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1. Know Which Orders to Skip (And Why)
👉 In a Nutshell: Not all orders are worth your time. Some are just a waste.
You open the app.
You see $7 for 2 heavy cases of water… and it’s 15 miles away.
That’s not a job, that’s a punishment 🥴
If it feels like more pain than pay, it probably is.
Skipping bad orders means you have more time for good ones.
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: Check the Pay: Only accept batches that pay at least $1.50 per mile.
Step 2: Scan the Items: Avoid big, bulky, or low-tip orders unless the payout is great.
Step 3: Watch the Distance: Long trips without a tip guarantee? Skip it fast.
2. Get Familiar With High-Tipping Stores in Your Area
👉 In a Nutshell: Some stores just lead to better tips. Stick with those.
Not all grocery stores are created equal.
Some attract better customers, with better tips, and better vibes.
Think upper-end neighborhoods or stores with faster checkout lines 😉
Over time, you’ll notice a pattern. Some stores just treat you right.
Once you find those gold mines, keep hitting them.
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: Track Your Orders: Write down which stores give better tips.
Step 2: Prioritize Smart Zones: Work near stores that attract higher-income shoppers.
Step 3: Stick With Winners: Focus your day on those top-performing stores.
3. Use Hot Delivery Times to Make More per Hour
👉 In a Nutshell: Timing is everything when it comes to money.
You wouldn’t show up at the beach at 2 a.m. expecting a party.
Same with Instacart. Show up when people are hungry, not sleeping 😅
Late mornings, evenings, weekends? That’s your sweet spot.
That’s when orders stack up and tips come in hot.
Be there when the money’s flowing.
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: Know Peak Times: Plan your day around lunch and dinner rush.
Step 2: Avoid Dead Hours: Skip early mornings or mid-afternoons.
Step 3: Set a Schedule: Work in short, timed bursts during high demand.
4. Shop Fast Without Making Mistakes
👉 In a Nutshell: The faster you shop, the more money you make.
Every minute you spend in the store is money you’re not making.
But speed without accuracy? That’s how you get rated like a 2-star motel 😑
You want quick hands and sharp eyes. Like a grocery ninja.
Learn the aisles, know the brands, don’t get lost in the freezer section.
Time is money, and mistakes are expensive.
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: Learn the Layouts: Stick to stores you know like your own kitchen.
Step 2: Use the App Smart: Mark unavailable items and suggest fast replacements.
Step 3: Stay Focused: No texting, no wandering, just grab and go.
5. Keep Customers Happy to Score Bigger Tips
👉 In a Nutshell: Happy customers = bigger tips. It’s that simple.
You’re not just delivering food. You’re delivering good vibes.
A simple text update or double-bagging their eggs makes a difference ☝️
When they feel taken care of, they tip like it.
And yeah, even a smiley face emoji can turn $2 into $10.
Your attitude is part of the service.
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: Send Friendly Updates: Message the customer if an item is missing.
Step 2: Handle With Care: Pack groceries like they’re your grandma’s china.
Step 3: End Strong: Leave the order neatly and send a “thanks!” text.
6. Track Miles and Expenses to Keep More Profit
👉 In a Nutshell: What you keep matters more than what you earn.
You can make $200 a day. But if you spend $80 on gas and snacks, what’s the point?
😎 You gotta treat this like a business, not a side hustle on autopilot.
Mileage, gas, wear and tear. It all adds up, quietly.
But when you track it, you take control back.
More awareness = more cash in your pocket.
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: Use a Mileage App: Track your driving to deduct it at tax time.
Step 2: Save Receipts: Gas, car washes, and supplies all count.
Step 3: Review Weekly: Look at your numbers and trim unnecessary spending.
7. Use Other Apps Alongside Instacart to Maximize Income
👉 In a Nutshell: Don’t put all your hustle in one basket.
Instacart’s great. Until it’s not.
Sometimes there’s a dry spell, and you’re just staring at the app like it’s frozen.
😏 That’s when other apps come in clutch.
Uber Eats, DoorDash, Spark… think of them as your backup crew.
More apps = more chances to make money.
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: Sign Up for 1–2 More Apps: Pick ones that complement Instacart’s schedule.
Step 2: Run Multiple Apps: Switch between them during slow periods.
Step 3: Stack Wisely: Only double up when it won’t hurt your delivery times.
You don’t need to wait for the “perfect time” to start stacking cash.
You just need to start where you are, with what you’ve got.
Hi! I'm the founder of Money Vice and a passionate personal finance enthusiast.
Here we love to talk about money using a unique type of blender, where we combine juicy chunks of money lessons, slicing them into bite-sized steps, and sprinkling some South Florida vibe for that little zing! (the perfect cocktail to learn how to stack cash to achieve financial independence).
