ShiftNow review: pay, jobs and what it’s really like to work there

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 the 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 résumé 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 restart 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 to $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 and 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.

Kristof is the editor of SideHusl.com, an independent website that reviews moneymaking opportunities in the gig economy.