Why Instacart Works Great with Amazon Flex
Higher Per-Order Pay
Instacart batches pay $15-50+ per order. Big tips from grateful customers who don't want to shop themselves.
Weekend Warrior
Flex blocks are competitive on weekends. Instacart thrives Saturday/Sunday when families stock up for the week.
Different Skillset
Uses your time differently than package delivery. Shopping burns time when Flex blocks aren't available.
Rating-Based Priority
High ratings unlock better batches. Your Flex delivery experience translates to great Instacart reviews.
Instacart Earnings for Flex Drivers
Work Instacart on weekends (10-15 hours) = $250-450 extra per week
How Instacart Works (vs Flex)
See Available Batches
Unlike Flex's "grab a block" system, Instacart shows you available orders with full details: items, store, pay, tip, and distance.
Accept and Shop
You physically shop the order in-store. The app guides you through aisles, handles replacements, and manages customer communication.
Checkout and Deliver
Use the Instacart payment card at checkout. Then deliver like a Flex route - often just one or two stops.
Get Paid (Tips Included)
Earnings hit your account same day. Tips are added at checkout and can be increased by customers after delivery.
Flex + Instacart Strategy
Weekdays: Amazon Flex Priority
Focus on Flex Logistics blocks Monday-Friday. Higher guaranteed hourly rate, less competition, and more predictable routes.
Weekends: Instacart Dominance
Saturday and Sunday are Instacart gold. Families stock up, tips are higher, and batch volume explodes. This is where Instacart shines.
Peak Grocery Hours
Best Instacart times: 10am-1pm (morning shoppers), 4-6pm (after work rush). Schedule around these if Flex blocks are slow.
Understanding Instacart Batch Types
Single Order
One customer, one delivery. Fastest to complete. Best for learning the platform.
$12-25 typical
Double Batch
Two orders from one store, two deliveries. More items, more pay, more complexity.
$20-40 typical
Triple Batch
Three orders, three deliveries. High pay but complex. For experienced shoppers only.
$30-60 typical
Pro Tip: Start with single orders until you know the stores. Double batches become profitable once you can shop efficiently.
Instacart Pro Tips for Flex Drivers
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1.
Learn store layouts: Pick 2-3 stores and master them. Knowing where everything is doubles your shopping speed.
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2.
Check items-per-dollar: A $25 batch with 50 items pays less per hour than a $20 batch with 15 items. Fewer items = faster completion.
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3.
Communicate on replacements: Quick message to customer when their item is out. Good communication = tip increases + 5-star ratings.
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4.
Park close to entrance: You'll make multiple trips. Park near cart return for efficiency, not at the back of the lot.
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5.
Keep insulated bags in car: Your Flex delivery bags work great for frozen items and produce. Customers notice and tip better.
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6.
Skip no-tip orders: Base pay alone rarely makes sense. No tip usually means difficult customer. Protect your ratings.
Amazon Flex vs Instacart: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Amazon Flex | Instacart |
|---|---|---|
| Work Type | Delivery only | Shop + Deliver |
| Scheduling | Scheduled blocks | On-demand batches |
| Hourly Rate | $18-35/hr | $18-30/hr |
| Tips | Whole Foods only | Every order (high) |
| Best Days | Weekdays | Weekends |
| Physical Effort | Moderate | Higher (shopping) |
| Order Selection | Can't see details | Full transparency |
Getting Started with Instacart
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1
Download Instacart Shopper app: Sign up with your info. Select "Full-Service Shopper" to do both shopping and delivery.
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2
Background check: Same process as Flex. Takes 3-10 days. If you're Flex-approved, you'll likely pass.
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3
Payment card arrives: Instacart mails you a payment card for checkout. Can take 5-7 days - some markets allow Apple Pay initially.
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4
Complete training: Short in-app tutorial covers the shopping process, replacements, and delivery procedures.
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5
Accept your first batch: Start with small, single orders at stores you know. Build ratings before tackling complex batches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do Instacart and Amazon Flex on the same day?
Yes, many drivers combine both platforms. A common strategy is Flex blocks in the morning/afternoon and Instacart batches on weekends or during peak grocery shopping hours (10am-1pm, 4-6pm).
Is Instacart harder than Amazon Flex?
Instacart requires in-store shopping which takes more effort than Flex deliveries. However, tips are typically higher, you control which orders to accept, and batch orders can be very profitable. Many Flex drivers find the higher pay worth the extra work.
How much do Instacart shoppers make per hour?
Active Instacart shoppers earn $15-30 per hour depending on their market, order selection, and speed. Top shoppers who cherry-pick good batches and shop efficiently report $25+/hour consistently.
Do I need special equipment for Instacart?
Insulated bags are highly recommended for keeping items cold. Your existing Flex delivery bags work perfectly. Some shoppers also use a phone mount and portable charger for longer shopping sessions.
Ready to Add Instacart to Your Gig Arsenal?
Calculate your potential multi-app earnings or explore other platforms.