Instacart Demo Orders – What Are Instacart Demo Orders & How Do You Complete Them?
If you just started working as an Instacart Shopper or are thinking about signing up for the platform, congrats!
Instacart is one of the highest-paying delivery side hustles there is, and if you're in a good market, it's possibly to earn $15 to $25+ per hour as a shopper.
But, when you're a new Instacart Shopper, it can also take time to familiarize yourself with the app and learn how to get started.
Plus, one common question new shoppers have relates to Instacart demo orders, how to complete them, and what they even are in the first place.
So, this Instacart demo order guide will cover everything you need to know about this feature and how you can start making extra cash!
Let's get to it.
Want to try other high-paying side hustle ideas? Checkout:
- DoorDash – Make money delivering food in your city as a DoorDash courier!
- Branded Surveys – Share your opinion to earn PayPal cash and free gift cards!
What Are Demo Orders On Instacart?
Instacart demo orders are a feature in the Instacart Shopper app that are practice Instacart orders you can complete without actually shopping. The purpose is to help new Shoppers learn how to use the app. You can find demo orders in the Instacart Shopper app by tapping on the “Menu” icon and then tapping on “Demo Orders.”
When you visit this section, you should see numerous types of orders for different stores, like a Kroger or Walmart in your area.
If you tap on an Instacart demo order, it also displays additional information, like the fake Instacart customer, distance to the store, and how many items are in the order.
Note: This is just a practice tool for new Instacart Shoppers, not a real order!
But, it's still helpful to complete Instacart demo orders so you can learn how the app works and how to deal with different types of orders.
Are Instacart Demo Orders Real?
Demo orders on Instacart aren't real orders. You don't have to go to the store and actually shop for your customer since it's a test order designed to teach you how to use the Shopper app.
These orders are still a good idea to complete so you can learn how everything works. But don't get stressed and rush to the store since these aren't real orders.
How Do You Complete Instacart Demo Orders?
When you tap on a demo order, you can also tap a green “Accept” button to start the order. Again, this is a fake order and you don't have to actually go to the store to complete an Instacart demo order.
But, different orders will have different types of items on them. Some common examples include:
- Various cuts of meat
- Produce and fruit, which you have to enter a rough weight for (Instacart has weight suggestions so just type this in)
- Packaged or canned goods, which note their specific size/ounces
Products also display their location in a grocery store, price, and have other buttons you would see on a real Instacart order, like a “can't find item” button and “message customer” button you would use if you have to make a substitution or update the customer.
You can also use the “Found Item” button to mark products as being found which is what you do on a real Instacart shopping trip.
If you want a great video on how to complete Instacart demo orders, I suggest watching the last few minutes of this video from YouTuber Your Driver Mike:
In this video, Mike covers how to use the Instacart shopper app but also shows you how to do demo orders on Instacart.
Again, the entire idea here is to familiarize yourself with how the app works and how you handle different items, like produce and fruit.
Extra Reading – How Much Can You Make Per Week Doing Instacart?
Do You Get Paid For Demo Orders On Instacart?
You don't get paid for doing Instacart demo orders since these aren't real orders and you're not actually buying products or making deliveries. But they're still a good idea to complete if you're a new shopper since it helps you learn how to use the app for when you're actually getting paid to shop.
Demo orders still show how much you would earn, but this is just an example and the point of demo orders is to teach you how to use the app.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you're still wondering how to use Instacart demo orders to learn more about the platform or the rules about demo orders, this FAQ section should clear things up!
1. Do You Have To Do The Demo Orders On Instacart?
You don't have to complete Instacart demo orders to start real shopping unless the app forces you to. Most of the time, demo orders are just a tutorial that's optional and are supposed to help you learn how to use the app.
I've heard from some shoppers that they had to complete some demo orders, but again, this is only mandatory if the app makes you.
2. Are Demo Orders On Instacart Real? Do I Go To The Store?
You don't have to go to the store to complete an Instacart demo order. In fact, you can do it right from the comfort of your own home. If you have to enter product weights or mark items or found, just pretend you did the order and enter all of the info.
Now, you can go to the store if you want to just to see and practice tracking down all of the products in an order, but don't feel like this is necessary.
Honestly, if you've been grocery shopping a while, you should have a general idea of where products are in stores.
Extra Reading – Is Instacart Worth It?
What Else Should You Do To Get Started With Instacart?
In my opinion, it's a good idea to compelte a few demo orders on Instacart so you get used to using the app.
I also suggest reading our post on Instacart shopper tips and tricks so you can learn how to maximize your earnings while you're shopping.
Like other gig apps, the more practice you get with Instacart, the more efficient you become and the more money you make per hour.
You can also consider getting approved for more types of Instacart orders, like prescription deliveries or alcohol delivery.
The app has a section of quizzes and courses you can complete to get approved for these order types, so if you want to make the most money possible out of the gate, I also suggest completeing these certifications before you do a lot of shopping.
And, of course, you can always consider signing up for other jobs like Instacart if you want to mix up your delivery apps.
Driving for DoorDash or trying other driving apps that pay like Uber Eats are two examples of other delivery gigs you can make money with, and both are a tad easier than Instacart since you're just delivering food.
And, if you still want more ideas, you can check out one of my YouTube videos on different side hustle ideas:
This video covers 8 different ways to boost your monthly income, so hopefully, Instacart shopping and anothe side gig are all you need to reach your income goals.
Extra Reading – The Best Ways To Make $150 Fast.
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide helps clarify what Instacart demo orders are and how you can complete them.
I think it's good that Instacart provides shoppers with a bit of training on how to use the app. However, the only real way to learn is to get out there and shop!
It's normal to be slow or to make mistakes when starting a new gig job, so don't fret: it gets easier over time!
So, complete some demo orders on Instacart, watch a tutorial or two on YouTube, and then get out there!
Happy delivering, and best of luck!
Looking for other side hustle ideas to make extra cash? Checkout:
