Do you need some extra cash? Nowadays you can make money directly at your home using the computer. Don't expect to get rich quick, but with a little patience you can earn a lot of change.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Selling your Assets and Skills
Step 1. Sell your stuff on online marketplaces
Instead of selling your items at the flea market, use Craigslist. Craigslist is cheaper than the flea market, and many more people will be able to look at your ads. Craigslist is not yet very popular in Italy, but in the world it is used by more than 40 million people per month. Search your closet and garage for old bikes, artwork, furniture, household items - anything you want to sell.
- In the United States, all major cities have their own section on Craigslist. Currently in Italy there are sections for some large cities as well as for Sardinia and Sicily. Browse to see how other people set up their ads.
- Craigslist allows you to put items up for sale for free. Unlike other websites, Craigslist doesn't take part in the transaction, which is mostly done in person, so you don't have to pay any fees. On the other hand, however, there is no protection system for the buyer and the seller, so be careful when selling through the site.
- If you have DVDs, CDs, or old textbooks, try selling them on Amazon. Amazon will take a small percentage of your earnings for each sale. On Amazon you are responsible for the shipping and condition of the items sold. The site uses a feedback system so you can build a reputation as a seller.
- Try selling clothes through online consignment shops. Sites like Thredup, Threadflip, Twice, and The Real Real ship you prepaid shipping packages. You send them your clothes, and if they pass the quality check, they are accepted and put up for sale online. These sites hold a small percentage of your sale. Poshmark allows you to sell and ship your clothes on your own.
Step 2. Take part in online auctions
eBay is a great place to sell your unwanted items. On eBay you can sell anything from clothes to toys and cars. Choose whether to sell at auction or at a fixed price ("Buy It Now" option); eBay keeps a small percentage of your earnings every time you sell something.
eBay works using a feedback system, so you can build a reputation as a reputable seller, which will help you sell more
Step 3. Sell handmade products
If you are good at crafts, try selling your creations on Etsy, an online shop for handmade products. You can sell everything from homemade soaps to candles and knitted scarves on Etsy. All transactions take place through Etsy, and payment can be made either through Paypal or by credit card.
- Examples of things you can sell include fine art prints and postcards, handmade jewelry, crocheted pets, essential oils, birdhouses.
- Think about asking for a reasonable price, so that people will be interested, but it reflects the time and effort you put into making the product.
- Each listing on Etsy has a small cost, plus the site takes a small commission from your earnings when you sell something.
Step 4. Publish an eBook
If you've written a novel, self-publish it through Amazon, set a price, and sell it. You can sell your eBook for the price you want. After posting it, be sure to recommend it to friends and family. Advertise on social networks so people know about it.
Consider writing a non-fiction book on a subject you are well versed in
Step 5. Provide Online Services
Providing services as a freelancer is a good way to earn more. You can provide services such as editing, proofreading, short article writing, tutoring, horoscope reading, or any other service you are qualified for.
- Try Elance. The site lists technical, data entry, accounting, and other freelance jobs. You can submit your job posting offers - but be prepared to face some rejection at first.
- Fiverr is a site where you can sell your professional talents for five dollars. On the site you can find anything from Ikea furniture repair to cartoon voiceovers.
- Building a reputation may take some time, but once you start earning it, it can be a great way to market your skills.
Part 2 of 2: Making Money Through the Websites
Step 1. Sign up for Amazon's Mechanical Turk
Mechanical Turk is an Amazon service through which you can perform simple tasks that require human intelligence, in exchange for a small salary. Some of the assignments may consist of looking at pictures and describing them for 8 cents. Others may ask to participate in a survey for 2 euros. You can transfer money to your account when you have earned a total of $ 10.
- To make money on Mechanical Turk, you need to perform a lot of tasks. In one hour you can earn no more than 5/6 euros. However, if you persist, you can start racking up your earnings.
- Try spending your time on Mechanical Turk during your breaks. When you have five minutes to spare, log in and complete some tasks.
- Don't bother with extremely low-paying assignments. It's probably not worth wasting time on.
Step 2. Do the online surveys only
Market research companies use online surveys to get feedback from consumers. In recent years, these surveys have become more valid and reliable; most are linked to Paypal accounts and will send money to your account after you complete the survey. This is not a way to get rich quick, but you may be able to make $ 50 here and there for a few hours of your time.
- Make sure you don't fall for scam-polls. These scams consist of tricking you into entering your credit card information, or trying to convince you to buy merchandise or take out their credit card.
- Sign up for several survey sites to maximize your chances of participating as many as possible. Some sites only send out 1-2 surveys per month.
- Try Pinecone Research, My Survey, iPoll or Toluna, for starters.
Step 3. Get paid to surf the internet
Some sites pay you if you use their search engine. You can accumulate points by clicking on ads, playing, participating in surveys and simply browsing. Some of these sites don't pay cash, only gift cards, so if that's not what you're looking for, these sites may not be the place for you.
- Try Swagbucks and Gift Hulk. Both sites offer search engines that allow you to accumulate points as you browse the internet, and also provide places where you can take surveys and do other activities.
- Be careful not to develop an addiction to these sites. You can end up wasting a lot of time taking surveys and clicking on advertisements. Use them for everyday searches, or when you are bored and want to spend some time somehow.
Step 4. Be realistic
Most earning programs are suspicious, and few actually give you what they promise. Most of these programs will bring you little change and nothing more in your pocket. Learn to spot scams:
- Don't send your money to make money. If the site operates legally, they will pay you for your services, not the other way around.
- Do a little research before joining any online program that promises to get you rich fast. Online scams are the same type as those that thrive in the real world.
- Beware of sales pyramid schemes and multi-level marketing. Most of these programs are just ways to pocket your money, not to earn it.
