Thanks for stopping by to read my ShiftSmart review.
Worrying about money is not fun, and you're not alone if it causes you anxiety. I've been there too.
You may have debts weighing you down and stacks of bills to pay. Or you might have someone you're taking care of who needs help, and more money is what you need. Extra work can help.
Companies like ShiftSmart have joined in on the gig economy to help.
But is it legit?
In this review, I'll explain what ShiftSmart is, how they work, and whether it's worth it. I'll also discuss frequently asked questions and review some of the challenges reported on their platform.
Here's a quick overview of the topics I'm going to discuss…
- What is ShiftSmart?
- Is ShiftSmart Legit?
- How Does ShiftSmart Work?
- ShiftSmart Onboarding
- Frequently Asked Questions
- ShiftSmart Reviews and Complaints
- What I Like and Don't Like About ShiftSmart
- Where Do You Go From Here?
Disclaimer:
Please note, I am not an affiliate for ShiftSmart. This review has been researched with information and/or testimonials that are available online in the public domain. Any recommendations and/or conclusions are strictly opinions and may not to apply to, or agree with, all persons or situations. See full disclaimer for more info
What is ShiftSmart?
ShiftSmart is a labor-management platform. It allows shift workers to search for entry-level jobs such as mystery shopping, store merchandising, cleaning, product testing, and survey calling.
Founded in 2015 by Aakash Kumar, Patrick Brandt, and Pavan Patel, ShiftSmart is US based with branches in Delaware, California, Louisiana, Washington, and Indiana.
Following a trend set by companies like Uber and Airbnb, ShiftSmart aims to provide a more convenient marketplace where workers can connect with companies through their mobile app. In addition, it allows you to choose when and where you want to work, creating a generation of what Aakash refers to as micro-entrepreneurs.
The idea behind ShiftSmart is sound, but is it practical?
And is it legit?
Is ShiftSmart Legit?
Yes, ShiftSmart is a legitimate company. However, there have been concerns that ShiftSmart is data harvesting personal information.
That's understandable. In those instances, it seems new members had signed up and therefore, shared personal information. Then the app crashed, or they logged in to find few, if any, shifts available.
And, of course, once that information is shared, you can't unshare it. Does that make it a scam?
According to ShiftSmart's privacy policy, “your information will not be disclosed to a third party unless you affirmatively consent to its release or unless required by law, court order, or as legally required to do so in connection with law enforcement investigations or other legal proceedings.”
Having said that, they do require a significant amount of information. And for a good reason. They are hiring you for real jobs. Like any job, companies require information for identity purposes, payments, taxes, liability, and so on…
Make sure to read through ShiftSmart's policy for a list of the personal information and identification items they may request.
If you're uncomfortable sharing that level of information online or you're just looking for additional ways to make money, sites like Survey Junkie and Inbox Dollars pay you for your opinion. They don't pay as much as the hourly rate you can earn with ShiftSmart, but they are a simple way to get started if you've never made money online before.
They can also be a step towards something bigger, like an online business.
You may be at home because of difficulties with your health or young ones to look after.
If that’s the case and a full-time income online is what you want, knowing how and where to get started is what you need in order to get what you want.
Now, I'm going to give you a free step by step beginner's guide to making money online and you can get it by Clicking Here
Of course, I can't verify that ShiftSmart won't sell your information.
What I do know is that ShiftSmart is not one of those dubious platforms run by faceless owners operating in unknown parts of the world.
ShiftSmart was incorporated in Delaware (US) on August 28, 2015, and its founders, Aakash Kumar, Patrick Brandt, and Pavan Patel are real people.
As of Q1 2022, one million workers were using the ShiftSmart platform in over 50 countries.
And according to their LinkedIn page, that number is now 1.4 million in 57 countries.
ShiftSmart is listed in the 541st spot on Inc.'s 5000 most successful companies in the US
So, ShiftSmart is real. It's not a get-rich-quick scheme making false promises. It's a legit platform that offers modest opportunities and work-from-home jobs. And these are not in the category of easy online gigs promoted by many scams.
They are “real” jobs that pay by the hour. And it's the kind of work many people need, especially in a challenging economy.
So…ShiftSmart is a legit company. Does that mean it's a good company to work for?
I'll go over the reviews and complaints below because the answer isn't clear. Certainly, many people like ShiftSmart. They have over a million users. But there are some who report problems. More on that in a moment.
How Does ShiftSmart Work?
ShiftSmart works like other job marketplaces you may be familiar with. You log into your account, search for shifts, and apply. It's similar to platforms like ConnectRN, SnagAJob, People Per Hour, and Wonolo.
An important distinction here is that you are not a ShiftSmart employee.
As a ShiftSmart worker, you are effectively an independent contractor. You work for various ShiftSmart clients and are responsible for managing your time and ensuring your credentials, training, etc., are up to date.
ShiftSmart Requirements
- Mobile Phone (Apple or Android).
