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Retail shift guide: Common questions

This article answers common questions about what to expect when you book and work on retail shifts, including clocking in and clocking out, timesheets, hour adjustments/disputes, shift cancellation policies, and being sent home.

Updated over 2 weeks ago

Working retail shifts through Instawork offers flexible opportunities in store environments.

What are retail shifts?

Retail shifts take place in store environments where you'll help businesses with various tasks.

  • The work may include:

  • Resetting merchandise on shelves and displays

  • Stocking new merchandise

  • Adding security tags to products

  • Conducting secret shopper activities for specific products

  • Picking and packing online orders

Note: Some of the retail shifts have their own cancellation policies.

How long do retail shifts last?

  • Retail shifts vary in length depending on the task:

  • Some shifts may be as short as 30 minutes

  • Others can last up to 8 hours

  • The shift duration will be clearly listed in the app when you book a shift

Will there be someone to guide me at the store?

There are two types of retail shifts:

  1. Supervised shifts: An onsite contact will be available to check you in and explain what needs to be done.

  2. Self-guided shifts: You'll receive detailed instructions in the app before and after booking the shift. There may not be an onsite contact to greet you and you will be expected to complete tasks on your own.

The shift description will tell you which type of shift it is before you book.

Lists of Retail partners:

  • SAS RETAIL:

    • SAS ADUSA - Specifically covers Food Lion and Giant Food.

    • SAS Michaels

    • Other SAS Regions - Northern/Southern California, Seattle, etc.

  • Premium Retail / Pro Advantage

  • Footprint Solutions (at Dollar General locations)

  • Advantage Solutions:

    • Albertsons

    • Hain

    • Demo Shifts

    • Resets (Publix)

    • Wine Division

    • Racking Project (Walmart)

    • 3P Requests

  • Advantage (Home Depot)

  • Mosaic

  • Hallmark

    Other Regions:

    • Region 1- West

    • Region 2- Northeast

    • Region 5- Atlantic

    • Region 4- Floribbean

    • Region 3- Central

    • W2 (Retail)

  • Best Buy (Pilot)

  • Davaco (Best Buy)

  • ActionLink, LLC (Best Buy)

  • Kendal Floral

  • Merchco

  • Tie Cleaning:

    • South-East

    • Northeast

    • Mid-South

  • Advantage Racking

  • Banana Republic

  • 2020 Companies

  • Retail Odyssey:

    • Arizona

    • CO Remodels

    • Cincinnati

    • Dillons

    • Food 4 Less

    • Fred Meyer

    • Harris Teeter

    • King Soopers

    • Michigan

    • Mid Atlantic

    • Roundy's

    • Ralph's

    • Smith's

  • DesiCrew Solutions

  • Madden Corporation

  • BrandPoint Services

  • T-Roc

  • Crossmark

Cancellation policy

Some of the partners have different cancellation windows:

  • Retail Odyssey - 6 hours Cancellation Policy

  • SAS RETAIL - 6 hours Cancellation Policy

  • Premium retails / Walgreens - 12 hours Cancellation Policy

Note: The cancellation policy is listed in the shift instructions. If it is not listed or mentioned in this article, the regular cancellation policy will apply.

How do I track my hours for retail shifts?

To track your hours for retail shifts, you'll need to always clock in and out through the Instawork app. Some shifts may also require you to:

  • Log your hours in the business's timekeeping system

  • Fill out a timesheet provided by the store

Important note: Even if you use the store's timekeeping system, you must still clock in and out through the Instawork app to ensure you get paid on time.

What does "multi-location" mean for retail shifts?

Some retail shifts require you to visit multiple stores during a single shift:

  • The app will show you all the locations you need to visit.

  • You'll need to complete tasks at each location.

  • Make sure to plan enough travel time between locations.

  • Follow the instructions for clocking in/out at each location.

What are the surveys for retail shifts?

Many retail shifts require you to complete a survey. The survey will appear in the app when you clock in and out.

  • It may ask about the work you completed or require photos of your work.

  • Always complete the survey before leaving the location.

  • Skipping the survey may cause delays in your payment.

What do I need to request hours/break adjustments or disputes?

If your hours need adjustment, please provide a photo of your timesheet showing:

  • Store name and number

  • Clock times

  • Your name

  • Supervisor signature

Make sure you complete a Survey. (refer to the shift instruction for more details)

A photo of the store's timekeeping system (if applicable).

For Footprint you need to take a picture of the HHT devices with store number and clock in and out time. If you don’t have it, you may take a picture of the store with the store number. You also need to have a case number.

To obtain a case number for a shift at Dollar General, you should:

  1. Call the Footprint Service Center at 877-560-3441.

  2. State that you were sent home from the business or explain the situation (such as the store being closed or being unable to complete your shift).

  3. The service center will provide you with a case number, which is necessary for further investigation and to ensure you are considered for payment for the shift.

    It is important to have a case number for each store or shift where there was an issue, as this documentation is required for resolution and compensation.

Reminder: Always check shift instructions and contact your onsite supervisor first if you have questions.

If you have any further questions or require additional assistance, please contact support for further help.

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