How To Get Paid To Shop: 8 Legit Options Anyone Can Try for Extra Money
You can get paid to shop either by picking up groceries for others or by getting rewarded for your own purchases. From delivery gigs to cash-back and product review apps, there are many ways to turn errands into income and maybe even save money in the process.
Some options might take time and consistency, while others are flexible enough for beginners. If you're exploring easy ways to earn money, the following side hustles are a smart place to start.
1. Earn cash while grocery shopping on Instacart
Instacart is one of the most beginner-friendly and flexible money-making apps out there that allows you to get paid for grocery shopping.
You can earn money by either shopping for others or shopping and delivering groceries to clients.
On the Instacart app, you can choose between two shopper roles:
- Full-service shopper where you’re an independent contractor who shops and delivers orders. For this role, you’ll need to be at least 18 years old, eligible to work in the U.S., and own a smartphone (iOS or Android). You’ll also need a reliable car and the ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
- In-store shopper requires you to work part-time (up to 29 hours per week) as a W-2 employee. You shop and pack groceries in-store, but you don’t handle deliveries, so you won’t need to own a car. You still need to be 18 or older, have a smartphone, and be eligible to work in the U.S.
How much can you earn on Instacart?
Instacart pays per batch (that’s one customer’s order), with base rates typically ranging from $4 to $10+, depending on order size, distance, and complexity.
On top of that, you get to keep 100% of customer tips, which can significantly add to your bank account.
Full-service shoppers average $15–$25 per hour, especially if they work during peak times or in busy zones.
In-store shoppers earn a set hourly wage, generally between $13 and $18, depending on location.
Those who work for Instacart report inconsistent earnings:
Truth be told, the customer side of the business is not going that well either, as this app has a 1.2-star rating on Trustpilot, with people massively complaining about their services:
2. Join the Shipt grocery delivery service
Like Instacart, Shipt also allows you to get paid to shop for supplies and deliver them to customers, but it puts extra emphasis on personalized service and communication.
What you’ll need to get started on Shipt:
- A valid driver's license and a reliable vehicle
- A smartphone with the Shipt Shopper app installed
- Age 18 or older and able to lift 40+ lbs
Most shoppers earn $15 to $25 per hour, depending on how efficiently they shop and how many orders they complete. Some users even report earning up to $1,400 per week:
Here are a few actionable tips to help you earn more money on Shipt:
- Communicate proactively: Message the customer if an item is out of stock, and always send an ETA. Shipt shoppers who keep clients in the loop tend to get higher tips and better ratings.
- Stay organized: Use the in-app shopping list to check off items as you go, and double-check your cart before heading to checkout.
- Shop during busy times: Evening and weekend shifts often have more orders and higher pay.
3. Become a mystery shopper
The role of a mystery shopper involves visiting stores or restaurants “undercover” to evaluate customer service, cleanliness, or product presentation.
If you choose to become a mystery shopper, you are likely to be asked to perform one of the following assignments:
- Evaluating customer service quality – Were you greeted? Was the staff helpful and polite?
- Checking the general cleanliness and organization – Was the space clean and products easy to find?
- Examining product availability and presentation – Were shelves stocked? Was the signage clear?
- Testing employee knowledge and behavior – Could they answer your questions correctly?
To avoid getting scammed (be wary of apps that ask you to pay to sign up), opt for one of the following reputable platforms for mystery shopping:
- BestMark: It offers one of the most diverse selections of mystery shopping gigs, ranging from retail stores and restaurants to automotive services and hotels.
- Market Force: This platform focuses on industries like fast food, banking, and grocery stores. Assignments are often short and easy to do.
- Secret Shopper: With global reach, Secret Shopper offers both in-person and remote tasks, including phone-based or email-based evaluations.
Completing mystery shopping assignments is one of the easier side hustles to start if you want casual, low-commitment gigs with a bit of variety.
4. Use cash back and rebate apps
How would you like getting paid to shop online? There are apps that reward you for your everyday purchases, giving you back a percentage in cash, gift cards, or rebates.
If you’re already shopping online or in-store, these platforms will allow you to earn extra cash without changing your habits.
Top cash-back apps for in-store or online shopping include:
- Rakuten: It offers cash back at over 3,500 popular stores, from clothing and electronics to travel and dining. It also automatically applies coupon codes when you use its shopping browser extension, so you don’t need to hunt for deals yourself. You can earn rewards for both online shopping and in-store purchases, and payouts are sent quarterly to your PayPal account or by check.
- Ibotta: This app is perfect if most of your spending goes toward groceries and household basics. You earn cash rewards by scanning receipts or linking store loyalty accounts so purchases are tracked automatically.
- Upside: It helps you save on gas, groceries, and dining just by checking in on the app and uploading a receipt. It’s simple to use, and rewards add up quickly, especially if you drive a lot or eat out often.
This is where getting paid to shop online really shines, as these apps reward you for purchases you were already planning to make.
