I have some things to add for us ladies and fellas who like to use these products themselves: hand wipes, hand lotion, face wipes, sunscreen to reapply (hands, arms, chest, neck and anywhere else the sun hits you when you are driving), a couple of hand towels (to wipe hands/face after getting rained on), beef jerky (I have low blood sugar and you can keep in car and heat/cold won’t hurt it), chewing gum or mints, and for those super humid or rainy days, waterproof mascara. I also use blue ice panels in my 2 “cold” bags (not the green ones) and have a heating pad for hot foods from the deli.
Chad The Gig Economist the ice has already paid dividends. So has the heat. I work a zone outside metro Nashville that can have me driving over 30 minutes from store to customer, more if there’s traffic. I tried it without ice and out complaints for melted ice cream and room temp raw chicken. With the ice, the problems stopped. As for the heating pad, it’s primarily for my back. I simply move it behind me and put my door dash bag (the one I use for hot food) on it. I got complaints for cold food; those stopped. I assumed that since these customers live so far from the store, if they did the shopping, the ice cream would melt, etc., but because it’s being delivered, they assume everything will be cold/hot when it gets to them. Finally, all these supplies are tax deductible, as are all the miles I drive that aren’t reimbursed by Instacart-already ran everything through tax attorney. Individual situations may vary.
Thanks to the wagon, the life is much easier. And, some customers are really impressed so they even tip me more. I can't thank you enough for all of your advice!
Omg. You have no idea how happy I am to find you! I am new (only 3 weeks in) to all of this (Instacart, DoorDash, Postmates), and you've been extremely helpful! One if the smartest things I have done lately, was to purchase that wagon for groceries. It has been a LIFE SAVER! Customers have also commented on how smart this is to do. Please never stop your vlogs! LOL. Thank you again!
@@lishamarie2752 it's really not. Especially when you have to lug a million bags or a crapload of waters and sodas. Makes things much easier and faster in my opinion. I also had foot reconstruction surgery, so it helps with that as well by taking the extra weight my foot would have originally taken. 😁
@@homeschoolingmommaDanitza2014 I see why it works better for you. But I think it wouldn't be good for me. I haven't seen the point YET of unpacking it often to use... maybe if the need arises
great tips! i grabbed a stroller caddy to hold all my stuff, it attaches easily to the handle of the shopping cart or sits on the passenger seat, and everything is in one place. I restock it after each shift, and don't have to take up cart space with a bag or carry around a backpack/bigger purse to hold my charger, pens, snacks, wipes, etc. I can keep a couple extra totes folded up as well, just in case a bag breaks or something. thanks for the videos!
Wow, so such a genius with the notepad at the deli, because every store I went into I had to wait in line because their app was down for online ordered! Yes, instacart does kill the battery omg!
Great video. Chock full of good tips. I just did my first Instacart bath yesterday after going along with my wife on hers. Your advice on good shoes is a good one. I was wearing flip-flops for the first couple days helping my wife and my feet were killing me. Great tip! I must say too, as a video editor myself, your video was really well put together with great b-roll showing what you're talking about. I especially love the screenshots of products like wagons, insulated bags, footwear etc. You can go straight from your video to ordering these field-tested items to have them for your next batch. Thanks again!
Chad just subscribed and found out about you. Thank you a million for all your work and in review to the information and your recommended must have items for working with a Instacart! I just found them, am in love with supermarket generally and I’m on disability and want to do something with my time and make a little income. You and this opportunity have brought my spirits up!
Paper bags are still around? Man, I must live across the country from you, because I haven’t seen those in years! Lol - thanks for your videos. I’m a brand new shopper and the app offers like no training or basic info! Appreciate you!
Hi chad. I have watch with real interest several of your videos, and have found them to be the most accurate and informative on the internet. I’m now a firm subscriber. I want to do instacart full time and thank you for unlighting us on all the aspects of this wonderful activity. Thank you for your generosity and desire to deliberately share your knowledge. We love and appreciate you so very much for it. I’m already and will remain a big big fan.
Don't put all your eggs in one basket. It's very difficult to get by doing Instacart exclusively. All it takes is a few customers to rate you anything less than 5 and the queue will dry up. You want to have backup apps ready to go. I actually work for 7 different apps right now.
thanks for this entire series. i just signed up. haven't gotten my card yet. going to Try and meet my local rep tonight (i work in New Orleans). been doing Waitr for a couple of months now. adding instacart for a little extra to round off the edges. the rolling cart, insulated bags and the lanyard carrier for phone and card are awesome tips. it's a hybrid zone here: traditional and OD.
I 2nd the notion on the Colombia Rain coat, my parents gave me one when I was a teen and it still has no damages no wear and tear and is as perfect as the day I got it (even with me not being the best care taker of cloths) and that was like around 15 years ago at the time of this comment
What a great idea for a video! I really appreciate the encouragement to help control time and effort to deliver goods with items that are often overlooked in everyday life.
I have enjoyed watching your videos. Being only a few weeks into IC this video has helped me realize things I Need to consider buying and USING! Thanks friend!
@@GigTube I like that hanging phone holder you showed...I shoot alot of my trips so I think thats a good thing to help me...also I have a rolling cart, but never bring it with me bc my SUV trunk has my spear tire so I'm getting the mount to put it BACK under my car so I can make use it. I have bags..but they are LARGE I feel I need some smaller ones to have INSTORE to hold frozen items, just just for when They reach my car....ANNDDD I think I need to rethink my shoes..I have some nice running shoes but even them my leg hurts after a long day of walking...just somethings you open my eyes too
Thank you so much for this video. So far the best. I have a click connect stroller that I had to throw away the carrier but i use the bottom to carry things.
Thanks so much!! I’m brand new and your videos have A LOT of helpful information. I just received my card yesterday and haven’t started yet, kinda nervous and worried I’ll make a mistake (perfectionist).
