The range of stores someone can purchase from (and, in turn, the orders themselves) depends on where they live. Typically, Instacart provides access to a range of retailers, including:

• grocery stores;
• pharmacies;
• big box stores;
• pet supply chains;
• office supply retailers.

Instacart offers free deliveries for new members, but afterward, delivery fees start from $3.99 for same-day orders over the value of $35. Otherwise, they will vary according to these factors:

• the time of day;
• a person’s location;
• the size of the order.

However, it's also important to highlight that the delivery fees do not include tips for the shoppers.

Grocery delivery can be a convenient and potentially safer option for many individuals, including:

• People with certain health conditions: Certain health issues may make in-store shopping difficult or stressful for some. Those who find shopping difficult due to mobility problems, chronic fatigue, or other similar reasons may benefit from a home delivery service.
• People following a meal plan: Instacart makes it easier to stick to a specific shopping list, and this may be helpful for those who are trying to improve the quality of their diet.
• People who want to avoid impulse buys.
• Busy people: Instacart may be helpful for those who work long hours or have caring responsibilities and wish to save time.

There are currently more than 600,000 existing shoppers delivering the things people need.

But the amount of money they earn varies and depends a lot on their role type. In the United States, for example, there are options to become a full-service shopper or an in-store shopper.

Full-service shoppers:

• Can shop for and deliver groceries (car needed);
• Are independent 1099 contractors (they handle taxes);
• Are able to work when they want;
• Can earn tips on top of pay;
• Option is available wherever Instacart operates.

In-store shoppers:

• Shop on an assigned shift;
• Do in-store shopping only (no delivery, so a car isn't required);
• Are part-time employees of Instacart (the company handles taxes);
• Work shifts up to 29 hours per week;
• Option is available in many areas (but not all) to help meet increased demand.

For full-service shoppers, Instacart is like Uber for food. While in-store shoppers earn a fixed, hourly wage, these folks earn by the order with varying amounts.

The Instacart app shows an estimate of potential earnings for every order and guarantees shoppers will earn at least $5 for each delivery-only run and $7 to $10 for each full-service (shop, load, and deliver) batch. 

Earning potential is usually higher when customer demand spikes, so working on Sundays and during popular events, like the Super Bowl, can mean more money, but, as you can see from the pictures, more interaction with customers can increase your headache as well.