Contents
  1. Quick Summary
  2. What is Grocery Delivery and How Does it Work?
  3. Benefits of Delivering Groceries
  4. What You Need to Deliver Groceries: A Valid Driver's License
  5. Companies Offering Grocery Delivery Services
  6. How to Get Started with Grocery Delivery Services
  7. How to Maximize Your Earnings with Food Delivery
  8. Managing Expenses and Earnings
  9. Conclusion

One great way to earn extra money is to deliver groceries. You can make money as a shopper and a driver with many of them. Many delivery services allow you to keep 100% of customer tips, which can significantly augment your earnings. There are several companies you can work for to deliver groceries. But how do you get paid to deliver groceries?

 

What is Grocery Delivery and How Does it Work?

grocery delivery

Grocery delivery is a convenient service that allows customers to order groceries and household essentials online or through a mobile app, and have them delivered right to their doorstep. These services partner with local stores to offer a wide range of products, making it easy for customers to get what they need without leaving their homes.

Here’s how grocery delivery typically works:

  1. Placing an Order: Customers browse through the online store or mobile app, select the items they want, and choose a delivery time slot that fits their schedule.
  2. Order Assignment: The grocery delivery service receives the order and assigns it to a driver or shopper.
  3. Picking Up Items: The assigned driver or shopper goes to the designated local store, picks up the ordered items, and packs them into their vehicle.
  4. Delivery: The driver or shopper then delivers the groceries to the customer’s doorstep, often within the specified time frame.

This seamless process ensures that customers receive their groceries quickly and efficiently, making grocery delivery services a popular choice for busy individuals and families.

Benefits of Delivering Groceries

Grocery Delivery

Delivering groceries offers a range of benefits that make it an attractive side hustle or even a full-time job. Here are some of the key advantages:

  • Flexibility: Many grocery delivery services allow you to choose your own hours, so you can work at times that suit your schedule. Whether you prefer early mornings, late nights, or weekends, you have the freedom to decide.
  • Autonomy: As a grocery delivery driver or shopper, you are often your own boss. You work independently, manage your own time, and complete deliveries at your own pace.
  • Variety: Every delivery is different. You’ll encounter new customers, visit various local stores, and handle a wide range of products each day, keeping the job interesting and dynamic.
  • Opportunity to Earn Tips: Many customers appreciate good service and show their gratitude through tips. Providing excellent customer service can lead to higher earnings.
  • Work with Multiple Companies: There are numerous grocery delivery services to choose from, each offering unique benefits and opportunities. You can work with one or several companies to maximize your income.

These benefits make delivering groceries a rewarding and flexible way to earn extra money.

What You Need to Deliver Groceries: A Valid Driver's License

Before we get into how to get paid, let’s discuss what you need to have to be hired to deliver groceries.

There are several key requirements to delivering groceries. They include:

  • must be 18 or older
  • valid driver’s license
  • reliable vehicle (some companies have a minimum car size)
  • proof of insurance
  • ability to lift 40 pounds
  • smartphone
  • set up direct deposit to receive your payments

Since you’ll be interacting with customers, you’ll need to have good customer service skills. You’ll also need to know the region so you can drive around without getting lost.

Companies Offering Grocery Delivery Services

The food economy is lucrative for those looking for a side hustle. You’re basically your own boss making extra income. But knowing how to enter the business might be challenging.

We’ve researched the different apps available that can help you enter the grocery delivery business. We’ll also tell you about the potential money you can make from each one.

Instacart

Instacart

Instacart is the most popular grocery delivery app. And that stands for both customers and drivers. You have the option of being an in-store shopper (where you don’t drive and follow a set schedule) or a driver. Full-service shoppers handle both shopping and delivery tasks, which can lead to higher earnings compared to in-store shoppers.

The best part of being a driver with Instacart is its flexibility. You can work on your own schedule as often as you want. Jobs are offered on the app, and you only have to accept the ones you want. You can pick up a batch of orders to make it more efficient. You’ll always see what the pay is for each delivery offered.

And Instacart driver earns in the range of $26 to $32 bucks per hour. But this number depends on where you are located. A bigger city will have more demand, so the dollar amount will be higher.

Shipt

shipt

Shipt is available in roughly 5,000 cities and works the same way as Instacart.

As a Shipt shopper, you’ll fulfill and deliver orders. Some of the stores you’ll be working with include:

  • Costo
  • CVS
  • Petsmart
  • Target

Grocery delivery drivers' earnings can vary based on factors like geographic location and hours worked.

Besides the requirements already mentioned, you’ll need a spacious car. To work with Shipt, you reserve a route, pick up packages and take them to their required destination.

You set your own hours, so you’re the boss.

You make money on Shipt through their base pay plus commission formula. The base pay is five dollars per delivery. You will also make an additional 7.5 percent of the order’s price. You’ll see how amount paid before you accept the order. It’s all very transparent.

Spark Driver

Spark

Spark is the delivery arm of Walmart. To become a Spark Driver, you must meet all the requirements previously listed, including having a valid driver's license as a fundamental necessity.

