Instacart, like many other gig economy platforms such as DoorDash, Uber, and Shipt, offers a flexible way to earn money by shopping for and delivering groceries to customers. However, for various reasons, some shoppers may find that Instacart is no longer a good fit for them and decide to quit. In this article, we‘ll provide a detailed guide on how to quit Instacart, whether you‘re a full-service shopper or an in-store shopper, and what to expect during the process.
Understanding the Difference Between Full-Service and In-Store Shoppers
Before we dive into the specifics of quitting Instacart, it‘s essential to understand the two types of shoppers on the platform:
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Full-Service Shoppers: These shoppers are independent contractors who use their own vehicles to shop for and deliver groceries to customers. They have the flexibility to choose their own hours and are not considered employees of Instacart.
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In-Store Shoppers: These shoppers are part-time employees of Instacart who work in specific stores, shopping for and preparing orders for customers. They have set schedules and are eligible for certain benefits.
The quitting process differs slightly for each type of shopper, so it‘s crucial to know which category you fall under.
Reasons for Quitting Instacart
There are various reasons why shoppers might choose to quit Instacart, including:
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Low Pay: According to a survey conducted by The Rideshare Guy, 66% of Instacart shoppers earn less than $500 per week, with 22% earning less than $100 per week. This low pay, combined with the lack of benefits and the need to cover expenses such as gas and vehicle maintenance, can make Instacart a less attractive option for many shoppers.
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Lack of Benefits: As independent contractors, full-service shoppers do not receive traditional employee benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, or retirement plans. This lack of benefits can be a significant drawback for shoppers who rely on gig work as their primary source of income.
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High Levels of Stress: Shopping for and delivering groceries can be a stressful job, particularly when dealing with time-sensitive orders, heavy traffic, and demanding customers. The pressure to maintain a high rating and acceptance rate can also contribute to shopper stress.
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Inconsistent Work: The availability of orders on Instacart can fluctuate greatly depending on factors such as location, time of day, and competition from other shoppers. This inconsistency can make it difficult for shoppers to rely on Instacart as a stable source of income.
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Better Opportunities Elsewhere: Some shoppers may find that other gig economy platforms or traditional employment offer better pay, benefits, or working conditions, leading them to quit Instacart in favor of these alternatives.
How to Quit Instacart as a Full-Service Shopper
As a full-service shopper, you have the freedom to quit Instacart at any time since you are an independent contractor and not an employee. Here‘s a step-by-step guide on how to quit:
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Delete the Instacart Shopper app: If you‘re sure about quitting, you can start by deleting the Instacart Shopper app from your mobile device. This will prevent you from receiving new batch notifications and accepting orders.
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Contact Instacart Shopper Support: To permanently close your account, reach out to Instacart Shopper Support via phone at (888) 246-7822 or through the live chat feature in the app. Inform the support representative that you wish to quit Instacart and have your account permanently deleted. They will guide you through the process and confirm the closure of your account.
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Dispose of your Instacart Shopper card: Once you‘ve quit Instacart, you‘ll no longer need your Shopper card. While Instacart doesn‘t provide official guidelines on what to do with the card, most shoppers choose to destroy it by cutting it up or disposing of it securely. However, if you think there‘s a chance you might return to Instacart in the future, you may want to keep the card in a safe place.
Quitting Instacart as an In-Store Shopper
In-store shoppers, being part-time employees, have a slightly different process for quitting Instacart:
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Provide notice: As a courtesy to your store‘s team, it‘s best to give notice before quitting. The amount of notice may depend on your state‘s employment laws and whether you‘re employed "at-will." Generally, providing a two-week notice is considered standard practice.
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Inform your manager: Schedule a meeting with your store manager or supervisor to inform them of your decision to quit. Be professional and express gratitude for the opportunity to work with Instacart.
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Complete any necessary paperwork: Your manager may require you to fill out certain forms or complete an exit interview. Follow their instructions to ensure a smooth transition.
Can Instacart Fire You?
While full-service shoppers cannot be technically "fired" since they are independent contractors, Instacart can deactivate a shopper‘s account, effectively ending their ability to accept and complete orders. Some reasons for account deactivation include:
- Violating Instacart‘s terms of service or guidelines
- Engaging in fraudulent activities or scams
- Receiving multiple customer complaints about rudeness or unprofessional behavior
- Consistently providing poor service or failing to complete orders satisfactorily
According to a study by the Economic Policy Institute, approximately 1 in 6 gig workers have experienced account deactivation or suspension, often without clear reasons or a fair appeals process.
