Whether you want to supplement your current income or replace your entire employment, you can now take advantage of apps like Instawork from the comfort of your home or office. With the right skill, you can get yourself hooked up with any job of your choice.
Instawork is a gig app that connects business owners and organizations with workers or freelancers, whether as bartenders, waiters, shelf-stockers, etc. The worker then gets paid by Instawork.
The platform pays its workers weekly, even though those who complete tasks and get instant positive reviews become eligible or rather quality for instant remuneration.
However, a limitation to Instawork is that their job availability is limited to warehouse, general labor, hospitality, and culinary positions. So, if Instawork is not getting you the gigs you’re looking for, or you are simply trying to find another alternative, then look no further.
There are myriad of alternatives to Instawork. Shiftgig, Upshift, TaskRabbit have gone extremely popular of late. Though the best Instawork alternative is Wonolo. It’s the easiest platform to get started with. Not only can you search jobs in various categories, you don’t have to bother about clearing the interviews either.
Let’s find out what each of these alternatives has to offer.
Best Instawork Alternatives
1. Qwick
As culinary services are always in short supply of turnover workers, platforms like Qwick are rising to deal with this problem.
Like Instawork, Qwick also has a streamlined job category. Qwick connects hotels, restaurants, event planners, and vendors with chefs, dishwashers, waiters, bartenders, and concession attendants for flexible shifts.
When more workers are needed by these companies, they can easily be ordered using the app and Qwick will always be ready to provide them with the needed professionals.
Features
- A professional is expected to meet the company’s standards for the specific role.
- They are currently present in the following cities: Phoenix, Arizona; San Diego, California; Dallas, Texas; New York City, New York; Houston, Texas; Atlanta, Georgia; Miami, Florida; and Chicago, Illinois.
- The app works in real-time, so you can keep track of changes.
- You have the option to cancel shifts.
Requirements include: having a smartphone, food and beverage industry experience, skills licensing (like food handlers certificates for chefs), and lastly, attending an in-person orientation.
Unlike Instawork, Qwick pays quickly, often within an hour after completing your shift. Though you’ll have to activate the instant pay feature.
It is possible to earn up to $30 per hour on Qwick, depending on the work, experience, and rate of pay of the hiring company. However, average pay starts from approximately $19.66 per hour.
Overall, Qwick is a great alternative to Instawork in the food and beverage industry for people looking to supplement their income.
2. Wonolo
When it comes to entry-level jobs, Wonolo stands out as a great option because of its many perks.
First, unlike Instawork, Wonolo offers opportunities for a wider range of jobs, whether in retail, warehouses, event staffing, administration, etc.
You also don’t have to be skilled. The company has a quote that says: “No Resume, No Interviews. The world of work is made simple.” This shows how flexible they are.
Features
- Unlike Instawork, you get paid a bit quicker. Typically, payment takes between 1-5 working days.
- The platform promises an hourly “Living wage”. In contrast to minimum wage, a living wage takes into cognizance the nuances of the local economy. Meaning, that the payment for the same job may differ between locations. For example, in New York City, the minimum wage is $15. MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, on the other hand, pegs the “living wage” at $21.
- A shift cancellation of less than a 12 hours notice will result in a lower worker rating. If it happens more than once, you may be banned.
- Your employment prospects will improve if you maintain a high rating and take on more work.
- No interviews are needed.
Requirements include you must be at least 18, pass a background check (e.g. having a criminal record check), have access to a smartphone, be a US citizen or resident, and have a legal work permit in the United States.
Pay is approximately $15 an hour.
Find out more platforms like Wonolo in this post.
3. Shiftgig
Similar to Instawork, Shiftgig allows gig workers to claim one-time or recurring jobs via a mobile application.
Shiftgig’s workers are referred to as ‘Specialists’ and are pre-screened before they can request shifts. But once certified, you can enjoy very flexible job opportunities.
You can earn anywhere from minimum wage up to $25-$50 an hour or more for your work. After each shift is completed, your client will confirm the number of hours you reported for your shift and you will be paid accordingly.
In addition, Shiftgig has a partnership with DailyPay (a financial services company), that allows you to get paid the day after you finish your work, once your hours are confirmed.
