10 Items or Less: The Joys of Meeting New People Every Day

1. What’s your name and where are you from?
My name is Jabbar and I’m from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

2. How long have you been working with Instacart, and in what roles?
I have been shopping with Instacart for almost four years as a full-service shopper. I was the very first shopper in the Millsboro, Delaware zone.

3. When and why did you decide to start working with Instacart?
It was May 2017 and I was looking for work that paid well and would allow me to have a flexible schedule.

4. What’s your favorite thing about working with Instacart?
I’ve built many great relationships over the years, from the cart attendants to customers, all on a first name basis. Even when I’m not doing orders, someone could see me out at the movies or in public and they’ll say, “Hey, it’s the Instacart guy!”

5. What 3 items are always in your personal shopping cart?
The 3 things you can always find in my cart are seafood, fruit and a great bottle of wine.

6. What’s a fun fact that would surprise us about you?
I have over 30 tattoos and people call me “BBQ Bae.”

7. What’s a shopping tip that a lot of people might not know (your “secret sauce”)?
It’s all in the greeting. I let all my customers know that they’re in good hands and have the best shopper and delivery guy on this side of the Mississippi. My goal is to make sure that I get as many items on their list as possible.

8. Do you have any relationships you’ve made while working with Instacart?
Absolutely. TONS! From the countless customers I’ve shopped for to all the managers and clerks at the stores, and even down to the lobby desk attendees. That’s one of the joys of working with Instacart, you meet someone new every day.

9. What’s your “side dish” — a hobby, a hidden talent, another job you do on the side?
I own a BBQ truck that’s called J & B Grilling Carolina Style BBQ.

10. What’s one piece of guidance or encouragement you would give to the shopper community?
It’s not all about speed. Speed will come over time, but the most important thing is accuracy. That includes picking great produce, checking for expiration dates, and most of all, paying attention to the customer notes. It’s the small details that will separate you from just being a good shopper and making you a top notch shopper.