Omg, I been doing instacart for a while and was considering some of things you said in this video, but will now invest a couple insulated bags as well as a note pad, the note pad is something that I never would of thought of, only if I would of seen your video a couple months ago this would of been so great 👍😀❤
Very good info., thank you. I just signed up to be a shopper and am a little confused on how to begin. I also thought that I signed up to just deliver and not actually shop! So, maybe this is not for me. They had two options when I signed up, do you mind telling me the difference between the two? I would appreciate it. Obviously I didn't understand what I was signing up for.
A 180 degree rotatable sports wrist strap phone mount lets you keep your phone securely on your wrist for easy access as well as rotated to allow for scanning.
This video is so helpful i just joined instacart & went out today for 1 order just to see as a trial run . So true you need a portable phone charger my phone went real low ! & you need the holder for the phone to scan the bar codes . i was putting items on the floor !! not good . Thanks for this wonderful tutorial !!!! now time to go order this stuff oh & don't forger the Ovartz cart ! Great thinking with the deli order on the pad.
Portable charger or like I did and install a dedicated charging port on my car close to where i install the phone holder on the windshield. (this is a must if you do anything on the phone in your car)
I do Door Dash and Uber E got hired with Instacart just worried i can’t do it. This tutorial helps a lot but gonna give it a try when my card comes. Signed up for Roadie too but get gigs all during the night.
You mean the time to shop it or the time to start working on it once you've accepted the order? The counter in the bottom right corner is just a goal time. Theoretically you have infinite time. I've never heard of anyone getting their batch taken away from them because they were too slow. You used to have 60 minutes to start shopping once you accepted the order, but now it's closer to 45.
Carry Dog Treats, or actually cat treats, (those little meat sticks in the single serve packages are best, as all dogs young/old can eat them and obviously cats too).. Keep one in your pocket, not only has it saved me from getting bit by aggressive dogs.. but the customers will appreciate it as well. ..Almost all my comments are to thank me for leaving a treat for their cat or dog and I'm sure its increased my tip at some point, as well as maybe changing the mind of someone who was about to complain..
I watched entire video. Great common sense ideas. Sure, you have to invest a little $$ first, but don't you with any new undertaking? It will pay itself off. I will be starting soon and will put these ideas to good use. Looking forward to the next video! Question: What if the store has crappy wifi? I've run into that without Instacart and the manager says, oh, that happens in certain areas in the store. Uggh. Thx!
Chad! Thank You! Merci! Muchas Gracias! Thanks for the amazing tips of how to enter the Instacart Matrix and survive the Agents! You have great videos too!
7:02 while I do agree that a phone portable phone charger might be a good call for your situation, I would also advice just using a car phone charger while your out driving, it's not hard to find a auxiliary power outlet for usbs they are basically a dime a dozen even more so for a phone charging cable, sure it wont keep your phone to max but it will help keep your phone from totally dying by the end of the day. that being said I have the samsung galaxy fold 4, and I will use it often while it's folded open while doing my shopping (basically being a mini tablet) and even when I forget to actually charge my phone while I'm driving I've never gone from 100% battery to even just 0% after a 8 hour day of working, heck I would probably end the day at around 50% if I did that. So there is also to consider that maybe your phone battery just isn't good enough for the job, either because it wasn't designed for heavy use or the battery isn't exactly as healthy as it was when you got it because you've owned and constantly used it for a good few years either way I love what you've done here it's all extremely helpful and I'll definitely be doing some of these tips to make my life better! keep up the great work in life no matter where it takes you, your are a great person!
Hello! Just wanted to advise that I did purchase the insulated bags per your video and was advised that my bags weren’t large enough; I am waiting for their response on what size they want. 👍🏼
You mean the Ozark Trail bags? Show them a picture of a full paper bag full of groceries inside it. Or just keep calling back. A lot of the reps there are poorly trained or just idiots. You get different answers depending on who you speak to.
Chad The Gig Economist thank you so much for the reply- yes ozone trail bags. I just received a response back as I explained that I was able to fit shopping bags in them. They replied that it was ok now, but just to have at least 3 Instead of 2 which I intend to do. Thank you so much for your vids. I unfortunately just recd a reliability incident for not being in the zone- I’m still learning in exactly how that works. That would be a great vid to do!
you should get 6-8 bags. If you ever have to do double or triple batches you're going to need them. Plus it's wise to put everything in those bags because they make it easier to carry.
Notifications of new batches available are on a significant delay. If you're seeing or hearing a notification, it's too late. The batch is already gone (unless it's crap nobody wants). The only way to get batches is to stare at your phone and swipe as quickly as possible.
@@GigTube so very true! Since the protests started batches have seized after noon every day since Monday and I'm not even in a populated area. Very upsetting. Have you noticed no batches after a certain time where there is typically batches on those days during other weeks?
So I haven't purchased any bags but I did get approved a medium size foam cooler that I have. Maybe fit a bag or 2 in it. I haven't had any problems yet not having bags so we'll see. Where I am we barely do anything over 10 miles. I do put cold stuff in the back seat and everything else in the trunk and frozen in the cooler..
It's not so much about keeping the food cold as it is the convenience of being able to sling the bags over your shoulder and carry them all at once (though the wagon helps with that too - except if the customer is on the second or third floor). Get the ozark trail bags from walmart in the camping section, they're only $5 each and they're super durable. My green coolers from Instacart fell apart after a few months use.
Thank you so much for all of the helpful tips! Do you think banana boxes would be sufficient for just starting out to make if easier at times to carry my insulated bags, I'm not ready to invest $ into the cart yet until I see how instacart is for me, although I think it is a great idea!
Unless you’re Mr. Universe 💪🏻 you NEED a wagon. You’re going to get an order with multiple cases of bottled water or 12-packs of soda or pretty much anything from Costco, Sams Club or BJs.
