7 Legit Ways to Make Money Delivering Groceries and Food

So many of us are looking for ways to make additional cash, and delivering groceries and meals may be right for you. I think if you have a few hours to spare per week, it can be worth it to add this type of side hustle to your schedule.

DoorDash, Instacart, and Shipt are just a few of the companies paying independent contractors for various food shopping and delivery services. If you have a reliable vehicle and a driver’s license, this could be a great gig for you.

Keep in mind that you probably won’t make a full-time living shopping for and delivering groceries, since the hours range quite a bit and you won’t earn benefits. But food-delivery apps offer legit opportunities for you to earn extra money to supplement your income.

1. Start shopping with Instacart

One of the top ways to earn extra cash delivering groceries is with Instacart. I wish these services had been available about ten years ago, but now they’re here, and you can make money as a shopper and a driver.

How Instacart works

Instacart provides full-service grocery shopping and delivery. If you’re at least 18 years old and can pass a background check, plus have a car to use for delivery, you’re well on your way to qualifying. Make sure you have a smartphone with access to apps, since that’s how you’ll accept jobs and get paid.

If you’re not planning on driving, you can pick up hours as an in-store Instacart shopper. Otherwise, you’ll do the shopping and delivery for customers. I admit I kind of like the idea of being an in-store shopper only, but that’s because I’m not a fan of traffic. However, a downside of in-store shopping is that you must work scheduled shifts, so it’s not flexible the way full-service shopping is.

If you’re doing the full-service shopping service, you accept a batch of orders within the Instacart app, and you’ll see an estimate of your pay for those orders. Then go to that store, fill all orders, and make the deliveries.

How much can you earn with Instacart?

The amount you can earn really depends. If you’re an in-store shopper, you receive an hourly wage. But full-service shoppers earn pay based on these factors:

• Your location
• The number of orders you complete
• The number of items and effort required for each batch
• Your driving distance

No matter what, you keep 100% of your tips, so it could pay to be friendly and personable when making your deliveries. It’s also easy to earn referral bonuses from getting your friends to shop with Instacart.

Check out our full Instacart review for more information.

2. Deliver with Shipt

If you enjoy shopping at retailers like Target and CVS, becoming a Shipt shopper could be a great way to earn extra income.

How Shipt works

Shipt is available in more than 5,000 cities and over 130 retailers. It allows users to shop from stores in their area and have orders delivered right to their door. That’s where you come in.

As a Shipt shopper, you would be responsible for fulfilling and delivering those orders for stores like Costco, CVS, Petsmart, Target, and many more. You’ll need an iPhone or Android (iOS 13 or newer or Android 7.0 or newer), a reliable vehicle, a valid driver’s license and insurance, and ability to lift 50 pounds to get started.

If you have a spacious vehicle, you may want to be a delivery driver with Shipt. Simply reserve the route you’re able to drive, pick up packages, and take them where they need to go.

As with other food-delivery apps, with Shipt, you can set your hours and be your own boss. You’ll see the estimated pay before accepting jobs. Then, you’ll visit the retailer, select the items, and pay for them with your Shipt card before making your delivery.

One unique aspect of Shipt is that you’ll be working with a community. You’ll be able to communicate with other personal shoppers, share tips, attend launch parties, and even snag a Shipt membership of your own.

How much can you earn with Shipt?

Shipt estimated that in 2021, its shoppers earned between $25 and $35 per hour. That’s a wide range, and for good reason. While I personally would love more pay transparency, it’s typical to get an estimate rather than a fixed amount with these types of companies, and the fact that pay varies can be a benefit for some gig workers.

As with companies like Instacart and Spark Driver, bonuses are available on Shipt as well as the chance to keep 100% of customer tips.

You’ll see an estimate with each delivery offer based on the time it will take to complete, which is helpful as you can decline an offer if the pay doesn’t sound worth it for your efforts. You’ll get weekly payments on Fridays via direct deposit.

Check out our full Shipt review for more details.

3. Spark Driver

You can also become a delivery driver for Walmart customers through the Spark Driver app. As an independent contractor, you can shop and deliver groceries, pick up and deliver orders, or even pick up returns from customers and deliver them to the store.

How does Spark Driver work?

Spark Driver works much like other grocery delivery platforms, where you need a vehicle and an app to accept potential jobs. Earnings are higher for larger deliveries and longer distances driven.

The company website states that you can drive for Walmart and other businesses, though it appears Walmart is the primary retailer you’d work with. The app is available in more than 3,650 cities in all 50 states. I’d feel pretty good about my chances of getting enough delivery assignments with so many locations.

You need to be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license (of course), and Spark Driver deliveries are only for vehicle drivers, not motorized bicycles or scooters or motorcycles.

How much can you earn on Spark Driver?

While the Spark Driver website doesn’t give any hints about your potential earnings when delivering for them (which is annoying), Indeed.com lists the average Spark Driver wage as $24.55 per hour.

