Get Paid to Shop | And Make Money Now

Last Updated on October 12, 2023 by Alex

Shopping is a beloved pastime for many, but what if you could get paid to shop? Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, it’s not! Welcome to the world of getting paid to shop, where retail therapy meets financial gain.

In this post, you’ll learn about the exciting world of earning money, receiving discounts, and enjoying exclusive rewards, all while doing what you love – shopping! So, grab your shopping list and get ready to uncover the secrets of getting paid to shop. It’s time to make your shopping dreams a reality!

Can You Really Get Paid To Shop

Yes, it is possible to get paid to shop through various methods and opportunities. Here are some ways people can earn money while shopping:

• Mystery Shopping
• Cashback Programs
• Online Surveys
• Market Research
• Affiliate Marketing
• Cashback App
• Product Testing
• Personal Shopping
• Reselling

Get Paid To Shop

There are a variety of ways you can get paid to shop. Here are some of the top ways to make extra money online from shopping.

Instacart

Instacart is a popular online grocery delivery and pickup service that allows customers to order groceries and other household essentials from their favorite local stores and have them delivered to their doorstep or prepared for pickup.

Making money with Instacart typically involves working as a shopper or driver for the platform. Instacart offers several ways for individuals to earn money.

Instacart Shopper

As an Instacart shopper, you’ll be responsible for picking and packing the groceries and items that customers order.

You can either be an In-Store Shopper or a Full Service Shopper.

In-store shoppers work within the grocery store, selecting items for customer orders. They are not responsible for delivery. This position is part-time and usually paid hourly.

Full-service shoppers do the personal grocery shopping and deliver them to customers. They use their own vehicles for deliveries. This position allows for more flexibility and the potential to earn tips.

Driver

If you prefer to focus solely on the delivery aspect, you can become an Instacart driver. Drivers use their vehicles to pick up pre-packed orders from the store and deliver the grocery shop to customers’ homes. You may receive delivery-specific compensation along with any tips customers provide.

Here’s how to get started making money with Instacart:

• Visit the Instacart website or download the Instacart Shopper app
• Create an account and complete the application process, which may include a background check and vehicle inspection (if applicable)
• Choose your role as an in-store shopper, full-service shopper, or driver
• Once approved, you can start accepting orders and earning money

It’s important to note that your earnings with Instacart can vary based on several factors, including your location, the number of orders you accept, tips from customers, and peak demand times.

Uber Eats

Making money with Uber Eats involves becoming a delivery driver for the platform and delivering food orders to customers. Here’s how you can get started with Uber Eats.

Sign Up

Start by downloading the Uber Eats app or visiting the Uber Eats website. Sign up as a delivery driver and complete the required background check and vehicle inspection, if applicable. The specific requirements may vary by location.

Prepare Your Vehicle

Ensure your vehicle (car, bike, scooter, etc.) is in good working condition, safe, and meets any local requirements. If you’re using a car, make sure you have a valid driver’s license, insurance, and registration.

Set Your Availability

Use the app to set your availability for when you want to work. You can choose your own hours, making it a flexible gig. You can also choose your preferred delivery method (car, bike, scooter, etc.) and update your vehicle details if needed.

Accept Orders

Once you’re online and available, you’ll start receiving delivery requests through the app. You can choose to accept or decline orders based on factors like distance, estimated delivery time, and potential earnings.

Deliver Orders

After accepting an order, use the app’s navigation to pick up the food from the restaurant. Be punctual and polite when interacting with restaurant staff and customers.

Follow the delivery instructions provided in the app to ensure a smooth delivery process. If you’re delivering by bike or scooter, consider investing in appropriate equipment like a thermal bag to keep food hot/cold.

Earn Money

Your earnings with Uber Eats consist of a base fare, a fee per mile or kilometer, a fee per minute, and potential tips from customers.

Uber Eats drivers are typically paid weekly or can opt for daily payouts.