Housekeeping, cooking, dishwashing, bartending, manufacturing and production, sales representatives, warehousing, brand ambassadors, etc., are just a few of the opportunities available on Shiftgig.
Features
- Make it possible for you to set your working hours.
- There are only 15 cities where you can get it.
- When your shift begins, Shiftgig will send you a push notification to remind you.
Requirements include: a smartphone with the app, a minimum of 18 years of age, experience in the industry you’re applying for, must have a verified permit to work in the US, and be a resident in or near the cities the platform is active in.
Explore the best apps like Shiftgig here.
4. Upshift
Businesses can pick Upshift’s pre-screened W2, available on-demand employees when they need help. For extra quality and trustworthiness, the platform has very stringent vetting and accountability procedures.
They offer hourly positions in a wide variety of industries at any given time, including hospitality, light industrial, and administrative fields.
With this great alternative to Instawork, you’ll be able to get highly flexible gigs you want on your terms, without having to give up your current employment.
Features
- Available across a wide variety of companies, locations, and roles (such as chef, bartenders, dishwashers, packers, customer service, data entry, etc.)
- Part-time and full-time opportunities are available.
- Online assessment is required as a prerequisite.
- All the info about the role you’re applying for is provided on the app. Such as pay, location, etc.
Requirements include a minimum age of 18 years, passing a background check, proof of residence, and proof of permission to work in the US.
Upshift salary ranges from approximately $10 to $25 per hour, depending on the role you’re applying for. And like Instawork, Upshift pays weekly, specifically every Friday.
You can however qualify for instant-pay if you use Earnin (a payment platform integrated with Upshift).
When you use Upshift, you can choose when and where you work, giving you more control over your schedule.
5. TaskRabbit
TaskRabbit is a great alternative to Instawork because it caters to both high and low-skilled workers.
TaskRabbit offers a wide range of work opportunities, such as delivery, TV mounting, lawn care, and even painting. This gives it an edge over Instawork in versatility.
Workers, called “Taskers”, are linked up with customers willing to pay for their services through the website. Taskers can set their own rates and schedule, making it easy for them to fit their gig around other commitments, such as a full-time job.
Direct deposit is used to make payments to freelancers as quickly as possible. You can pick up or put down TaskRabbit whenever it’s convenient for you.
The platform works in most major American cities. You can find a comprehensive list of the locations they serve here.
Features
- TaskRabbit, as opposed to Instawork, lets workers set their own rates.
- Site fees are paid by employers not workers. But unlike Instawork, they charge a registration fee of $25.
- Highly flexible
The payment rate depends on services. However, workers can earn up to $45 per hour.
Requirements include: a minimum of 18 years of age, passing an identity check, bank account, smartphone, and valid social security number.
6. Bluecrew
Bluecrew is another well-liked app that functions similarly to Instawork. While Instawork only connects workers with employers, Bluecrew employs workers and gives them the freedom to select their shifts and clients.
This means employees with Bluecrew can choose their shifts and clients on Bluecrew by themselves
Bluecrew provides on-demand staffing for delivery departments, sales inventory management, order processing, warehouse, and customer service workers to companies in need of staffing in those niches.
Features
- A user-friendly app is available for Android and IOS users.
- Gigs cuts across markets and industries, making the platform a great place to find a good pay job.
- Payment is dependent on the type of work and the preferred time slot of the employee. However, their pay averages from $10 to $25 per hour.
- A total of 7.65% of the employee’s annual salary is set aside for retirement.
Requirements include: having access to or computer, must be a minimum of 18 years of age, have relevant experience, qualifications, and documentation.
Interviews and criminal background checks are required before applying for jobs.
In the event that you are looking for an hourly and flexible job, Bluecrew is the place for you.
7. Adia
Adia is an excellent alternative to Instawork, simplifying the process of getting gigs. Employers can easily find and connect with qualified job seekers using Adia, and both parties benefit from the resulting working relationships.
All it will take is that you download the app, fill out a profile with information about your interests, abilities, and current availability, and with a single tap, you can book any job you see. Activating your account allows you to apply for any full-time or part-time jobs available.
