Do you want jobs like Instacart? Yes? Here are some of the best alternatives to Instacart that can earn you $25+ an hour.
High inflation is making our lives exhausting. To cope with inflation, we need extra earning opportunities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 8.9 million Americans, or 5.4% of the civilian workforce, now hold more than one job, a record high.
Instacart is a grocery delivery app that offers flexible delivery job opportunities. However, Instacart has been removing scheduling from the Instacart shopper app, making it competitive among shoppers to secure batches.
What is a batch? A batch consists of one or more customer orders assigned to a shopper for shopping and delivery in a single trip.
If you’re struggling to make enough money with Instacart, you can opt for other delivery app jobs on the side. In this article, I’m covering some of the best jobs like Instacart to boost your revenue.
Jobs Like Instacart
Although Instacart is one of the popular grocery delivery gig providers, it’s not the only option you have. There are many Instacart alternatives available.
Here I’ve compiled a list of apps like Instacart that offer delivery gigs.
1. Postmates
- Earning Potential: $15—$18 per hour on average.
- App Ratings: 4.3 (Google Play) and 4.8 (App Store)
- Operates in: Over 3,000 cities across the United States
Postmates is one of the best alternatives to Instacart. It offers a wide range of delivery gigs, from groceries to clothing. It operates in over 3,000 cities across the United States.
Postmates doesn’t have specific vehicle requirements that make it less stringent than other companies. You can sign up as a courier if you’re 18 years old, have a driver’s license, and insurance.
Your earnings will depend on various factors, such as location and gig opportunities. According to ZipRecruiter, Postmates couriers earn on average $15—$18 per hour. Postmates are paid weekly.
Pros:
- Flexible hours.
- Additional payout bonus for every delivery.
- It doesn’t have specific vehicle requirements.
- Decent hourly rate.
Cons:
- Inconsistent work.
- Wear & tear on the vehicle.
- Available in large and popular cities.
2. Uber Eats
- Earning Potential: $12—$20 per hour.
- App Ratings: 3.7 (Google Play) and 4.8 (App Store)
- Operates in: Over 6,000 cities across 45 countries.
Uber Eats, which is the food delivery branch of Uber, is a popular alternative to Instacart. Currently, it operates in over 6,000 cities across 45 countries.
Since Uber Eats accounts for 25% of all restaurant delivery orders, you’ll never run out of delivery gigs. You can choose which delivery gig you want to complete and accept the job. Also, you’ll get to keep 100% of your tips.
If you’re already driving for Uber, you can start working on Uber Eats. You don’t need to apply for Uber Eats. It lets you deliver with a car, scooter, bicycle, or on foot. On average, Uber Eats drivers earn $12 per hour. However, you can maximize your earnings up to $20 per hour by driving during peak times.
Pros:
- Flexible working hours.
- Weekly payout.
- You don’t require specialized skills.
- You can deliver with a car, scooter, bicycle, or even on foot.
Cons:
- Inconsistent work.
- Wear & tear on your vehicle.
- Physical work.
3. Shipt
- Earning Potential: $22 per hour on average.
- App Ratings: 4.4 (Google Play) and 4.7 (App Store)
- Operates in: Over 5,000 cities across the US.
Shipt is an on-demand grocery delivery app that lets people order groceries to their doorsteps. It works similarly to Instacart, making it one of the best alternatives.
The only difference between Shipt and Instacart is that you need to schedule your delivery shifts. You can’t just open the app and begin working whenever you want.
To become a Shipt Shopper, you must be 18 or older, have a license and insurance, be able to lift at least 40 pounds, and have a vehicle that’s 1997 or newer.
According to Shipt, shoppers earn an average of $22 per hour, which is comparable to the earnings of Instacart shoppers. You get to keep 100% of your tips.
Pros:
- Create your own delivery shifts.
- You get to keep 100% of customer tips.
- Decent hourly rate.
Cons:
- Hourly rates depend on the areas.
- Vehicle requirement.
4. Amazon Flex
- Earning Potential: $18—$25 an hour.
- App Ratings: 4.5 (Google Play) and 4.7 (App Store)
- Operates in: U.S. States, Canada, parts of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Amazon Flex is a delivery program developed by Amazon. It allows independent contractors (called “Flex drivers”) to deliver packages and fresh groceries using their vehicles. It’s part of the gig economy, similar to rideshare or delivery apps, but focused on Amazon packages and Fresh/Whole Foods.
According to Amazon Flex, most drivers earn between $18 and $25 per hour. However, the actual earnings will depend on your location, any tips you receive, how long it takes you to complete your deliveries, and other factors. Also, Amazon Flex guarantees $15 to $19 per scheduled hour.