- Internet Connection (stable high-speed for remote jobs).
- Windows or Mac desktop/laptop computer (for set-up, training, and survey calling software).
- 18 years old or older.
- Eligible to work in the country you are applying in.
- Fluent in English
ShiftSmart Onboarding
To get started with ShiftSmart, download the IOS or Android app to your phone and follow the steps to set up your profile. Once complete, you can scroll down to the job opportunities section and sign up for the ones that interest you.
The positions you choose will determine the onboarding flow that'll show up on your app. You'll need to follow those steps to complete the onboarding process and start making money.
Note: You are only allowed one active account on the ShiftSmart platform. Multiple accounts may get flagged for fraud; if that happens, you'll be locked out of the system.
ShiftSmart Virtual Training
Most of the training at ShiftSmart is virtual, using Zoom. A training session is considered a training shift.
Virtual training ranges from one hour to eight hours, depending on the client and position you're applying for. Longer training shifts are usually required for higher-paying jobs.
Is ShiftSmart Training Paid?
ShiftSmart training is free, but most training is not paid. They sometimes offer paid training for specific roles, but the details will be listed for those particular instances. If the position you're applying for does not specify paid training, it is most likely unpaid.
For the paid training shifts, you are generally required to attend the training sessions and complete at least one on-the-job shift.
Remember that you're an independent contractor of ShiftSmart and not an employee.
The benefit of being an independent contractor (or freelancer) is that you have more freedom and independence. However, you give up many benefits of being an employee, with paid training being one of them.
That's not to say you can't be an employee somewhere else.
You may have a part-time or full-time job that provides those benefits. And you can't pick up ShiftSmart shifts on the weekend or whenever they don't conflict with your regular job.
ShiftSmart Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Can You Make on ShiftSmart?
The amount you can make on ShiftSmart depends on the position, where you live, and shift availability.
Generally, entry-level positions pay from $10 to $20 per hour. So, assuming you work an eight-hour shift, your pay can range from $80 – $160 per day, minus taxes.
You may sometimes be able to arrange double shifts, but that would be highly dependent on where the other shift is located and the hours required. If your shifts overlap, it won't work.
And, of course, it also depends on where you live. Certain metropolitan areas may provide abundant opportunities; in others, you may only get one or two weekly shifts.
So it's difficult to specify precisely how much you can make at ShiftSmart. It could be as much as a full-time job with decent pay ($40K per year or more) in some areas or as little as a part-time position ($10K per year or less) in others.
If you live in an area without many shifts, you can also make money online with survey sites like surveyjunkie.com and inboxdollars.com during your downtime. They don’t pay as much as ShiftSmart, but they are a good first step if you've never made online money before.
They can also lead to something with more freedom and independence, like an online business.
You may be at home because of difficulties with your health or have children to look after. Or, maybe you're just tired of your job.
If that’s the case and a full-time income online is what you want, knowing how and where to get started is what you need in order to get what you want.
Now, I'm going to give you a free step by step beginner's guide to making money online and you can get it by Clicking Here
Does ShiftSmart Pay Daily?
ShiftSmart does not pay daily. However, you can withdraw funds daily through the ShiftSmart app using the Get Paid Now feature IF your funds are available.
Once a shift is completed, your payment must be approved, which may take 24 – 72 hours. For some positions, payment may take five business days.
Therefore, if you're doing daily shifts, you may be able to take your money daily, but you will always be 2 – 5 business days behind.
Connect your bank account or debit card to the ShiftSmart app.
How Many Hours Can You Work With ShiftSmart?
ShiftSmart allows you to work as many (or as few) hours as you want. So, there is no cap on the number of hours you can work or how much you can earn.
Of course, you're limited by the number of hours in a day and, more importantly, how many hours you can work safely.
Do You Need a Computer for ShiftSmart?
You will need a Windows or Mac computer (desktop or laptop) with a recent version of Windows or macOS. Remote work, such as survey calling, requires a computer and will also need one for some setup and training.
Does ShiftSmart Drug Test?
ShiftSmart does not drug test under normal circumstances. However, they may request a drug test if a workplace accident occurs or drug use is suspected.
Another situation where an employer (via ShiftSmart) may require a drug test is for a position with unique safety hazards, such as a construction site.
Does ShiftSmart Only Work With Circle K?
ShiftSmart works with various clients, including Circle K.
They also work with Dynata, a company that provides market research and insights to businesses such as Nestle, Starbucks, Amazon, and Spotify, to name a few.
ShiftSmart's other clients include Airbnb, Cumberland Farms, Deloitte, Humana, Top Golf, and the Small Business Administration. However, based on worker reviews and comments, most shifts seem to currently be about Circle K.
Does ShiftSmart Withhold Taxes?
You are considered an independent (or at-will) contractor; therefore, taxes are not withheld from your ShiftSmart payments. Therefore, independent contractors must follow their country's tax regulations.
For workers in the US, ShiftSmart reports to the IRS, and a 1099 will be issued to you if you make more than $650 with them throughout the tax year.
