C
% 13 Realistic Ways to Get Paid to Shop for Yourself & Others Skip to content
visibility
268 views
thumb_up
14 likes
H
Learn what to do with it. Explore
Save Money
You have it. Make sure you have some later too.
thumb_up
1 likes
H
Explore
Spend Money
You're spending it. Get the most for it.
thumb_up
4 likes
E
Explore
Borrow Money
You're borrowing it. Do it wisely.
thumb_up
29 likes
A
Explore
Protect Money
You don't want to lose it. Learn how to keep it safe. ExploreInvest Money
You're saving it.
thumb_up
41 likes
L
Now put it to work for your future. Explore
Categories
About us
Find us
Close menuWhat do you want to do br with money
Popular Searches
Learn more about your money
Make Money
You need it. Learn how to make it.
thumb_up
36 likes
A
Explore
Manage Money
You've got it. Learn what to do with it.
thumb_up
22 likes
I
Explore
Save Money
You have it. Make sure you have some later too.
thumb_up
0 likes
R
Explore
Spend Money
You're spending it. Get the most for it. ExploreBorrow Money
You're borrowing it.
thumb_up
11 likes
W
Do it wisely. Explore
Protect Money
You don't want to lose it.
thumb_up
40 likes
I
Learn how to keep it safe. Explore
Invest Money
You're saving it.
thumb_up
35 likes
K
Now put it to work for your future. Explore
Categories
About us
Find us
Close menu Advertiser Disclosure Advertiser Disclosure: The credit card and banking offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies and banks from which MoneyCrashers.com receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site, including, for example, the order in which they appear on category pages.
thumb_up
7 likes
J
MoneyCrashers.com does not include all banks, credit card companies or all available credit card offers, although best efforts are made to include a comprehensive list of offers regardless of compensation. Advertiser partners include American Express, Chase, U.S. Bank, and Barclaycard, among others.
thumb_up
39 likes
C
Spend Money Shopping
13 Realistic Ways to Get Paid to Shop for Yourself & Others
By Tom Blake Date October 20, 2022FEATURED PROMOTION
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average household spent over $60,000 in 2018. Additionally, 9 out of 10 categories of household spending, such as housing and groceries, increased between 2017 and 2018.
thumb_up
21 likes
J
Spending money is a fact of life. Thanks to inflation, it’s also likely your annual expenses will keep rising, especially if you don’t take actions to protect your purchasing power. However, if you take advantage of various gig economy jobs and shopping apps, your next shopping trip can provide a way to make money instead.
thumb_up
29 likes
A
If you want to get paid to shop for someone else or the next time you buy something for yourself online, you have numerous options.
Get Paid Shopping for Other People s Groceries
If you do the grocery shopping for your household or want to try a new side gig, you’re in luck.
thumb_up
6 likes
L
The rise of grocery delivery services and reward apps means grocery stores now offer ample opportunity to make money by shopping.
Motley Fool Stock Advisor recommendations have an average return of 397%. For $79 (or just $1.52 per week), join more than 1 million members and don't miss their upcoming stock picks.
Motley Fool Stock Advisor recommendations have an average return of 397%. For $79 (or just $1.52 per week), join more than 1 million members and don't miss their upcoming stock picks.
thumb_up
37 likes
T
30 day money-back guarantee. Sign Up Now
1 Shipt
Pros: High hourly pay; few job requirements; flexible scheduleCons: Shipt doesn’t cover expenses; work opportunity varies by cityVerdict: Easy side hustle that generally pays more than minimum wage (if you have a reliable vehicle) Shipt is the fastest-growing grocery delivery service in the United States and provides a straightforward way to make money shopping for groceries. As a Shipt shopper, you’re responsible for making same-day grocery and Target.com deliveries to Shipt members.
thumb_up
34 likes
J
You also handle every delivery step, including scheduling your shifts, accepting incoming orders, shopping for groceries, and delivering to customers. To become a Shipt shopper, you must:
Be 18 or older (or 21 or older to deliver orders containing alcohol)Have a valid driver’s license and auto insuranceHave a reliable vehicle that’s 1997 or newerBe capable of lifting 40 pounds Considering these lenient requirements and that Shipt shoppers make $22 per hour on average, according to Indeed, this is a lucrative way to get paid to shop.
thumb_up
42 likes
A
Like any delivery job, remember to consider vehicle depreciation, fuel costs, and tax implications. Shipt shoppers are independent contractors, which means you have to track and accurately report your taxable income.
