What Is Shipt & How Does It Work? A Guide 

In today’s digital world, convenience defines the choices we make — particularly when it comes to how we shop for groceries and household items. With the rapid rise of delivery services, consumers have more options than ever before. One such popular service is Shipt, an app-based platform designed to make shopping easier, more efficient, and more accessible — right from your smartphone or computer.

TL;DR: Shipt is an on-demand grocery delivery service that allows customers to shop for groceries and household essentials online and have them delivered to their doorsteps—often within hours. It connects customers with local “shoppers” who pick and deliver the items. With a membership or pay-as-you-go option, it is designed for convenience, offering delivery from major retailers like Target, CVS, and more. Shipt is available in hundreds of cities across the U.S.

What Is Shipt?

Shipt is a membership-based delivery service that enables customers to place online orders for groceries, household items, and even electronics from a variety of retailers, all delivered directly to their homes. Founded in 2014 in Birmingham, Alabama, Shipt was created to help busy individuals and families reclaim their time. In 2017, the company was acquired by Target Corporation, further expanding its product reach and delivery capabilities.

Today, Shipt operates in more than 5,000 U.S. cities and partners with well-known stores such as Target, CVS, Petco, Costco, and Office Depot. Shipt positions itself not just as a delivery service, but as a trusted personal shopping experience facilitated by real people.

How Does Shipt Work?

Shipt’s model is straightforward but powerful. It merges technology with human interaction by relying on local, vetted shoppers to personally select and deliver your items. Here’s a step-by-step look at how it works:

1. Sign Up and Choose a Plan

Before placing an order, users must create an account using the Shipt website or mobile app. Shipt offers both membership-based and one-time delivery options:

• Annual Membership: $99/year, includes unlimited free deliveries on orders over $35.
• Monthly Membership: $10.99/month, also includes unlimited free deliveries on orders over $35.
• Pay-per-Order: No membership required. A delivery fee is added to each order, typically around $10.

2. Select a Retailer and Start Shopping

After signing up, users can browse a list of partnered stores available in their area. Depending on location, options may include:

• Target
• CVS Pharmacy
• Kroger
• Meijer
• Petco
• H-E-B, and more

Once a retailer is selected, users can start adding items to their virtual cart. Products are categorized, searchable, and often include images and descriptions for easy selection.

3. Choose Delivery Time and Special Instructions

After finishing the order, customers can choose a delivery window — sometimes as fast as within the next hour. Shipt allows users to add specific instructions for their shopper, such as preferred brands, ripeness of produce, or substitutions for out-of-stock items.

4. Personal Shopper Picks and Delivers Orders

A vetted, background-checked Shipt shopper is assigned to pick up the items. Customers can chat in real-time with their shopper via the app to confirm changes, substitutions, or ask questions. Once the order is complete, it is delivered right to the customer’s doorstep, or handed off directly if preferred.

5. Rate and Tip

After delivery, users are encouraged to rate their experience and optionally tip their shopper. Tips go directly to the shopper and can be added inside the app or given in cash.

Key Features of Shipt

Here are some standout features that differentiate Shipt from other delivery services:

• Same-day delivery: Many items can be delivered in as little as one hour.
• Personal communication: Shipt shoppers communicate with you to ensure accuracy and satisfaction.
• Flexible membership: Choose between annual, monthly, or per-order options.
• Custom ordering: Add substitute preferences and personalized notes for each item.
• Wide retailer access: Depending on your location, you’ll have access to multiple store options through one single app.

Where Is Shipt Available?

Shipt currently operates in over 5,000 cities across the U.S. Its service is primarily focused on suburban and urban areas but is continually expanding. During checkout, your zip code will automatically determine availability and nearby preferred retailers. This makes Shipt a practical option for millions of households seeking time-saving delivery options.

What Can You Buy on Shipt?

The Shipt platform supports a broad variety of product categories depending on the retail partners in your area. Common categories include:

• Groceries (produce, meat, snacks, beverages)
• Household essentials (toilet paper, cleaning products)
• Pet supplies (food, toys, grooming items)
• Pharmacy items (over-the-counter medications)
• Electronics and stationery

Who Are Shipt Shoppers?

Shipt shoppers are independent contractors who are responsible for picking, purchasing, and delivering the orders. They are carefully screened through background checks and must complete initial orientation training. Many shoppers come from customer-oriented backgrounds and are trained to communicate effectively, follow shopper notes attentively, and handle grocery items with care. Shipt allows these workers to make flexible incomes while offering a more personal touch for customers.

Shipt vs. Competitors

There are numerous grocery delivery services on the market today, but Shipt is often compared with:

• Instacart: Offers a similar store selection and delivery model but more focused on on-demand orders with a tipping model heavily emphasized.
• Walmart+: Ideal for customers loyal to Walmart, but doesn’t provide the same level of shopper communication.
• Amazon Fresh: Offers vast product access, but city availability is more limited compared to Shipt.

What makes Shipt stand out is the personal communication between shoppers and customers, the reliability of same-day delivery, and the close integration with Target stores.

Pros and Cons of Shipt

Here’s an honest breakdown of what works—and what doesn’t—when using Shipt:

Pros:

• Fast and reliable same-day delivery
• Option to communicate with real shoppers
• Access to multiple retailers in one platform
• User-friendly mobile app and website

Cons:

• Membership or service fees may be a deterrent for some
• Product pricing may vary slightly from in-store prices
• Service availability depends on location

Is Shipt Worth It?

If convenience, time savings, and personalized service are important to you, then Shipt is likely worth the investment. For busy professionals, parents, or those with limited mobility, this service can be a game-changer. Though the membership fee may seem high initially, frequent users can easily get value through consistent use and reduced stress over weekly shopping errands.

Conclusion

Shipt represents the next evolution in shopping by combining digital convenience with human care. It’s more than just ordering groceries—it’s about reclaiming time, reducing hassle, and getting exactly what you need without stepping foot inside a store. Whether you’re planning a big family dinner or just need toilet paper and coffee, Shipt helps ensure your essentials are always within reach.