If you have a typical full-time job, maybe you daydream about more creative ways to make money.
Wouldn’t it be ideal if you could put your creative skills and resourcefulness to good use?
Whether it’s establishing a passive income stream or making extra cash off of something that you’re genuinely passionate about, I’m here to tell you that it’s possible.
If you’ve never started a business before, this may be a whole new experience.
You could get smitten with your work-from-home routine and pursue it full-time, or you could undertake online side hustles on a part-time basis.
Since we’re trying to be creative here, the sky’s the limit for what you choose to pursue.
It could be a way to score a few hundred dollars a month or thousands to put away into your retirement.
It could be from a skill you already have or one you’re eager to sharpen.
Either way, it doesn’t hurt to set up multiple streams of income, especially if you’re serious about personal finance.
In fact, I highly encourage it!
You’ll never know; pursuing one (or many) of the options below might be the next big thing propelling you to success.
Sure, a day job can provide security, but it also puts all of your earnings in one basket.
You lose your only source of revenue if you lose your job.
Diversifying your income with a side venture ensures that you will have money even if the worst happens.
Now, you may already have a hobby.
Creatives tend to combine their hobbies and day jobs, leading to a more fulfilling worklife.
Hobbies are enjoyable to pursue, but they can also provide benefits to your day-to-day employment.
They provide you with an additional opportunity to learn and progress, even if your day job has reached a plateau.
You could even earn passive income that could buff up your savings account for rainy days!
Are you ready to monetize your creativity?
Then let’s get started!
Creative Ways To Make Money For All Ages
Folks from all age groups and skill levels can partake in a variety of side hustles.
Making money is all just a matter of zeroing in on the one that gets your creative juices flowing.
Here are some creative ways to make money that might give you that eureka moment that you’ve been waiting for:
Sell Photos
Do you have a knack for taking stunning photos?
Selling your images online is one of the more artistic ways to earn extra cash.
Each time your image is purchased, you’ll get a portion of the profits.
One good shot that has a lot of resonance with people can bring in a lot of money.
Even if you just make a small amount of money from each photo, it will add up rapidly if you publish a lot of them.
You can sell your photos on a variety of stock photography websites.
Shutterstock is the most prominent one.
Building up inventory across all of the popular stock photo sites takes time.
However, the effort is worth it because each shot may be sold numerous times, making it possible for you to earn passive income.
You may even explore selling high-quality prints on eBay, Amazon, or an Etsy site if you have specific photos that are doing really well.
Sell Crafts (or Digital Products) on Etsy
Etsy offers a lot more than being able to sell crafts, though selling them can be pretty lucrative!
If you have any type of artistic ability, the site can be a fantastic place to start your internet business.
You can simply create an online store, add product listings, establish prices, and begin selling.
Etsy is an excellent choice because you can do it on your own time or turn it into a full-time internet business once you gain traction.
Folks making money on Etsy are a dime a dozen.
Just make sure your prices are reasonable enough that you can purchase materials while still making a profit.
Etsy store owners have a lot of earning potential.
Although most Etsy business owners make a few hundred dollars each month, making over six figures with an Etsy store is feasible.
Offer Your Unique Skills on FlexJobs
Traditionally, FlexJobs is a legit freelance platform where you can offer your services like graphic design, writing, and voiceovers to earn money online.
It’s a viable source of income if you’re adept in one of those areas.
However, you might not know that FlexJobs features various creatives making money in unexpected ways.
For example, some folks make money by singing or shouting anything the customer wants in specific costumes.
Some will pretend to be your romantic partner online or juggle any item they want.
Chances are, if you’re the only one offering a specific activity, someone will want to pay money for it.
So, practically any enjoyable way to make money can be used on the site, though not all of them will make a lot of money.
You can submit a proposal to a company looking for labor on most freelance marketplaces.
Frequently, you’ll be up against dozens of other freelancers fighting for the same job.
Fiverr, on the other hand, is the polar opposite.
You construct a service known as a gig with the goal of attracting customers to buy from you.
I suggest brainstorming three to five distinct gig ideas, then posting them on the site to see if anyone is interested.
Again, it’s all just a matter of carving a niche for yourself.
Flip Items For Profit
Retail arbitrage, often known as flipping or reselling, is a booming money-making prospect.
What you’re doing is purchasing an item in one location and reselling it for a profit in another.
You can make money reselling stuff from flea markets, garage sales, estate auctions, Goodwill stores, and clearance racks.
Resellers have had success with a variety of business structures, including:
Buying online and selling in-store
This approach entails locating things on the internet that are selling for less than market value and then reselling them at a marked-up price.
