Looking for part-time gigs in the hospitality and service industries? Check out ShiftNow.
What is ShiftNow?
ShiftNow is an on-demand gig platform that connects workers, also known as “Shifters,” with temporary jobs in the hospitality and service industries.
How it works
To get started, download the ShiftNow app via Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. You install the app, and then create a Shifter profile by providing personal information, including a bio, photo and resume and verifying your identity.
Once your profile is approved, you can look at shifts available in your area. These shifts show the job — i.e. bartender, busser or parking lot attendant, for instance — where and what you’re paid per hour. The app allows you to filter shifts by role, location, and schedule.
Find a shift that works for you? Click on it to view the specific shift, and apply. There are roles available in bars, restaurants, at events, hotels, golf clubs and party venues.
ShiftNow Review
Founded in 2022, ShiftNow is a relatively new player in the gig economy. The platform connects people looking for flexible hospitality gigs with bars, restaurants, private clubs, and party venues that need temporary staff. This model appeals to those seeking extra income, flexible hours, or temporary work without long-term commitments.
And there’s a lot to like about this fledgling platform. It appears to pay well and there are no fees shouldered by workers. The employers that use ShiftNow to find staff pay all of the costs of the connection.
But there are also some things you should know before signing up.
Limited footprint
First, the site currently only operates in a handful of states. Specifically, it’s in South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee. But, because the app wants to grow to be a nationwide player, it encourages workers from all states to sign up and join its waitlist.
But if you’re waitlisted, realize it could be a very long wait before you’re enlisted for work.
App glitches
And, like many new apps, this one still has plenty of glitches, with prospective workers complaining that they had to download, delete and re-start before getting the app to work.
Good pay
That said, workers in ShiftNow’s active states rave about the platform, saying that it can be fun work and it’s well paid.
Specifically, most jobs pay $19 – $20 per hour, according to Indeed. Though supervising shifts pay more. That compares with a $7.25 minimum wage in the three Southern states where the company now operates.
Fast payouts
Better yet, workers are paid within 48 hours of completing a job. You can also opt for Instant Pay, which guarantees payment within an hour of completing a shift. However, to sign up with Instant Pay, you’ll need a debit card and you’ll pay a 3% fee each time you choose this payment method.
Typical Gigs & Working Conditions
ShiftNow primarily offers gigs in hospitality, event staffing, and light labor sectors. Typical roles include servers, bartenders, barbacks, bussers, dishwashers, prep cooks, and event setup or teardown staff. They also enlist parking lot attendance, maintenance crew, security guards and cooks.
These roles can be physically demanding and you will be expected to stand for long periods, lift moderate weights and move quickly in busy situations.
Shifts can last from a few hours to a full day, depending on the employer. As gigs are temporary and dependent on location, there can be inconsistency in work. Workers need to be active in checking the app for new shifts.
Recommendations
We like this site for people in ShiftNow’s limited market area. But, if you’re outside of the site’s footprint, you may want to consider bigger and more established players, such as Jitjatjo, Qwick, and Instawork.
What their users say (from Google Play)
My first position with Shift now is doing concessions for baseball game. Just like I did at Cheyenne Frontier days. How awesome is this?
I’m at over 235 shifts completed and I would rather shiftnow over a regular job all day
This is way better than GigPro.
Great place for good work. Conveniently able to schedule shift when need money. I am thankful to get a chance to work for a good job.
Love it. Easy to use and awesome as hell.
I’m at over 235 shifts completed and I would rather ShiftNow over a regular job all day.
App Issues
Was never able to get the app working it took so long for the verification code to be sent to my phone it must have timed out every time. I asked for 4 code in pretty sure in still waiting of one. It took about 35 min for one code absolutely ridiculous.
The app has been crashing a lot on my phone. Not sure why. I’ve uninstalled and reinstalled it several times and it still doesn’t work.
Wouldn’t Even accept my phone number to get started. Not a good start.
Location, location, location
Doesn’t mention in advance that it is available only in a FEW STATES ONLY. wasted my time building profile.
This App only has gigs in SC, TN, and GA. Don’t bother with it if you aren’t from that area of the US. I in just spent a lot of time for nothing… I hope this helps somebody.
Forced me to submit my and phone number before I could find out that it’s not supported in my area.
Only available in a few states. I had to download the app and create a profile just to find that out. Big waste of time.
