Literally speaking, there are innumerable ways to make money online and I will be covering the best of them here on FourPercentHub.com (FPH). So make sure you bookmark this one and keep visiting and revisiting FPH.
If you’re interested in boosting your income, exploring these online platforms can be a great idea. Making money doesn’t always require an initial investment. Whether you want to kickstart a side hustle for some additional part-time earnings or simply need some quick cash, there are websites that can assist you in achieving your financial goals.
It’s important to note that the speed at which you can earn money can vary. Some methods may demand a significant amount of time and effort, while others can yield quicker results. As they say, time is money, so out of our list of online money-making options you have to be mindful of those that require the most time investment and those that are more time-efficient.
Here are some reliable resources for making money online:
- Etsy.com
- Upwork.com
- Fiverr.com
- Neighbor.com
- TaskRabbit.com
- Fat Llama
- Swap.com
- Wonder.com
- UserInterviews.com
- OfferUp.com
- ThredUp.com
- QuickRewards
- Gazelle.com
- CardSell.com
- Merch by Amazon
The choice of which website to use for boosting your income depends on your specific goals. Whether you’re aiming for a quick cash infusion or a more sustainable long-term income, each of the websites listed below comes with its own set of pros and cons, catering to various needs and interests. Let’s dive into the details of each platform.
- Etsy
- How it works: Etsy is a platform for artistic individuals to sell handmade products like custom jewelry or refrigerator magnets.
- Highlights: The platform is user-friendly, making it easy to set up your own shop.
- Drawbacks: Etsy is a popular marketplace with significant competition. While its reputation is an advantage, you’ll be one of many sellers, which can feel overwhelming.
- Time investment: Your pace of work determines your time investment. Depending on what you create or sell, it might take a week or just a couple of hours. Generally, you receive payment approximately three days after a sale. After three months on Etsy, you can expect payments on the next business day.
- Upwork
- How it works: Upwork serves as a meeting place for businesses and freelancers worldwide to collaborate on various projects. Freelancers offer services ranging from writing to web design, among others.
- Highlights: Upwork charges a commission ranging from 5% to 20%, which decreases as you earn more.
- Drawbacks: Due to its popularity, Upwork is highly competitive. Newcomers may find it challenging to attract clients, especially when competing with overseas freelancers offering lower prices. However, building a positive reputation can lead to higher rates over time.
- Time investment: Similar to Fiverr, the time commitment can vary, from several days to weeks for certain projects. After client approval, it can take up to 10 days to receive payment, though consistent work may allow for weekly payments.
- How it works: Upwork serves as a meeting place for businesses and freelancers worldwide to collaborate on various projects. Freelancers offer services ranging from writing to web design, among others.
- Fiverr
- How it works: Fiverr is a well-known platform catering to freelancers. If you have skills in areas like digital animation or web research, you can provide services to those who need them and earn extra income.
- Highlights: According to Dan Bochichio, a web designer from Albany, New York, who manages a company called Bocain Designs, you can make a substantial income on Fiverr. His firm generates $3,000 to $5,000 monthly on the platform. He emphasizes the importance of a well-crafted Fiverr profile and gig descriptions to showcase your value. Quick and thoughtful responses to inquiries can significantly boost your chances of landing jobs.
- Drawbacks: While some users have experienced success, it’s worth noting that Fiverr initially gained popularity for offering tasks at just $5 each. Although you can charge more, many clients may still expect low rates. Additionally, Fiverr deducts a 20% commission from your earnings.
- Time investment: The time required can vary considerably. Complex tasks like creating a digital animated short demand a significant time commitment. It might take up to 14 days for your earnings to reach your bank account after client approval, though regular users may receive payments within seven days.
- How it works: Fiverr is a well-known platform catering to freelancers. If you have skills in areas like digital animation or web research, you can provide services to those who need them and earn extra income.
- Neighbor
- How it works: If you have extra storage space in your home, be it a spare room, empty garage, or storage shed, you can leverage it by renting it out on Neighbor.com. Think of it as the Airbnb for the self-storage industry. You have the flexibility to set your own prices, and individuals looking for storage solutions will pay Neighbor.com a service fee for connecting them with your available space.