This is an excellent idea if you know a specific market well and can recognize a selling opportunity.
You’d have to hunt down suboptimal listings and poor images that turn off potential buyers.
These bargains allow you to buy items for less than market value and then sell them for more money.
Buying in bulk and reselling
You may purchase goods in bulk at a lower cost, then resell them individually at a steeper price.
Nabbing items from garage sales and selling online
Some resellers purchase things at garage sales or other comparable venues such as flea markets, then resell them online through sites like Amazon, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or their own online store.
People love shopping online these days, and you won’t have a problem finding buyers.
Flipping stuff is actually the number one item I recommend to folks trying to make extra cash because it’s easy to get started. And you can even start with $0 — like this $157/hr I made flipping some free stuff!
Buying used items, refurbishing, and reselling.
Furniture is the most common item that resellers refurbish and resell for profit.
If you have a passion for DIY projects, you could buy old furniture pieces and home fixtures.
You’ll have to repair them, give them fresh paint, or do minor upgrades.
Refurbished items typically fetch much higher prices.
Learn more about furniture flipping here.
Buying in-store and making money by selling online
This method is when you purchase something for a low price at a store (like Walgreens or Walmart).
Then you resell these items to a wide audience online.
It may take some to carve out your niche in the retail arbitrage industry.
Still, it’s an excellent source of income if you’re a handy type of person.
It could turn into your full-time job if you gain enough attention.
You could even sell your finds in your own online shop.
Launch A Business In The Metaverse
The word “metaverse” refers to a virtual environment that looks and feels like the actual world but is entirely online.
While that may sound futuristic, the rate of expansion (and the amount of money invested in these virtual worlds) is significant.
A block of land in the virtual world known as Decentraland just sold for $900,000!
The first thing to realize about metaverses is that they are self-contained economies.
They require designers, real estate agents, and construction contractors; these are all legitimate methods for people to earn money in various metaverses.
If you get in on the action right away, you might just be solidifying your position in a highly profitable virtual world.
Complete Online Surveys
Okay, this is not exactly a creative endeavor, but online surveys are a fantastic way to make money while you’re doing something passive, like watching movies or listening to music.
Companies frequently pay survey websites or online focus groups for consumer feedback to learn what people think about their products and services.
You get a percentage of the money as a user of one of these survey websites in exchange for your honest insights.
Here are a few well-known and legitimate online survey sites that pay decently:
Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie is a reputable and trustworthy survey company.
If you provide basic demographic information about yourself, you’ll be able to earn money for conducting surveys, get cash back on online purchases, and much more.
Inbox Dollars
One reputable survey organization is Inbox Dollars.
Although the website interface isn’t as appealing as Swagbucks’, it does provide more survey possibilities.
The more surveys you finish, the more money you will be able to make.
Take Care of Other People’s Kids
If you’ve babysat before, you’ll know that folks pay ridiculous amounts of money to have their kids taken care of.
Parents need that night out or some peace and quiet from time to time.
However, parents nowadays demand a plethora of certificates and recommendations from anyone watching their children.
As a result, websites have sprung up to fill the need, connecting skilled professionals with grateful parents.
If you’re thinking about babysitting for additional income, Care is an excellent place to start.
There is a thorough screening process.
However, if you are accepted, there are several babysitting options.
They have options for geriatric care and housework in addition to babysitting kids!
Perform One-Off Tasks
Consider freelancing with one-off tasks if you have a particular talent or service to offer but are reluctant to go full-time.
There are marketplaces like FlexJobs and Task Rabbit that have a thriving pool of people who are willing to pay for services on a one-time basis.
You decide what you can offer, which may be anything you can do.
Some people will assemble IKEA furniture, powerwash houses, write short articles, install fixtures, wear street signs, and move furniture.
You make a list of what you have to offer and a price.
They frequently advise that you set your pricing low at first, but you can increase your prices to make more money as you receive more bookings.
If you’re curious, Task Rabbit is a well-known platform for completing small tasks for quick cash.
You can create a profile and search for chances to help individuals in need while also earning money in your town.
They provide the broadest range of services, from moving furniture to cleaning bathrooms to gardening.
All of this allows you to accept and perform assignments on your own time in exchange for one-time payments.
Work As A Social Media Influencer
Building a following as a “Social Media Influencer” is becoming an increasingly popular option for people to supplement their income.
These are folks who have 20,000 or more Instagram followers, but they can also be found on Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok.
Businesses will frequently ask you to publish a “Sponsored Post” or a shout-out in your YouTube video as a Social Media Influencer.
If you want to further your career, you may approach firms you admire for possible partnerships or join Influencer Networks, where companies are seeking outstanding influencers to collaborate with!
