Looking to earn some extra cash, I decided to apply to become an Instacart Shopper. But, guess what? I got put on the Instacart Waitlist. It sucks, right? I thought I was the only one, but a quick look on Reddit made me see I wasn’t alone. Plenty of people complain about being stuck on the company’s Waitlist.
You’re probably looking to earn that extra cash too, and finding yourself on a waitlist is far from ideal. But thankfully, there are other options to try while you’re waiting to be approved. I found myself exploring other jobs like Instacart Shopper to try in the meantime. It’s not what we planned, but hey, it’s something!
What is the Instacart Waitlist?
Ever wondered why you ended up on the Instacart waitlist? It’s all because they have a system for managing the influx of applicants eager to work. When we apply and there are more drivers than needed, based on customer demand in our area, we get placed on that list. It’s their way of keeping things balanced. Got placed on it myself and realized it’s just part of how things work over there.
How Long is the Instacart Waitlist?
On the Instacart Waitlist, the time you spend waiting can really vary. For some, it’s just a couple of weeks, but for others, it stretches out to months or even more than a year. This duration is influenced by a bunch of factors, like how many people are job seeking due to the Covid-19 pandemic or the overall appeal of Instacart jobs.
It’s frustrating, especially when you’re eager to start earning that income. But there isn’t a set time frame; it’s just how things work, depending on demand and how many shoppers they need at the time.
Can You Skip the Instacart Waitlist?
To skip the Instacart waitlist entirely isn’t really possible. But, some tricks and methods like changing your zip code can offer a glimmer of hope. It’s known that regions with many shoppers often face this waitlist challenge.
Once you put in your application, that’s when you’ll know if your area, or even the surrounding areas, are affected. The only thing left to do is wait and maybe check in with customer service occasionally to see your applicant status and get an estimate of when you might get off the waitlist.
How to Get Off the Instacart Waitlist?
If you’ve found yourself thinking, “Will I ever get off the Instacart Waitlist?”, do not despair! You do actually have options that’ll help you out. Three options actually!
Try Instacart Alternatives to Make Money
If you’re finding yourself waiting too long on the Instacart waitlist, it might be time to look into alternatives. There’s a whole world of delivery apps out there eager to have you. Whether it’s changing your zip code or exploring new locations, these platforms offer a way to make money by delivering food. With similar job structures, you’re still able to get paid for your work, providing much-needed services to customers.
Shipt
Shipt stands out as a well-reviewed, reliable alternative to Instacart. It offers you the chance to shop and deliver groceries directly to customers’ homes within a requested timeframe. This option not only pays well but also has a reputation for being a great company to work for.
DoorDash
DoorDash differs by focusing on delivering food from restaurants and other local eateries rather than grocery stores. This platform has a vast network, providing numerous opportunities to deliver meals to people’s homes. It’s an excellent place for those looking to deliver food and earn money efficiently.
Uber Eats
As one of the most popular food delivery companies, Uber Eats offers a flexible alternative for those struggling to find work with Instacart. Using the app, you can deliver food from various restaurants and eateries using your car, bike, or scooter, tailoring the job to your lifestyle.
Grubhub
Grubhub is all about delivering fast food in your city, allowing you to make money on your own schedule. This platform is ideal for those who prefer a straightforward, no-frills approach to food delivery, with plenty of information available, including comparisons like Grubhub vs DoorDash.
Cornershop
Cornershop mirrors Instacart’s model, paying you to shop for groceries and deliver them directly to people’s doors. It’s a growing app that offers a direct way to earn by helping others get their shopping done efficiently and safely.
Try Other Gig Apps
Getting on the Instacart waitlist might feel like a setback, but it opens up a world of other gig apps. Food delivery is just one option for making money. There are plenty of side hustle apps out there that can help you earn extra cash. These options offer various ways to make money, from delivering food to performing different tasks for people in your area.
Thumbtack Pro
Thumbtack Pro is a versatile website that connects you with jobs in different fields. Whether you’re skilled in home repairs, tutoring, or any other line of work, Thumbtack Pro offers a platform to find work that suits your skills and schedule.
Bellhops
For those who don’t mind a bit of physical work, Bellhops offers a way to help people move. With pay that can reach up to $21 an hour, plus tips and bonuses, and weekly payouts, it’s an attractive option for earning extra.
TaskRabbit
TaskRabbit is about helping out with errands and to-dos, from assembling furniture to running errands. It’s a flexible way to earn money, with pay varying widely depending on the tasks you choose to take on.
Steady
Steady is a free app that helps you find local gig jobs and income opportunities near you. It’s designed to assist you in discovering new ways to make money based on your location, skills, and availability.
Handy
Handy is perfect for the handyperson looking to make money by completing handyman tasks. From fixing a leaky faucet to assembling furniture, Handy connects you with people in your area who need your skills.
Rover
Rover offers a furry-friend-filled way to earn, by letting you walk dogs or offer pet sitting services. It’s a great way to make extra cash for animal lovers.
Roadie
Roadie lets you deliver packages to people and businesses in your city. As a Roadie driver, you’re part of a community that helps move goods locally, whether it’s a lost suitcase or a new couch.
GoShare
With GoShare, you complete short and long-distance deliveries as a driver. It’s an excellent choice for those with a vehicle who want to earn by helping transport larger items or multiple deliveries at once.
Amazon Flex
Amazon Flex provides an opportunity to earn between $18 to $25 an hour as an Amazon delivery driver. It’s a flexible way to work around your schedule while delivering packages.
Walmart Spark
Similar to Amazon Flex, Walmart Spark is a popular side hustle that pays you to deliver essentials. It offers a way to help others get their groceries and essentials while earning money on the side.
Conclusion
Many people want to skip the Instacart Waitlist. It’s understandable, especially when you’re looking to make extra cash. The waiting can stretch for months, delaying when you can start earning.
If you’ve tried the zip code trick we mentioned and it doesn’t work, don’t lose hope. Remember, there are other food delivery apps and gig opportunities out there. Exploring these can be a great way to use your time and make money while you wait. Keep an open mind and stay proactive; your next opportunity could be just around the corner.
FAQs
1. What are the requirements to become an Instacart Shopper?
To become an Instacart Shopper, you must be 18 years or older, eligible to work in the U.S., have a smartphone, and be able to lift 40 pounds without accommodation.
2. How do I check my position on the Instacart Waitlist?
Currently, Instacart does not offer a system to check your exact position on the waitlist. It’s recommended to contact Instacart support for updates on your application status.
3. Are there any fees to sign up or be on the Instacart Waitlist?
No, there are no fees to apply or be placed on the Instacart Waitlist. Instacart does not charge applicants for signing up to become a shopper.
4. Can my application be prioritized on the Instacart Waitlist?
Instacart does not offer a way to prioritize applications on the waitlist. Wait times vary based on market needs and applicant influx.
5. What happens after I get off the Instacart Waitlist?
After you get off the waitlist, you’ll go through an onboarding process, which includes a background check, and then you can start accepting shopping and delivery tasks.
