Shipt shopping means accepting offers in the app, picking items quickly and accurately, and delivering on time across more than 5,000 U.S. cities for major retailers, including alcohol and some prescriptions where permitted.
As an independent contractor, you set your hours and protect earnings by planning blocks, meeting eligibility standards, controlling operating costs, and keeping ratings high through clear communication and reliable service.
What a Shipt Shopper Does
Getting clear on the role prevents mistakes once the first order appears.
Shipt operates in 5,000+ U.S. cities, partners with major retailers, and offers same-day delivery including alcohol and some prescriptions, which widens order variety and tip potential.
Accept orders
New offers appear in the Shipt Shopper app showing store, item count, estimated pay, and delivery area. Tapping Claim locks the batch so preparation and travel can start immediately.
Shop efficiently
Orders include time windows, notes, and substitution preferences. Messaging customers inside the app resolves out-of-stocks quickly, while the prepaid Shipt card covers checkout at participating stores.
Deliver accurately
Turn-by-turn directions, gate codes, and handoff instructions appear in the app. Contactless options, porch drops, or in-home placement must follow the customer’s request and any local rules.
Pay and Payouts
Earnings vary by market, speed, and tips. Shipt advertises up to $22 per hour, while many shoppers report averages around $12–$20 per hour across a week of mixed batches.
Pay is per order rather than hourly, and 100% of customer tips stay with the shopper. Weekly payouts run via direct deposit on Fridays, and banks typically post funds within one to three business days.
Eligibility Checklist
Missing a single requirement delays onboarding and costs working time. Confirm these items first to avoid application setbacks.
- Age and work status: Minimum age 18 and authorization to work in the United States.
- License, vehicle, and insurance: Valid U.S. driver’s license, personal auto insurance, and a reliable vehicle model year 1997 or newer.
- Phone capability: iPhone running iOS 10 or later, or Android 5.1 or later, with stable data and storage for the Shopper app.
- Physical readiness and skill: Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and practical knowledge of produce selection and quality.
- Screening: Consent to identity verification plus criminal and driving-record background checks prior to activation.
Note that no formal vehicle inspection occurs during signup, yet a clean, safe, and dependable car remains essential for ratings and safety.
How to Apply
Small gaps in the application can slow approval, so prepare documents before starting. The process usually takes under 30 minutes, while background checks can add several days.
Application and Availability
Create an account in the Shipt Shopper app, enter personal details, and share preferred hours. Service runs roughly 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, and Sundays and Mondays often carry heavy volume.
Short Answers and Video Prompts
Brief questions assess communication, problem-solving, and professionalism. A short video response demonstrates clarity and a customer-friendly tone.
Paperwork and Screening
Expect a shopper agreement, background-check consent, and a W-9 for tax reporting. Approval timing varies by local demand and screening turnaround; scheduling opens once activated.
Scheduling, Ratings, and Access to Orders
Time management and quality scores directly influence earnings, so build habits that protect both.
Scheduling Zones
Work is scheduled in zones that combine geography and time blocks. Same-day blocks appear occasionally, but planning a week out usually yields better consistency.
Shopper Ratings and Priority
Higher ratings surface more offers and grant first acceptance rights within a zone. A new-shopper boost commonly helps early batches land quickly, which should be used to stack strong initial reviews.
Insurance, Costs, and Taxes
Budgeting for real operating costs keeps take-home pay accurate and prevents compliance issues later.
- Auto coverage: Personal auto insurance must remain active and state-compliant; many policies exclude delivery, so rideshare or delivery endorsements may be worth adding, often near $15 per month.
- Operating expenses: Fuel, maintenance, phone data, insulated bags, and supplies are out-of-pocket and should be tracked meticulously.
- Tax obligations: Independent contractors are responsible for estimating quarterly taxes and self-employment tax. Mileage or actual-expense deductions can help offset costs when thorough records are maintained.
Tools and Physical Readiness
Showing up prepared reduces delays and protects food quality during transport.
Equipment Essentials
Insulated or thermal bags help maintain safe temperatures for frozen and perishable items.
Phone mounts and in-car chargers support navigation and communication throughout long shifts. Reusable totes or bins simplify trunk organization for larger batches.
Physical Demands
Frequent walking, lifting, stair climbing, and multi-trip carrying are everyday. Hydration, supportive footwear, and innovative cart management reduce fatigue and speed up store time.
Smart Strategies That Raise Earnings
Small adjustments compound quickly into higher per-hour results. Apply these moves first when testing a new market.
- Choose familiar stores: Deep store knowledge cuts search time, reduces substitutions, and improves on-time percentages.
- Tighten the service area: Shorter delivery radii lower fuel costs and enable more orders per block.
- Target peak windows: Evenings, weekends, and holidays often deliver higher volume and stronger tips.
- Leverage double orders: Two orders from one store accelerate bonuses and boost revenue per mile when routing aligns.
- Invest in service touches: Clear messaging, accurate substitutions, and insulated handling improve tips and ratings.
Built-In Features That Help
Understanding core app tools speeds up every shop and lowers stress during rush periods.
In-store navigation
Aisle hints often display for partner stores, improving item location speed. Missing location data can be offset by learning store layouts over repeated visits.
Product alternatives
Customer-approved substitutions save time and reduce messaging. When no alternative exists, fast communication and photo confirmations maintain trust and tip potential.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Trade-offs exist in every gig; stack them against personal goals and local demand before committing blocks.
| Pros | Cons |
| Flexible hours across seven days | Fuel, maintenance, and supplies reduce net pay |
| Free Shipt membership as a perk | Many markets average $12–$20 per hour, not the top-end figure |
| 100% of tips retained by shopper | Ratings and order volume can fluctuate week to week |
| Per-order bonuses and double orders available | Personal insurance and tax compliance add admin work |
Keep Good Standing
Avoidable mistakes lead to lost access, while basic discipline sustains steady work and better offers.
Documentation and Vehicle Care
Keep license, registration, and insurance current at all times. Address maintenance promptly to prevent cancellations or late deliveries caused by breakdowns.
Food Safety and Communication
Use insulated bags for temperature control, confirm substitutions quickly, and message delays early to manage expectations.
Deactivation Triggers to Avoid
Late deliveries, frequent cancellations, and low ratings risk account status. Consistent on-time performance, accurate shopping, and professional tone protect the profile long term.
Conclusion
Applying this playbook ensures faster approval, stronger first-week ratings, and more reliable earnings blocks.
Careful scheduling, cost tracking, and consistent service form the base, while store familiarity and peak timing push results into a sustainable, flexible income stream.