Companies will often try to compensate you with free merchandise, but as your storage starts to overflow, you’ll want to ask for money instead!
Run A Podcast
You might already be listening to a couple of podcasts while you go about your day.
Why not start your own?
You can offer subscriptions to listen to podcasts or leverage them as an advertising platform when you make them.
A cursory search on iTunes will reveal whether there is interest in a topic you could cover.
If there isn’t one already, make yours the best or give it a unique twist.
You can earn money in a variety of ways, the most frequent of which is advertising.
Once you have a decent number of listeners, you may start attracting advertisers who will pay to be featured in your podcast.
These are usually in the form of native advertisements, which are commercials that are read directly by the presenter within the podcast.
Advertisers pay depending on the “cost per thousand listeners,” or CPM, of a podcast.
The average CPM for a podcast with 500 to 999 listeners is $22, according to advertisecast.com. With more listeners, rates naturally rise.
For podcasts with 100,000 to 999,999 listeners, the average CPM is $27.
Midroll, for example, assists podcasters in finding advertising.
You can also charge a monthly subscription fee (typically between $5 and $15) or crowdfund directly from your listeners using services like Go Fund Me, Patreon, and Indiegogo.
It’s generally advisable to combine all the approaches above.
If you are planning to launch your own podcast – BuzzSprout is where you should start.
It’s my personal favorite and who I use to host my podcasts.
Related Reading: How Much Does It Cost To Start A Podcast – Find Out Now!
Sell Used Books
Do you love to read?
If so, you probably have a sizable collection or know where to source used books for a bargain.
You may sell old books online through various methods, and you can do so from the comfort of your own home!
Start by selling any books you don’t intend to read anymore.
There are numerous websites where you may sell used books, including Etsy, eBay, Ziffit, and even your own website.
If you have textbooks, they could be a great source of income.
They’re available for sale on Amazon and BookScouter.
To compare buyback prices, use BookFinder and enter your ISBN.
Use the aforementioned sources to appraise a book, so you know how much it’s worth if you’re seeking a more consistent approach to making money.
Then, when you discover a book available for a low price, you can buy it and resell it for a profit on another site.
Teach Video Game Strategies
If academic tutoring isn’t your thing, you can be paid to play video games by tutoring other gamers on Gamer Sensei.
There’s even an avenue to teach video games on Superprof.
You can set your own schedule and rates with these methods.
DOTA, League of Legends, and Fortnite are all popular games to teach.
Profit Off Your Beautiful Handwriting
Do you have good penmanship?
You can start monetizing that ability right away.
You could launch a calligraphy business and address wedding invites for up to $5 each envelope.
The Art Career Project, a website that encourages arts education and careers, claims that you may make more than $50,000 per year once you’ve honed your talent.
Once you’ve established your position in the industry, you can deal with business from your own website.
Work As A Fitness Instructor
Are you passionate about health and fitness?
Fortunately for you, the health and fitness sector is expected to grow at a rate of 7% per year through 2024, when it will be valued at more than $96 billion in the United States alone.
As a result, this is a burgeoning business that you can still participate in.
You can now offer classes either in person or online.
You can even do both if you want to make this into a full-fledged business.
The first thing you’ll need is the proper credentials if you want to offer in-person fitness classes.
Check with the gym or fitness center where you want to work to discover what credentials they require.
Certification tests can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
You’ll have to be certain you understand which examinations your employer wants.
Some gyms charge by the hour, while others charge by the head (how many folks sign up for your sessions).
As a result, it’s critical to develop your own teaching method.
If you build a devoted following of clients, the gym will be more inclined to invite you back and possibly even add more classes to your schedule.
If you enjoy working out, this is a fantastic side business to earn money while you work out.
You can make some serious money if you turn it into a full-fledged enterprise.
Get Paid To Write Thorough Reviews
In today’s increasingly digital environment, reviews are critical to a company’s success.
Businesses frequently ask for user input in exchange for money in order to improve.
Companies may pay you to sample their product or service, or you may be able to review purchases you’ve previously made in exchange for discounts.
For instance, Fabletics will give you extra bonus points for every online review you leave, allowing you to earn paid credits.
This is one of the most fantastic ways to make money if you love reviewing items that you purchase online.
Produce Audiobooks
Making YouTube videos of you reading public domain books is an interesting method to get money.
You may also upload these on Vimeo.
These are books that have surrendered their copyrights, so you may make audiobooks and earn money on YouTube by advertising while people listen!
Definitely a better option than buying audiobooks, right?
Once you reach YouTube’s minimum level for views, all of those views will start paying you money as passive income.
