How Does Shipt Work?

If you’re looking for a flexible way to earn money on your own schedule, Shipt might be the right gig for you. Shipt is a delivery platform that connects customers with personal shoppers who pick up and deliver groceries, household items, and more. As a Shipt Shopper, you’re the one making it all happen, selecting items in-store, checking out, and delivering them straight to the customer’s door.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how Shipt works for shoppers, what you need to get started, and what to expect once you’re on the road.

What Is Shipt?

Shipt is a same-day delivery service owned by Target. Customers use the Shipt app to order groceries, pet supplies, home essentials, and even electronics from local stores. Orders are sent to Shipt Shoppers (independent contractors) who shop for the items and deliver them to the customer.

Unlike apps that handle only food delivery or parcel drops, Shipt shoppers do the actual shopping. That means reading item notes, making substitutions, and giving customers a great experience from start to finish.

How Shipt Works for Shoppers

Here’s how a typical order looks once you’re an approved Shipt Shopper:

1. Browse Available Orders
   
   Open the Shipt Shopper app and look through open orders near you. You’ll see details like the store, delivery window, estimated earnings, and distance.
   
   
2. Accept and Shop the Order
   
   Choose an order and head to the designated store. You’ll shop for the listed items, scanning each one in the app as you go.
   
   
3. Communicate with the Customer
   
   If an item is out of stock, the app allows you to message the customer to suggest replacements. Clear, friendly communication goes a long way in boosting your rating and tips.
   
   
4. Checkout and Pay
   
   Pay for the order using your Shipt-issued prepaid card at checkout.
   
   
5. Deliver to the Customer
   
   Use GPS navigation to drive to the customer’s address and drop off the order. Most deliveries are contactless, and you can mark the order as delivered right in the app.

How You Get Paid

Shipt pays shoppers per order, not per hour. Your earnings are based on a few key things:

• Base pay: Every order has a minimum pay, usually starting around $16–$22 per shop.
• Tips: Customers can add a tip when placing the order or after it’s delivered. Shipt shoppers keep 100% of their tips.
• Promotions and bonuses: Shipt sometimes offers bonuses during busy periods or for completing multiple orders.

Experienced shoppers often earn $25–$30 per hour, especially during peak times or by batching multiple orders.

What You Need to Become a Shipt Shopper

To shop and deliver with Shipt, you’ll need to meet a few basic requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a valid U.S. driver’s license and auto insurance
• Have a reliable vehicle (1997 or newer is recommended)
• Be able to lift 40 pounds
• Have a smartphone
• Pass a background check

You’ll also need solid customer service skills and attention to detail. Shipt shoppers are often rated based on their communication, accuracy, and timeliness.

What Stores Can You Shop From?

Shipt partners with a wide variety of retailers. While Target is one of the main stores available in many markets, shoppers may also pick up orders from:

• CVS
• Meijer
• H-E-B
• Winn-Dixie
• Petco
• Office Depot
• Local and regional grocery chains

Each order in the app will tell you where you’re shopping and what kind of items to expect.

Can You Pick Your Schedule?

Yes. One of the biggest perks of being a Shipt Shopper is flexibility. You can choose when you want to work and how many hours you want to commit each week. There are no minimums or required shifts. Many shoppers work during lunch, evenings, or weekends when demand is highest.

You can also schedule hours in advance or grab available orders on the fly, which gives you full control over your income.

How to Succeed as a Shipt Shopper

Success as a shopper is about more than just speed. Here are some tips to earn more and keep customers happy:

• Be selective with orders. Look for orders with good pay-to-mileage ratios and high tip potential.
• Stay organized. Shopping efficiently can help you complete more orders in less time.
• Use a mileage tracker. Since you’re self-employed, you can deduct mileage and expenses at tax time. Apps like Everlance make it easy to track business miles.
• Keep your ratings high. A positive customer experience can lead to better tips and priority access to high-paying orders.

What About Taxes?

As a Shipt Shopper, you’re considered an independent contractor. That means you’re responsible for your own taxes. You’ll receive a 1099 form if you earn $600 or more. You’ll also need to track your income and expenses, set aside money for taxes, and possibly make quarterly estimated tax payments.

Shipt doesn’t withhold taxes, so it’s important to plan ahead. Most drivers set aside around 25%–30% of their earnings to cover tax obligations.

Is Shipt Right for You?

If you enjoy shopping, like talking to people, and want control over your schedule, Shipt is a great way to earn money on your own terms. It’s best for people who are comfortable being on their feet, can work quickly and accurately, and are looking for income they can scale up or down based on their availability.

It’s also one of the few delivery apps that gives you full control over what and when you deliver.

Shipt offers a flexible, well-paying opportunity for people who want to work independently. As a Shipt Shopper, you get to be your own boss, choose your hours, and help customers get what they need, all while getting paid to do it.

Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or a new full-time gig, understanding how Shipt works can help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.

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