Hey Chad, thank you for the great information, I'm a new instacart shopper quick question, I'm in Seattle WA and noticed there's no paper bags, will plastic bags be ok instead? By the way already purchased the items you've recommended it, bags, wagon and cellphone cover.
No paper bags? I'm surprised. You'd think a blue state like Washington would've banned plastic bags by now. Is this just at some stores, or is it everywhere? They're probably just out of stock at the moment. If you have no choice, yeah, use plastic bags. But paper bags are always a better option whenever they're available. I'll make a video about paper vs. plastic someday.
@@GigTube It's everywhere, I'm surprised as well just moved from CA and plastic bags are been banned overthere, I've purchased the bags you're recommending on a previous video, also the shopping car which is helpful.
Thank you for the excellent tips on here. It’s a very well done video. I am curious if you have shown anywhere how you use the shopping cart organizer bags. How do you transition from the bags during check out and back onto the shopping cart before delivery. Do you use stores plastic bags and just place them in these bags as you exit the store? What about when doing a multiple batch order? Thanks for the help. I’d like to buy these on Amazon but wondering how to use them at the store.
Hey Chad! New to Instacart...have not received any on-boarding. Super glad for your videos. Do we have to complete the demo orders first before we get a real batch? It's been a few days and have not received any emails either.
@@GigTube that is why I asked. Just in case if they are not at home and have ice cream or so. I do not have time to wait. I take photos text the customers and the company and leave.
Thank you for this video! I have also debated getting something to help carry things upstairs. But idk what to get. Steph on the pedal has a very informative and active insta cart group on Facebook that is super helpful if you have any immediate questions on things!!
well considering you're going to grocery stores it seems logical that you can buy whatever snack you want whenever you want. I always keep a cliff bar in the car though.
Great video. Do you let the customers have the insulated bags when you drop off their groceries or do you only use them while the groceries are in your car and while taking the final picture for drop off?
Insulated bags are expensive there is no need or reason to give a customer your insulated bag or you would be contantly be buying more. That is a waste of money to give them free bags. I will keep perishables in the insulated bag when I get to my car than take it out when I arrive at the customer's house.
Put both the plastic and paper bags inside the insulated bag, then when at the door take the plastic or paper bags out and give them to the customer. And when getting paper bags, get the ones with handles. Yes the do exist but are rare and sell out fast especially at Aldi.
I also have been wearing a small cross body purse that I also wear, and can drop it into the bag to take some strain off my neck, as well as minimizing the phone bouncing.
Did anyone else not receive their lanyard? I was trying to order one on the instacart store but I can't get to payment. just shows an error. Does anyone know how and where I can get one?
When I sign up back in December of 2018, I send them a picture of 2 extra large insulated bags from 21st bags and 2 large igloo marine coolers I they approve them, I use the coolers for the frozen and cold items like ice cream, meats milk and the likes I live them on their paper bags so there is no cross contamination.
If insulated bags are so important, why doesn't instacart supply them for a refundable deposit. When the shopper is done working for instacart they can return them for the deposit back. Same with the dolly. I'm looking in to one myself
Because you're an independent contractor, not an employee. You're expected to have all the tools to perform the job. If you hire a contractor to give your kitchen a makeover, wouldn't you expect him to already have the tools?
question to everyone: do you have to keep buying insulated bags since you are shopping for multiple people over time or do you take your insulated bags with you after dropping off?
If you want to spend $100 a day on insulated bags for the customer, go right ahead. That might cut into your earnings, though. You always take the insulated bags with you. They belong to you, not the customer.
Don't forget to add forward and rear facing dash cams. The most important delivery is your life and gig drivers need corroborative proof when any malfeasance or vehicular accidents may occur.
Actually the large coolers are approved I've been doing instacart since day one with them after sending photos to instacart they approved it right away I got the Rubbermaid wheeled ones with two lids to make it easier to get items to the door you have to be able to fit a minimum of four bags in an insulated cooler that's their rules
@@GigTube that actually happened a couple weeks back but that wasn't the biggest problem the biggest problem was the guy had six cases of water from Costco sometimes you're just going to have to Huff it at that point I have two choices with the coolers they actually drag upstairs pretty nicely with big handles or I unload them at the bottom and carry the bags up
Never take "junk orders". You're an independent contractor, not an employee. You're under no obligation to accept anything you don't want to work. I think you have to complete 50 batches before they give you a rating. Try to maintain a 5.0 rating at all times. Watching all my training videos should help make that happen :)
Hello, can you help please? I know instacart had hired so many people now. The problem is that the batches come up and they are gone in less than a second and i cant even swipe on it. Or i do and there must be 500 other people swiping it, then it freezes and i cant do anything. Any tips or tricks? I started today at 830 until 230....only did 2 batches. So disappointed. Thanks for any suggestions. Tracy
It might not just be shopper saturation, there might be bots grabbing batches. It's very likely Instacart has been hacked from within. I don't know what to do tell you aside from making sure you don't depend on IC as your only source of income. Doordash, Grubhub, roadie, task rabbit, etc. are all good apps to work for as well.
Just wanted to say I'm in your same boat. I literally keep my phone in front of me, app open, and they are gone the moment I go to tap on them.. it's making this very difficult and I probably won't stick with it since I spend more time staring at my phone trying to get an order than it's worth.
Ok, so I’m cramming all your vids in before I start. 🙃 I used to do Postmates, so I have one or two small insulated bags but delivery on Amazon is delayed now, so I’ll have to wait on larger bags now so I hope I’m ok with what I got. ?
