How to Make Money Delivering Groceries
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The rise of the gig economy has created a plethora of opportunities for people looking to earn extra income, and one of the most popular options in recent years has been grocery delivery. With more and more people turning to online shopping and home delivery services for their everyday needs, the demand for drivers and shoppers who can pick up and deliver groceries has skyrocketed.
From the flexibility of the job to the potential earnings and the growing demand for delivery services, we'll take a closer look at why grocery delivery is becoming a popular way to make money in today's gig economy and explore some of the reasons why you might want to consider it as a side hustle.
In this article
Delivering groceries as a side hustle
Working as a grocery delivery person can be a great option for those looking to earn extra income in their spare time. Many grocery delivery services offer flexible schedules that allow you to work around your existing commitments, such as school or another job. You can typically choose your own hours and work as much or as little as you want.
Additionally, many delivery services allow you to work part-time or as needed, so you can pick up orders whenever you have free time. This can be particularly convenient for those with unpredictable schedules or looking for a side gig to supplement their income.
- Access up to $750 per pay period
- No interest, mandatory fees, or credit checks
- Over 15 million downloads and counting
How much can you make for delivering groceries?
According to Indeed.com, the average hourly pay for grocery delivery drivers is around $14.15 per hour, and according to Glassdoor, the average annual salary is around $28,000 per year. However, this can vary depending on the location and the specific service you work for. Some drivers report earning significantly more, while others earn less. While this may not sound like a lot of money, if working as a side hustle, it can be a substantial increase that can help you get ahead financially.
In general, most grocery delivery services pay their drivers a base fee for each order they complete and any tips that customers provide. The base fee can range from a few dollars up to around $10 per order, depending on the service and the location. Additionally, some services offer incentives or bonuses for drivers who complete a certain number of orders within a specific timeframe.
It's important to remember that as a gig worker, you will need to cover your own expenses, such as gas and maintenance on your vehicle, which can affect your overall earnings. Additionally, you may not always have steady orders, so your earnings may vary weekly.
Tools needed to deliver groceries
To be a grocery delivery person, there are a few tools that you will need to have in order to perform the job effectively, including:
- Smartphone: You will need a smartphone that is capable of running the grocery delivery app you are using to receive and accept orders. This will allow you to track your deliveries, communicate with customers, and get directions to delivery locations.
- Vehicle: You will need a reliable vehicle to transport the groceries to the customer's location. It's important that your vehicle is clean and well-maintained, as you'll want to present a professional image to the customers.
- Navigation tools: In addition to using the app for directions, it can also be helpful to have a GPS device or maps to ensure that you can navigate to the delivery locations quickly and efficiently.
- Payment device: You will need a way to process payments from customers, either through the app or with a separate payment processing device. This may include a credit card reader or other payment processing tool.
- Reusable bags or containers: Many customers prefer their groceries to be delivered in reusable bags or containers to reduce waste. Having a set of reusable bags or containers can help you deliver groceries more efficiently and satisfy customer preferences.
How to make money delivering groceries
- Choose a delivery service. There are several grocery delivery services available, such as Instacart, Shipt, Postmates, Amazon Fresh, and Uber Eats. Research the different services and choose one that best fits your needs and requirements.
- Sign up as a driver. Once you have chosen a delivery service, sign up as a driver by providing your personal information, completing a background check, and agreeing to the terms and conditions of the service.
- Complete training and onboarding. Depending on the service you choose, you may need to complete training and onboarding before you can start delivering groceries. This may include watching videos, taking quizzes, or attending in-person sessions.
- Accept orders. Once you are approved as a delivery person, you can log in to the app and start accepting orders. Customers will place their orders through the app, and you will be notified when an order is available for you to accept.
- Shop for groceries. After accepting an order, you will receive a shopping list and instructions on where to find the items in the store. You will then shop for the items on the list, using the customer's payment information to pay for the items.
- Deliver the groceries. Once you have collected all the items on the customer's shopping list, you will deliver the groceries to the customer's doorstep. The app will provide you with directions to the customer's location and any special instructions they have provided.
