Quick Verdict
Instacart wins for most shoppers - higher pay per order, tips shown upfront, and easier to get started. Choose Shipt if you want to build relationships with repeat customers and prefer scheduled deliveries over competing for batches.
Best strategy? Work for both. No exclusivity requirements.
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Essential Gear for Delivery Drivers
- Insulated Food Delivery Bag - Keep orders hot/cold for better ratings and tips
- Dashboard Phone Mount - Hands-free navigation for safe deliveries
- 36W Fast Car Charger - Keep your phone charged during long shifts
- 20000mAh Portable Power Bank - Backup power for extended delivery blocks
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Instacart | Shipt |
|---|---|---|
| Average Hourly Pay | $18-28/hour | $15-25/hour |
| Average Per Order | $15-35 | $12-25 |
| Tips Shown Upfront? | Yes (estimated) | No (after delivery) |
| Order Selection | Competitive batches | Scheduled + offers |
| Hiring Speed | 24-48 hours | 1-2 weeks |
| Partner Stores | 500+ retailers | Target + 100+ stores |
| Customer Matching | No (random batches) | Yes (preferred shoppers) |
| Payment Schedule | Weekly + instant cashout | Weekly + instant cashout |
Pay Breakdown: Instacart vs Shipt
Instacart Pay Structure
- Batch pay: $7-15 base (varies by items, distance)
- Tips: Shown upfront, typically 10-20% of order
- Promotions: Peak hour bonuses, guaranteed minimums
- Heavy pay: Extra $5-15 for heavy items
Average order: $22-30 (including tip)
Shipt Pay Structure
- Order pay: $5-15 base (algorithm-based)
- Tips: Added after delivery (not visible upfront)
- Bonuses: Peak time offers, completion bonuses
- Promo orders: Extra pay for hard-to-fill slots
Average order: $16-22 (including tip)
Key difference: Instacart shows tips upfront so you can evaluate total payout before accepting. Shipt keeps tips hidden, meaning you're gambling on whether customers will tip after delivery. This makes Instacart easier to optimize for earnings.
Flexibility & Scheduling
Instacart: Competitive Batch System
Orders ("batches") appear in real-time. You compete with other shoppers to grab them. Good batches disappear in seconds. No scheduling - you work when you want, but you're constantly watching the app for opportunities.
Shipt: Scheduled Delivery Windows
Orders have specific delivery windows (10am-11am, 2pm-3pm, etc.). You claim orders in advance for time slots that work for you. Less competitive, more predictable, but requires planning ahead.
Shipt's Secret Weapon: Preferred Shoppers
One major advantage Shipt has over Instacart: the preferred shopper system.
After completing orders, customers can mark you as their "preferred shopper." When they order again, you get first dibs on their order before it goes to the general pool. This means:
- Regular customers who tip well become your personal client base
- Less competition for good orders over time
- Predictable income from repeat customers
- Higher tips from customers who know and trust you
Instacart has no equivalent system. Every batch is a fresh competition regardless of how many times you've delivered to that address.
Pros and Cons
Instacart
Pros
- + Tips visible before accepting
- + Higher pay per order on average
- + Fast onboarding (24-48 hours)
- + More store options (500+)
- + Multi-batch orders boost earnings
- + Larger market availability
Cons
- - Constant batch-swiping competition
- - No customer loyalty/matching
- - Algorithm changes unpredictably
- - Heavy batch bundling reduces per-order pay
- - Saturated markets have fewer opportunities
Shipt
Pros
- + Preferred shopper system builds regulars
- + Less competitive/stressful
- + Scheduled windows = better planning
- + Target orders are consistent
- + Smaller shopper pools per zone
- + Tips often higher percentage
Cons
- - Tips hidden until after delivery
- - Lower base pay per order
- - Slower/harder hiring process
- - Fewer store partners
- - Must build preferred list from scratch
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Instacart If:
- You want to start earning quickly (24-48 hour approval)
- You prefer seeing exactly what you'll earn before accepting
- You're fast and competitive at grabbing orders
- You want access to more stores and areas
- You prefer total schedule flexibility
Choose Shipt If:
- You want to build relationships with repeat customers
- You prefer less stressful, scheduled work
- You're willing to wait for the right opportunities
- You shop at Target frequently (major Shipt partner)
- You prioritize work-life balance over max earnings
Best Strategy: Do Both
- Use Instacart for high-paying batches during peak times
- Schedule Shipt orders during slow Instacart periods
- Build a preferred customer base on Shipt for consistent income
- Multi-apping increases earnings 20-40%
- No exclusivity requirements on either platform
Ready to Start Grocery Delivery?
Apply to both platforms for maximum flexibility and earnings. Start with Instacart (faster approval) while waiting for Shipt.