Be Aware of Peak Hours

To maximize your earnings, consider working during peak delivery hours when demand is higher, such as lunch and dinner times.

Keep Track of Expenses

As an independent contractor, you may be eligible to deduct certain expenses related to your work, such as vehicle maintenance and gas. Keep records of your expenses for tax purposes.

Shipt

Shipt is a grocery delivery service that connects customers with personal shoppers who pick and deliver their groceries and household essentials. To make money with Shipt, you can become a Shipt Shopper and provide this service to customers. Here’s how to get started and maximize your earnings with Shipt:

• Download the Shipt Shopper app or visit the Shipt website to sign up as a Shipt Shopper
• Shipt has specific requirements for shoppers, which may include age restrictions, a reliable vehicle (if you’re doing deliveries), and a smartphone
• Use the Shipt Shopper app to set your availability
• Choose to accept or decline orders based on factors like distance, estimated shopping time, and potential earnings
• Shop and deliver
• Shipt Shoppers earn money through a combination of base pay, tips from customers, and any peak pay or bonuses that may be available during high-demand times
• Tips can significantly impact your earnings, so providing excellent customer service is important.

Intellishop

IntelliShop is a company that offers mystery shopping and market research opportunities. Mystery shopping involves evaluating businesses, such as retail stores, restaurants, or service providers, to provide feedback on their customer service, operations, and adherence to company standards.

Keep in mind that while mystery shopping can be an interesting way to earn money and receive complimentary products or services, it’s not a consistent or primary source of income for most people. You may need to complete multiple assignments to earn a significant amount of money. 

Fetch Rewards

Fetch Rewards is a mobile app that allows users to earn rewards and cashback by scanning their grocery receipts and making purchases from partner brands. Here’s how to make money with Fetch Rewards:

• Download the Fetch Reward app from the App Store or Google Play Store
• Sign up for an account using your email address or phone number
• After signing up, use the app to scan your grocery receipts from eligible retailers within a certain time frame (typically within 14 days of the purchase)
• The app will automatically identify and reward you for qualifying purchases
• For each eligible item on your receipt, you’ll earn Fetch Points. The number of points may vary based on the item and brand
• Some receipts may also include bonus points or offers for specific products
• Once you accumulate enough Fetch Points, you can redeem them for a variety of rewards, including a gift card to popular retailers and online stores

Fetch Rewards often offers referral bonuses to users who refer friends to the app. You can share your referral code or link with friends and family, and when they sign up and scan their first receipt, both you and your friend may receive bonus points.

You should also keep an eye on the app for special offers, promotions, and bonuses. These may include earning extra points for specific products or purchasing from partner brands.

Shopkick

Shopkick is a mobile app that allows users to earn rewards and gift cards by performing various activities, such as shopping at partner stores, scanning barcodes, and referring friends. Here’s how to make money with Shopkick:

• Download the Shopkick app from the App Store or Google Play Store
• Earn “Kicks” (Points)
• Kicks are the currency used in the Shopkick app
• As you accumulate kicks, you can redeem them for gift cards to popular retailers and online stores

You can earn kicks through various Shopkick activities, including:

• Walking into partner stores (you’ll receive kicks just for entering the store)
• Scanning barcodes of specific products in stores
• Linking your credit or debit card and making purchases at partner stores (if you’ve enabled the linked card feature)
• Making online purchases through the app’s shopping partners
• Watching videos and completing surveys
• Referring friends to the app (you’ll earn bonus kicks when your referrals sign up and complete their first in-store scan or walk-in)

Market Force

Market Force is a company that specializes in customer experience management, including mystery shopping and market research. They offer opportunities for individuals to make money by becoming mystery shoppers or participating in various market research projects. Here’s how to make money with Market Force:

• Sign up as a mystery shopper by providing your personal information and agreeing to their terms and conditions
• Browse available mystery shopping assignments in your area or areas you are willing to travel to
• Select mystery shopping assignments that fit your schedule and preferences
• Follow the guidelines provided by Market Force Information, and be discreet while conducting the evaluation
• After the mystery shopping visit, complete and submit a detailed evaluation report through the Market Force Information portal
• Market Force Information typically offers compensation for each completed assignment, which may include a fee and reimbursement for any required purchases
• In addition to mystery shopping, Market Force Information may offer opportunities to participate in market research projects, such as surveys, focus groups, or product testing

BestMark

BestMark is a mystery shopping company that specializes in mystery shopping jobs and market research services. They offer opportunities for individuals to make money by becoming mystery shoppers and providing feedback on their shopping and dining experiences. Here’s how to make money with BestMark:

• Sign up as a mystery shopper
• Complete a shopper profile, which may include information about your demographics and paid shopping preferences
• Search for available mystery shopping assignments
• Conduct mystery shopping evaluations
• After the mystery shopping visit, complete and submit a detailed evaluation report through the BestMark shopper portal
• BestMark typically offers compensation for each completed assignment, which may include a fee and reimbursement for any required purchases
• In addition to mystery shopping, BestMark may offer opportunities to participate in market research projects, such as surveys or focus groups

Drop

Drop is a cashback and rewards app that allows users to earn points (called “Drops”) when they shop at partner stores, both online shopping and in-person.

To earn Drops simply link your credit or debit cards to your Drop account. This allows Drop to track your purchases and credit you with points when you shop at partner stores.

Once you’ve accumulated enough Drops, you can redeem them for gift cards to popular retailers, such as Amazon, Starbucks, or Walmart. You can also choose to cash out your Drops via PayPal.

Drop often provides referral bonuses to users who refer friends to the app. Share your referral code or link with friends and family, and when they sign up and make their first qualifying purchase, both you and your friend may receive bonus Drops.

Swagbucks

Swagbucks is a popular rewards and cashback platform that allows you to earn points (known as “Swagbucks” or “SBs”) for completing various online activities. These SBs can be redeemed for gift cards, PayPal cash, or other rewards. Here’s how to make money with Swagbucks:

• Complete online surveys
• Watch videos
• Shop online
• Search the web
• Complete offers
• Play Games
• Refer Friends

Once you’ve accumulated enough SBs, you can redeem them for gift cards to popular retailers, PayPal cash, or other rewards available in the Swagbucks rewards store. Learn more about Swagbucks here.

Rakuten

Rakuten is a cashback and rewards platform that allows users to earn money back on their online purchases from partner stores. Here’s how to make money with Rakuten:

• Visit the Rakuten website or download the Rakuten app from the App Store or Google Play Store
• Browse through the list of partner stores and retailers that offer cashback when you shop through Rakuten
• When you find a store or retailer you want to shop at, click on the store’s link on the Rakuten website or app to activate the cashback offer.   – Rakuten will track your purchases and reward you with cashback based on your spending
• Go ahead and make your online purchases from the partner store as you normally would
• Rakuten will credit your account with a percentage of your purchase amount as cashback

Once you’ve accumulated a certain amount of cashback, you can request a payment. Rakuten offers payment options such as a check mailed to your address or a PayPal transfer.

Rakuten offers browser extensions (like the Rakuten Cash Back Button) that can help remind you to activate cashback offers when you shop online. Installing these extensions can make it easier to earn cashback.

Task Rabbit

TaskRabbit is a platform that connects people looking for various services with individuals who can provide those services. It offers opportunities to make money by completing tasks or offering services in your local area. Here’s how to make money with TaskRabbit:

Once your profile is set up, you can browse available tasks in your area. That includes getting paid to shop for people.

TaskRabbit handles payments, and you’ll receive your earnings through the platform. Earnings are typically transferred to your bank account or PayPal account, depending on your preferences.

