Instacart Shopper Job Description, Key Duties and Responsibilities

This post provides detailed information on the Instacart shopper job description, including the key duties, tasks, and responsibilities they typically perform.

It also highlights the major requirements you may be expected to fulfill to be hired for the Instacart shopper role.

What Does an Instacart Shopper Do? 

An Instacart shopper is responsible for selecting, purchasing, and delivering groceries to customers who place orders through the Instacart app.

Shoppers focus on accuracy, speed, and customer communication to ensure customers receive the correct items in good condition and on time.

The Instacart shopper job description entails order shopping and Item selection duties, including reviewing customer orders through the Instacart app, shopping for groceries at partner stores based on item lists, and selecting fresh, high-quality produce, meat, and packaged goods.

It also involves checking expiration dates and product condition and replacing out-of-stock items with approved substitutions when needed.

Instacart shoppers also perform customer communication tasks, such as messaging customers about substitutions, availability, or preferences, confirming replacements or refunds through the app, providing updates on order status when necessary, and following customer instructions carefully.

Their role entails completing checkout using the Instacart payment card (or in-app process), applying store loyalty cards, discounts, or promotions correctly, and verifying receipt accuracy before completing the order.

There are two main types of Instacart shoppers: Full-Service Shoppers and In-Store Shoppers.

In-store shoppers perform their duties inside grocery stores while full-service shoppers work on the road

Full-service shoppers perform delivery responsibilities, including transporting groceries safely to the customer’s address, following delivery instructions (doorstep drop-off, handoff, gated access, etc.), and handling items carefully to prevent damage or spills.

Confirming delivery through the app is also an important duty of the Instacart shopper.

In-store shoppers are responsible for picking and staging grocery orders for pickup or delivery, organizing completed orders in designated store areas, and coordinating with delivery drivers or store staff.

Instacart shoppers work in an independent, app-based work structure, with flexible schedule that allows shoppers to choose when and how long to work.

The job requires shoppers to walk frequently, lift items, and stand for long periods.

Instacart Shopper Job Description Example/Sample

The Instacart shopper job description usually consists of the following duties, tasks, and responsibilities:

• Review customer grocery orders through the Instacart app
• Shop for items at partner grocery stores
• Select fresh, high-quality produce, meat, and packaged goods
• Check expiration dates and product condition
• Locate items efficiently within the store
• Communicate with customers about out-of-stock items and substitutions
• Replace items or issue refunds based on customer preferences
• Follow special instructions provided by customers
• Complete checkout using the Instacart payment process
• Verify receipt accuracy before completing orders
• Bag groceries carefully to prevent damage
• Deliver orders to customers’ homes (full-service shoppers)
• Follow delivery instructions and confirm delivery in the app
• Stage and organize orders for pickup or delivery (in-store shoppers)
• Use navigation apps to reach delivery locations efficiently
• Maintain order accuracy and timeliness
• Provide professional and courteous customer service
• Uphold Instacart quality, safety, and service standards.

Instacart Shopper Requirements: Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities for Hiring and Career Success

Here are important requirements you may be expected to meet to be hired for the Instacart shopper role, which are also vital for success on the job and career:

• Minimum age requirement (usually 18 years or older) – Required to legally enter contracts, handle payments, and complete deliveries.
• Smartphone with the Instacart app – Essential for receiving orders, communicating with customers, navigating stores, and confirming deliveries.
• Reliable transportation (Full-Service Shoppers) – Needed to travel to stores and deliver groceries safely and on time.
• Valid driver’s license and auto insurance (Full-Service Shoppers) – Required to legally operate a vehicle while completing deliveries.
• Ability to shop independently and follow instructions – Shoppers work without direct supervision and must accurately follow customer preferences and app prompts.
• Strong attention to detail – Important for selecting correct items, checking freshness, and avoiding order mistakes.
• Good communication skills – Needed to message customers about substitutions, availability, and delivery updates.
• Ability to lift and carry groceries – Shoppers may handle heavy items such as cases of water, beverages, or bulk groceries.
• Ability to stand, walk, and move for extended periods – Shopping involves navigating large stores and spending long periods on your feet.
• Time management skills – Important for completing orders efficiently and meeting delivery time windows.
• Customer service skills – Shoppers represent Instacart and are expected to provide polite, professional service.
• Comfort using navigation and map apps – Helps ensure timely and accurate deliveries to customer locations.
• Background check approval – Required to ensure safety and trust for customers and the platform.
• Flexibility and reliability – Shoppers choose their own schedules but must complete accepted orders reliably and on time.

Instacart Shopper Job Description Templates

Here are Instacart shopper job description templates employers and hiring managers can simply edit and use in their job postings to attract the best talents to their companies:

Instacart Shopper Job Description for Resume

If you have worked before as an Instacart shopper or presently working in that role and are making a new resume or CV, then you can apply the sample Instacart shopper job description above in creating the Professional Experience section of the resume.

You can apply the Instacart shopper duties and responsibilities provided in the sample job description above in expressing what you did or currently doing as a shopper at Instacart .

This will show to the employer or hiring manager that you have been effective working in the role of an Instacart shopper, which can boost your chances of being hired for the new position that you are seeking, especially if it requires someone with some shopper experience at Instacart or other similar company.

Conclusion

This post has provided in-depth information on the Instacart shopper job description, highlighting the major duties, tasks, and responsibilities of the role.

Individuals interested in becoming an Instacart shopper will find this article helpful in learning all they need to know about what they do.

Employers and hiring managers in similar industry as Instacart will also find this post useful in making effective job description for the shopper role.

They can actually apply the Instacart shopper job description templates provided on this page in making one for their organizations.