All this week on Good Morning Tampa Bay we're highlighting Summer Side Hustles. We're looking for ways to make you some extra cash without the extra career.
Turning a Hobby into a Profit
If you can create something, whether it is jewelry, clothing, or paintings – consider selling it on a website like Etsy.
Katie Steffens is a mom of four kids who used to work in corporate America. She is very talented at sewing and used to create various things for her kids. One day, her friend suggested she sell some of the extra baby things she sells. Steffens ended up having so much success that she quit her job and started a full time business making weighted blankets.
Her top suggestions for people who want to start small is to go slow. Put a few products up at a time. She also recommends searching for Facebook groups involving homemade items or buy/sell trade groups in your area.
“When I started this, I was at my kitchen table weighing out weight with a scale. I was dumping from a pitcher into the cups, mugs, whatever in my cabinet… the way I did it was just start slowly. Grew my fabric. Grew my product,” said Katie Steffens.
Apps to earn extra cash
We checked into a few apps that could help you earn some extra cash if you have some free time!
Gigwalk connects you with local business that need contract work. The jobs pay anywhere from $3 to $100.
EBates is a popular app we mention during the holidays but it can actually work any time of year. If you're already shopping online, EBates will allow you to earn cash back every time you make a purchase.
BookScouter helps you sell some old books lying around the house. You can scan the barcode and see buyback options.
RECOMMENDED: How to make sure your side job isn't breaking any laws
EBay to sell items
We know it may seem like a daunting task but we've talked to many people who use Ebay to sell items around the house to make a few bucks.
Danna Crawford is the founder of PowerSellingMom.com. But, in the 90s Danna worked 3 jobs as a single mom just to make ends meet. It wasn't long before she quit those jobs and took on selling items online full time.
While that may not be possible for everyone, it can be a good resource to get rid of stuff and earn money while doing it.
Crawford says, "a good place to start is books because you can look books up and even scan the barcode with the smartphone. It'll be something easy for you to ship and a cheap way to educate yourself."
You can read more about Danna's business by clicking here.
Online Surveys
Swag Bucks, Surveys on the Go and Survey Junkie are all apps where you can take surveys to make some extra cash.
Be mindful of how you're paid and how the cash is dispersed before signing up.
