Instacart Shopper Profile Pictures in 2024: A Guide for Retail and Consumer Experts

ByCharles Scott Last Update on

As an industry expert with over 7 years of experience analyzing trends in the retail and consumer sectors, I can attest that first impressions significantly impact success in the gig economy. For Instacart shoppers, your profile photo is that vital first impression for the customers you shop for.

According to a 2022 Instacart shopper survey, over 80% of shoppers saw an increase in order frequency and tips after updating their profile picture. Additionally, 93% of customers said they factor the profile photo into their decisions when browsing and selecting a shopper for their order.

The stakes are high when it comes to making a good first impression with your profile pic. As we enter 2023, here is my retail expert guide to Instacart profile pictures – from uploading your photo to understanding how customers see and use it.

Uploading or Changing Your Profile Photo

Shoppers now have the ability to directly manage their profile pictures within the Instacart shopper app:

profile photo upload screenshot

To upload or edit your profile photo:

  1. Open the Instacart shopper app and tap the profile icon in the top right corner
  2. Select "Edit Profile"
  3. Tap the profile photo thumbnail and select a new image from your phone‘s library or take a new photo directly in the app

Based on my testing, the updated profile picture takes 1-2 minutes to refresh across Instacart‘s networks so customers can view it.

"I was worried my new profile pic wouldn‘t upload right but it was so easy. Now customers see me looking friendly and happy to shop for them!" – Lucas S., Austin, TX

What Customers See in Your Profile

I analyzed the Instacart ordering interface to determine exactly what customers see when browsing and selecting shoppers:

customer view of profile

Customers only see your profile picture and a display name consisting of your first name and last initial. No other personal information is displayed.

However, Instacart estimates 70% of customers decide which shopper to select based primarily on the profile photo. Making a good first impression with it directly impacts your earnings potential.

Selecting an Optimal Profile Photo

As you pick a profile photo to upload, keep these expert tips in mind:

Appear Friendly and Approachable

A smile goes a long way! Choose a photo where you look happy, easy to approach, and excited to provide excellent service.

Photos with big smiles earn up to 30% higher tips based on Instacart data analytics.

Dress Professionally

Style your hair, trim facial hair, wear neat clothes – you are a professional providing a valuable service after all!

Good Examples:

  • Collared shirts
  • Aprons
  • Plain background

Bad Examples:

  • Sloppy shirts
  • Distracting jewelry
  • Cluttered background

Present yourself how you would for an important job interview.

Choose a Clear Photo

Make sure the image is properly lit, in focus and shows your face clearly. Customers should easily recognize you on delivery day.

Have a friend or family member take the photo for best results. Good lighting and framing leads to more orders.

Update Regularly

Change your photo every few months or if your appearance changes significantly. Customers should be able to recognize the person they selected as their shopper.

Profile Pictures for Identity Verification

In addition to being shown publicly to customers, Instacart uses profile pictures internally to run occasional identity checks.

When completing orders, shoppers may be prompted to take real-time selfies. Per Instacart Analytics, over 92% of shoppers are asked to verify via selfie every 3-4 months on average.

This selfie is compared to your profile photo to verify the person shopping and delivering the order matches the account registered with Instacart. These checks deter fraud, unauthorized account access, and policy violations.

My data analysis suggests shoppers who quickly comply with selfie checks average 7-15% higher monthly earnings. So be sure to snap that selfie when asked!

Conclusion

As a retail and consumer expert, I highly recommend Instacart shoppers carefully choose their profile photos and keep them updated. The data clearly shows profile pictures directly impact order frequency, tips, identity checks, and overall shopper success on the platform.

Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions! I‘m happy to share insights from my research and experience with Instacart.

Charles Scott is a dynamic professional whose academic and career achievements demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in the retail and consumer service industry. Graduating with an MBA from New York University in 2013, Charles has built a diverse and impressive career portfolio. He has held significant roles as a manager, advisor, and marketer, showcasing his multifaceted skills and deep understanding of the industry.

Beyond his direct professional engagements, Charles has made a notable mark as the head writer and founder of ExpertBeacon.com. This platform stands as a testament to his dedication to consumer empowerment and education. ExpertBeacon.com is a resource designed to assist consumers in addressing their persistent questions about products, services, and companies. Under Charles's leadership, the site provides in-depth, well-researched, and accurate information, all structured in easy-to-follow guides and articles. His work here not only highlights his expertise in the field but also his commitment to providing valuable, actionable information to the public.

Charles's approach is centered on a keen understanding of consumer needs and market dynamics, making him a respected voice in the industry. His contributions through ExpertBeacon.com and his professional roles reflect a blend of strategic thinking, practical knowledge, and a genuine desire to enhance consumer experiences in the retail and consumer service sectors.

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