Are you looking for a way to earn some extra cash on the side? Well, in today’s job market, people are turning side hustles to make extra money. Thanks to the booming gig economy. Most people find the gig jobs fun and rewarding; besides, it’s one of the best ways to make money on the side.
As home delivery services become popular, more hustle jobs become available. And this is true of online shopping.
Shipt shoppers, an online shopping delivery service, are a promising gig platform you can use to make money on the side.
Today, most people claim that they make more money with Shipt than they make on their regular jobs. Therefore, if you’re a motivated person looking to branch out, then Shipt is the company for you.
Are you ready to make that extra cash? Well, let’s dive in check out everything you need to know about Shipt.
In this guide, we’ll answer the questions like;
- What’s Shipt?
- How does Shipt work?
- How much does Shipt pay?
- How does Shipt pay?
- How to improve your Shipt shopping skills.
Let’s get into it.
What’s Shipt?
Wait, have you heard of Shipt before?
Founded in 2014 in Birmingham by Bill Smith, Shipt is an online member-based platform connecting customers to shoppers to fulfill their grocery orders and other essentials.
Notably, in 2017, it was acquired by Target and is now available in more than 260 cities, and it’s still growing.
The company operates so that clients can request groceries from a retail store of their choice and get the products delivered to them the same day.
The service is available on iOS, Web, and android for freelancers and customers.
Additionally, the company is credited by Better Business Bureau, and it has an A+ rating. Thus, we can confirm that Shipt is a legit business that provides users with the same product delivery services while shoppers have fun while earning cash. Also, the company works with the Cam Newton Foundation and Feeding America to provide feedback to the community.
How Does Shipt Work?
As a customer, you pay $99 for an annual subscription. And to get started, you need to download the app from your favorite store.
Note that the annual subscription fee caters to unlimited grocery deliveries.
While in the app, a customer submits their grocery shopping list, and a Shipt shopper will claim it. Once a shopper claims the list, they shop for the items.
It’s worth noting that customers can edit the list of the items at will at any time based on their needs. Besides, they’re at liberty to choose a particular store within their region.
Once the list is submitted, you can claim the orders and plan your schedule as a shopper. Plus, you can set your shopping availability and delivery area. This feature helps shoppers to avoid taking trips away from their preferred locations.
Once you add your schedule, you can view different clients’ lists, stores, and delivery addresses. Moreover, you don’t need to accept every order; you only take what fits your schedule.
Warning: Be aware that if you reject too many orders, you might be contacted by Shipt about being one of their shoppers in the future. But no need to worry if you’re a hard worker.
As a shopper, once you accept a list from clients, you drive to the requested store, shop, and pay for the products using a debit card or Shipt app. You can shop for different orders simultaneously and deliver the items to the client’s addresses.
Also, while shopping, you can communicate with the customer to update the shopping process. For instance, if there’s an item out of stock, you can communicate this, and the customer can seek a replacement.
Tip: The more orders you can take and deliver, the more you can make.
How much Does Shipt Pay?
Probably the question we should have asked at the beginning, right?
Well, let’s get this out of the way.
An honest answer would be it depends.
For easy understanding, let’s break it down. Shipt pays the shopper on commission.
For instance, Shipt starts each order at $5. And there’s a 7.5% commission on the total order value added to your pay.
Let’s do some quick calculations. Say, for instance, you pick an order that totals $200, you’ll get paid $20.Such a list might take you about an hour to deliver. Not a bad deal, right?
It might not be the most significant pay. However, Shipt customers always offer tips, which helps increase the overall amount you can earn per order. On average, a Shipt Shopper makes about $15 an hour with tips.
As you become experienced in the field, however, you can take multiple orders simultaneously and make almost double that amount in one shopping trip.
As a tip, always ensure that you deliver each order within the time, and you can make up to $22 per hour.
Also, it’s worth noting that the actual earnings vary from person to person depending on their location and how efficiently they shop.
How Does Shipt Pay?
As an independent contractor, you receive payments per order. And with each order you accept, you get an estimate of how long it will take you to shop and the amount you’ll earn once you complete the order.
Averagely, most orders take an hour to fulfill. But this can change as you become familiar with the process.
Shoppers get paid every Friday for orders completed in the previous week (Monday through to Sunday). The payment is made via direct bank deposits. W
What’s more, you can track your earnings through the app.
How to Maximize your Earnings through Shipt
Although, on average, you can make between $16 to $22 within an hour. However, if you don’t manage your time well, you can earn less than the minimum wage. Therefore, we have listed some tips you can use to increase your earnings.