However, as with most delivery gig work, how much you make is going to vary widely. I wouldn’t count on that average being accurate since it depends on how many jobs you accept, your delivery region, and more.

Again, I’d be hesitant to sign up without even a guideline as to starting pay, but according to the website, you’ll earn money based on the following factors:

• Distance you need to drive for deliveries
• Order size/number of items delivered
• Extras such as heavy item delivery
• Tips (drivers keep 100% of optional customer tips)

Plus, you can earn other incentives which may come and go from day to day. You’ll want to check the app to be aware of potential extra earnings, which Spark Driver says may include tasks like “complete ten trips by X date to earn X dollars” or “earn $5 more for each delivery completed after 4 pm.”

4. Deliver with Uber Eats

We all know about Uber for ridesharing, and with Uber Eats, you can deliver food by car, scooter, bike, or even by foot in some locations.

How Uber Eats works

Uber launched Uber Eats in 2014. Like other food delivery apps, Uber Eats enables you to pick up shifts whenever it’s convenient for you, though obviously there will be times of day with more delivery job opportunities.

Requirements vary by delivery option, but to become a driver with Uber Eats, you’ll generally need to be at least 18 or 19 years old and have a valid driver’s license and insurance policy if operating a motor vehicle.¹ You’ll need to provide your Social Security number and consent to a screening to get started, but there’s no other training required. I like that you can switch the app on and off as you wish, so you’ll always be able to deliver on your schedule.

You’ll need to set up direct deposit to a bank account to earn fares. Your earnings are automatically deposited weekly. Uber Eats also provides an option for cashing out your earnings up to 6x per day with Instant Pay, but watch out for a $1.25 fee each time you do so.

How much can you earn with Uber Eats?

Uber Eats doesn’t provide hourly estimates, as pay varies by location. 

The Uber Eats site also lists a handful of the top U.S. cities for earning with Uber and Uber Eats. Earn fares for each pickup and dropoff completed, and keep 100% of any tips you receive.

Each delivery fare is calculated based on time, distance, and promotional pay. Uber subtracts a service fee from the total. Another way to increase your pay is by referring other people to drive with Uber, and once they’ve completed a set number of deliveries, a reward will be added to your account.

Check out our full Uber Eats review for more information.

5. Become a Dasher

If you’re not a fan of shopping and want to deliver happiness while helping to support local restaurants, consider working as a dasher for DoorDash.

How DoorDash works

Available in more than 7,000 cities in all U.S. states, plus 80 cities in Canada as well as Melbourne, Australia and New Zealand, DoorDash offers restaurant deliveries. As a dasher for DoorDash, you’ll need some sort of vehicle and can work whenever you want.

Open the app to accept an order, make your deliveries, or schedule future dashes. You’ll need to be at least 18 years old (19 in some states, see the terms), have a driver’s license and insurance, plus a smartphone to get started.

I like the thought of driving for DoorDash because it’s a simpler process than grocery shopping gig work. Instead of navigating crowded supermarket aisles for dozens or hundreds of grocery items, you can just go to the local pizza joints or any other food establishments to pick up prepared food, then deliver it.

How much can you earn with DoorDash?

Earnings will vary, but Indeed.com reports $16.64/hr. as the national average. How much you can make depends on your location, distance and time for delivery, as well as any promotional or bonus earning opportunities. And of course, your tips are a big part of your earnings, and you keep every penny of the tips you receive.²

Check out our full Doordash review for more details.

6. Deliver meals with Grubhub

The short summary about Grubhub is that delivering food via Grubhub is basically the same type of work as delivering for DoorDash.

How Grubhub works

Grubhub uses independent contractors to pick up and deliver restaurant and fast food orders to customers. As a customer, you can order from over 300,000 restaurants in over 4,000 cities across the U.S. So if you live in one of those areas, you can be a Grubhub driver.

As with companies like DoorDash, to work for Grubhub you’ll need to be at least 18 years old (21 in Las Vegas) and have a smartphone as well as a vehicle. You need a driver’s license if using a car for deliveries, and if you’re using a scooter or bike, the appropriate license or ID for that.

How much can you earn with Grubhub?

Grubhub pays a base rate plus bonuses, and you keep all of your tips. Indeed.com reports that the national hourly average for Grubhub delivery drivers is $14.06.

Base pay includes:

• Mileage
• Type of delivery
• Time spent on the delivery
• The local market where you are

I like that there’s also a minimum guaranteed rate even on slow days or in slow regions. And like other delivery companies, Grubhub offers bonus ways to earn called Missions.

You’ll be paid by direct deposit on Thursdays, but if you need your money sooner, you can instantly cash out for free if you’re a Chase Bank customer. Non-Chase customers pay a $0.50 fee for bank deposit or debit card cash-out.