The key to success is having a good microphone, such as the Blue Yeti USB Mic, and employing someone to produce some unique custom artwork to attract YouTube listeners.
You can scour Fiverr to find talented illustrations to go along with your narrations.
This is one of the funnier ways to make money because it involves your love of reading.
Be A Tester For Pre-Release Video Games
Video game firms hire testers to play pre-release games in order to detect errors before they are released to the general public.
It’s a fantastic way to earn extra money for your hobby if you enjoy playing video games.
Video game testers are “hired” as independent contractors for third parties who provide input to firms like Nintendo.
Global Beta Testing is the largest of these companies, with 20,000 independent contracts all around the world.
You could also test out apps like Mistplay that allow you to earn points by playing existing and upcoming games.
The points you accumulate may then be exchanged for gift cards.
Please note that Mistplay is one of several applications that pay out through Paypal as well.
Run A Hobby Youtube Channel
Each year, the world’s most popular YouTube channels earn millions of dollars.
While it is intimidating to build a channel that grows to that size, there are tens of thousands of more modest channels that provide a good side income for their owners.
Cooking, home brewing, carpentry, crafts, and playing musical instruments are examples of broad hobbies for a niche group of people.
However, because YouTube has such a vast and global audience, don’t rule out the possibility of more unusual hobbies.
There may be enough individuals who share your interests to sustain a channel.
And in many cases, launching a channel in a less competitive niche makes it easier to establish a presence and attract viewers.
Building your own online community and sharing expertise is one of the more social ways to make money these days.
Work As A Freelance Writer
Freelance writing is another skill-based yet creative enterprise that can range from a little side hustle to a full-time, six-figure profession.
You can work for a “content mill” at the low end of the scale, which is all about churning out as many articles as possible.
These businesses frequently operate without concern for quality.
This can be one of the ways to make money in your leisure time, but you should stay away from it if possible because there are far better options available.
The goal after that is to specialize in one (or a small number of) subjects.
If you want to tap into your creative side, check out some of FlexJobs’ most exciting writing listings.
You’ll often find possibilities where you may create romance, criminal, religion, sci-fi, and horror novels.
There are literally hundreds of different methods to generate money as a freelance writer.
I suggest spending 15-30 minutes on FlexJobs looking for what’s available.
The goal is to discover a high-paying niche in which you can immerse yourself while also utilizing your present talents and abilities.
Tutor Kids
Most tutoring sites need you to work one-on-one with children.
The topic is set in stone, and you’ll be paid by the hour (usually around $15 to $20).
Outschool is a new company that takes a unique approach to online learning.
Outschool allows you to choose the subject you want to teach as well as construct your own curriculum.
Math, science, and language are all covered, and more creative subjects like art, cookery, and choreography.
An introduction to mindfulness for youngsters and a discussion of the Broadway musical Hamilton are two of the hottest courses on the site.
Start A Blog
Because they need low upfront costs and have immense upside potential, blogs are one of the most popular ways to make money.
Check out my complete guide on starting a blog here.
Here are some ideas for monetizing your blog once it’s up and running:
Affiliate Links
This is where you receive a commission every time you get someone to buy products through links on your blog.
Online Courses
You may convert your blog posts into full-blown courses which you can sell to your readers.
Advertisements
If you permit ads on your blog, you make money every time a reader visits it.
Even fresh blogs can start earning with ads from day one with Google AdSense.
Allowing advertisements on your blog is one of the basic ways to make money without much preparation.
Sponsored Content
This is where other businesses will pay you to review their products or share their content on your blog.
You could also get paid to give shout-outs to their services.
Coaching
Once you’ve carved your position in your niche and your audience considers you an authority, you can start charging for one-off services.
Drive For Food Delivery Apps
Since most of us have transitioned into working from home, we all know that food delivery drivers are making a coin!
Did you realize that 20% of a $20 cab ride across town isn’t nearly as much as 20% of a typical $40 restaurant meal?
That’s why most folks would rather have their food delivered to their doorstep!
If you’d like to drive around and help people out, you could try the following food delivery apps:
DoorDash
DoorDash is your standard food delivery app that specializes in delivering restaurant food to customers.
Instacart
Instacart employs folks to deliver groceries from local grocery stores.
Customers will purchase items from the app, and delivery drivers will pick up the order from the store and bring them to the customers’ doorsteps.
Uber Eats
Uber Eats has grown in popularity as a way to get restaurant meals delivered to your door without having to download another app.
It’s all part of your Uber app’s all-in-one package.
Sell Your Stuff Online Or In-person
Set aside some time to do some spring cleaning and sell what you don’t need!
Websites like eBay, have made selling old items straightforward.
