Upshift is unique in that it’s an on demand staffing agency of sorts, connecting you with businesses who need someone like you.  Picture it like an Uber, where you’re able to explore businesses that need extra staff such as a dishwasher, housekeeper, etc.  This can be a temporary day job or it can even turn into something full time.  It just depends on which business is offering the job, but you get to choose which job works best for your situation.

If you’re in need of a temporary job and don’t want to commit just yet part/full-time or you’re here because you want to learn more about Upshift, I wanted to let you know what the app is all about as well as what I think about it.  As in all of my reviews, I always remain non-biased, only recommending what I feel is worth your time.  Simply put, I will always tell you how it is.

If you want to potentially make more than $100+ in a day or even turn something temporary into something permanent, this may be an app for you to consider.  Let’s begin.

What is Upshift?

Upshift is said to be the leading W2 staffing platform that connects businesses with W2 employees in real time for both short-term as well as permanent shifts.  The app gives workers the freedom to choose which jobs they want as well as when they want to work.  It’s an innovative product that’s trying to change the staffing agency landscape.

The company was founded in 2006 and is currently headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, with more than 200+ in-house employees.

Upshift states that they have a net success rate of more than 95% in comparison to the industry average of 40%.

How it Works

Once you sign up for an account (I will show you how near the end, you can log into your account and browse the jobs available in your area.

Like Instacart, you’re able to see a list of jobs and it’s up to you to decide which jobs you want to take.  Since you’re kind of an independent contractor, you can choose whichever shift you want and when you want to work.  The flexibility is in your hands.  There are no commitments, no resumes nor do you have to interview.  You just get accepted by the provider, usually of which is after they review your profile.  On this profile, they can see your past reviews as well as your skills.  It’s important to build your reputation to increase your chances of getting hired.

Not everyone always gets accepted for the jobs, however, as it’s up to the business to accept who they deem appropriate.

As you can see from the screenshot, everything you need to know is presented to you.  This includes the location, how many spots are open, when you’re needed as well as the estimated pay.  That room attendant position, for example, is a 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. shift that pays about $82.88.

You can then click on the job for more information as well as to claim it if you’re interested.  Most jobs will be in the hotels, food service, catering or warehouse industries.

Again, if you claim it, the business will then approve/disapprove you and you will be notified as to what their decision is.  If approved, just show up to the location as stated in the app for the time specified.

How Much Can You Make?

As you can see in that screenshot, it isn’t going to be mind-blowing, but you should earn at least minimum wage in your area, sometimes much more.  In some cases, you can even earn tips if the job allows it.

I would expect at least minimum wage for a shift, which means about $10+~ per hour, sometimes a pinch more.  If you work a full shift, you should expect about $80 to $150 gross before taxes.  Upshift does claim you’re a W-2 employee of Upshift, which means that taxes will be taken out and you will receive a W-2 at the end of the year.

Whenever you get paid and approved, you will get paid Friday for all jobs completed the week prior.  This can go directly into your bank account or a cash card, whichever you prefer.

What the Internet is Saying (reviews)

The reviews weren’t all that great, to be honest.

For example, the local Phoenix office near me had a pitiful 1.7/5 rating.

Some people said the jobs were limited, whereas others said they were confused when they showed up at the job site.  Many had no idea where to go.   Some didn’t like that they drove to the onboarding, only to find the door was locked.

On the Google Play Store, there were many one-star reviews, with many complaining about the lack of jobs and onboarding process.  Many didn’t like they had to travel in person to watch a boring instruction video.  This seemed to be a big waste of time.

More than 140+ Indeed reviewers gave the company a 3.9/5 rating.  Positives included the work-life balance but negatives included pay, job security and support.

The Pros:

• some jobs turn into a full-time opportunity
• can work whenever you want
• easy to use app

The Cons:

• limited jobs in some areas
• you have to do a pointless onboarding in person
• some jobs can be confusing
• doesn’t pay much more than the minimum wage
• support seems to be lacking

Signing Up

If you’re interested in signing up for an account, then you will have to download the app either on the Google Play or iTunes marketplace.  The app is free to download and it’s the only way you can start to search for jobs.

Once you download the app, you will be asked to take a quick five minute personality assessment and then schedule an onboarding session.  If you pass the test, you’re then one step away from picking up a shift.  This test/application will ask you some simple demographics questions (gender, race) as well as a few questions about your personality.  It’s very simple and should only take you 10 minutes at most to complete.

Unlike most apps where you can fill out all paperwork online, you will have to fill out paperwork at a local staffing agency office.  When you fill out the application, they will let you know where the closest agency office is to you.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a “job” for the day and you can find something close, it may be something to consider.  What I don’t like is that you have to visit a location near you and onboard.  This is unheard of with these apps and I would be mad if I showed up and the doors were locked.  But, if you can find something, then it’s a way to make ends meet and earn $80 to $100+ for an 8-hour shift.

In the end, Upshift is 100% legitimate and you will get paid, but I wouldn’t expect a ton of opportunity.

That’s going to do it for now.

As always, if you want to comment on your experience, feel free to do so in the comments below.