2 Instacart
Pros: Few job requirements; flexible roles and scheduleCons: Instacart doesn’t cover expenses; less lucrative than ShiptVerdict: More flexible than Shipt if you don’t have access to a vehicle Becoming an Instacart shopper is another way to earn money for buying groceries.
thumb_up
25 likes
H
Unlike Shipt, Instacart has two types of shoppers:
Full-Service Shoppers. This role is similar to working for Shipt.
thumb_up
10 likes
N
Full-service shoppers are independent contractors, and you’re responsible for every part of the delivery process.In-Store Shoppers. This role is more rigid, as in-store shoppers are W-2 Instacart employees. In-store shoppers shop for groceries at Instacart-partnered stores and hand groceries off to full-service shoppers.
thumb_up
12 likes
T
This W-2 distinction has tax implications. However, being an in-store shopper is ideal if you don’t own a vehicle or don’t want to work as a full-service shopper. You must be 18 or older and be eligible to work in the U.S.
thumb_up
12 likes
W
or Canada for both roles. If you’re a full-service shopper, you also need access to a reliable vehicle. According to Glassdoor, in-store shoppers earn $13 per hour on average, whereas full-service shoppers earn between $10 to $21 per hour, also according to Glassdoor.
thumb_up
7 likes
H
Either option is a reliable side hustle, especially if you want to make money by shopping for others.
3 Amazon Prime Now
Pros: High hourly pay; few job requirements; flexible scheduleCons: Limited job availability; short shifts aren’t ideal for serious side hustlersVerdict: Ideal if you don’t have a vehicle Amazon’s expansion into grocery delivery and its acquisition of Whole Foods has created another way to make money with Amazon.
thumb_up
1 likes
Z
Amazon Prime members have access to Prime Now, Amazon’s free two-hour delivery program that offers everything from groceries and household items to electronics. Prime Now customers can also order groceries from Whole Foods, where Prime Now shoppers get paid to shop. Prime Now shoppers package orders from Whole Foods to hand off to Amazon delivery drivers.
thumb_up
23 likes
A
This job is similar to being an Instacart in-store shopper, except you only work in partner Whole Foods stores. As a Prime Now shopper, you select your shifts and can work up to 20 hours per week.
thumb_up
0 likes
C
You only have to work a minimum of four hours per month, and shifts are roughly four to five hours. Amazon guarantees at least $15 per hour, and you can start working as soon as seven days following your application.
thumb_up
43 likes
S
Amazon doesn’t require a resume, degree, or previous work experience. Amazon already offers many high-paying jobs that don’t require a degree, and making money as a Prime Now shopper is no exception.
Get Paid Shopping for Your Own Groceries
4 Ibotta
Pros: In-store and online rebates; rebates on more than just groceriesCons: U.S.-only; limited earning potentialVerdict: Few downsides if you regularly shop at Ibotta partners anyway Apps like Ibotta are a dime a dozen these days, but there’s a reason Ibotta has emerged as a leading rewards app.
thumb_up
12 likes
R
Ibotta is free and lets you earn cash-back rewards to save money on groceries and household products. Plus, using Ibotta is incredibly easy:
Download Ibotta for Android or iOS and create an account.Search for offers.
thumb_up
41 likes
I
Ibotta works at over 500,000 stores across the U.S. and lets you earn cash back for buying sponsored products.Purchase cash-back offers and provide proof of purchase by uploading a receipt, linking a reward card, or shopping online through Ibotta.Once you reach $20, redeem your balance through PayPal, Venmo, or free gift cards. If you’re the primary shopper for your household, Ibotta is a simple way to make money for buying products you already enjoy.
thumb_up
15 likes
A
Plus, you can stack Ibotta with coupon apps and cash-back credit card rewards to maximize your efforts. Read our Ibotta review to learn more about this leading rewards app.
thumb_up
45 likes
J
5 Fetch Rewards
Pros: Rebates on more than just groceries; low reward redemption requirementCons: U.S.-only; limited earning potential; limited online rebatesVerdict: Viable alternative if apps like Ibotta are too much work or lack offers that suit your preferences Ibotta has two main drawbacks: the $20 redemption threshold and the requirement to preselect rebates before shopping. In contrast, Fetch Rewards is a mostly passive way to get paid to shop. Fetch Rewards lets you earn cash back for buying from their brand partners rather than specific retailers.
thumb_up
40 likes
E
As long as your shopping receipt contains a partner brand or sponsored offer, Fetch Reward pays you for that purchase. There’s no need to preselect rebates before shopping. Fetch Rewards has dozens of grocery brands.
thumb_up
41 likes
E
Additionally, you can save by shopping for household essentials, magazines, alcohol, and personal care products. Ibotta typically has higher-paying rebates but requires effort. If you want a simple receipt scanning app, Fetch Rewards is a better option.
thumb_up
33 likes
C
You can redeem Fetch Reward points for a variety of gift cards once you reach $3. This low threshold and the range of partners ultimately make Fetch Rewards another leading rewards app that’s worth downloading.
Get Paid Shopping for Other People s Essentials
Shopping takes time and energy.
thumb_up
13 likes
A
And not everyone has easy access to a vehicle or public transportation. As such, there’s a growing number of ways to make money shopping for other people’s essentials. If you don’t mind running errands on behalf of strangers, these side hustles are quite lucrative.
thumb_up
44 likes
M
6 TaskRabbit
Pros: High hourly pay; few job requirements; flexible schedule; choose your gigsCons: 15% service fee; it might take time to find your first clientVerdict: Lucrative if there’s enough demand in your city TaskRabbit is a gig-based marketplace that connects people who need help with a task to “taskers,” who are independent contractors offering services through TaskRabbit. Some common TaskRabbit gigs include: Assembling furnitureMounting televisionsHelping people moveCleaning jobsPlumbing and electrical work However, TaskRabbit also has plenty of popular gigs that pay you to shop.
thumb_up
15 likes
A
As a tasker, you can complete general shopping trips, buy groceries, return products, and even wait in line for special events to make money. TaskRabbit lets you set your own rate and schedule and accept the jobs you want.
thumb_up
16 likes
S
According to TaskRabbit, taskers earn an average of $35 per hour in the U.S. TaskRabbit also operates in Canada, the U.K., and France. Taskers keep 85% of each gig.
thumb_up
46 likes
J
U.S. job requirements include being 18 or older, having a checking account and credit card, being eligible to work, and consenting to a background check.
thumb_up
22 likes
N
If you live in a major city, chances are there’s enough demand on TaskRabbit for you to boost your monthly income as a tasker.
7 Care com Shopper
Pros: High hourly pay; choose your gigs; variety of job rolesCons: Slow onboarding; it might take time to find your first clientVerdict: With enough shopper demand in your city, high hourly pay and the chance to make money by helping those in need Care.com connects families and individuals who need caregiving assistance to local caregivers. You might think Care.com is only for babysitting or senior care, but you can make money with a variety of services, including: TutoringHousekeepingDay care servicesPet careRunning errands and completing odd jobs Creating a Care.com account is free.
thumb_up
7 likes
J
Once you enter your location, availability, and phone number, you create your profile page. That includes the services you offer, your hourly rate, education, relevant skills, a profile photo, and additional information, such as caregiver or child care certification. Care.com has a fairly intensive hiring process for nannies or caregivers.
thumb_up
14 likes
D
Families usually interview applicants and run a background check. The service also runs its own CareCheck background check, and your profile doesn’t appear in search results until it’s complete. Care.com has to approve your profile before you can apply to errand-runner jobs.
thumb_up
46 likes
H
It lets you filter by hourly rate, job distance, and whether you want part-time or full-time work. According to ZipRecruiter, errand runners earn $12 per hour on average. However, it’s worth checking Care.com for local jobs since your area might have higher-paying clients.
thumb_up
12 likes
M
Overall, if you have access to a vehicle and want to help busy families and seniors with their shopping, creating a Care.com profile is an excellent way to start.
Get Paid Shopping for Your Own Essentials
If you don’t have time for a side hustle but want to recoup your hard-earned money whenever you shop, you have options.
thumb_up
44 likes
N
Shopping reward apps make it easy to earn cash-back rewards for shopping online and in-store, and savings go beyond groceries.
8 Rakuten
Pros: Thousands of partners; cash rewardsCons: You can’t redeem rewards whenever you wantVerdict: Worth signing up for if you frequently shop online When it comes to online cash-back rewards, it’s hard to compete with Rakuten. With Rakuten, it’s easy to earn cash back when shopping at more than 2,500 stores.
thumb_up
41 likes
D
Additionally, Rakuten sends cash-back rewards quarterly through check or PayPal, which lets you spend your rewards as you please. Using Rakuten is simple:
Sign Up. Create an account with Google, Facebook, or email.
thumb_up
3 likes
M
New Rakuten members earn a $10 bonus after they spend $25 shopping through Rakuten.Shop Online. Visit Rakuten before shopping online and pick your stores.
thumb_up
11 likes
T
Rakuten connects you through its website and credits you with cash back after you shop.Earn. Rakuten pays you quarterly as long as you have $5 or more in your account.
thumb_up
0 likes
N
One weakness of online reward websites is that you often forget to use them before shopping. However, once you install the Rakuten browser extension, you receive notifications whenever you shop at a Rakuten partner.
thumb_up
14 likes
L
Clicking the extension activates your cash-back reward so you never miss out on the chance to save money. Rakuten is available in Canada, the U.K., and the U.S.
thumb_up
48 likes
M
Ultimately, the number of partners and simplicity make Rakuten one of the best money-saving browser extensions. For more information, read our Rakuten review.
9 Wikibuy
Pros: Thousands of partners; price watchlist feature; gift card varietyCons: No PayPal rewards; U.S.-onlyVerdict: Best for coupon lovers and frequent online shoppers Rakuten is an easy way to earn cash back for online purchases.
thumb_up
3 likes
D
However, if you want to take your savings to the next level, try the Wikibuy browser extension. Wikibuy is a U.S.
thumb_up
23 likes
S
coupons and deals website owned by Capital One. Creating an account is free, and Wikibuy helps you save money with numerous features:
Automatic Coupons. Wikibuy automatically applies coupon codes at checkout to help you find the best deal possible.Price Watchlist.
thumb_up
16 likes
W
Add products to your watchlist to receive notifications when prices drop. It’s an effective way to save money on big-ticket items.Wikibuy Credits.
thumb_up
44 likes
R
Like Rakuten, Wikibuy rewards you for shopping at eligible stores. Instead of earning cash back, you earn Wikibuy credits redeemable for free gift cards.
thumb_up
20 likes
O
Wikibuy is an easy way to save money and get paid to shop. It’s still worth comparing Rakuten and Wikibuy offers before shopping to find the best deal, but Wikibuy is still a must-download extension for any U.S.
thumb_up
24 likes
N
shopper. Checkout our Wikibuy review to learn how to maximize your savings.
thumb_up
19 likes
O
10 Honey
Pros: Thousands of partners; international; gift card varietyCons: No PayPal rewardsVerdict: Excellent Wikibuy alternative, especially for those outside the U.S. If you want a Wikibuy alternative that also makes it easy to save money and earn rewards for shopping, the Honey browser extension is worth considering. Honey is incredibly similar to Wikibuy.
thumb_up
30 likes
J
Once you install the extension, you automatically apply coupon codes whenever you shop at a Honey partner. You can also add products to your Honey Droplist to receive alerts for price drops.
thumb_up
8 likes
L
Like Wikibuy, you also earn credits, known as Honey Gold, for buying sponsored offers. You can redeem Gold for free gift cards once you reach 1,000 credits, which is worth $10 Honey works with more than 30,000 stores, including international websites, a major distinction from Wikibuy.
thumb_up
21 likes
A
Furthermore, Honey Gold lets you redeem rewards if you live in Canada, European countries (including those in the U.K.), Australia, and the U.S. Its versatility is a significant perk, and if you live outside the U.S. or don’t find success with Wikibuy, Honey is your best option.