I bought the insulated ones at shoprite and they are perfect and they approved them. www.shoprite.com/pd/ShopRite/Reusable-Insulated-Tote-Bag/1-ct/819703019611/
Ok, but they're not practical in the long run because they don't offer much support. Walking around on hard store floors and parking lots is going to strain your knees and back eventually. Plus, if you ever drop something on your foot you're going to be hurting. Also, they don't give the appearance of a professional. If the customer sees you wearing crocs they might think you're putting in the least amount of effort possible and rate you poorly. I assume you live in a warm weather city because not too many people wear crocs in the snow. lol
Do we really need to buy the insulated bags to start? I'm on a tight budget right now, which is why I'm starting IC as a part time job, and don't really have that extra cash to buy the insulated bags until I start making extra money.
@@GigTube I'm not going to get into what I can and can't afford. The question was, do I really need them to get started? Judging from other comments here and research of my own, they are NOT a necessity to start out, but they do come in handy. Thanks anyways and also learned some other useful tips from your video. Take care!
Chad, question. I did the cooler bag approval part on 7/21/20. I have 3 different isolated cooler bags that have zipper tops. The text help person said, to my surprise, that the bags were not approvable. Instead, I was told that I need a hard plastic cooler? You said in your video that we are not to use the hard coolers. So what has changed and who has the correct info. I am new to this and still learning. Thank you for the video.
I bought a zipper cooler bag from food lion for $2.99 and it got approved! They will also deny you if you don’t take good photos of the bag (per their request). So maybe just try again bc the bag you have should be approved no problem!
When shopping, is there a system for using reward store cards? Does the customer provide one or do we use a store card? Starting soon and haven’t found an answer to this one yet.
Hi Chad I love this video as I am a instacart shopper myself. When i started shopping i saw all that 'dos and don't' and what each person must have to do our work comfortably. :) When i saw this video i was like this world is great. whatever we think about somebody is already doing it. :) how can i dm you? I'm still learning the internet world and want to be great at it. :)
I have some things to add for us ladies and fellas who like to use these products themselves: hand wipes, hand lotion, face wipes, sunscreen to reapply (hands, arms, chest, neck and anywhere else the sun hits you when you are driving), a couple of hand towels (to wipe hands/face after getting rained on), beef jerky (I have low blood sugar and you can keep in car and heat/cold won’t hurt it), chewing gum or mints, and for those super humid or rainy days, waterproof mascara. I also use blue ice panels in my 2 “cold” bags (not the green ones) and have a heating pad for hot foods from the deli.
I actually was going to mention stuff like that but I wanted to keep it to the stuff necessary to do the job. I might mention it in a future episode.
Chad The Gig Economist the ice has already paid dividends. So has the heat. I work a zone outside metro Nashville that can have me driving over 30 minutes from store to customer, more if there’s traffic. I tried it without ice and out complaints for melted ice cream and room temp raw chicken. With the ice, the problems stopped. As for the heating pad, it’s primarily for my back. I simply move it behind me and put my door dash bag (the one I use for hot food) on it. I got complaints for cold food; those stopped. I assumed that since these customers live so far from the store, if they did the shopping, the ice cream would melt, etc., but because it’s being delivered, they assume everything will be cold/hot when it gets to them. Finally, all these supplies are tax deductible, as are all the miles I drive that aren’t reimbursed by Instacart-already ran everything through tax attorney. Individual situations may vary.
Good idea
@@momsnoteatingbugs1919 is the heating pad plugged into your car?
OZARK Trail wagon = game changer! Need tread for the various lawns in Tennessee. So glad I watched this! Thank you for posting.
Thanks to the wagon, the life is much easier. And, some customers are really impressed so they even tip me more. I can't thank you enough for all of your advice!
Omg. You have no idea how happy I am to find you! I am new (only 3 weeks in) to all of this (Instacart, DoorDash, Postmates), and you've been extremely helpful! One if the smartest things I have done lately, was to purchase that wagon for groceries. It has been a LIFE SAVER! Customers have also commented on how smart this is to do. Please never stop your vlogs! LOL. Thank you again!
I never use my wagon lol. It feels like too much work... I just grab my bags and go. I do use insulated bags for items not needing kept cool
@@lishamarie2752 it's really not. Especially when you have to lug a million bags or a crapload of waters and sodas. Makes things much easier and faster in my opinion. I also had foot reconstruction surgery, so it helps with that as well by taking the extra weight my foot would have originally taken. 😁
@@homeschoolingmommaDanitza2014 I see why it works better for you. But I think it wouldn't be good for me. I haven't seen the point YET of unpacking it often to use... maybe if the need arises
Good luck! Check out Bentley Koup,he’s a DoorDash BOSS!!!
@@kellyclark7517 Oh yes, he is great :)
great tips! i grabbed a stroller caddy to hold all my stuff, it attaches easily to the handle of the shopping cart or sits on the passenger seat, and everything is in one place. I restock it after each shift, and don't have to take up cart space with a bag or carry around a backpack/bigger purse to hold my charger, pens, snacks, wipes, etc. I can keep a couple extra totes folded up as well, just in case a bag breaks or something. thanks for the videos!
Thanks, a lot of great products in this video. I will definitely invest in the wagon and I really like your ideas about the liners and seat covers.
Wow, so such a genius with the notepad at the deli, because every store I went into I had to wait in line because their app was down for online ordered! Yes, instacart does kill the battery omg!
Yes mine too. After 2 batches, my phone is flatttttttt.smh
Great video. Chock full of good tips. I just did my first Instacart bath yesterday after going along with my wife on hers. Your advice on good shoes is a good one. I was wearing flip-flops for the first couple days helping my wife and my feet were killing me. Great tip! I must say too, as a video editor myself, your video was really well put together with great b-roll showing what you're talking about. I especially love the screenshots of products like wagons, insulated bags, footwear etc. You can go straight from your video to ordering these field-tested items to have them for your next batch. Thanks again!
thanks! glad you found it helpful! :)
Happy New Year, Chad! Instacart should hire you for training -- great tips! Didi
This was an amazing video. It helps so much, I will be using these tips for my own self as I work for Instacart. Thank you so much for the tips.