You’ll also be your own boss and set your own schedule. And although the Spark website states that you can drive for Walmart and other businesses, Walmart is the primary retailer you’ll be working with.

You’ll do several tasks as part of your duties. These include:

  • shop and deliver orders
  • pick up and deliver orders
  • pick up returns from customers and bring them back to the store

According to the Spark website, you’ll earn money based on several factors. These are:

  • tips
  • how heavy the item is you’re delivering
  • order size
  • distance to the delivery destination

And although they don’t say how much in the end you’ll earn, Indeed estimates it to be about $25 hourly.

Amazon Flex

Amazon Flex

As with the other delivery services, you’ll be an independent contractor with Amazon Flex. That means you’ll set your own hours and be your own boss. But, once you’ve clocked in, you must work in three to six-hour blocks to get paid.

Amazon Flex drivers can deliver food for Amazon Restaurant Delivery, Prime Now, and Amazon Fresh.

Flex ships food for:

  • Amazon Restaurant Delivery
  • Prime Now
  • Amazon Fresh

Amazon allows its drivers to ship packages, which means you can make money by delivering both food and packages. This will double your income.

Speaking of income, Amazon Flex compensation is based on:

  • order
  • mileage
  • pick-up
  • drop-off locations

But when it’s all said and done, Amazon Flex drivers average about $19 per hour.

How to Get Started with Grocery Delivery Services

Getting started with grocery delivery services is straightforward. Here are the basic steps you need to follow:

  1. Meet the Requirements: Ensure you meet the basic requirements, which typically include:
    • A valid driver’s license
    • Access to a reliable vehicle
    • Being at least 18 years old
    • Passing a background check
  2. Sign Up: Visit the website or download the mobile app of the grocery delivery service you want to work with. Common options include Instacart, Shipt, and Amazon Flex.
  3. Fill Out an Application: Complete the application form with your personal information, driver’s license details, and vehicle information.
  4. Attend Orientation or Training: Some services may require you to attend an orientation or training session to familiarize yourself with their processes and expectations.
  5. Start Working: Once approved, you can start accepting delivery requests and begin earning money as a grocery delivery driver or shopper.

By following these steps, you can quickly get started with grocery delivery services and begin earning extra income.

How to Maximize Your Earnings with Food Delivery

food delivery

To make the most out of your food delivery gigs, consider these tips to maximize your earnings:

  • Work During Peak Hours: Peak hours, such as lunch and dinner times, are often the busiest and most lucrative. By working during these times, you can increase your chances of getting more delivery requests and higher tips.
  • Choose High-Demand Areas: Delivering in areas with high demand, such as city centers or near popular restaurants, can lead to more opportunities and higher earnings.
  • Provide Excellent Customer Service: Going the extra mile for your customers can result in better tips and repeat business. Be polite, punctual, and attentive to customer requests.
  • Use a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle: Reducing your fuel expenses by using a fuel-efficient vehicle can help increase your net earnings.
  • Take Advantage of Promotions and Bonuses: Many food delivery services offer promotions and bonuses for drivers who meet certain criteria, such as completing a specific number of deliveries within a set time frame. Keep an eye out for these opportunities to boost your income.

By implementing these strategies, you can maximize your earnings and make the most out of your food delivery gigs.

Managing Expenses and Earnings

expense tracking

Effectively managing your expenses and earnings is crucial for success as a grocery delivery driver or shopper. Here are some tips to help you stay on top of your finances:

  • Track Your Expenses: Keep detailed records of your expenses, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, and other costs. This will help you understand your spending and identify areas where you can save money.
  • Set a Budget: Create a budget to manage your expenses and earnings. This will help you stay within your means and ensure you are not overspending.
  • Take Advantage of Tax Deductions: As a self-employed individual, you may be eligible for tax deductions on certain expenses, such as fuel, vehicle maintenance, and even a portion of your phone bill. Consult with a tax professional to understand what deductions you can claim.
  • Use a Separate Bank Account: Consider using a separate bank account for your business expenses and earnings. This will help you keep your finances organized and make it easier to track your income and expenses.

By following these tips, you can effectively manage your expenses and earnings, ensuring that you maximize your profits as a grocery delivery driver or shopper.

Conclusion

You don’t have to marry any single app. Try different ones to see which one suits your style and needs. Delivering food through various platforms like Grubhub and TaskRabbit can be a flexible and rewarding way to earn extra income. Take advantage of being your own boss and deliver groceries in your spare time to make some extra cash.

Bob Haegele

About the Author

Bob Haegele Bob Haegele

Bob Haegele, your personal finance guru, draws on years of experience to simplify complex financial concepts and offer actionable advice.

Dedicated to helping you achieve financial success, Bob is here to guide you through every step of your journey to financial freedom with expertise in areas such as investing, student loans, and credit cards. His work has appeared on Business Insider, CreditCards.com, and other nationally recognized outlets.

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