thumb_up
26 likes
D
11 Dosh
Pros: Entirely passive; cash rewards; save money on travelCons: U.S.-onlyVerdict: A low-effort way to earn cash back for shopping If you want to automatically make money while shopping without worrying about preselecting rebates, Dosh is the perfect app. Dosh lets you automatically earn cash back for shopping at thousands of U.S.
thumb_up
48 likes
M
retailers. Additionally, using Dosh only takes three steps:
Download and Connect Cards. Dosh automatically pays you cash back for shopping after you link your credit and debit cards to the app.Shop and Earn.
thumb_up
42 likes
E
Shop at thousands of Dosh partners and earn up to 10% cash back. Cash accumulates in your Dosh wallet.Redeem.
thumb_up
18 likes
L
Dosh lets you withdraw through PayPal, direct deposit, charitable donations, and Venmo. You must have $25 or more to withdraw, and the minimum withdrawal amount is $5. Dosh’s widespread coverage and automatic rewards mean Dosh is essentially a humble source of passive income.
thumb_up
35 likes
S
Simply install Dosh, connect cards, and earn cash back without even thinking. If you’re an avid traveler, you can also save money on hotels by booking through Dosh Travel.
thumb_up
10 likes
O
Booking through Dosh can pay up to 40% cash back, and Dosh works with over 600,000 hotels worldwide.
Get Paid for Secret Shopping
Major corporations typically want your shopping experience to be pleasant and identical at whichever store you choose. To help monitor their stores, corporations often hire secret shoppers to visit and rate the service level or product quality at different locations.
thumb_up
20 likes
D
If you want to get paid to shop, becoming a secret shopper is another option to consider.
12 Shopkick
Pros: Multiple earning options; free ways to earnCons: U.S.-only; no cash rewardsVerdict: Shopkick is worth downloading if you do most of the shopping for your household Shopkick is a versatile rewards app that lets you earn kicks, the in-app point system, in various ways. Like Ibotta, Shopkick rewards you for purchasing sponsored offers, uploading receipts, and shopping online through the Shopkick app.
thumb_up
31 likes
A
However, Shopkick also has secret shopper tasks. If you enable location tracking, Shopkick notifies you of nearby stores that have earning opportunities under the “Kicks Nearby” section. The first way to earn kicks is by entering a specific Shopkick partner store.
thumb_up
31 likes
E
Shopkick wants to encourage shoppers to interact with their partners, and this is a free way to earn kicks. Secondly, Shopkick lists products you have to find and scan with the Shopkick app.
thumb_up
16 likes
J
Once you track down a product, use the app’s scan feature to scan the barcode for extra kicks. These secret shopper jobs won’t pay for your next shopping trip. However, if you combine Shopkick’s different earning methods, it’s possible to earn a free $5 to $10 gift card after a few trips.
thumb_up
34 likes
S
Some gift card rewards include:
AmazonWalmartNikeeBayTarget If you want to turn your next shopping trip into a money-making scavenger hunt, give Shopkick a try.
13 Field Agent
Pros: Multiple earning options; cash rewards; internationalCons: Job availability is volatileVerdict: Perfect if you only want to work as a secret shopper If you want a more serious secret shopper job, becoming a “field agent is your best option.
thumb_up
12 likes
A
The Field Agent app displays local secret shopping jobs, and you reserve jobs you want to complete if you see a task you’re interested in. As a field agent, you earn cash for completing different types of jobs, including:
Mystery Shopping. Visit specific stores and answer questions in the Field Agent app.
thumb_up
48 likes
D
Retailers are often curious about the quality of your shopping experience and if their stores are well kept, but questions vary.Surveys. Complete online surveys from home.Audit.
thumb_up
19 likes
M
During an audit, you take photos and answer questions about store displays and products.Buy and Try. Purchase sponsored products and share your opinion.
thumb_up
43 likes
S
Once you complete a job, the Field Agent team reviews your submission to ensure you meet job requirements and upload the necessary reviews or photos. After approval, your Field Agent account receives cash. You can redeem your earnings through direct deposit, and there isn’t a minimum redemption requirement.
thumb_up
23 likes
A
Most tasks pay a few dollars, but there are occasional higher-paying jobs that require more in-depth reviews and multiple photos. Field Agent jobs display their pay before you claim them, so it’s easy to pick local jobs that are worth your time. Field Agent is available in Canada, the U.K., Australia, Mexico, Romania, South Africa, and the U.S.
thumb_up
15 likes
Z
As long as you claim jobs before other shoppers, this is an effective way to make money while shopping.
