How to make money in your spare time: minimum effort, maximum cash gain!
Closer’s guide to pushing up your rainy day cash fund, without breaking a sweat…
Sell things online
If you are planning a clear-out, why not make some money from your old stuff. Whether it’s clothes, shoes, collectables or baby gear, if the items are in good condition and priced correctly someone will want them. Websites where you can sell online include www.ebay.co.uk, www.etsy.co.uk and www.amazon.co.uk.These two are also great for selling products you’ve made or created ie: original artwork, knitwear or craft items such as cushions, or furniture you’ve painted or restored. **
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Become a pet sitter
Love pets and have experience looking after them? Offer to pet sit your neighbour’s dog, cat or hamster. Check out the competition in your area, their prices and what they offer and see if you can create a better package. Consider whether you could offer this service for free to a friendfirst, then you could then ask them to be your referee for future bookings. You could advertise your services locally with an ad card dropped through letterboxes. Then all you have to do is visit your client’s house twice a day, feed the animal, clean the litter box and make sure the animal is OK – oh and have a quick cuddle too! What’s not to like?
Turn your talent into a small business
If you make jewellery, bake, take photos, sew, flower arrange or make greeting cards, whatever your hobby you can make money from it. If you feel inspired about your hobby, that will keep you motivated to cope with the demands of running your business. And people like to buy from businesses with a passionate person at the helm. Ideally you would launch your product or service into a growing market with clear demand.
Check out http://www.smallbusiness.co.uk/channels/start-a-business/small-business-advice/ for tips on how to go about starting up. ** **
Freelancing
If you have skills in writing, editing, PR, marketing, graphic design or website building, you can easily offer your services through social media profiles such as Twitter orLinkedIn. Also, if you have a teaching degree in a particular subject, offer online tutorials.
You can sign up to these sites for free in seconds: www.twitter.com, www.linkedin.com
Sell your story to Closer!
Magazines including ours are always looking for fascinating real-life stories. If you have a shocking story that you haven’t read anywhere else before, it could earn you to £1,000. Email our features desk at closerstories@closermag.co.uk
Rent out your parking space
Do you live in a desirable location where parking is expensive? If the answer’s yes and you have a space in the driveway it could be earning you money. Value and list your space for free at www.parkatmyhouse.com but they do charge a commission once it’s rented out. Just check with your local council that it is not deemed a ‘change of use’ for the property from residential to residential/commercial use. It’s unlikely you’ll be pulled up on it but it’s worth checking as it may be something you need planning permission for.
Sell cosmetics door to door
This is a social business activity, which is great for building your network. Be prepared to spend time meeting and talking to people. Sales are mainly generated through social events such as parties or often having to do personal visits to people’s homes.
Sign up today & become a cosmetic representative for:
MaryKay – www.marykay.co.uk or Avon – www.avon.uk.com. You buy batches of catalogues and try to land orders from neighbours, friends and colleagues. If you dedicate your time to doingthis you can earn around £100 a month. But be sure you are comfortable with the idea of selling to all and sundry before you commit otherwise you could actually lose money.
Market research groups
Get paid for taking part in focus groups, interviews or surveys for businesses and companies wanting to gain information about how their service or product is perceived. You can search sites such as www.gumtree.com for current lists of focus groups in your area.
Or sign up to www.londonmarketresearch.com for a chance to be selected for market research groups. ** **
Baby-sitting
You need to have a proven track record of working with children so if you are a nursery nurse or playworker this is a great way to make extra cash. Contact a babysitting service such as www.sitters.co.uk toregister and they will find you local bookings. If you are not a childcare professional, you could still build up a reputation among friends on your spare evenings and free weekends.
Be a mystery shopper
High street shops are keen to check their customer service is up to scratch. Register at a website such as http://www.mystery-shoppers.co.uk, and you will be asked to rate the quality of your experience with various retailers and service providers. You may be paid in cash, gift vouchers or get items or meals for free.
By Talisha Johnson