- Highlights: Payment options are convenient, offering you the choice of direct deposit or receiving a debit card at the end of each month. However, it’s important to note that Neighbor.com deducts fees from your earnings, including a 4.9% processing fee of the total reservation amount and an additional 30 cents for each monthly payout.
- Drawbacks: One potential drawback is that if you find yourself in need of your storage space suddenly, you must provide your renter with a 30-day advance notice for them to retrieve their belongings. Failing to give adequate notice may result in a $60 termination fee.
- Time investment: To prepare your storage space for use by someone else, allocate at least a couple of hours, which may involve cleaning and organizing. Your payment typically arrives after approximately 30 days of providing storage to the renter.
- How it works: If you have extra storage space in your home, be it a spare room, empty garage, or storage shed, you can leverage it by renting it out on Neighbor.com. Think of it as the Airbnb for the self-storage industry. You have the flexibility to set your own prices, and individuals looking for storage solutions will pay Neighbor.com a service fee for connecting them with your available space.
- TaskRabbit
- How it works: TaskRabbit connects people with tasks to individuals willing to perform them, ranging from assembling furniture to running errands.
- Highlights: You can either apply for tasks or create a profile highlighting your skills, attracting clients directly.
- Drawbacks: Many tasks on TaskRabbit are physical in nature, such as furniture assembly. However, if you enjoy hands-on work, this can be an advantage.
- Time investment: Most tasks require several hours of work. Payments are typically approved within 24 hours of task completion, with funds deposited in your bank account three to five days later.
- How it works: TaskRabbit connects people with tasks to individuals willing to perform them, ranging from assembling furniture to running errands.
- Fat Llama
- How it works: Have valuable items sitting around that your neighbors might want to rent? Fat Llama allows you to rent out your high-value possessions through its platform, with items insured up to $30,000.
- Highlights: It’s a practical way to earn money from items you own but don’t frequently use. For renters, it’s a cost-effective alternative to buying expensive items they may only need occasionally.
- Drawbacks: Your possessions might not align with what potential renters are seeking.
- Time investment: The time needed depends on posting photos of your items and arranging meetups. Fat Llama usually sends you the rental amount within 24 hours of the rental start date, with funds typically appearing in your account 3-4 working days after the start date. You decide the rental fee, with Fat Llama taking a 25% commission.
- How it works: Have valuable items sitting around that your neighbors might want to rent? Fat Llama allows you to rent out your high-value possessions through its platform, with items insured up to $30,000.
- Swap
- How it works: Swap operates as an online consignment store, similar to ThredUp. You send in used clothing, toys, and games, and Swap handles the selling process. Your earnings depend on the item’s price: for items priced at $8 or less, you receive a 15% cashback or slightly higher store credit. Items sold for more than $8 yield 70% of the cash, minus a $4.95 processing fee, or slightly more store credit.
- Highlights: It’s a hassle-free alternative to selling items on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, eliminating the need for in-person meetings with buyers. The process is simple, involving gathering items and placing them in a prepaid box.
- Drawbacks: Just like with ThredUp, there’s a chance that your items may be rejected when you attempt to sell them with Swap. In such cases, you either forfeit the items or pay a fee for their return. Additionally, if over 40% of your Swap box is rejected, there are associated fees.
- Time investment: The time required can range from minutes to however long it takes to locate suitable items in your home. Even after a quick sale, it may take some time before you receive payment, typically at the end of the month for sales from the previous month.
- How it works: Swap operates as an online consignment store, similar to ThredUp. You send in used clothing, toys, and games, and Swap handles the selling process. Your earnings depend on the item’s price: for items priced at $8 or less, you receive a 15% cashback or slightly higher store credit. Items sold for more than $8 yield 70% of the cash, minus a $4.95 processing fee, or slightly more store credit.
- Wonder
- How it works: Wonder allows you to earn money by conducting research. They have a selective application process, which takes about five minutes. If you pass, you gain access to their dashboard, where you can showcase your research skills and get paid for answering questions, often from professionals or authors.
- Highlights: Researchers on Wonder typically earn $8 to $16 for each detailed answer, making it an excellent opportunity for those who enjoy learning and explaining complex topics.