So instacart don't provide you with material ?
Chad just subscribed and found out about you. Thank you a million for all your work and in review to the information and your recommended must have items for working with a Instacart!
I just found them, am in love with supermarket generally and I’m on disability and want to do something with my time and make a little income. You and this opportunity have brought my spirits up!
A service-oriented shopper will make more money. You are 100% correct. Thank you!
Thank you so much for these videos. I just started today and you explained way more than the app. You rock.
This information is invaluable! Thanks so much for taking the time to make this video, Chad!
Very helpful especially for a senior considering trying this out. Thank you so much
Paper bags are still around? Man, I must live across the country from you, because I haven’t seen those in years! Lol - thanks for your videos. I’m a brand new shopper and the app offers like no training or basic info! Appreciate you!
They'll be making a comeback when all the blue states ban plastic bags.
Thank you! I start this weekend. I appreciate the fruitful information.
This was very helpful. I will be starting very soon as a first time shopper.
Thank you, Alicia
Hi chad. I have watch with real interest several of your videos, and have found them to be the most accurate and informative on the internet. I’m now a firm subscriber. I want to do instacart full time and thank you for unlighting us on all the aspects of this wonderful activity. Thank you for your generosity and desire to deliberately share your knowledge. We love and appreciate you so very much for it. I’m already and will remain a big big fan.
Don't put all your eggs in one basket. It's very difficult to get by doing Instacart exclusively. All it takes is a few customers to rate you anything less than 5 and the queue will dry up. You want to have backup apps ready to go. I actually work for 7 different apps right now.
@@GigTube thks for the info bus, I will keep that in mind.
thanks for this entire series. i just signed up. haven't gotten my card yet. going to Try and meet my local rep tonight (i work in New Orleans). been doing Waitr for a couple of months now. adding instacart for a little extra to round off the edges. the rolling cart, insulated bags and the lanyard carrier for phone and card are awesome tips. it's a hybrid zone here: traditional and OD.
Did you use my referral code?
I 2nd the notion on the Colombia Rain coat, my parents gave me one when I was a teen and it still has no damages no wear and tear and is as perfect as the day I got it (even with me not being the best care taker of cloths) and that was like around 15 years ago at the time of this comment
What a great idea for a video! I really appreciate the encouragement to help control time and effort to deliver goods with items that are often overlooked in everyday life.
This is very helpful Chad, thank you very much!! I hope to be getting started soon and this provided some helpful tips I hadn’t thought of.
I have enjoyed watching your videos. Being only a few weeks into IC this video has helped me realize things I Need to consider buying and USING! Thanks friend!
Thanks!
What items don't you have?
@@GigTube I like that hanging phone holder you showed...I shoot alot of my trips so I think thats a good thing to help me...also I have a rolling cart, but never bring it with me bc my SUV trunk has my spear tire so I'm getting the mount to put it BACK under my car so I can make use it. I have bags..but they are LARGE I feel I need some smaller ones to have INSTORE to hold frozen items, just just for when They reach my car....ANNDDD I think I need to rethink my shoes..I have some nice running shoes but even them my leg hurts after a long day of walking...just somethings you open my eyes too
check out my video "a tour of my instaCAR" for a more updated version of this vid
@@GigTube will do!
Thanks chad I’m starting my first day love shopping for customers. 😇
Thank you so much for this video. So far the best. I have a click connect stroller that I had to throw away the carrier but i use the bottom to carry things.
Keep your receipts for anything you buy for delivery. They are deductible when you file your taxes.
Thanks so much!! I’m brand new and your videos have A LOT of helpful information. I just received my card yesterday and haven’t started yet, kinda nervous and worried I’ll make a mistake (perfectionist).
Good luck your gonna need it because instacart is a straight up $hit show
Not if you know what you're doing.
Thinking of doing Instacart. GREAT tips. Thanks💯
You're joining at the absolute worst possible time, but good luck.
Omg, I been doing instacart for a while and was considering some of things you said in this video, but will now invest a couple insulated bags as well as a note pad, the note pad is something that I never would of thought of, only if I would of seen your video a couple months ago this would of been so great 👍😀❤
Love your planning and efficiency!
Very good info., thank you. I just signed up to be a shopper and am a little confused on how to begin. I also thought that I signed up to just deliver and not actually shop! So, maybe this is not for me. They had two options when I signed up, do you mind telling me the difference between the two? I would appreciate it. Obviously I didn't understand what I was signing up for.
I never heard of two options. Are you talking about in-store shopper? I thought they got rid of all those people.
started instacart last night and a a great time i did notice a few issues i had thank you for the videos i will make sure to watch
hey man i’m starting today, where do i get the brown paper bags to place the items in, that the only thing i need to know
A 180 degree rotatable sports wrist strap phone mount lets you keep your phone securely on your wrist for easy access as well as rotated to allow for scanning.
Manny's Book Bag when you see another reseller in the comments 😂
This video is so helpful i just joined instacart & went out today for 1 order just to see as a trial run . So true you need a portable phone charger my phone went real low ! & you need the holder for the phone to scan the bar codes . i was putting items on the floor !! not good . Thanks for this wonderful tutorial !!!! now time to go order this stuff oh & don't forger the Ovartz cart ! Great thinking with the deli order on the pad.
Portable charger or like I did and install a dedicated charging port on my car close to where i install the phone holder on the windshield. (this is a must if you do anything on the phone in your car)
you must have an old car. Most cars made after 2010 come with USB input ports on the dash somewhere.
I do Door Dash and Uber E got hired with Instacart just worried i can’t do it. This tutorial helps a lot but gonna give it a try when my card comes. Signed up for Roadie too but get gigs all during the night.
Gonna watch your second one now I’m in southern Virginia what’s the time limit on a batch? Depend on the size?
You mean the time to shop it or the time to start working on it once you've accepted the order?
The counter in the bottom right corner is just a goal time. Theoretically you have infinite time. I've never heard of anyone getting their batch taken away from them because they were too slow.
You used to have 60 minutes to start shopping once you accepted the order, but now it's closer to 45.
Great video.
I just started Instacart. I love the wagon idea.
Great video. Instacart will really drain your battery. I thought about getting a wagon. I do instacart occasionally but I mainly deliver for spark
Great tips! Especially the one to speed up getting deli items. My favorite shoes are Sketchers, and there's an outlet store here in Tucson.
This is a good video I'm starting this week I'm excited to use all the tips you shared. Thank you.
thanks! Just bear in mind you're starting Instacart at the worst possible time. I'll explain more in my next video.
Carry Dog Treats, or actually cat treats, (those little meat sticks in the single serve packages are best, as all dogs young/old can eat them and obviously cats too)..
Keep one in your pocket, not only has it saved me from getting bit by aggressive dogs.. but the customers will appreciate it as well.
..Almost all my comments are to thank me for leaving a treat for their cat or dog and I'm sure its increased my tip at some point, as well as maybe changing the mind of someone who was about to complain..
I watched entire video. Great common sense ideas. Sure, you have to invest a little $$ first, but don't you with any new undertaking? It will pay itself off.
I will be starting soon and will put these ideas to good use.
Looking forward to the next video! Question: What if the store has crappy wifi? I've run into that without Instacart and the manager says, oh, that happens in certain areas in the store. Uggh. Thx!
Turn wifi off and use cellular data.
One of the best videos for tips and tricks! Thank you for being concise!!
Chad! Thank You! Merci! Muchas Gracias! Thanks for the amazing tips of how to enter the Instacart Matrix and survive the Agents! You have great videos too!
Thank you!!!!! I start shopping this week...soooo helpful!!!
Love the video! Very helpful and in depth.
A phone holster on the lanyard !! Thaaanks!!!
My friend is an instacart in store shopper and has one from instacart so jealous.
@@paulsgirlACAB found something similar at value village !
So helpful...I start FINALLY this weekend
Let me know how it goes.
Some great ideas here. I wish I were getting 8 or 9 hours per week, much less per day. Thanks for another helpful video.
7:02 while I do agree that a phone portable phone charger might be a good call for your situation, I would also advice just using a car phone charger while your out driving, it's not hard to find a auxiliary power outlet for usbs they are basically a dime a dozen even more so for a phone charging cable, sure it wont keep your phone to max but it will help keep your phone from totally dying by the end of the day.
that being said I have the samsung galaxy fold 4, and I will use it often while it's folded open while doing my shopping (basically being a mini tablet) and even when I forget to actually charge my phone while I'm driving I've never gone from 100% battery to even just 0% after a 8 hour day of working, heck I would probably end the day at around 50% if I did that. So there is also to consider that maybe your phone battery just isn't good enough for the job, either because it wasn't designed for heavy use or the battery isn't exactly as healthy as it was when you got it because you've owned and constantly used it for a good few years
either way I love what you've done here it's all extremely helpful and I'll definitely be doing some of these tips to make my life better! keep up the great work in life no matter where it takes you, your are a great person!
Hello!
Just wanted to advise that I did purchase the insulated bags per your video and was advised that my bags weren’t large enough; I am waiting for their response on what size they want. 👍🏼
You mean the Ozark Trail bags? Show them a picture of a full paper bag full of groceries inside it.
Or just keep calling back. A lot of the reps there are poorly trained or just idiots. You get different answers depending on who you speak to.
Chad The Gig Economist thank you so much for the reply- yes ozone trail bags. I just received a response back as I explained that I was able to fit shopping bags in them. They replied that it was ok now, but just to have at least 3 Instead of 2 which I intend to do. Thank you so much for your vids.
I unfortunately just recd a reliability incident for not being in the zone- I’m still learning in exactly how that works. That would be a great vid to do!
you should get 6-8 bags. If you ever have to do double or triple batches you're going to need them. Plus it's wise to put everything in those bags because they make it easier to carry.
Off topic: is there a way to get the app to PING when a batch comes up? I have an iPhone XR. Thanks.
Notifications of new batches available are on a significant delay. If you're seeing or hearing a notification, it's too late. The batch is already gone (unless it's crap nobody wants). The only way to get batches is to stare at your phone and swipe as quickly as possible.
@@GigTube so very true! Since the protests started batches have seized after noon every day since Monday and I'm not even in a populated area. Very upsetting. Have you noticed no batches after a certain time where there is typically batches on those days during other weeks?
So I haven't purchased any bags but I did get approved a medium size foam cooler that I have. Maybe fit a bag or 2 in it. I haven't had any problems yet not having bags so we'll see. Where I am we barely do anything over 10 miles. I do put cold stuff in the back seat and everything else in the trunk and frozen in the cooler..
It's not so much about keeping the food cold as it is the convenience of being able to sling the bags over your shoulder and carry them all at once (though the wagon helps with that too - except if the customer is on the second or third floor). Get the ozark trail bags from walmart in the camping section, they're only $5 each and they're super durable. My green coolers from Instacart fell apart after a few months use.
@@GigTube What happens if you don't have an approved cooler? Do they bar you from shopping for cold items?
Thank you so much for all of the helpful tips! Do you think banana boxes would be sufficient for just starting out to make if easier at times to carry my insulated bags, I'm not ready to invest $ into the cart yet until I see how instacart is for me, although I think it is a great idea!
Unless you’re Mr. Universe 💪🏻 you NEED a wagon. You’re going to get an order with multiple cases of bottled water or 12-packs of soda or pretty much anything from Costco, Sams Club or BJs.