If your account is deactivated, you‘ll typically receive a notification email from Instacart or discover that you can no longer log into your account. In some cases, you may be able to appeal the deactivation by contacting Instacart Shopper Support and providing an explanation for the issues that led to your account being closed. If your appeal is successful, Instacart may reactivate your account, allowing you to resume shopping.
However, as labor attorney Shannon Liss-Riordan notes, "Gig economy companies often deactivate workers without providing a clear reason or offering a fair appeals process. This lack of due process can leave workers feeling vulnerable and without recourse."
Transitioning to Other Gig Economy Platforms
If you‘re quitting Instacart but still interested in gig work, there are several other platforms to consider:
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DoorDash: A food delivery service that allows you to deliver meals from local restaurants to customers. According to a survey by The Rideshare Guy, DoorDash drivers earn a median hourly rate of $17.50, which is higher than the median hourly rate of $15.00 for Instacart shoppers.
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Uber: In addition to their well-known ride-sharing service, Uber also offers food delivery through Uber Eats. Uber drivers have reported earning an average of $19.36 per hour, according to a study by the MIT Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research.
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Shipt: Similar to Instacart, Shipt is a grocery delivery service that allows you to shop for and deliver groceries to customers. Shipt shoppers earn an average of $16.29 per hour, according to data from Glassdoor.
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TaskRabbit: A platform that connects you with local customers who need help with various tasks, such as cleaning, moving, or home repairs. TaskRabbit workers have reported earning an average of $26.03 per hour, according to data from Glassdoor.
When transitioning to a new gig economy platform, be sure to research the requirements, pay structure, and user reviews to ensure it‘s a good fit for your needs and skills.
The Impact of Quitting Instacart on Your Financial Situation
Quitting Instacart can have a significant impact on your financial situation, particularly if you rely on gig work as your primary source of income. Before quitting, consider the following:
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Create a budget: Review your current income and expenses to determine how much money you need to cover your basic needs. This will help you assess the financial impact of quitting Instacart and plan accordingly.
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Build an emergency fund: If possible, try to save enough money to cover your expenses for at least three to six months before quitting. This will provide a financial cushion while you search for new employment or transition to another gig economy platform.
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Explore other income sources: Consider taking on part-time work, freelancing, or selling items online to supplement your income while you transition away from Instacart.
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Cut unnecessary expenses: Look for ways to reduce your expenses, such as canceling subscriptions, dining out less, or finding cheaper alternatives for essential items.
The Broader Implications of the Gig Economy
The rise of the gig economy has had a significant impact on the labor market, with millions of workers now relying on platforms like Instacart, Uber, and DoorDash for income. While these platforms offer flexibility and low barriers to entry, they also present challenges for workers, such as lack of benefits, low pay, and job insecurity.
As the gig economy continues to grow, it‘s essential for policymakers and society as a whole to address these challenges and ensure that gig workers are treated fairly and have access to the same protections and benefits as traditional employees. This may involve legislative efforts to classify gig workers as employees, provide them with basic benefits, and ensure they have the right to unionize and collectively bargain.
Conclusion
Quitting Instacart, whether as a full-service shopper or an in-store shopper, is a straightforward process. By following the steps outlined in this article and communicating clearly with Instacart Shopper Support or your manager, you can ensure a smooth transition. Remember, the gig economy offers a variety of opportunities, so if Instacart wasn‘t the right fit for you, don‘t hesitate to explore other platforms that better align with your goals and preferences.
However, it‘s crucial to consider the broader implications of the gig economy and advocate for fair treatment and protections for all gig workers. By working together to address these challenges, we can create a more equitable and sustainable future for all workers, regardless of their employment status.
As Alexandrea J. Ravenelle, author of "Hustle and Gig: Struggling and Surviving in the Sharing Economy," states:
"The gig economy has the potential to provide workers with flexibility and autonomy, but it also has the potential to exploit workers and leave them without the basic protections and benefits that traditional employees enjoy. It‘s up to all of us—workers, companies, policymakers, and society as a whole—to ensure that the gig economy evolves in a way that benefits everyone, not just a select few."
