Does Shipt Hire Felons?

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How Shipt's Background Check Works

Shipt uses Checkr, the same background check provider used by Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and many other gig platforms. The screening includes a criminal records search (county, state, and federal), Social Security number trace, national sex offender registry check, and Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) review. The standard lookback period is 7 years for criminal convictions, though some states mandate shorter lookback periods. Because Shipt shoppers drive to stores, shop for groceries, and deliver them to customer homes, both the criminal and driving components of the background check are important. The MVR check reviews your driving history for the past 3-7 years, and excessive violations or serious driving offenses can be disqualifying. The background check typically takes 3-7 business days, though it can take longer in some jurisdictions.

Shipt's Application Process — The Interview Difference

Unlike many gig platforms where you simply sign up and wait for a background check, Shipt has historically included a brief interview as part of the application process. This interview — which has been conducted via video, phone, or written responses depending on the market and time period — focuses on customer service skills, communication ability, and your understanding of the shopper role. The interview does not ask about criminal history. This extra step means Shipt is somewhat more selective than pure sign-up platforms, but it also means that if you pass the interview and the background check, the company has already invested in evaluating you as a person, not just running you through an automated filter. Strong customer service skills and a positive attitude during the interview can help differentiate you from other applicants.

What Shipt Shoppers Actually Do

Shipt shoppers receive orders through the Shipt app, drive to the designated store (usually Target, but also other partner retailers), shop for the items on the customer's list, communicate with the customer about substitutions, check out using Shipt's payment method, and deliver the groceries to the customer's address. The role requires a car, valid driver's license, insurance, a smartphone, and the ability to lift up to 40 pounds. Shoppers set their own schedules by choosing which orders to accept. Earnings include base pay plus tips, with most active shoppers earning $16-$25 per hour. The Target connection means Shipt shoppers frequently shop at Target stores, and the company has been integrated into the Target app for customers. Peak earning times are weekends, evenings, and around holidays when grocery demand is highest.

Target Ownership — What It Means for Background Standards

Shipt was acquired by Target in 2017, and this corporate relationship influences its policies. Target is a large, publicly traded company with established background check protocols and a reputation to protect. While Shipt operates somewhat independently and sets its own shopper standards, the Target connection means that Shipt's policies tend to be somewhat more conservative than some purely independent gig platforms. That said, Target itself has signed on to fair-chance hiring initiatives for its own employees, and both companies follow Ban the Box and individualized assessment practices. The practical impact for people with records is that Shipt's standards are similar to other major gig platforms (Uber, DoorDash) — they use the same background check provider (Checkr) and have similar disqualifying categories.

Tips for Maximizing Earnings on Shipt

If you are approved as a Shipt shopper, understanding how to maximize earnings is important for financial stability. Shipt pays shoppers through a combination of order pay (based on the estimated effort of the order) and tips. Tips are the primary driver of income for most shoppers — providing excellent service, communicating proactively about substitutions, and delivering on time leads to better tips and repeat customers. Shipt has a preferred shopper feature where customers can request specific shoppers they have had good experiences with, creating a built-in loyalty system. Working during peak hours (Saturday mornings, Sunday afternoons, holiday weeks) yields the most available orders. Many successful Shipt shoppers also work on other platforms simultaneously — Instacart, DoorDash, and Uber Eats — to fill gaps between Shipt orders and maximize hourly earnings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Shipt hire felons?

Shipt accepts some shoppers with criminal records but not all. Non-violent felonies older than 7 years generally do not appear on the Checkr background check and should not prevent you from shopping. Violent felonies, sexual offenses, theft, and DUI within the 7-year window are typically disqualifying.

Does Shipt do a background check?

Yes, Shipt runs background checks on all shopper applicants through Checkr. The check includes criminal history (county, state, federal), sex offender registry, and Motor Vehicle Records. The standard lookback is 7 years for criminal records.

How far back does the Shipt background check go?

Shipt's background check through Checkr generally goes back 7 years for criminal convictions. Some states limit the lookback by law. MVR checks typically cover 3-7 years. Sex offender registry checks may have no time limitation.

Does Shipt have an interview?

Yes, Shipt has historically included a brief interview as part of the shopper application process. The interview focuses on customer service skills and communication — not criminal history. The format has varied (video, phone, written) depending on the market and time period.

How much do Shipt shoppers make?

Most active Shipt shoppers earn $16-$25 per hour including tips. Earnings vary by market, order size, and time of day. Tips are the primary driver of income. Working peak hours (weekends, holidays) and building repeat customer relationships through excellent service leads to higher earnings.

Can I do Shipt with a DUI?

A DUI within the past 7 years is generally disqualifying because Shipt shoppers must drive. If your DUI is older than 7 years and does not appear on the Checkr report, it should not affect your application. A clean current driving record is important.

Can I dispute my Shipt background check?

Yes, if your Checkr background check contains errors, you can dispute them through the Checkr candidate portal at candidate.checkr.com. Common errors include misidentified records, expunged convictions still appearing, and incorrect disposition information. Checkr must investigate within 30 days under the FCRA.