- Get paid. You will be paid for your services through the app, usually based on a combination of a base pay and any tips that the customer provides. Some services may also offer bonuses for completing a certain number of deliveries within a specific timeframe.
- Access up to $750 per pay period
- No interest, mandatory fees, or credit checks
- Over 15 million downloads and counting
Grocery delivery apps
There are several grocery delivery services that you can sign up for to become a delivery person. Some popular options include:
Instacart
Instacart is a popular grocery delivery service that allows customers to order groceries from various stores and have them delivered to their doorstep. As a delivery person for Instacart, you can choose your own hours and earn money by shopping for and delivering groceries to customers.
Shipt
Shipt is another popular grocery delivery service in several cities across the United States. As a Shipt shopper, you can earn money by shopping for and delivering groceries to customers.
Amazon Fresh
Amazon Fresh is a grocery delivery service offered by Amazon that allows customers to order groceries online and have them delivered to their doorstep. As a delivery person for Amazon Fresh, you can earn money by delivering groceries to customers in your area.
Postmates
Postmates is a delivery service that delivers groceries and other items to customers in many cities across the United States. As a delivery person for Postmates, you can earn money by delivering groceries and other items to customers.
Uber Eats
Uber Eats is a food delivery service that delivers food from restaurants to customers. In some cities, Uber Eats also offers grocery delivery services. As a delivery person for Uber Eats, you can earn money by delivering food and groceries to customers.
DoorDash
While many think of DoorDash as a restaurant, delivery service has expanded into groceries. Drivers can pick up pet supplies, florals, convenience store items, and, in some areas, alcohol.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Flexibility. Grocery delivery jobs often offer flexible schedules, which makes them a great option for people who need to work around other commitments like school, family, or other jobs.
- Earnings potential. Depending on the service you work for, the location, and the number of orders you complete, grocery delivery jobs can be quite lucrative. Many services also offer bonuses or incentives for completing a certain number of deliveries in a specific timeframe.
- Independence. As a delivery person, you are often able to work independently, which can be a great fit for people who prefer to work alone or have difficulty with traditional office environments.
- Convenience. Many grocery delivery services offer convenient and easy-to-use apps, which makes it easy to manage your deliveries and communicate with customers.
Cons
- Vehicle expenses. Delivering groceries often requires a personal vehicle, which can be expensive to maintain and repair. You may need to pay out of pocket for gas, maintenance, and insurance costs.
- Time management. As a delivery person, you must manage your time effectively to ensure you can complete your deliveries on time. This can be challenging, especially during peak hours or traffic congestion.
- Weather conditions. Depending on where you live, weather conditions can be a major challenge when delivering groceries. You may need to deal with snow, rain, or extreme heat, which can be uncomfortable or dangerous.
- Customer service. As a delivery person, you will be responsible for providing excellent customer service, which can be challenging if you have difficult or demanding customers.
- Access up to $750 per pay period
- No interest, mandatory fees, or credit checks
- Over 15 million downloads and counting
FAQs
How old do I have to be to deliver groceries to make money?
Many services require drivers to be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license and a reliable vehicle. However, some services may require drivers to be 21 years old or older, depending on their insurance policies.
Will I need to cover my own expenses, such as gas and maintenance on my vehicle?
Yes, as an independent contractor or gig worker, you will be responsible for your own expenses, such as gas and maintenance on your vehicle. It's important to factor these costs into your earnings and carefully consider the potential expenses before deciding to become a grocery delivery driver.
What do I need to become a grocery delivery person?
To become a grocery delivery person, you typically need to have a reliable vehicle, a valid driver's license, and a smartphone. You may also need to pass a background check and meet other requirements depending on the specific delivery service you work for.
The bottom line
Grocery delivery has emerged as a lucrative and flexible way to make money in today's gig economy. The growing demand for home delivery services, combined with the convenience of online shopping, has created a significant need for drivers and shoppers who can pick up and deliver groceries to customers. Whether you're looking for a side hustle or a full-time gig, grocery delivery offers a range of benefits, including flexible hours, potential for good earnings, and the ability to work independently. With a wide range of grocery delivery services available to choose from, it's easier than ever to get started and start earning money right away.
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