How to Make $500 a Week with Instacart: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re looking for a flexible side hustle or even a part-time job that pays well, Instacart can be a great way to earn extra income. But is it possible to make $500 a week with Instacart? The short answer is: Yes, and this post will show you exactly how to do it.

In this guide, we’ll break down the realistic steps you can take to hit $500 a week with Instacart, what you need to know before getting started, and tips from real shoppers to help you maximize your earnings. Whether you’re new to gig work or already delivering for other apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats, Instacart is a strong contender in the grocery delivery space.

How to Make Money with Instacart as a Full-Service Shopper

Instacart is an on-demand grocery delivery platform that allows customers to order groceries online from local stores. As a shopper, you get paid to shop for those items and deliver them to the customer’s doorstep.

There are two types of Instacart shoppers:

• Full-Service Shoppers (most common): You shop and deliver orders using your own car. You’re an independent contractor and can work as much or as little as you want.

• In-Store Shoppers: You work inside a single store, just gathering items for pickup. This is a part-time W-2 position with hourly pay.

In this guide, we’ll focus on Full-Service Shoppers, since that’s where you can earn the most and truly control your schedule.

How Much Can You Make $500 a Week with Instacart?

Instacart shoppers generally earn $15 to $25 per hour, depending on your market, time of day, and how efficiently you shop. With bonuses and peak-time orders, some experienced shoppers report making $100 to $200 per day.

To earn $500 a week, you’d need to average:

• $100 per day for 5 days, or

• $71.50 per day if working all 7 days

This is very achievable — especially if you follow the strategies below.

Step-by-Step Guide to Make $500 a Week with Instacart

Step 1: Sign Up and Start to Earn $500 a Week with Instacart

Head to Instacart’s sign-up page and complete your application. You’ll need:

• A smartphone

• A valid driver’s license and car (for full-service shoppers)

• The ability to lift 30–40 pounds

• Consent to a background check

Approval usually takes a few days to a week. Once you’re approved, you’ll receive an Instacart payment card used for in-store purchases. Sign up as an Instacart Shopper

Step 2: Choose the Best Times to Maximize Instacart $500 Weekly Income

Not all markets are created equal. Instacart is busiest in urban and suburban areas, especially near large grocery chains.

Peak hours:

• Evenings (4 PM – 8 PM)

• Weekends (especially Sundays)

• Holidays and the first few days of the month

Use these times to your advantage. Shoppers who schedule their time around high-demand periods consistently earn more.

Step 3: Batch Smart to Make $500 a Week Instacart Style

Instacart shoppers are shown “batches” — orders that include the store, the items, and the estimated pay. Not all batches are worth taking.

Before accepting a batch, ask yourself:

• Is the base pay + tip worth the time and distance?

• How many items and units are in the order?

• Are there multiple deliveries (multi-batch) or just one?

• Is traffic going to be a problem?

Experienced shoppers often recommend a minimum of $1.50 per item or $1 per mile as a rule of thumb. Reject low-paying or complicated orders and wait for better ones.

Step 4: Shop Faster and Boost Your Instacart Weekly Earnings

Speed and accuracy are key. The faster you shop, the more batches you can complete — without sacrificing quality.

Tips to shop faster:

• Learn the layout of local stores (you’ll shop faster each time)

• Organize your list by aisle if the store app allows

• Use the barcode scanner for quick verifications

• Communicate substitutions quickly and clearly with customers

Some shoppers even average 3–4 batches per hour once they’re experienced — that’s where the big money comes in.

Step 5: Use Customer Service to Increase Tips and Hit $500 a Week

Did you know tips can make up 50% or more of your Instacart income?

Here’s how to increase your tips:

• Send a friendly intro message when you start shopping

• Offer smart substitutions if an item is out of stock

• Be polite, professional, and positive

• Deliver neatly packaged groceries with care

• Send a “thank you” message after the delivery

Customers remember great service — and often adjust tips upward after delivery. Don’t underestimate the power of good communication.

Step 6: Stack Orders to Reach $500 with Instacart Each Week

Once you get used to the flow of the app, you can stack multiple batches during peak hours. Multi-order batches pay more but require careful planning to stay efficient.

Example:

• 3 batches at $25 each = $75 in 3 hours

• Do this twice a day = $150/day

That’s how many shoppers regularly clear $500 to $700+ per week.

Pro tip: Use apps like Gridwise or Stride to track mileage, expenses, and time. These tools help you stay profitable and organized.

Step 7: Use Bonuses and Promos to Earn $500/Week Instacart

Instacart often offers referral bonuses for inviting friends or completing a set number of batches. These can add $100 to $500 or more in extra income.

Keep an eye out for:

• Guaranteed earnings promotions (e.g., earn $200 for 10 batches in a week)

• Referral incentives (get $300 when a friend signs up and completes their first few deliveries)

Stacking these with your regular deliveries is an easy way to hit $500+ faster.

Weekly Plan Example: Hitting $500

Here’s a realistic sample plan for someone working 5 days a week:

With this kind of schedule, you get flexibility and consistent pay.

Pros of Working with Instacart

• Flexible Schedule — You choose when and how much to work
• Decent Pay — Many earn $15–$25+/hr
• Work Alone — No coworkers or bosses
• Instant Cashout Option — Get paid the same day (small fee applies)
• Perfect for Side Income — Great for students, parents, part-timers

Things to Keep in Mind

• Wear and Tear on Your Car
• No Guaranteed Hours or Pay
• You’re an Independent Contractor — handle taxes, gas, expenses
• Some Orders Can Be Challenging — heavy items, long distances, low tips

The key is to stay smart, track your earnings, and only take high-quality batches.

Final Tips to Boost Your Instacart Income

• Use gas apps like Upside to save on fuel

• Deliver during holidays — huge demand and better tips

• Join online Instacart communities for batch tips and support

• Keep your car clean and professional — it helps your image

• Track miles and expenses for tax deductions

Yes, You Can Make $500/Week with Instacart

Instacart is one of the most flexible and high-earning gig apps available today — and making $500 a week is realistic if you follow the right strategy. By shopping smart, timing your hours well, and treating customers like gold, you can build a consistent side income or even turn it into a full-time hustle.

So, if you’re ready to earn on your schedule and take control of your financial freedom, give Instacart a try. Just remember — success with gig work comes down to effort, planning, and consistency.

are you ready to get started? Sign up for Instacart today and start making $500 a week or more