7. Become a TaskRabbit Tasker

If doing various odd jobs sounds appealing, read on to find out how to earn as a TaskRabbit tasker. From yard work to grocery delivery to virtual assistance, there are myriad contactless ways to make money on the platform.

How TaskRabbit works

TaskRabbit is an online platform that connects users with all kinds of help, from moving to handyman services to furniture assembly. Since then, taskers have spent a combined 350,000 hours running errands for users and so much more.

It’s great to try TaskRabbit if you like the idea of picking jobs that emphasize your particular skills. You can choose home repairs that require some experience and knowledge (that would not be me) or stick to simple tasks like food delivery.

As a tasker, you can create your own schedule and set your rates. A one-time $25 registration fee is required, but after that, all fees are charged to clients instead of taskers.

Once you’re set up on the platform, TaskRabbit will notify you of potential jobs nearby, and you’ll be able to choose the ones you want to complete. Then, confirm the details with the client, complete the job, and submit your invoice to get paid.

As far as I can see, TaskRabbit offers the greatest flexibility of any of these apps. Yes, grocery shopping and delivery are included among the list of possible tasks. But the options for how to earn money are really impressive. Here’s a small sampling of the tasks you might be qualified to do:

• Handyman: plumbing, electrical work, painting, drywall repair
• Moving services: junk pickup, heavy lifting, furniture removal
• Mounting and installation: TV mounting, ceiling fan installation
• Cleaning: house cleaning, move in/out cleaning, car washing, carpet cleaning
• Yardwork services: weed removal, patio cleaning, lawn care
• Holiday tasks: hang holiday lights, gift wrapping, holiday decorating
• Virtual and online tasks: virtual assistant, organization, data entry

So TaskRabbit might be a lot of fun to check out, especially if you’re game to test out how much you might earn doing tasks you’ve never been paid to do.

How much can you earn with TaskRabbit?

TaskRabbit allows you to set your own rates, unlike other platforms on our list. If you’re just getting started and don’t have any reviews yet, you may need to set your rates on the low side to begin with. Research what other taskers in your area are charging to get an idea of a fair rate.

National hourly averages around $18/hr. according to ZipRecruiter, but that number can swing heavily in either direction depending on what type of task you agree to do.

With TaskRabbit, over time and with plenty of experience, you can become one of the TaskRabbit Elite, which may help you snag more clients.

Read our full TaskRabbit review for more details.

How to get started delivering groceries and food

Most of these food-delivery gigs work the same way. You need a vehicle and valid driver’s license if you’re going to be driving, and you may need to submit to a background check.

I’d check on one or two companies that appeal to you and then verify that you meet all of the qualifications. Some, like Shipt, require you to have a decent knowledge of produce, so use your best judgment on whether you fit that description! You may also need to be able to lift a certain amount (with Instacart it’s 40 pounds; with Shipt it’s 50 pounds).

You’ll have to sign up for the app and complete an application providing proof that you meet the requirements. And of course, if you want to get paid, you’ll provide bank account information or whatever payment option you have that is offered.

How to maximize your earnings from food delivery gig work

I just want to make a note of a few things to bear in mind. When you sign up to be a shopper or delivery person with one of these food-delivery apps, you’re providing customer service. To a certain extent, you’ll get out of the job what you put into it.

Provide exceptional customer service

I’ve not personally done any deliveries for companies like DoorDash or Instacart, but I’m sure that if I did, I’d want to be as friendly and reliable as possible. Customers will notice and appreciate your efforts, and some of them will reward you with tips (100% of which go right into your bank account).

A friend of mine used to deliver for one of the grocery delivery apps, and he said he did a few shopping drop-offs for an elderly customer who tipped him a ridiculous amount (something like $80 on one batch of groceries). Knowing my friend, this was probably because he was approachable and chatted in the doorway with the customer, and she wanted to thank him for it.

With many of these apps, you can chat in real-time with the customer while you’re shopping. This gives you a chance to stand out. You can message them to ask about their preferred substitution for an out-of-stock item, for example.

Overall, doing a great job consistently over time will increase your odds for earning great tips, so strive to provide:

• On-time deliveries
• Accurate order fulfillment
• Communication as needed
• Service with a smile

Watch for bonus earning opportunities

Many of these apps have bonus earning periods or ways to make a bit above the base pay rate. So keep an eye on your app to stay informed of things like “Make at least eight deliveries between these dates and earn an extra $10.” When you can, take advantage of these potential bonuses.

FAQ

Bottom line

If you have some spare time or want more wiggle room in your budget, you can learn how to make money delivering groceries and food. Quite a few businesses offer this opportunity.

The good news is, you need minimal or no experience to get paid to deliver groceries on the platforms we listed. And because you make your own hours, you can use this as a side gig or if you enjoy it, turn it into a full-time hustle. I like the flexibility because there’s no obligation to keep doing this forever, so it’s easy to try out as long as you want.