Receipt Hog

Receipt Hog is a mobile app that allows users to earn cash rewards by uploading photos of their grocery receipts and participating in surveys. While Receipt Hog won’t make you rich, it can provide you with a bit of extra cash or gift cards for minimal effort. Here’s how to make money with Receipt Hog:

• Download the Receipt Hog app from the App Store (for iOS devices) or Google Play Store (for Android devices)
• Open the app and sign up for an account using your email address or phone number
• Upload photos of your grocery receipts from various stores, both big and small
• Receipt Hog will reward you with coins for each uploaded receipt
• In addition to earning coins for receipts, Receipt Hog offers a feature called “Hog Slots,” which allows you to play a virtual slot machine
• You can earn extra coins or bonus spins by participating in surveys and providing feedback

Once you’ve accumulated enough coins, you can redeem them for various rewards, including Amazon gift cards, PayPal cash, and magazine subscriptions.

Ibotta

Ibotta is a cashback and rewards app that allows users to earn money by making purchases at partner stores, both in-store and online. Here’s how to make money with Ibotta:

• Download the Ibotta app from the App Store or Google Play Store
• Open the Ibotta app and browse through the available cashback offers from partner retailers
• Go shopping at your favorite stores, either in-person or online
• After making your purchase, use the Ibotta app to upload a photo of your receipt
• Ibotta will review your receipt and credit your account with cashback for the qualifying purchases
• Some retailers allow you to link your loyalty cards to your Ibotta account
• By doing this, you can automatically receive cashback for eligible purchases without needing to upload receipts

Once you’ve earned a minimum cashback balance, you can redeem it for various rewards, including PayPal cash, Venmo cash, gift cards to popular retailers, and donations to charity.

Ibotta often runs bonus challenges that allow you to earn extra cashback for completing specific tasks, such as redeeming a certain number of offers within a month. Find more money-making opportunities on Ibotta here.

Other Ways To Get Paid To Shop

There are many ways you can make money shopping. Here are some bonus ways to consider.

Become A Personal Shopper

Becoming a personal shopper can be a rewarding way to make money while helping others with their shopping needs. Whether you want to focus on fashion, groceries, or general errands.

First, determine the type of personal shopping you want to offer. Options include fashion and wardrobe consulting, personal grocery shopper, gift shopping, or assisting with various errands.

To market your services you can create a professional website or social media profile to showcase your services and expertise.

You can also join online platforms like TaskRabbit, Thumbtack, or local classifieds to advertise your services. If you want to, you could become an Amazon personal shopper or Best Buy if you have the relevant experience.

Run Errands

Running errands for others can be a convenient way to make money while helping people with their tasks and to-do lists. 

Start by deciding what type of errands you’re willing to run for clients. These can include grocery shopping, prescription pickups, dry cleaning drop-offs, package deliveries, pet care, and more.

Next, advertise your services. You can do this using social media, your own website, or by advertising in your local classified ads.

As your business grows, consider offering additional services, such as organizing, house sitting, or personal shopping, to diversify your income streams.

Mystery Shopper

Mystery shopping involves evaluating businesses by posing as a regular customer and providing feedback on your experience. Mystery shoppers are typically paid for their time and reimbursed for any purchases made during the mystery shop evaluation.

To find mystery shopper jobs, you can register with mystery shopping companies. Popular companies include Market Force, BestMark, IntelliShop, and Secret Shopper.

Cashback Programs

Cashback programs can be an effective way to earn money or receive discounts on your everyday spending. These programs offer cashback or rewards for making purchases at participating retailers.

Start by signing up for reputable cashback programs. Many online and in-store retailers offer their own cashback programs, while there are also third-party cashback websites and apps like Rakuten, Swagbucks, and Honey that partner with multiple retailers. Learn more here.

Many banks and credit card companies run cashback schemes. Look out for these and make sure you’re properly registered to earn everything you can.

For example, the Capital One Shopping program offers a variety of rewards for making purchases using your Capital One card.

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