1. Take the Educational Courses
It’s no doubt enriching your skills can help you increase your earnings. Thus, you must take the free learning materials offered by Shipt. Plus, we recommend you read through the FAQ pages to help you become a more efficient shopper. With these resources, we bet you’ll increase your hourly rate income.
2. Provide Outstanding Customer Service
The trick in improving your hourly earnings in any job is to offer better customer service. We can’t stress any better. It’s worth noting that over 70% of Ship customers tip their shoppers, and this is a chance for you to grab or lose. Note that tipping isn’t mandatory; thus, you can provide customer service that goes above and beyond expectations.
But how can you do that?
You can achieve this by personalizing your shopping. Start by introducing yourself to the customer as their shopper and asking them if there’s anything else they would like to add to the list they might have forgotten.
Most customers who might have forgotten to add something to the list will appreciate an offer and reminder to update their list.
And if you can find an item on the list, it doesn’t hurt to check with them if they would opt for a substitute. Some of the clients will appreciate such a gesture. In short, be beneficial to them.
And when you deliver the items, after about 30 minutes, send a text appreciating them for shopping with Shipt and wishing them a great day.
It might look like a “silly” act, but we bet most clients will appreciate such gestures, and it can go a long way in earning more tips.
3. Accept all orders (both small and big)
Grabbing as many orders as you can within your schedule can help you increase your earnings. Even more, don’t be afraid of accepting large orders if you can deliver them. And don’t forget about the small ones either. Providing both small and large orders have their benefits.
Although large orders will take an incredible amount of time to fulfill, they pay more. And the same goes for smaller orders. You can accept multiple orders and shop for them at ago. If you do this, your Shipt pay will start increasing.
4. Track Your Mileage
As a rule of thumb, always track and document your mileage. Although Shipt doesn’t cover mileages, why not use this to claim tax reduction? Besides, we recommend looking for a fuel-efficient car. It’s worth noting that maintenance and fuel costs are the major drawbacks in the gig economy. Thus, if you have a fuel-efficient vehicle, you’re likely to lower the costs associated with your job.
5. Check out Shipt Bounties
At times, there are orders that contractors don’t claim. If this happens, Shipt puts a “bounty” over them. Shipt tends to pay more as the deadline approaches; thus, offering an excellent opportunity to boost your pay.
Often, check the app for any orders close to their delivery deadline and pull never lose such a chance.
Pros and Cons of Working with Shipt
Like any other organization, Shipt too has its perks and issues. This section unpacks some of the merits and demerits of working on this on-demand grocery delivery platform.
Advantages of Working with Shipt
- Flexible working hours: As a shopper, you choose your working schedule. You’re not restricted to specific working timelines. Therefore, you get to work when you want and select your preferred location.
- Special rewards: If you reach certain milestones as Shipt Shopper, you can access different perks like travel discounts and gifts.
- Shopper incentives: Shipt shoppers get different perks like discounts from partner stores and insurance companies. These incentives help reduce some of the expenses you have.
- Subsidized car Insurance: As an independent contractor, you get subsidized car insurance that helps you save on costs.
Disadvantages of Working with Shipt
Car expenses: Using your car frequently as a shopper increases your average maintenance and car repair cost.
Limited order availability: Certain regions receive fewer requests; thus, you have to look for an area with many clients if you want to make more money.
Setting schedule: it’s a requirement to set up your plan at least five days in advance.
Now that we understand how you can make money on Shipt, how can you be a member?
How does one become a Shipt Shopper?
To be a Shipt Shopper, you need to go through three steps.
However, it’s worth noting that due to high demand, you can wait in the application queue for three to four days before you get a response.
1. Online Application
By now, you have decided to be a Shipt Shopper. If that’s the case, the first step is to apply for the position through the website here. To use, you need to meet the following requirements;
Shipt requirements:
- You must be 18 years above.
- Must have a reliable smartphone.
- Have an insured car with a valid driver’s license.
- Ability to lift at least 45 pounds and the knowledge to pick products.
2. Virtual Interview
once you complete the online registration, you will be scheduled for a virtual interview with one of the team leaders where you’ll need to answer specific questions that test your;
- Problem-solving skills
- people Skills
- Customer service skills.
After the interview, the company will run a background check to confirm any criminal records.
3. Acceptance
If you are lucky to pass the background check, you get an acceptance response within two to four days.
Besides, you’ll receive a Shipt credit card and an official shirt within six days.
The following steps require downloading the app and setting up everything to earn.
Final thoughts
Shipt is a great way to earn money on the side if you’re someone who enjoys shopping. However, it’s not the only option available. No matter the company you choose to work with, picking the right gig economy to work in is a sure way to earn extra cash on the side. Check out other business opportunities that may fit your needs