I’m sure you know that selling stuff you no longer need is one more traditional way to make money.
Certain goods can be pretty profitable to salvage and resell.
Find interesting items on your own and offer them to a broader audience online.
You set the price, and you’ve got yourself a lovely little side business!
If you’d rather go the traditional route, simply post signs announcing the sale date in your neighborhood and then fill your front yard with whatever you want to sell.
Because most people will want to haggle, you won’t make a lot of money, but it’s a fantastic opportunity to make some additional cash while cleaning out your house.
You won’t make as much money as if you sold your items online, but it will be simpler and faster.
Clothing, tools, and furniture are the most popular things to sell, according to Wisebread.
Get Paid To Watch Videos
A lot of us spend our free time sitting around, watching commercials, promos, and video content.
Why not get paid for it?
Before you assume you can just put them on autoplay and make money, keep in mind that these videos frequently feature short surveys at the end that require your feedback.
However, these surveys are typically simplistic.
Most online survey companies (like Survey Junkie and Inbox Dollars) provide this as an additional way to earn money.
There’s no capital required, just a stable internet connection!
Rent Out A Room Or Property With Airbnb
Do you have an extra room in your house?
Do you have a vacation home that’s vacant for most of the year?
You may try listing it on Airbnb to make some money.
If you’re a good host with an appealing space, you may make hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.
A few easy steps can mean the difference between a fantastic experience and one that is less than ideal.
You could follow the tips below to boost your Airbnb listings:
- Stock your place with toiletries that you’d usually find at hotels. Guests will feel extra welcome if you supply them with soap, toilet paper, and fresh towels. If you’re unable to do this yourself, order these items from Amazon and get them delivered after the guests check-in.
- Have fun with your label maker. Labeling compartments and vessels will make your space more organized and modern. It’s also beneficial for guests to know where everything is.
- Be picky with guests and always check their ratings. You wouldn’t want unruly guests to disrupt your neighbors’ lives.
Related Reading: How To Make Money With Airbnb Without Owning Property – Learn More Here.
Sell Original Music
Do you like making music in your free time?
Maybe you have a home studio or dabble with digital audio workstations.
Companies like TuneCore and Bandcamp make it easier to sell music you create.
Artists may put up their music for free and earn roughly 45% of what it sells for on Bandcamp.
TuneCore charges musicians $10 to post a song and $30 to upload an album, with the musician receiving 100% of the proceeds.
It makes your music available on Amazon, iTunes, Spotify, and other digital platforms.
You are compensated according to the number of plays, and you keep 100% of the revenues!
Your original music could also be licensed to TV shows, movies, podcasts, online series, and more.
Musicbed, Music Vine, Marmoset, and Fyrfly are some examples of services where you can earn passive revenue from your tunes.
Sell NFTs At OpenSea
An NFT (non-fungible token) is a digital certificate that is held on a blockchain, which is a digital ledger.
Any digital data, such as video, images, audio, and codes, can be used here.
They are created (or minted) on blockchains, and no two NFTs are alike; that’s why they’re non-fungible.
That means that even if many copies of an NFT are made, there will always be only one original.
Cryptocurrencies can be used to sell and exchange these NFTs.
When Beeple’s crypto art “The First 5000 Days” sold for $69 million in March 2021, NFTs became mainstream.
Although you may not be able to make that much money on your first try, there is still a sizeable amount to be made in this endeavor.
The first option is to buy and sell NFTs.
The price of an NFT is highly correlated with the state of the cryptocurrency market.
As a result, their value might change substantially in a short period of time.
To make a profit, it’s not uncommon to buy and sell an NFT in the same month or week.
Many marketplaces, such as the OpenSea platform, have platforms built right in, enabling you to construct an NFT.
You merely have to click the Create button and follow the directions, after which you may sell your NFT on the same NFT marketplace platform.
Because everything is still relatively new, it is volatile and risky.
However, if you’re smart and can keep up with all the latest advances, you can make a lot of money.
Related Reading: How To Sell NFT Photography – Click Here To Learn More.
Work As A Translator
Since the world is becoming increasingly connected, you can use it to supplement your income if you’re fluent in more than one language.
It’s easy to search for translation-related tasks on sites like Translate.com, Unbabel, and even FlexJobs.
Some sites demand you to take a test to demonstrate your fluency level, which is then used to determine your pay rate.
There are sites that solely do mobile apps or webcomics and sites that specialize in blog postings and proofreading.
If there are words involved, you’ll almost certainly be able to get a translation job.
If you have specific expertise in another language, you will explore a whole new world.
For example, under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, all hospitals must provide competent translators for their patients.