- Drawbacks: The pay, averaging about $20 an hour, may not be high if you’re investing a significant amount of time in answering questions.
- Time investment: Expect to spend around an hour for a detailed answer. Payments are made every two weeks through PayPal.
- How it works: Wonder allows you to earn money by conducting research. They have a selective application process, which takes about five minutes. If you pass, you gain access to their dashboard, where you can showcase your research skills and get paid for answering questions, often from professionals or authors.
- UserInterviews
- How it works: UserInterviews.com, a favorite of Nick Loper, the creator of SideHustleNation.com, specializes in connecting individuals with high-paying market research studies. These studies cover a wide range of topics, with a focus on tech and industry professionals, but also offering general population studies. Loper has personally earned money through various studies, such as testing an online video tool, sharing opinions on early retirement, and participating in surveys for bald men.
- Highlights: The potential for substantial earnings is a standout feature. While Loper’s earnings have been on the lower side, typically, participants can make between $40 to $200 per hour on the site.
- Drawbacks: Participation depends on matching your profile with the studies available, and there’s no guarantee of selection for studies that align with your interests. It’s a potential source of occasional income rather than a consistent cash flow.
- Time investment: The time commitment varies widely, ranging from a quick 10-minute opinion sharing to several hours of participation. Earnings generally increase with the time invested.
- How it works: UserInterviews.com, a favorite of Nick Loper, the creator of SideHustleNation.com, specializes in connecting individuals with high-paying market research studies. These studies cover a wide range of topics, with a focus on tech and industry professionals, but also offering general population studies. Loper has personally earned money through various studies, such as testing an online video tool, sharing opinions on early retirement, and participating in surveys for bald men.
- OfferUp
- How it works: If hosting a yard sale seems like too much effort, OfferUp offers a convenient alternative. You can snap a picture of your items, set a price, and hope that someone nearby shows interest online. Ideally, they’ll contact you, and you can arrange a safe, in-person meeting in a public place to exchange the item for cash. OfferUp also provides options for shipping items to buyers.
- Highlights: Often compared to Craigslist, OfferUp is user-friendly, especially if you use the mobile app. It allows instant messaging between buyers and sellers, and members have profiles, which can help build trust. Look out for sellers with badges, as they are often considered reputable.
- Drawbacks: Safety precautions are essential when meeting buyers in person. OfferUp reminds users that online interactions don’t guarantee safety, so be cautious. In case of an emergency or danger, call 911 or your local emergency number.
- Time investment: Expect to spend an hour or two on the process, although it may span several days, depending on how quickly your item sells. You’ll need to take photos, set a price, negotiate with buyers, and possibly schedule meetups. If you’re shipping an item, it typically takes about four to five days for the money to appear in your bank account.
- How it works: If hosting a yard sale seems like too much effort, OfferUp offers a convenient alternative. You can snap a picture of your items, set a price, and hope that someone nearby shows interest online. Ideally, they’ll contact you, and you can arrange a safe, in-person meeting in a public place to exchange the item for cash. OfferUp also provides options for shipping items to buyers.
- ThredUp
- How it works: ThredUp, with the motto “secondhand clothes, firsthand fun,” caters to those looking to declutter and earn money by selling gently used clothing. The process involves sending your clothes in a ThredUp bag with a prepaid mailing label. ThredUp evaluates the items and assigns values, favoring popular brands and items in good condition. Keep in mind that fees apply if your items aren’t accepted. In such cases, hosting a yard sale might be a better option.
- Highlights: The process is straightforward, with ThredUp providing a prepaid bag or shipping label for your convenience.
- Drawbacks: You won’t receive payment until your items are accepted by ThredUp. If your items are rejected, they may be recycled unless you opt to pay a fee to have them returned to you.
- Time investment: It can take mere minutes, or as long as it takes to sift through your closet and navigate ThredUp’s website.
- How it works: ThredUp, with the motto “secondhand clothes, firsthand fun,” caters to those looking to declutter and earn money by selling gently used clothing. The process involves sending your clothes in a ThredUp bag with a prepaid mailing label. ThredUp evaluates the items and assigns values, favoring popular brands and items in good condition. Keep in mind that fees apply if your items aren’t accepted. In such cases, hosting a yard sale might be a better option.