Hey Chad, thank you for the great information, I'm a new instacart shopper quick question, I'm in Seattle WA and noticed there's no paper bags, will plastic bags be ok instead? By the way already purchased the items you've recommended it, bags, wagon and cellphone cover.
No paper bags? I'm surprised. You'd think a blue state like Washington would've banned plastic bags by now. Is this just at some stores, or is it everywhere? They're probably just out of stock at the moment. If you have no choice, yeah, use plastic bags. But paper bags are always a better option whenever they're available. I'll make a video about paper vs. plastic someday.
@@GigTube It's everywhere, I'm surprised as well just moved from CA and plastic bags are been banned overthere, I've purchased the bags you're recommending on a previous video, also the shopping car which is helpful.
Thank you for the excellent tips on here. It’s a very well done video. I am curious if you have shown anywhere how you use the shopping cart organizer bags. How do you transition from the bags during check out and back onto the shopping cart before delivery. Do you use stores plastic bags and just place them in these bags as you exit the store? What about when doing a multiple batch order? Thanks for the help. I’d like to buy these on Amazon but wondering how to use them at the store.
Watch my videos on how to shop an order and how to deliver an order.
@@GigTube, i found this one (ruclips.net/video/bDqKc4XOpwc/видео.html), but not a multiple batch one.
Thanks so much, Chad. Looking forward to your next episode.
Hey Chad! New to Instacart...have not received any on-boarding. Super glad for your videos. Do we have to complete the demo orders first before we get a real batch? It's been a few days and have not received any emails either.
Did you receive your green payment card yet? Make sure your location settings are set to "always" for the Shopper app.
Thankyou. I got alot of great value from this.
Hi, where i can buy that lanyard phone holster? And what’s the brand name? 🙏
Link to my Amazon store in the description
@@GigTube which discription?
I don’t see any amazon store link
@@TheWangyal73 look harder. It’s there.
This was a great video. Thank you so much!
The phone falling off the cart was my favorite part. It looked straight off one of those informercials. 😜
that's what I was going for so mission accomplished :)
Steph on the Petal!!! Yes! 👋
If you have a dollar tree in your neighborhood they have those insulated bags big ones too.
They have the cheap vinyl bags. They last a week. I know because I tried those when I first started.
Hello. Does the customers keep the insulated bags? I really appreciate this. The video was not long at all. It was short and straight to the point.
Why would the customer keep the insulated bags? I mean if you want to spend $500 a day buying insulated bags for customers - go for it.
@@GigTube that is why I asked. Just in case if they are not at home and have ice cream or so. I do not have time to wait. I take photos text the customers and the company and leave.
watch my video on how to deliver. You can't just leave bags without the customer's explicit written permission.
@@GigTube that is true. I apologize for that.
Thanks so much for these wonderful tips. I just started with Instacart this week, do you have any tips for prescription pickup?
we don't do RX pickups here.
Thanks mate, currently on my first week and this will work wonders
Thank you for this video! I have also debated getting something to help carry things upstairs. But idk what to get.
Steph on the pedal has a very informative and active insta cart group on Facebook that is super helpful if you have any immediate questions on things!!
Yes but her group is tiny compared to Instacart Shoppers USA (a group which I’m an admin of).
Wow, thnx man‼ Future Instacart shopper here. Looks like u covered everything except....snacks to bring along from an all day trip. 🤣. Thnx again.
well considering you're going to grocery stores it seems logical that you can buy whatever snack you want whenever you want. I always keep a cliff bar in the car though.
Good video... Thanks...
Triage ? We be not knowin dat 😃
Great video. Do you let the customers have the insulated bags when you drop off their groceries or do you only use them while the groceries are in your car and while taking the final picture for drop off?
This is a surprisingly common question. Though simple math and common sense would reveal the answer.
Insulated bags are expensive there is no need or reason to give a customer your insulated bag or you would be contantly be buying more. That is a waste of money to give them free bags. I will keep perishables in the insulated bag when I get to my car than take it out when I arrive at the customer's house.
Snappy
@@GigTube 😐
Put both the plastic and paper bags inside the insulated bag, then when at the door take the plastic or paper bags out and give them to the customer. And when getting paper bags, get the ones with handles. Yes the do exist but are rare and sell out fast especially at Aldi.
Great information. Thanks for sharing!
Hello! So my phone hanging from my lanyard is heavy... any suggestions? I’m not liking the extra strain on my neck.
Wear a collared shirt. How big is your phone?
iPhone XS Max
Thank you!
I also have been wearing a small cross body purse that I also wear, and can drop it into the bag to take some strain off my neck, as well as minimizing the phone bouncing.
Wow what a video, thank you for such a detailed video.
Did anyone else not receive their lanyard? I was trying to order one on the instacart store but I can't get to payment. just shows an error. Does anyone know how and where I can get one?
If you go to a store with in-store shoppers they might have some. Otherwise check craigslist, ebay, etsy, facebook marketplace, etc.
When I sign up back in December of 2018, I send them a picture of 2 extra large insulated bags from 21st bags and 2 large igloo marine coolers I they approve them, I use the coolers for the frozen and cold items like ice cream, meats milk and the likes I live them on their paper bags so there is no cross contamination.
I got signed up at the same time and they actually approved my Doordash catering and Grubhub bags 😂
A lot of good tips, thank you!
I do retail arbitrage and got those exact carts for $9 and the exact $5 insulated bags for $1 each .. I just started Instacart a couple days ago
Where? How?
Chad The Gig Economist Walmart ... the carts went on clearance a couple of months ago
If insulated bags are so important, why doesn't instacart supply them for a refundable deposit. When the shopper is done working for instacart they can return them for the deposit back. Same with the dolly. I'm looking in to one myself
Because you're an independent contractor, not an employee. You're expected to have all the tools to perform the job. If you hire a contractor to give your kitchen a makeover, wouldn't you expect him to already have the tools?
don't even bother.
question to everyone: do you have to keep buying insulated bags since you are shopping for multiple people over time or do you take your insulated bags with you after dropping off?