You could also charge a premium fee for your services because you’ll be providing a specialist form of translation.
The best part about this job is that you may pick your own hours and fees.
You can also assist folks who would otherwise be lost in legal or medical issues.
Moreover, if learning languages is something you enjoy, you may be able to get compensated for continuing your studies.
Start A Garden And Sell Your Produce
Get paid for your green thumb if you have one!
You could build your own garden and sell the fruits and vegetables you harvest.
Begin by promoting your side hustle on social media or by creating a website that locals can visit.
You could also sell your vegetables by food item or put together weekly shopping boxes for folks who want to stock up.
If there’s a farmers’ market in your town, you could participate in your local economy.
It’s an excellent way to get involved in your community while making some extra money.
Meal Prep For Others Or Sell Baked Goods
You could establish a business based on your expertise if you know how to prepare delicious goodies and enjoy being in the kitchen.
By taking on cooking or baking requests for up to 20 hours per week, you may earn $200–$400 per month.
You might also food prep for neighbors who don’t have time or enjoy cooking.
Companies like Snap Kitchen have profited from these services, but yours may be more innovative and personal.
Offer Online Courses
You might assume you have nothing to teach people when you hear the words “online course.”
But, before you dismiss this possibility, consider Teresa Greenway’s famous story.
Greenway, who was on food stamps and had to stay at home to care for her autistic child, decided to create an online course about baking sourdough bread.
It was one of the things she loved doing in her free time.
Although it may not appear that a bread course would bring in a lot of dough (pun intended), her course brought in $86,000 in the first two years!
Sites like Skillshare and Udemy make it easier than ever to share your knowledge online, so have a look at what’s available and see if you can get some ideas for your own class.
Thinkific, an online course platform for instructors, has a helpful 10-step approach to getting your course up and running.
Work As A Graphic Designer
Graphic design is a lucrative hobby that allows you to express yourself creatively.
It might be one of the highest-paying side hustle ideas if pursued as a part-time job or an online business.
Graphics are often required by businesses on a regular basis, and this includes everything from brochures to infographics to logos.
While a design degree is generally required for a full-time job as a graphic designer, freelancing as a graphic designer is all about your portfolio.
You could include non-client examples you developed to demonstrate your abilities.
Businesses value skilled freelance graphic designers, and they may typically charge a premium for their services.
You could earn extra money if you approach companies with an impressive portfolio.
Best way to reach out to these companies and clients is through FlexJobs.
Mystery Shop
Mystery shopping is a viable side business that has a lot of potentials.
The money is modest, about minimum wage, but you could receive free food or items, or even a luxurious experience, like trips, as part of the deal.
If you’re looking for inspiration, Jenni Sisson, a contributor to The Ways To Wealth, has participated in over 100 surprise shopping visits.
This includes outings with her family to a waterpark and a gourmet dinner event that would have cost more than $100.
The way the industry operates is that you must first establish a relationship with a respected agency.
These organizations keep a list of employment openings in your area.
You can browse what’s available once you’ve joined an agency, choose what interests you, and perform the tasks.
Work As A Research Field Agent
Field Agent is a reputable application that allows users to earn money by conducting random research activities at nearby retail places.
It is available for both iOS and Android.
A typical job would entail going to a store and photographing a particular object on display.
Why?
Companies are willing to pay agents to make sure their products are displayed and appropriately priced.
It’s a fantastic app to have open while running errands to see if a store has any tasks because it lets you search jobs by proximity.
You may also see how much the job pays and how long it will take, making it simple to determine whether a task is worthwhile.
This isn’t going to make you rich, but it may be a fun and quick way to earn some extra cash – especially if you do these tasks while you’re up and about anyway.
Be A Rideshare Driver
When they started allowing anyone to become a cab driver in their spare time and earn extra money, ridesharing became the ultimate side hustle.
These services are now a must-have in every metropolis and a go-to choice for anyone in need of some extra cash.
Plus, companies will provide you with a car if you don’t have one.
The following are some of the most well-known companies where you can work as a driver:
Uber
Uber was the first “taxi” service app, and its name has become synonymous with personal transportation.
Driving others around is straightforward, and Uber drivers earn a lot of money during “peak” times.
You can expect to make more during concerts, sports games, bar closings, and tourist seasons.
The average Uber driver makes roughly $10 per hour.
Lyft
Lyft is Uber’s primary competitor, although it has gotten a lot of attention for becoming the first to permit driver tips.
Then, as Uber received a lot of negative press, Lyft stepped in to fill the gap.
Earning tips is an excellent way to earn extra money because passengers are usually generous these days.
Take Care of Other People’s Pets
Are you crazy about animals?