ShiftSmart Reviews and Complaints
ShiftSmart reviews are mixed, with most complaints being about the ShiftSmart app. There are also complaints about a lack of shifts, late payments, and poor support.
To be honest, I found the user reviews to be a little discouraging and surprising.
ShiftSmart shows up on lists like the Inc. 5000 and has raised $95 million in Series B funding. According to Crunchbase, they've received a total of $120.6 million. So, it's strange to see so many reports of the app being buggy and glitchy or support being unhelpful.
For example, some of the complaints from the Google Play and Apple App Store include…
- App never opens correctly. I have tried everything, tech support is not helpful. I've lost money trying to work with this.
- So many glitches. Can't log in most of the time and when I can, the “start background check” button doesn't work.
- Worked a scheduled shift today despite the app not allowing me to clock in/ out. Now unable to send screenshots of said scheduled shift and I have left so I don't have the selfie.
- The app itself, is incredibly glitchy. I've contacted support multiple times with tickets, they take days to respond and they never actually come to a resolution.
Regarding the app issues, it should be noted that we don't know what device it is being installed on or if there are issues with it (the device). Clearly, there are many people who are using the app successfully.
Another potential issue is that there seems to be occasional miscommunication between clients and ShiftSmart, when workers show up for shifts but are not needed.
For example, a reviewer on Google Play said…
- I confirmed my INITIAL shift through the app, took an Uber to the store, confirmand AGAIN via text, only to have the store manager tell me they don't even utilize workers from this app anymore.
To be fair, not all reviews are bad. There are also many positive reviews.
Examples of positive review comments are…
- I just got my first payment and worked my first shift yesterday. Everything has gone very smoothly and I am very satisfied.
- I have been with Shiftsmart for around 2 years now, on and off, and they are definitely legit. You will always get paid when you're supposed to.
- When I first started using the app I gave them a 1 star because of an update error. I accepted and completed my first job yesterday and it went well.
- …my over all experience has been positive. I've emailed support and staff is quick to respond. After clearing my onboarding, I went to work. I have no issues…
Can you (and should you) trust these positive and negative reviews, complaints, and comments?
Here's the thing…
ShiftSmart on Google Play has over 500,000 downloads. And they currently show about 15,200 reviews which is a significant number. But overall, the number of reviews to downloads is relatively small.
And unless “bribed” to leave a positive review, which some companies do… unhappy users, customers, clients, etc., are more likely to leave a review.
Therefore, reviews often skew negative.
Of course, you can't ignore the negative reviews and complaints, but they don't tell the entire story. That's because hundreds of thousands of ShiftSmart app users haven't told their stories. And it's a reasonable assumption that if they did, their opinions would skew positive.
What I Like About ShiftSmart
- Legit jobs and work-from-home opportunities.
- Decent pay. You won't get rich, but it's a fair hourly rate for the job you're being offered.
- Flexibility. You can work as many hours as they have available or as few hours as you want.
- Relatively simple onboarding procedure.
What I Don't Like
- Reports of app glitches and poor support (these may be isolated instances).
- Lack of shifts in some areas.
- Unpaid training
- A relatively high number of negative reviews and complaints.
Where Do You Go From Here?
You want more money and independence, and you're not alone. Most, if not everyone, can relate.
ShiftSmart does provide a decent level of flexibility so I certainly think it's worth trying.
As some others have reported, you may or may not find issues with the app, but it doesn't hurt to download it and check for shifts. It won't cost you cost anything.
If there are no shifts or you're just looking for additional ways to make money, there are more options.
You might be a student in school or a single parent at home, or have health challenges that make regular work difficult. Maybe you just hate your current job, and you’re desperate for something different.
If that's the case, an online business might be what you want.
With all the scams and schemes out there though, knowing how and where to get started the right way is what you need in order to get what you want.
Now, I'm going to give you a free step by step beginner's guide to making money online and you can get it by Clicking Here
If you're just looking for a simple way to make some extra spending money, online survey and get-paid-to sites are good ways to get started.
Sites like Survey Junkie will pay you for your opinion, and Inbox Dollars offers rewards for doing things like watching videos, visiting websites, and searching the web.
They won't make you rich, of course, but if you've never made money on the web before, they can be an easy way to make your first dollar online.
I hope my ShiftSmart review has been helpful. Please share any comments, questions, or experience with ShiftSmart in the comments section below.
Need a contact at shift smart for immediate problems. Drove 27 miles in rush hour to a site and then they said we don’t need you, would not let me work. Didn’t have a number for shift smart. They had in and out numbers for me so it wasn’t canceled. I should be paid for that trip.
I also worked a 4 hour shift and did not get paid. No clock in codes were available, but I was told I would get paid. Was given asst mgrs note verifying time in and a lead signature for time out. Turned in a claim report # 650286 but nothing. No communication just references to do things. I feel like I was used and taken advantage of.