Features
- Many different industries are available on Adia, unlike Instawork, which has limited industries. For example, you can find jobs in such places as warehouses, hospitality, general labor, attendants for special events, etc.
- They function in the cities of Dallas, Washington, Chicago, and New York.
- The app allows users to take a skills assessment
- You can get push notifications for new jobs.
- You are employed as a W-2 employee after working a few shifts.
Average hourly pay ranges from approximately $9.00 to $50. And like Instawork, the platform has a pay cycle that runs Monday to Sunday, hence payment comes on Friday after you complete your shift.
Requirements include; being a minimum of 18 years of age, compulsory background check pass, proof of permit/permit to work in the U.S, and selecting a friend as ‘Authorized Rep’.
The app is available for Android and IOS users.
8. Indeed Flex
In search of a platform that can offer you a well-paying, time-efficient, and flexible gig as you find on Instawork? Indeed Flex is where you should look.
The platform is UK-based and offers Industrial, retail, and facilities management temp jobs, etc.
Like Instawork, the platform pays weekly and has limited work opportunities. The jobs available include shelf-stacker, loader, warehousing jobs, picker/packer, retail, cleaners, and general labor.
Features
- Gives complete flexibility
- Allows users to design a work schedule
- Set your pay rate
You can earn a higher hourly rate – between $12 and $30 – depending on your location and job.
Also Read: Best Jobber Alternatives
9. Veryable
By utilizing the services of Veryable, customers or employers can hire warehousing, manufacturing, and logistics workers on-demand.
The platform’s flexible labor solutions allow companies to quickly and easily access highly skilled workers. For workers or employees, finding a gig is simple.
Access your Veryable app, search for jobs that fit your schedule and skillset, bid on them, complete them, and get paid as soon as you finish your shift. Usually, it takes 24 hours (faster than Instawork).
In addition, unlike Instawork, this platform allows you to choose from a wide range of positions across different industries.
Features
- Flexible work schedule
- Daily pay
Requirements include a compulsory background check and tax form. You should also have your tools and smartphone.
The platform is high-paying. Workers can find jobs paying up to $40/hour or more.
10. WorkWhile
WorkWhile is a hot new app.
Employees and employers can connect on WorkWhile by posting about shift openings and employees indicating the hours they’re available to work.
Employees can work when it’s convenient for them, while employers can adjust workforce size/demand at any time.
WorkWhile conducts one-on-one interviews with each candidate and conducts a series of background checks and cognitive assessments to identify those with the right qualifications.
Though employers are charged in WorkWhile it is completely free for employees.
WorkWhile offers two methods of payment: immediate debit card withdrawals and weekly direct deposits.
Hourly workers can use WorkWhile to find shifts that match their qualifications, availability, and location.
Features
- It uses cognitive science, behavioral analysis, and peer feedback to identify high-performing hourly workers and provide them with additional benefits that are not available in hourly wage jobs.
- Workers who are trustworthy and well-trained
- It’s simple to set up and the pricing is transparent.
- Payment is weekly or instant.
Requirements include having a compatible smart device, a minimum of 18 years of age, being a US resident, have relevant experience, qualifications, and documents for identification and verification, and must scale through interviews and background checks.
Also Read: How To Write An Email For A Job?
11. JobStack
The JobStack app helps employees find short-term, part-time gigs according to their respective areas of skill, expertise, and schedule. JobStack allows you to plan your work hours around your availability.
One of the most intriguing aspects of JobStack is how it determines which jobs are a good fit for you. The more jobs you accept, the better it understands which ones you prefer.
General laborers, clerical, housekeepers, chefs, bartenders, waste/recycling agents, forklift operators, manufacturing, etc., are examples of jobs you can find on this app. It is better than Instawork in this regard.
When you find a job or gig that meets your requirements, you will be given instructions on how to get there and what to do once you arrive.
The platform is highly patronized with jobs being updated frequently.
Features
- Payment is highly flexible. Some jobs pay weekly, while some can pay within 24 hours after a shift.
- The app learns about you as you use it and recommends similar jobs based on your ratings.
- Direct deposits and pay cards are available.