Final Word
It’s unlikely you can shop your way to riches.
thumb_up
44 likes
I
However, numerous side hustles involve shopping or reward apps that pay you for your loyalty without sifting through coupon apps. If you want to increase your income and don’t mind shopping, doing it for other people is your best option. Alternatively, cash-back reward apps and mystery shopping jobs are an easy way to earn free gift cards and cash.
thumb_up
21 likes
A
Just have realistic expectations regarding earning potential and keep things simple. Reward apps and secret shopping jobs are an easy way to make money, but going out of your way and dramatically altering your shopping habits probably isn’t worth the hassle.
thumb_up
20 likes
H
Shopping Extra Income Lifestyle TwitterFacebookPinterestLinkedInEmail
Tom Blake
Tom is a freelance writer originally from Toronto, Canada. Tom's passion for finance and discovering methods to make money originally sparked in college when he was trying to make ends meet on a tight budget.
thumb_up
20 likes
N
Outside of freelance writing, Tom also manages the blog This Online World - a personal finance website dedicated to helping young adults make and save more money.
FEATURED PROMOTION
Discover MoreRelated Articles
Shopping Extra Income Lifestyle See all Extra Income 8 Best Mystery Shopping Companies to Become a Paid Secret Shopper Extra Income 33 Legit Apps That Pay You Real Money Shopping 15 Target Shopping Tips & Tricks to Save Money (Online & In-Store) Shopping 8 Best Cash-Back Apps Like Ibotta That Earn You Rewards & Rebates Shopping Flipp App Review - Find Weekly Grocery Deals and Online Coupons Related topicsWe answer your toughest questions
See more questions Extra IncomeWhat are the best ways to earn PayPal money
See the full answer » Extra IncomeWhat are the best apps that actually pay you money
See the full answer »
thumb_up
15 likes
Similar Discussions
-
Kerry Von Erich s daughter on how an accident affected the WWE Legend s mental health Exclusive
-
5 absent WWE Superstars whose returns could be imminent
-
All About an Internship for Data Science The News Pocket
-
Seahawks Noah Fant Back to full practice CBSSports com
-
Soccer Super Star APK Download for Android
-
Bponi Lite APK Download for Android
-
Ttr iler de M3GAN la mu eca que promete ser la nueva Chucky Video
-
Elena Ochoa Foster En la vida hay que ir a por todas
-
F1 Vegas to close strip for F1 demo runs in Nov AutoRacing1 com
-
BitLife How to Complete the Wheelin amp Dealin Challenge
-
Latest Tech News Lifewire
-
The 6 Best House Cleaning Apps of 2022
-
How to Access Your AIM Mail Account via POP or IMAP
-
Solve Error Messages With Your Sony DSLR Camera
-
Brabus 900 Superblack Is A 900 HP AMG G63 With Attitude CarBuzz
-
Crankcase Vent Pipe
-
Ford Ranger Power Steering Hose Replacement
-
NBA Trade Rumors LA Lakers sources insist they have multiple trade options for Russell Westbrook other than the rumored Indiana and Brooklyn deals
-
Is Assassin s Creed Valhalla worth revisiting before the release of Mirage
-
Vanguard Zombies Shi No Numa easter egg guide The Loadout
-
There s a League of Legends novel on the way
-
If Ubisoft wants to cling on to Clancy it s time to talk politics
-
iOS 16 beta 6 is out mdash here s what s new for your iPhone Tom s Guide
-
Afterparty review a candid reflection on the fear of growing up
-
What Was Fox News Anchor Uma Pemmaraju s Cause of Death
-
Who Are James from Vanderpump Rules s Parents? Plus His Famous Family Tree
-
Aşçı bahçıvana bahçıvan şoföre şoför uşağa sonra hepsi uşağa
-
Biltest yayınları 6 sınıf matematik soru bankası cevap anahtarı
-
6 sınıf ingilizce ders kitabı 25 sayfa cevapları
-
Teknoloji tasarım 7 sınıf ürün geliştirme