inside.
You are not allowed to carry firearms as a Shipt Shopper, but I did carry pepper spray on my key chain.
Are there any other perks of being a Shipt Shopper? Flexibility and the opportunity to make good money aren’t the only perks of the job. Many of the customers I deliver to are elderly or disabled and unable to make it to the store on their own. It’s rewarding to know that you are helping those in need.
How can someone become a Shipt Shopper? Visit www. shipt.com/be-a-shopper and fill out the quick application. As long as you meet the basic requirements they will ask you to do a virtual interview. This seems complicated, but they walk you through it and it’s super simple.
After you submit the videos you’ll receive an email if they think you’ll be a good fit for Shipt. At that point you’ll have to electronically sign some paper agreements and give Shipt permission to run a background check. This took a few days for me.
After my background check came back clear, Shipt notified me by text and email that my Shipt Shopper packet was on the way. The packet includes a t-shirt (that you aren’t required to wear) and your shopper card. You can get started setting up your availability and receiving shops as soon as you activate your shopper card.
JESSICA LeBRUN writes the blog On Moxie & Motherhood, which can be found at www.onmoxieandmotherhood.com.