To become a Flex driver, you must be 21 or older and have a mid-sized or larger vehicle for most orders. A cargo van is the most recommended vehicle for delivering Amazon packages. Amazon Flex is one of the best cargo van business ideas.
You can work whenever you want to. You can plan your week by reserving blocks in advance or picking them each day based on your availability.
Pros:
- Choose your own schedule.
- Work independently.
- Guarantees a fixed rate.
Cons:
- Blocks can be competitive.
- Wear and tear on the vehicle.
- Doesn’t hire consistently.
5. DoorDash
- Earning Potential: $17—$24 per hour.
- App Ratings: 4.7 (Google Play) and 4.8 (App Store)
- Operates in: Over 7,000 cities
DoorDash is a popular food delivery service that operates in over 7,000 cities in the United States. As a dasher, you deliver fast food and restaurant meals to people. Unlike Instacart, you just pick up food or a meal rather than shop for entire grocery orders.
To become a dasher, you must be 18 or older, have a driver’s license, and have a Social Security number. DoorDash doesn’t have strict rules regarding vehicles. You can use any car, scooter, or bicycle in select cities. You can work whenever you want. Also, you can choose whether or not to accept the offers.
Your earnings will depend on base pay, tips, and promotions. You’ll get to keep 100% of customer tips. You can maximize your earnings during peak hours.
Pros:
- Flexible working hours.
- 100% Customer tips.
- Ability to choose whether or not to accept offers.
- Maximize your earnings with Peak Pay and Delivery Streaks.
Cons:
- You can’t work if the area is marked as “Busy.”
- Usually, peak hour starts during lunchtime.
6. Gopuff
- Earning Potential: $14—$16 per hour.
- App Ratings: 4.4 (Google Play) and 4,8 (App Store)
- Operates in: Over 500 cities in the United States.
Gopuff is a delivery service that lets customers order food, groceries, alcohol, and other essential goods. It currently operates in over 500 cities.
As a Gopuff driver, you’ll earn a transparent fee for every order you deliver. You can work whenever you want. You pick up packages from a specific Gopuff fulfillment center and then make deliveries.
Here are some requirements:
- You must be at least 21 years old.
- Have a valid U.S. driver’s license.
- Have a vehicle with insurance in your name.
- Have a smartphone with the most
up-to-date operating system.
Gopuff ensures a guaranteed hourly minimum for its drivers. It’s reported that drivers earn up to $17 per hour.
Pros:
- Flexible working hours.
- There’s a guaranteed hourly minimum.
- Centralized pickup location.
Cons:
- Operates in selective cities compared to competitors.
7. Spark Driver App (Walmart)
- Earning Potential: $18 per hour.
- App Ratings: 4.4 (Google Play) and 4.8 (App Store)
- Operates in: 50 US States
Spark Driver App is the Walmart platform for independent contractors who deliver orders to customers’ doorsteps. This platform is the perfect alternative to Instacart. It allows you to make extra money by delivering groceries and everyday essentials from Walmart stores and other retailers to customers.
To become a driver, you must be 18 or older, have a valid auto insurance, a driver’s license, and a Social Security card. Also, background screening may be conducted, including motor vehicle records and criminal background checks.
You can choose where and when you want to drive. You’ll get extra earning opportunities to maximize your earnings. Unlike Instacart, you can refer friends to earn even more. Your trip earnings are calculated based on distance, size, and extras.
Pros:
- Operates in all 50 US States.
- Extra earning opportunities.
- Banking payment method.
Cons:
- May require passing a background check.
- Vehicle expenses.
8. Grubhub
- Earning Potential: $15—$20 per hour.
- App Ratings: 4.6 (Google Play) and 4.7 (App Store)
- Operates in: Over 4,000 cities
Grubhub is an on-demand food delivery app, like DoorDash and Uber Eats. Mostly, it partners with local restaurants and fast-food chains. Currently, it covers over 365,000 restaurants across 4,000+ US cities.
As a Grubhub driver, you can make money by delivering food to people in your locality. You can start working as a Grubhub driver if you have a car, motorcycle, bicycle, or scooter. Also, you’ll need a valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and a smartphone with a data plan. Moreover, all delivery drivers must be 18 years of age (21+ in Las Vegas).
Your earnings will depend on various factors, such as total mileage, delivery time, tips, and any ongoing driver promotions. You’ll get to keep 100% of customers’ tips.
Pros:
- No experience is required.
- Flexible working hours.
- Flexible vehicle requirement.
- Instant cashout option.
Cons:
- Inconsistent work in competitive areas.
- Pass a background check.
