How you decide to operate your business is up to you, but seasoned shoppers have found that these practices often lead to more offers and higher ratings:
- Schedule yourself during peak hours and days
Placing yourself on the schedule during busier times will give you the greatest chance of receiving order offers. Typically for shoppers, the busiest hours (referred to as "peak hours") are from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time each day, and the busiest days are Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays.
Note: Peak hours and days may vary by metro, so be sure to look for trends in your area! - Make sure your phone is fully charged before going on a shop.
Don’t get stuck with a dead phone! If possible, bring a portable phone charger with you on your shops. - Review the order before arriving at the store.
Reviewing the order in advance will allow you to familiarize yourself with items on the order, member notes, and any special requests, ensuring that you can manage your time most efficiently! If you aren't familiar with a retailer or store location, consider giving yourself a little extra time to shop the order. - Send the Introductory Message.
When you arrive at the store, it's important to send the member an introductory message to let them know you've started working on their order. Consider using the pre-formatted option in the app, or customize it with your own personal flair! - Shop for non-perishables first.
Freshness is key! To avoid the potential for melted items that are supposed to be frozen or warm items that are meant to be cold, grab perishable items last so that they are fresh upon delivery. - If you can’t find an item, ask a store employee.
Store employees are an invaluable resource for you. If you can’t find an item, politely ask a store employee to help you find it or see if they could check in the back for more stock. Always do this before marking an item as not found or substituting! - When in doubt, communicate.
If you have any questions about any items on the order, don’t hesitate to reach out to the member. Bonus points for including pictures in your communication regarding substitutions! -
Use a friendly tone when communicating with the member.
Ensure the member has a positive experience by communicating with a professional, yet friendly, tone!
- Deliver on time.
Remember, the delivery window is when the order is due for delivery, not when you should begin shopping! By reviewing an order before heading to the store, you can get an idea of what to expect while shopping and plan your time accordingly.