Then you earn money on the side while you hang out with new furry pals.
There are sites that connect pet owners with folks who are happy and able to care for their four-legged family members.
Pet sitters have complete control over their pricing, hours, and requirements.
Some pet sitters can earn $1,000 in two weeks by babysitting a lot of pets, or around $3,000 per month if they do it full-time.
It depends on how strict you want to be with your timetable.
This is a quick way to make some extra money, but the initial setup can be time-consuming.
People are fiercely protective of their animals, so you’ll need to provide plenty of references and experience to gain their confidence.
Interested? Here are two starting points for you:
Care
Housekeeping, child care, senior care, and pet care services are all available through Care.
They serve as a nexus for a variety of caretaking services.
What’s neat is that once you create a profile, they have all of your information if you need different types of care.
Rover
Rover is a well-known pet-sitting website that connects pet owners with sitters.
The usual services include house sitting, pet walking, overnight boarding, and pet daycare.
It’s the most comprehensive platform for pet owners, so it’s a fantastic place to start if you want to spend time with animals while earning money.
Animals you can look after are not limited to dogs and cats.
There are also pet owners who want you to take care of their lizards, snakes, goats, turtles, birds, and even fish too.
Be An Amazon Seller
You’ve probably heard many success stories of Amazon sellers.
What’s great about this setup is that you never ship anything directly to customers when you sell through Fulfillment by Amazon.
The company will take care of it for you.
Many Amazon sellers are private-label enterprises that import generic products from other countries or buy clearance items from physical stores and resell them at a profit on their online store.
The vendors pack the items and ship them to Amazon, which takes care of the rest.
Sell Your Companionship
You may have heard of websites like RentAFriend where you can sell your company.
Some claim to make $2,000 per week as a strictly platonic companion, which might range from going out to lunch with someone to showing a newcomer around your area.
Papa is another program that connects seniors with companions — usually college students — to assist with errands, technology, and entertainment.
Companions who join the site discover that they can earn money while also being helpful citizens.
The company has spread to over 25 states and expects to extend to all 50 in the near future.
Be A Professional Organizer
If Marie Kondo ever imparted anything to us, it’s that sometimes we all need a little assistance organizing our belongings.
This could be the side gig of your dreams if you have a talent for organization and enjoy helping folks out with their spaces.
In the United States, a professional organizer earns roughly $50 per hour on average.
This can entail more than simply packing things into boxes.
You’ll have got to know your customers and devise an organizational system that works for them and their lifestyles.
Professional organizers are employed for more than just housekeeping!
You may also assist with corporate restructuring, digital data organization, time management, and feng shui.
If you could transform this into a full-fledged business, you can upscale and organize corporate settings and other establishments.
Work As A Customer Service Representative
You could be a first-rate customer service representative if you enjoy interacting with strangers while performing your daily tasks.
Many customer support representatives work in person, but much more work for eCommerce websites remotely.
These representatives may work part-time, full-time, or freelance to meet the demands of a business’s customers.
All you’ll need is a computer, possibly a phone, a headset, and maybe some light video software.
Make Travel Arrangements and Itineraries
COVID-19 prevented people from traveling for the past two years.
But with travel restrictions now easing up, many folks are looking to have adventures outside of their homes again.
Many people don’t want to plan their vacations, whether they’re for business or pleasure.
You could plan trips for folks who want or need to travel if you enjoy researching and planning schedules.
You can connect with others looking for your skills by posting them on social media or a freelancing platform.
Repurpose Old Magazines
Do you happen to have a lot of old magazines lying around?
Good news! Steve Gillman, the Odd Money expert, still regrets selling a stack of old National Geographic magazines at a yard sale for a few bucks.
After doing some investigation, he discovered that antique magazines from the 1940s and 1950s retail for more than $50 each on eBay.
If you don’t already have a stack of vintage magazines, buying old magazines online, cutting out numerous ads (particularly for automobiles, trains, firearms, sports, or furniture), putting them in a lovely frame or protective sleeve, and reselling each ad for $10 to $20 is a profitable plan.
Who would have thought that vintage magazines could rake in that much extra money?
Buy and Sell Website Domains
I’m sure you’ve heard of house flipping.
But did you know that domain flipping is a thing?
The concept is similar.
You purchase a website domain and spruce it up, much like fixing up a house.
If you’re adept in coding, you could buy domains for cheap and “renovate” them.
You could earn up to $500 for every domain name you sell.
At the same time, you would be improving your coding skills in the process.
Related Reading: Platforms To Buy And Sell A Business – Find Out Now.
Sell Your Junk Mail
Wouldn’t it be excellent if you could profit from the things you dispose of regularly?
