By Jessica Oaks
If you’re like most people, having a little bit of extra money in your pocket would be welcome. The question is, how do you go about making that extra money? Do you try and cut expenses at home so that your money goes farther? Or do you push for that hard-earned promotion at work (and hope that the extra income isn’t offset by extra taxes)? It’s a tough call. Thankfully, there is a third option: sales.
You may be hesitant, because for many the idea of being in sales conjures up images of going door to door with expensive vacuum cleaners. But the truth of the matter is that there is no better time than now to sell goods. With mobile apps, online marketplaces, and businesses like Amway available to today’s budding entrepreneur, getting started costs next to nothing, and making money is all but a sure thing. Here are five ways to make a bit of extra money in your downtime.
1. Ebay
We all have things that we no longer want or need. Ebay (and Craigslist) is a great place to sell these items at a profit. Your old vinyl collection could be worth thousands, to say nothing of your old Star Wars action figures. And you don’t have to rely on your own inventory either. Scour the local flea market on Sunday morning and look for items that are desirable – niche items are often a good place to start, as there’s bound to be a small but persistent market for them. Research going prices, buy below this price, and sell at a profit. Voila!
2. Etsy
If Ebay is the ideal outlet for the reseller, then Etsy is the ideal marketplace for the entrepreneur selling their own goods. Artists, sculptors, woodworkers, jewelers, and other craftspeople will find Etsy is a terrific platform, as it enables people to jump start a business with little to no overhead. Many businesses have found so much success on Etsy that they go on to open traditional brick-and-mortar stores. You could find the same level of success for your unique tchotchkes. Don’t let your talent go unrewarded.
3. Fiverr
With Fiverr, you can quickly make a little bit of money here and there picking up small jobs. Think of it as a sort of digital handyman billboard; you can post jobs, look for jobs, or post availability in a particular field. Set your price or accept someone else’s bid, and make a bit of money – it really can be that easy. The great thing with Fiverr is that your obligation is only as involved as you want it to be. For this reason, it should be a no-brainer for anyone interested in making extra cash on the side.
4. Freelancer
Freelancer, like Fiverr, is an online marketplace for freelance contractors. However, there is a greater emphasis on professional services and disciplines. Whereas you can bid on nearly any job with Fiverr, Freelancer is intended as a platform to connect independent contractors with business owners; it helps facilitate project completion and business development by connecting employers with on-demand employees for specific tasks and projects. If you are well-versed in mobile app development or graphic design, for example, there is a good chance you could earn supplementary income on Freelancer.
5. Amway
For individuals looking to get into sales, but who have little to actually sell, Amway is a terrific means of becoming an entrepreneur. Far from being a scam, Amway is a legitimate and successful business – signing up puts you in touch with a wide network of experienced professionals, and gives you access to a large catalog of quality home and lifestyle products that you can then sell. Best of all, how much you earn is entirely up to you. Though Amway wants the best for all of its business owners, you ultimately are in charge of your own success.
Earn Extra Money Today
If you are stuck in a dead-end 9-to-5 job, you may be wondering what the future holds. Getting ahead can be difficult, and even if you do get that promotion you’ve been longing for, there’s a good chance it will come with added stress and responsibility. It might be worth your while to consider alternatives. Perhaps entrepreneurship is the outlet you’ve been seeking? Who knows, you might just be able to quit your day job after all!