While it’s not a job, this is a smart way to make money from home by leveraging your regular spending habits.
5. Try Roadie for store and grocery delivery gigs
Roadie is a crowdsourced delivery platform that connects individuals and businesses with independent drivers for local and same-day deliveries.
Unlike traditional grocery shopping apps, Roadie offers a broader variety of items to transport, ranging from groceries and retail goods to auto parts, large packages, and even airline luggage.
You simply browse available gigs in the app, see the payout and route details upfront, and choose the deliveries that fit your schedule.
To qualify for the Roadi driver role, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
- Having a valid driving license
- Owning a vehicle
- Installing the Roadie app on your mobile device
It’s one of the most flexible side hustle apps, ideal if you are already spending a lot of time on the read or want to turn spare time into cash.
Moreover, it allows you to make significant income, as some users report earning up to $1,500 per week:
6. Run errands or shop with TaskRabbit
TaskRabbit is a popular platform where you can get paid to run errands for others, like buying food supplies, picking up store orders, or handling last-minute shopping.
Many opt for this popular app because of its many advantages, such as:
- A wide variety of services beyond shopping (cleaning, deliveries, furniture assembly, etc.)
- Matching with local clients through the app, so you don’t have to chase the opportunities by yourself
To join this app and start making money, you’ll need to create a profile, pass a background check, and go through a short onboarding process.
TaskRabbit can become a consistent and flexible income stream, as some users state they are making a whopping $100k per year.
7. Offer shopping help in your neighborhood
Sometimes the best way to get paid to shop is by offering your services directly to people around you.
Seniors, new parents, or busy neighbors often need a personal shopper to help them with errands, and many prefer a familiar face over an app.
You can start by:
- Printing flyers and posting them in community centers or apartment buildings
- Offering your personal shopping services in local Facebook groups or on Nextdoor
- Engaging with people you already know and growing your customer base by word of mouth
If you’re consistent and trustworthy, this can even become your regular source of money, especially if you live in a smaller town or a tight-knit community where reliability matters most.
8. Become a product reviewer or tester
Companies want real feedback on products before launching them widely. Essentially, you get paid to test products and give your honest opinions.
It may not always pay in cash, but many testers earn gift cards, early access to new products, and valuable freebies. Some opportunities are in-store, while others are shipped to your home.
Trusted platforms you can use to earn extra money by product testing. include:
- Influenster: Allows you to try full-size products from top brands for free through their VoxBox program. All they ask in return is your honest review and some social media sharing.
- PINCHme: Gives you free product samples just for answering surveys that are usually quick and easy to do. It’s a simple way to try out new stuff and give your opinion in return.
- UserTesting: Pays you to test websites, apps, and other digital experiences. You’ll give feedback on things like usability and navigation, and occasionally, you might get to test physical products too.
Bonus: Earn more money with passive income while you shop
If you’re out running errands or completing secret shopper jobs, you can also earn money passively by using your device. Honeygain is a trusted app that lets you make money just by sharing your unused internet bandwidth.
It runs in the background (no input required), and is especially useful if you’re on the move with a mobile data plan or Wi-Fi access throughout the day.
It’s easily one of the best ways to earn money without investing effortlessly. You can download Honeygain now and make some extra cash just by staying online.
Is delivering groceries and getting paid to shop worth it?
That depends on what you're looking for, but for many people, the answer is yes. These gigs offer a flexible, low-commitment way to earn cash without needing any special experience or training.
Plus, with so many platforms available today, it’s easier than ever to get paid to shop or review products from your favorite stores or brands.
Whatever you choose to do, be it doing deliveries or sitting at home getting paid to shop online, the opportunities are real and they add up.
Start shopping today, or become a mystery shopper to earn rewards or cash to add to your side hustle income or savings goals.
FAQs
What’s the easiest way to get paid to grocery shop?
Instacart and Shipt are the most beginner-friendly apps for making money by grocery shopping. They provide everything through the app, and you just need a car and a phone to start working.
What does an Instacart shopper actually do?
You accept grocery orders in the app, shop for the items in a local store, and deliver them to the customer’s doorstep. Some roles involve shopping only, without having to provide a delivery service.
Can I do these shopping jobs without a car?
Yes, you can. Roles like Instacart’s In-Store Shopper or running local errands through TaskRabbit don’t require a vehicle. In some areas, you can even complete tasks on foot or by bike, depending on the distance and delivery type..
Are mystery shopping jobs real and safe?
They’re real for the most part, just stick to legit platforms like BestMark and never pay to join. Scams are common, so do your research before signing up.
How much can I earn from shopping apps?
Delivery gigs can pay $15–$25/hour. Cashback apps offer smaller returns, but they add up over time. Product testing pays in freebies or gift cards.
Can shopping gigs be a full-time income?
It’s possible, especially if you combine multiple platforms and stay consistent. However, many treat them as flexible part-time or weekend side hustles.