- QuickRewards
- How it works: QuickRewards is an established online rewards program with a 20-year history. According to Becky Ford, the Vice President of Marketing, it’s a free website that offers multiple ways to earn money online. These methods include completing surveys, visiting websites, taking up offers, and watching videos.
- Highlights: QuickRewards offers quick payouts, typically within three days of completing your tasks. There’s no minimum required amount to cash out, and you can receive your earnings through PayPal or opt for gift cards, with some available for as low as $5.
- Drawbacks: It’s essential to manage your expectations; QuickRewards is not a get-rich-quick scheme. As Ford emphasizes, it’s more of a side hustle or a way to supplement your budget. The earnings can vary, with surveys being one of the more lucrative options, often paying around $0.75 for a 10-minute survey, though some surveys may offer over $2.
- Time investment: QuickRewards offers flexibility in terms of time commitment. It’s something you can do during your downtime, such as while watching TV or after the kids have gone to bed. You can invest as little or as much time as you want.
- How it works: QuickRewards is an established online rewards program with a 20-year history. According to Becky Ford, the Vice President of Marketing, it’s a free website that offers multiple ways to earn money online. These methods include completing surveys, visiting websites, taking up offers, and watching videos.
- Gazelle
- How it works: Gazelle specializes in purchasing old electronics like cellphones, iPads, or MacBooks. They provide a cash offer for your device, and if you accept, they send you packaging materials. Gazelle covers the shipping costs, and you wait for your payment, which can be in the form of a check, a gift card, or a PayPal transfer.
- Highlights: The process is smooth and streamlined, from start to finish.
- Drawbacks: If Gazelle receives your device and it doesn’t meet their expectations, the offered payment may decrease significantly. However, Gazelle does offer to send your device back to you for free if you decline their revised offer. Essentially, the risk is minimal.
- Time investment: It takes only minutes. Once Gazelle has your device, they inspect it, and you can expect payment within approximately three to five business days.
- How it works: Gazelle specializes in purchasing old electronics like cellphones, iPads, or MacBooks. They provide a cash offer for your device, and if you accept, they send you packaging materials. Gazelle covers the shipping costs, and you wait for your payment, which can be in the form of a check, a gift card, or a PayPal transfer.
- CardSell
- How it works: CardSell is a popular platform for selling gift cards. If you have unused gift cards, you can receive an offer from CardSell and exchange them for cash or another gift card.
- Highlights: Mailing your gift cards to CardSell is free, and the process is relatively straightforward.
- Drawbacks: You won’t receive the full value of your gift card; some value is typically deducted.
- Time investment: It’s a quick process, taking only minutes. In about 48 hours, you should see the money in your PayPal account.
- Merch by Amazon
- How it works: Meet John Frigo, an affiliate manager at MySupplementStore.com, who dabbles in side income by crafting T-shirt designs. His canvas isn’t limited to Merch by Amazon; he also sells on platforms like Redbubble.com.
- Highlights: Here’s the beauty of it: on Merch by Amazon, you simply upload your artistic creations and let the royalties roll in. According to Frigo, graphic designers can showcase their T-shirt designs, and from there, it’s mostly hands-off. You earn a royalty for each design sold, without the hassle of managing returns, customer service, or shipping.
- Drawbacks: While it’s a straightforward way to earn, don’t expect to strike it rich. For example, Merch by Amazon provides royalty examples, revealing that a $15.99 T-shirt sale would yield just $2.21 in royalties. However, once you’ve invested the time and creativity into designing the artwork, it becomes a source of effortless income – provided someone decides to purchase your T-shirt.
- Time investment: Consider dedicating at least a few hours to the creative process. The pace can vary; some artists work swiftly, while others take their time. Most individuals would find it reasonable to allocate a few hours. Regarding payment, if your T-shirt designs are in high demand, you could receive payments on a monthly basis.
- How it works: Meet John Frigo, an affiliate manager at MySupplementStore.com, who dabbles in side income by crafting T-shirt designs. His canvas isn’t limited to Merch by Amazon; he also sells on platforms like Redbubble.com.