Instacart giving ‘thank you’ bonuses of up to $500 to its shoppers

Instacart on Thursday announced that it would be distributing bonuses of up to $500 in recognition of its shoppers’ dedication to supporting families and communities during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

“While 2020 has been a year marked by challenges and uncertainty, Instacart shoppers have stepped up during this uncertain time and lent a helping hand to millions of homes and countless communities across North America,” read a blog post from Instacart. “The last year has been the busiest in Instacart’s history, with unprecedented customer demand for grocery delivery and pickup. We’re incredibly proud to serve as an essential service and grateful for the role shoppers played in 2020, making it possible for millions of customers to have their groceries and household goods delivered same-day.”

The bonuses will range from $50 to $500 for active shoppers who have shopped and delivered with Instacart throughout 2020. For full-service shoppers, the bonus amount will be based on the number of batches shopped over the past year. For in-store shoppers, it will be based on the amount of hours worked over the past month.

“This year, hundreds of thousands of people chose to shop with Instacart, helping connect customers to the retailers they love and the groceries and goods they need,” said Instacart. “As Instacart continues to serve as a lifeline for millions of people across the U.S. and Canada, we want to recognize our in-store teams as well as full-service shoppers for your commitment during this time of need.”

Related:Instacart launches in-app safety hub for personal shoppers

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Instacart has introduced more than 20 new product features, health guidelines, extended pay for those affected by COVID-19, safety supplies including safety kits, access to free telemedicine, daily in-app wellness checks, and more. 

Currently, San Francisco-based Instacart offers its online marketplace, delivery and pickup services in more than 5,500 cities across North America, reaching over 85% of U.S. households and more than 70% of Canadian households. Since March, the company has launched or expanded with roughly 150 retailers and introduced delivery at more than 8,000 stores and pickup at over 1,500 stores. And in response to surging demand during the COVID-19 pandemic, the company has enlarged its base of personal shoppers by more than 500,000 to a total of over 750,000.

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