- Full job and time control
Requirements include using a survey to gauge customers’ abilities, completing paperwork at your local PeopleReady branch office, branch verification for certain job titles, skills, certificates, and licenses, and lastly, a smartphone.
12. GigSmart
GigSmart is a similar app to Instawork in terms of functionality. As a marketplace, it connects workers with clients in need of their services. Since its launch in 2018, the platform has offered jobs to many temporary workers across a wide range of industries.
Though new to the industry, it rose to prominence when companies started using GigSmart to convert temporary workers into full-time employees.
The salary ranges from job to job, so it’s difficult to generalize. GigSmart clients set their prices, and the worker decides if he or she is willing to accept the job or not based on those prices.
GigSmart, in contrast to Instawork, offers a wider job market opportunity. You can have opportunities in childcare, driving, chef, manufacturing departments, retail, warehousing, or even customer service.
However, unlike Instawork, it is not free, as users are required to pay the site $1 per work-hour in commission.
Features
- A variety of flexible work options are available.
- Clients determine the payment rate
- Workers have the option of accepting or rejecting a job offer.
- Insurance for work-related accidents
Requirements include: a minimum of 18 years of age, being legally permitted to work in the location, signed contracts, and where necessary, you’ll have to pass a background and driver’s license check and have a smart device.
By using the GigSmart app, individuals can find local work, temporary gigs, or even full-time employment opportunities in almost any industry. This also sets it ahead of Instawork even further.
Explore: How To Respond To An Interview Request?
13. Pared Pros
If you want a great kitchen-related gig app like Instawork, Pared Pros is where to look.
The platform is highly flexible and earnings are entirely dependent on your skill and willingness to work. This is because there are myriads of opportunities on the platform.
Line cooks, prep cooks, and dishwashers are the primary target audience for the app, but it has the potential to be used for any category of the restaurant.
When a restaurant, for example, needs workers, they go to the app and say they need a “Pro” for the specific role they want, they can then immediately book the employee for the time slot they have available on the app.
It’s essentially the same procedure for workers: they see a job on the app, with a time slot, and they accept it for an hourly wage.
And if they can demonstrate their abilities and progress up through the ranks at any of those restaurants, they can become sought after. Meaning, that clients can request specifically for them.
Features
- You can grow your reputation the more and better you work.
- Work in a new location
- Weekly payment
- You can filter gigs by pay rate
- Payment is made directly to your bank account
- Stipulated kitchen attire
14. Tend
Tend is one of the best places to find hospitality workers for people staying in the US.
Unlike most applications reviewed here, Tend conducts an interview before approving its workers.
The most qualified candidates are invited to participate in a video interview after their applications and resumes have been thoroughly reviewed.
If you’re approved, you’ll be able to look at available gigs and pick the ones you want to work with, based on the skills you’ve demonstrated.
Among the cities where they offer services are Orange County, Palm Springs, Las Vegas, Austin, Atlanta, Washington D.C., Miami, Boston, Philadelphia, and San Diego.
Many hospitality positions are available on the app, such as waiter, bartender/line cook/dishwasher, prep cook, event staff, and many more.
Features
- Available in 19 popular cities
- Opportunities are based on location
Requirements include; a minimum of 18 years of age, eligibility to work within the US, experience in the role, and you should be within the cities where the platform works.
Workers can earn as high as $40 or more, per hour.
15. JobGet
JobGet is a breeze to use for anyone looking for work.
To get started, you first need to register and create your personal profile. This includes providing your name, phone number, email address, etc. But don’t be scared, the platform takes the security of personal data seriously.
The good news is no resume is required, as your profile will suffice as one. Your profile will require certain basic details like education and work history, a brief self-intro, etc.
After this simple process, you should then be able to apply for jobs with a single click. After which you’ll be able to communicate with potential employers via email and video chat. That’s all there is to it!
Features
- Filters to help you find the ideal job for your skills and experience
- No resume
- No registration fee for workers
- Payment ranges from $10-$20
- Hiring managers can reach you directly
Requirements include being above 18 years of age, criminal record check, and smartphone.
Explore: Good Reasons To Call Out Of Work
Conclusion
The apps listed in this review vary in different aspects.
It is therefore up to you to see the uniqueness of each and pick the one that best fits your skills.
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