Shipt Shopper & Driver Requirements

Becoming a Shipt shopper or driver is a popular way to earn extra money with flexible hours. With Shipt, you shop for groceries and household items and deliver them directly to customers. But before you can start delivering, you need to meet Shipt’s specific requirements.

This guide will walk you through what you need to qualify as a Shipt shopper, from age and vehicle rules to background checks and equipment expectations. Understanding these requirements upfront helps ensure you are prepared to apply and succeed.

Age and eligibility requirements

To shop and deliver for Shipt, you must meet these core eligibility requirements:

• Minimum age: You must be at least 18 years old.
• Legal work status: You need to be legally authorized to work in the United States. Shipt may require documentation to verify this during signup.
• Smartphone requirements: A modern smartphone is essential. You need an iPhone (iOS 10 or newer) or Android (5.1 or newer) with sufficient storage and data to run the Shipt Shopper app effectively.

These requirements ensure you can communicate with customers, navigate reliably, and use the app without technical problems.

Driver’s license and vehicle requirements

Reliable transportation is a key part of the Shipt experience. Here is what you need:

• Valid U.S. driver’s license: You must have a valid, non-expired license.
• Reliable vehicle (1997 or newer): Shipt typically requires vehicles to be from 1997 or newer. The car must be in good condition and capable of safely transporting orders.
• Auto insurance: You must carry valid auto insurance that meets your state’s minimum requirements.

Shipt does not perform vehicle inspections during signup, but your car needs to be safe, clean, and able to handle various sizes of grocery orders.

Background check

Every Shipt shopper must pass a background check before starting. This process is done by a third-party provider and typically covers:

• Criminal history: Any serious convictions can lead to disqualification.
• Driving record: A history of major driving violations may prevent you from being approved.
• Identity verification: Ensures you are who you claim to be.

Shipt’s background check helps maintain customer trust and safety. The check is usually completed in a few days but can take longer depending on your location.

Vehicle insurance and liability

Shipt does not provide commercial auto insurance to drivers. You are expected to maintain your own personal auto insurance at all times.

• Confirm your policy allows delivery work if needed.
• Stay up to date with payments and renewals.
• Some insurers require you to notify them about delivery driving.

Failure to maintain insurance can result in removal from the platform.

Equipment and supplies

Being prepared with the right tools helps you provide better service and avoid issues during deliveries.

• Insulated bags: Many grocery orders include frozen or perishable items. Shipt expects shoppers to use insulated or thermal bags to keep food at safe temperatures.
• Smartphone accessories: Items like car chargers and mounts ensure you can safely use navigation and communicate while on the road.
• Reusable shopping bags or bins: Helpful for organizing larger orders during transport.

While Shipt does not sell these directly, they often provide guidance on what is expected during onboarding. Remember, these expenses are deductions for your Shipt business.

Physical requirements

Delivering for Shipt is a physically demanding job. Requirements include:

• Lifting and carrying: You may need to lift heavy grocery bags, cases of water, or pet food.
• Walking and standing: Expect to spend significant time on your feet while shopping and loading items.
• Apartment and multi-story deliveries: Be prepared to carry items up stairs or navigate long hallways.

Being aware of these physical demands can help you decide if Shipt is a good fit for you.

Scheduling and availability

One of Shipt’s biggest advantages is flexibility. However, you still need to meet certain expectations:

• Set your own schedule: Shoppers can choose blocks of time they want to work or pick up orders as they become available.
• Peak times: Evenings, weekends, and holidays often see higher order volumes and better earning potential.
• Reliability matters: Regularly canceling or missing orders can lead to poor ratings or reduced access to orders.

Planning your schedule and being dependable can help you earn more and stay in good standing.

Application process

Signing up for Shipt is designed to be straightforward:

1. Download the Shipt Shopper app from your phone’s app store.
2. Create an account and enter your personal details.
3. Provide your driver’s license info and upload required documentation.
4. Consent to and complete the background check.
5. Complete onboarding steps, which may include short training videos or quizzes.
6. Get approved and start accepting delivery orders.

The entire process can take just a few days, depending on how quickly your background check is processed.

Maintaining good standing as a Shipt shopper

Once you’re approved, you’ll want to keep your account in good standing to continue shopping and delivering.

• Keep your documents up to date: Driver’s license and insurance should always be valid.
• Maintain a reliable vehicle: Breakdowns or unsafe conditions can hurt your ratings and risk deactivation.
• Follow local food safety rules: Especially when transporting perishable items.
• Communicate professionally: Keep customers updated if there are delays or issues.
• Avoid deactivation triggers: Too many late deliveries, order cancellations, or poor customer ratings can lead to losing access to the app.

If you’re considering applying to be a Shipt shopper, understanding these requirements will help you prepare and set yourself up for success. By meeting the expectations and delivering great service, you can turn Shipt into a reliable way to earn income on your own schedule.

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