There’s at least one company that is willing to purchase your junk mail!
One such enterprise is the Small Business Knowledge Center, a market research firm.
It analyzes the data to learn what its insurance and financial services clients are receiving in the mail from their competitors.
You won’t make much, but what better use for the “garbage” you have?
You’ll need to fill out an application to become a consumer panelist to get started.
They’ll give you self-addressed envelopes to stuff with your junk mail once you’ve been accepted.
Over time, you’ll begin to accumulate points that can be exchanged for gift cards.
Open A Spray Tan Business
Are you a fan of the sun-kissed look?
Then you probably know that anyone can purchase a handheld spray tan machine and some tanning lotion on Amazon for around $300.
You could share the “sun” around and spray tan some pale folks.
You could charge your customers around $25, which is much less than tanning salons.
You’ll gain your capital back after you tan 12 clients.
Once the supplies are paid for, then you’ll be in the green, and you can enjoy your extra money.
Sell Coupons Online
Selling coupons is a widespread technique to supplement your income.
Thousands of coupons are placed into print magazines and distributed through other special deals.
People who no longer require them can sell them on eBay.
Hardcore “couponers” will pay top dollar for rare coupons.
Individual coupon sales will not, by any means, replace a full-time career.
However, if you sell them in bulk, you can charge significantly more.
Aside from eBay, there are dedicated platforms for coupon sellers, such as The Happy Couponer Marketplace.
It simply takes a few minutes to become a Happy Couponer merchant.
Create an account for free and begin cataloging your coupons, coupon fliers, newspaper inserts, and coupon books.
There are no digital coupons, links, or other intangibles allowed.
The service charges a fee of $0.42 every $7 in sales after your coupons start selling, with no fees below that level.
Please don’t list expired or counterfeit coupons; doing so will result in your account being suspended!
Scalp Tickets
To resell tickets, you used to have to wander outside concerts and sports venues, which was illegal.
Using services like Stubhub or Ticketmaster, you can now legally scalp tickets online from the comfort of your own home.
If you can forecast which events will sell out, you can buy tickets early for a lower price and sell them later for extra money as the event date approaches.
Join Clinical Trials
A clinical trial is a particular study that recruits participants to test medicine or medical concept.
That is, they ask those who meet their criteria to commit to a specific regimen or trial term.
Nearly 400,000 clinical trials were registered and conducted in 2021.
Naturally, you must first apply to take part in a study.
The application process becomes more difficult as the study becomes more comprehensive.
Once you’ve been accepted, the researchers will go over the rules and how long the study will last.
In most cases, you’ll only be compensated if you finish the trial by following all of the instructions to the end.
A novel medicine that helps treat a problem or disease is the most prevalent form of study.
For instance, Altrasciences pays reasonably healthy females with cystic fibrosis to take part in trials for new medications.
The company included free COVID tests on top of the $6,500 compensation.
Altasciences, for example, is looking for healthy girls with cystic fibrosis to take part in a trial to test a new medicine.
They’re offering free COVID exams as well as up to $6,500 in compensation.
However, there are alternative sorts of trials that are less invasive and even enjoyable.
For example, in 2019, a study looked at how successful Wii Heart Fitness was at increasing physical activity and overall health in folks from all age groups.
The amount you get paid will be determined by a number of criteria, including how intrusive the study is, how much time you must devote, and whether or not it is potentially harmful to your well-being.
Join An Online Mock Jury
To assist lawyers in preparing for real cases, a mock or surrogate jury evaluates evidence and makes a decision.
A full day pent-up in a hotel conference room is generally required for participation.
There are different choices for online surrogate jurors, such as e-Jury and OnlineVerdict.
These jobs pay $5 to $60 and take less than an hour to complete.
Applicants must tick the following criteria to be eligible to serve as a virtual juror:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must be a US citizen.
- You must have a spotless criminal record.
Creating an account on either site is free.
Still, you’ll have to fill out a questionnaire that includes your age, marital status, criminal background, income, political views, etc.
Related Reading: Home-Based Book Keeping Business – How To Start One?
Final Thoughts
Remember that a new income stream takes time to create momentum, whether you’re selling your art, giving a specific talent, or simply renting out something you own.
When you find a concept you like, it’s worth investing in for the long haul—possibly with the intention of quitting your day job and focusing solely on your new enterprise.
I hope the ideas above provide you with a good starting point but don’t let them limit you!
After all, coming up with novel ideas is the definition of creativity.
As a result, you might want to use this list to generate ideas on your own.
You may post your new ideas on a freelance marketplace to get immediate feedback on whether or not they’re worthwhile.
Good luck!
