Shopping in Seattle FAQ

Over the last few years, the City of Seattle has passed several ordinances directly impacting the operations of app-based platforms, like Shipt, imposing significant operational challenges and hindering us from offering the same quality service and work offerings to all who use our platform.

Due to several of these regulations going into effect in January 2024 and the short notice of finalized rules outlining compliance standards, Shipt has made the difficult decision to pause operations within the City of Seattle, WA, effective January 10, 2024, as we assess how best to move forward.

Shoppers will still have access to the flexible earning opportunities they desire, shopping for thousands of customers at more than 16 retailers across 457 store locations throughout the Greater Seattle metro area.

Shipt ceased operating in the Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST) qualifying area on 1/10/24, and no orders available on the platform after that date count toward PSST eligibility or accrual. To receive PSST time accrued with Shipt prior to 1/10/24, you must have worked through out platform within the PSST area in the 90 days preceding your ask.



Shopping in Seattle

If you plan to shop in the Greater Seattle metro, here’s what you need to know in order to continue growing your business.

  • Shoppers will be unable to receive offers, claim, start, or complete orders within Seattle City Limits.
    • Inactive zip codes: 98160, 98177, 98133, 98125, 98117, 98115, 98107, 98103, 98105, 98199, 98119, 98195, 98109, 98102, 98112, 98122, 98121, 98191, 98101, 98154, 98104, 98116, 98126, 98134, 98124, 98144, 98136, 98106, 98108, 98118, 98146.
       
  • As a result, the following zones will be removed: Northgate, Greenwood, Hawthorne Hills, Ballard, Seattle Central, Rainer, Seattle West, Rainer Valley.
     
  • If you attempt to view orders in an inactive zip code, you’ll see the following message:
     

 

  • Stores located in these zip codes will be ineligible for deliveries on the Shipt platform. Shipt cards will not be active at impacted stores, and attempts to swipe them will be declined.
     
  • Shipt members in the City of Seattle who no longer have access to delivery with Shipt may opt-in to receive a prorated refund for the cost of their membership.
     
  • While Shipt is pausing operations within Seattle city limits, Shipt will continue normal operations, connecting customers to high-quality delivery throughout the greater metro area. 
    • Available zip codes: 98001, 98002, 98003, 98004, 98005, 98006, 98007, 98008, 98010, 98011, 98012, 98014, 98019, 98020, 98021, 98023, 98026, 98027, 98028, 98029, 98030, 98031, 98032, 98033, 98034, 98036, 98037, 98038, 98039, 98040, 98042, 98043, 98045, 98047, 98050, 98051, 98052, 98053, 98055, 98056, 98057, 98058, 98059, 98065, 98072, 98074, 98075, 98077, 98087, 98092, 98129, 98131, 98148, 98155, 98158, 98161, 98164, 98166, 98168, 98170, 98174, 98181, 98185, 98188, 98190, 98198, 98201, 98203, 98204, 98207, 98208, 98223, 98232, 98233, 98258, 98259, 98270, 98271, 98272, 98273, 98275, 98287, 98290, 98292, 98296, 98321, 98327, 98328, 98329, 98332, 98335, 98338, 98352, 98354, 98359, 98360, 98366, 98367, 98371, 98372, 98373, 98374, 98375, 98385, 98387, 98388, 98390, 98391, 98402, 98403, 98404, 98405, 98406, 98407, 98408, 98409, 98413, 98416, 98418, 98421, 98422, 98424, 98430, 98431, 98438, 98439, 98443, 98444, 98445, 98446, 98447, 98465, 98466, 98467, 98471, 98481, 98493, 98498, 98499, 98516

 

Please be aware that completing work through the shopper app in zip codes where Shipt is not operational goes against Shipt’s App Access Guidelines and may result in deactivation. 



FAQs

Why is Shipt pausing operations in the City of Seattle?

  • Shipt is pausing operations in the City of Seattle to assess the best path forward in the city given the suite of regulations that impact our platform. Because Shipt will not operate in the City of Seattle, shoppers with Shipt will not be able to deliver from stores within Seattle city limits.


When will Shipt resume operations?

  • While operations are paused, Shipt will work to assess the path forward of operating in the City of Seattle.


Can you explain the operational difficulties that would hinder Shipt from operating in Seattle?

  • The regulations impacting app-based platforms like Shipt are wide-ranging and prescriptive, covering many aspects of our business. The finalized rules outlining how platforms are to comply with new regulations were only released a little more than a month before they go into effect; they are technically challenging and require a retooling of our operations as they have not been mandated in any of the other markets in which we operate.

Can I still receive the Paid Sick and Safe time I’ve accrued while working in Seattle city limits?

  • Shoppers with Shipt will be ineligible to accrue Paid Sick and Safe Time pay after 1/10/24. To receive the Paid Sick and Safe Time you’ve accrued while working in Seattle prior to 1/10/24, please email shoppers@shipt.com.

 

Last updated on April 12th, 2024

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