If you want to spend $100 a day on insulated bags for the customer, go right ahead. That might cut into your earnings, though.
You always take the insulated bags with you. They belong to you, not the customer.
@@GigTube lol😂😂😂
Don't forget to add forward and rear facing dash cams. The most important delivery is your life and gig drivers need corroborative proof when any malfeasance or vehicular accidents may occur.
Not just gig drivers but ALL drivers should have a dash cam.
Where did you get the phone holder your using?
Never mind I just found your Amazon link 😀 thank you
Actually the large coolers are approved I've been doing instacart since day one with them after sending photos to instacart they approved it right away I got the Rubbermaid wheeled ones with two lids to make it easier to get items to the door you have to be able to fit a minimum of four bags in an insulated cooler that's their rules
ok but what are you doing to do when they're on the 4th floor and there's no elevator?
@@GigTube regretting taking the order 🤣
@@GigTube that actually happened a couple weeks back but that wasn't the biggest problem the biggest problem was the guy had six cases of water from Costco sometimes you're just going to have to Huff it at that point I have two choices with the coolers they actually drag upstairs pretty nicely with big handles or I unload them at the bottom and carry the bags up
I dont even have instacart and when I get a car I cant wait you give great information new subscriber.
Thanks for the sub!
New to insta cart Do you have to take junk orders to start to get rating up ? How long does it take to get rating up ?
Never take "junk orders". You're an independent contractor, not an employee. You're under no obligation to accept anything you don't want to work. I think you have to complete 50 batches before they give you a rating. Try to maintain a 5.0 rating at all times. Watching all my training videos should help make that happen :)
Hello, can you help please? I know instacart had hired so many people now. The problem is that the batches come up and they are gone in less than a second and i cant even swipe on it. Or i do and there must be 500 other people swiping it, then it freezes and i cant do anything. Any tips or tricks? I started today at 830 until 230....only did 2 batches. So disappointed. Thanks for any suggestions. Tracy
It might not just be shopper saturation, there might be bots grabbing batches. It's very likely Instacart has been hacked from within.
I don't know what to do tell you aside from making sure you don't depend on IC as your only source of income. Doordash, Grubhub, roadie, task rabbit, etc. are all good apps to work for as well.
Just wanted to say I'm in your same boat. I literally keep my phone in front of me, app open, and they are gone the moment I go to tap on them.. it's making this very difficult and I probably won't stick with it since I spend more time staring at my phone trying to get an order than it's worth.
Ok, so I’m cramming all your vids in before I start. 🙃 I used to do Postmates, so I have one or two small insulated bags but delivery on Amazon is delayed now, so I’ll have to wait on larger bags now so I hope I’m ok with what I got. ?
Ok, I’m gonna chill w my comments. Saw they’re at Walmart so I’ll pay them a visit! Many thanks!
You do not need that many bags
I bought the insulated ones at shoprite and they are perfect and they approved them. www.shoprite.com/pd/ShopRite/Reusable-Insulated-Tote-Bag/1-ct/819703019611/
Awesome and very helpful!
Keeping all receipts for taxes
Thank you so much for sharing this ❤🎉❤
Excellent video, thank you!
Best gig app tips video I've seen. 👍👍👍
Glad you think so!
Very helpful thank you so much for the video.
this was very helpful tuanka
I shop with my Crocs on often. They're comfy for me.
Type shit 🐊🐊👣👣
Ok, but they're not practical in the long run because they don't offer much support. Walking around on hard store floors and parking lots is going to strain your knees and back eventually. Plus, if you ever drop something on your foot you're going to be hurting. Also, they don't give the appearance of a professional. If the customer sees you wearing crocs they might think you're putting in the least amount of effort possible and rate you poorly. I assume you live in a warm weather city because not too many people wear crocs in the snow. lol
Do we really need to buy the insulated bags to start? I'm on a tight budget right now, which is why I'm starting IC as a part time job, and don't really have that extra cash to buy the insulated bags until I start making extra money.
They’re only $5 each at Walmart. You can’t afford to spend $40? They’re a good investment.
@@GigTube I'm not going to get into what I can and can't afford. The question was, do I really need them to get started? Judging from other comments here and research of my own, they are NOT a necessity to start out, but they do come in handy. Thanks anyways and also learned some other useful tips from your video. Take care!
@@kevinm5898 yes they are a necessity. At the very least get the vinyl hotbags from the dollar store.
Chad, question. I did the cooler bag approval part on 7/21/20. I have 3 different isolated cooler bags that have zipper tops. The text help person said, to my surprise, that the bags were not approvable. Instead, I was told that I need a hard plastic cooler? You said in your video that we are not to use the hard coolers. So what has changed and who has the correct info. I am new to this and still learning. Thank you for the video.
the support people are idiots. Just call back until you get someone who's competent.
I bought a zipper cooler bag from food lion for $2.99 and it got approved! They will also deny you if you don’t take good photos of the bag (per their request). So maybe just try again bc the bag you have should be approved no problem!
When shopping, is there a system for using reward store cards? Does the customer provide one or do we use a store card? Starting soon and haven’t found an answer to this one yet.
The customers enter their loyalty cards through Instacart when they check out. The app will display a barcode.
Ty!
Hey question ! I currently do INSTACART in CHicago can i also do instacart in another state ?? Like Florida Texas etc
yes, but are you going to bring your insulated bags and other equipment with you?
Hi Chad I love this video as I am a instacart shopper myself. When i started shopping i saw all that 'dos and don't' and what each person must have to do our work comfortably. :) When i saw this video i was like this world is great. whatever we think about somebody is already doing it. :) how can i dm you? I'm still learning the internet world and want to be great at it. :)
This was so helpful!!! Thank you