Instacart has become very strategic in its approach to hiring new shoppers, as they are inundated with a high volume of applications, especially in the post-pandemic era. With an influx of individuals signing up to become Instacart shoppers, the company has implemented a waitlist system to manage the surge in interest. However, being placed on a waitlist can be frustrating for prospective shoppers eager to start working. So, let’s delve into the strategies one can employ to bypass the Instacart waitlist and expedite the onboarding process.

Understanding the Instacart Waitlist

Before delving into the methods for bypassing the waitlist, let’s understand why Instacart implements a waitlist. Instacart, like any prudent business, aims to maintain a balance between the number of shoppers and the demand for their services in a given area. When you sign up to be an Instacart shopper, you provide your zip code, which helps Instacart determine the market you’ll serve. If your desired market already has sufficient shoppers, you may find yourself on the Instacart waitlist until a spot becomes available.

Option 1: Try Different Zip Codes to Bypass the Instacart Waitlist

One of the most popular methods to Bypass the Instacart Waitlist is by experimenting with different zip codes. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Identify nearby zip codes: Look for alternative zip codes in your general vicinity that may not have a saturated market of shoppers. Consider neighboring towns or cities.
2. Contact Instacart customer support: Get in touch with Instacart’s customer service team through their website’s chat feature or by sending them an email.
3. Inquire about changing your zip code: Express your interest in becoming a shopper and ask if it’s possible to change your zip code to one of the less busy areas you’ve identified.
4. Provide your preferred zip codes: Give Instacart customer support a list of the zip codes you’d be willing to work in and ask them to notify you if any spots open up in those areas.

Keep in mind that this strategy may not always work, as Instacart may have measures in place to prevent workarounds. Nonetheless, it’s worth trying, especially if you’re flexible with your shopping locations.

Option 2: Explore Alternative Gig Apps

If you’re eager to start earning immediately and don’t want to wait for an Instacart shopper position, consider signing up for similar gig apps in the meantime. There are numerous food delivery and gig economy apps that can provide an alternative source of income:

• DoorDash: A popular food delivery app that allows you to deliver meals from restaurants to customers.
• Uber Eats: Another well-known food delivery app, similar to DoorDash.
• Grubhub: Partnered with local restaurants, Grubhub offers yet another convenient food delivery option.
• Postmates: This app provides delivery services for food, groceries, and various retail items.
• Lyft and uber: If you’re interested in driving passengers instead of deliveries, Lyft is a great alternative.

By signing up for these apps, you can start earning right away while waiting for an Instacart shopper position to become available, thus Bypass the Instacart Waitlist.

Option 3: Be Patient and Wait

Sometimes, the simplest approach is to exercise patience and wait for a shopper spot to open up in your market. Instacart’s waitlist operates on a first-come, first-served basis. So, if you’re already on the waitlist, your turn will eventually arrive, and you will Bypass the Instacart Waitlist. However, the wait time can vary, and you may Bypass the Instacart Waitlist sooner by trying the methods mentioned above.

Here’s an update from shoppers on the waitlist

• Valuable-Ground6519: “Over 2 months. I am not shocked because most actual jobs I have applied for have several hundred to over 1k applicants. Depending upon where you live, the job economy is rough.”
• Impossible-Major-652:”I was on the waitlist for 6 months and my partner has been on the waitlist for 3 years now.”
• flowrencechild: “2 days I’m in Connecticut and it was may of this year”
• Yvilkittyinspace: “Got right in Colorado and was taking offers a same day on Friday”

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Instacart waitlist?

On average, the Instacart waitlist can range from 2 to 6 months. However, it’s important to note that this duration can vary significantly from person to person. Some people may get off the waitlist in a couple of weeks, while others might wait for a year or more.

Can I skip the Instacart waitlist?

While there is no guaranteed way to skip the waitlist entirely, you can increase your chances of Bypass the Instacart Waitlist by trying the methods outlined in this guide.

What are some alternatives to Instacart?

Several alternatives offer similar gig opportunities, including food delivery apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, and Postmates. Apps like TaskRabbit and Amazon Flex offer a variety of tasks beyond just shopping.

How can I increase my chances of Bypass the Instacart Waitlist?

There is no foolproof method, but by being proactive and trying different strategies, such as exploring alternative zip codes and staying in touch with Instacart customer support, you may improve your odds of Bypass the Instacart Waitlist.

Being on the Instacart waitlist can be frustrating, especially if you’re eager to start your side hustle. The good news is that you now have multiple approaches to tackle this challenge. Remember that while these strategies may not guarantee immediate success, they significantly improve your chances of Bypass the Instacart Waitlist and getting you one step closer to your goal. Best of luck with your Instacart journey!