9. Dumpling
- Earning Potential: Up To $32 per hour.
- App Ratings: 3.7 (Google Play) and 4.9 (App Store)
- Operates in: 15 States
Dumpling is another grocery delivery app that works similarly to Instacart. However, it’s not as big as Instacart and other grocery delivery giants. Dumpling offers sales and buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deals to customers, unlike Instacart.
As a driver, you can pick your clients, delivery time, and delivery area. Also, you can shop at any store, including local stores. The feature that makes Dumpling stand out from others is the personalized profile, which allows clients to hire independent drivers.
Pros:
- You have full control over your job.
- You can set your own rates, delivery area, and store.
- Be your own boss.
Cons:
- Operates in limited states.
- Inconsistent work.
10. TaskRabbit
- Earning Potential: Varies
- App Ratings: 3.2 (Google Play) and 4.8 (App Store)
- Operates in: Over 36 States
TaskRabbit is an on-demand gig work marketplace where people can hire independent workers for cleaning, handymen, moving, painting, and other jobs.
You can become a tasker to find jobs in over 50 categories, including grocery shopping. You can work how, when, and where you want. The best thing about this gig marketplace is that it allows independent workers to set their own rates.
It’s free to join the marketplace. However, TaskRabbit charges a one-time $25 registration fee in applicable cities to provide the best service to you.
Pros:
- Flexible working hours.
- Set your own hourly rates.
- Secure payment system.
- A variety of gigs.
Cons:
- Operates in limited States and cities.
- You must pay a one-time $25 registration fee in applicable cities.
11. Favor
- Earning Potential: $12—$18 per hour.
- App Ratings: 4.5 (Google Play) and 4.8 (App Store)
- Operates in: 400+ cities across the Lone Star State (Texas)
Favor is a Texas-based delivery service provider that allows individuals to make extra money by delivering food, groceries, alcohol, and pet supplies.
Favor calls its delivery drivers “Runners.” You’ll have the freedom to choose when and where you deliver, which orders you accept, and how much you can make with extra earning opportunities.
Here are some requirements to become a Runner:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- Have a smartphone
- A valid driver’s license
- Reliable transportation (car, truck, motorcycle, scooter) and personal auto insurance
- A clean driving record and background check
Your earnings will depend on your work. However, you can expect to earn $12 to $18 per hour. Also, you can keep 100% of customer tips.
Pros:
- Flexible working hours.
- Weekly payouts.
- Extra earning opportunities.
Cons:
- Only operates in Texas.
- Need to have a clean driving record.
Tips To Maximize Your Earnings
As a grocery delivery driver, your earnings will depend on various factors, such as how many jobs you get and where you live. Usually, you get a high pay rate in major cities.
A site that claims you can earn $25 per hour doesn’t mean it’s true. Moreover, it’s not guaranteed that you’ll get delivery jobs frequently.
Here are some of the best tips to maximize your earnings.
Tip-1: Choose the right Apps Like Instacart
As you can see, there are many apps like Instacart that allow individuals to make extra money by delivering food and groceries. However, not all of them are suitable for everyone.
You must choose apps like Instacart that provide a decent hourly rate with extra earning opportunities. In that matter, I would recommend DoorDash, Postmates, and Uber Eats.
Many apps are popular in specific locations. Therefore, you must choose apps like Instacart that are popular in your area.
Tip-2: Try Multiple Apps
There is no restriction on how many delivery services you can join. Try several apps like Instacart simultaneously to get more delivery gigs. The more gigs you complete, the more money you make.
Tip-3: Track Your Expenses
It’s important to track expenses to understand profits. With jobs like Instacart, you’ll work as an independent contractor. It means you’re solely responsible for your expenses, like gas and vehicle repairs.
Everlance is the effortless mileage and expense tracking app. It tracks your miles automatically, logs expenses easily, and maximizes your take-home pay. It comes with both free and premium versions.
Tip-4: Work During Peak Hours
Apps like Instacart offer high prices and bonuses for deliveries during peak hours. You can use this opportunity to maximize your earnings. The demand is high during lunch, dinner, and weekends.
How To Deliver Without a Vehicle?
Many apps don’t require you to have a vehicle to work as a delivery worker. You can do the delivery job with a scooter or bicycle. Moreover, Uber Eats even allows food delivery on foot.
If you need a vehicle, you can rent one from GetAround. Also, you can borrow a vehicle from your friends or family members if they have one.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are many apps like Instacart you can use to make extra money. You can use one or multiple apps like Instacart to find delivery jobs.
Jobs like Instacart allow you to boost your income in this inflation. However, you must track your expenses to get a clear picture of your profit.
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