Ways to Make Money Online, Offline and at Home — Part 3

The sting of inflation may have you pondering how to make some extra income. If you have the time and energy, you can put your skills and passions to work with a side hustle. NerdWallet rounded up 25 real ways to make money at home, online or out and about. For each potential side job, they list details like what it takes to get started, age requirements and how fast you can get paid. While most people want to make money fast, don’t discount the “slow” gigs, as they may pay more in the long run.

Here are some ways to make money offline:

There's online and at-home ways to make extra money — and then there's a third alternative: offline. This version of the gig economy may require more work, but the upside can be substantial. Since there’s no escaping the internet these days, some of these offline methods do have online components:

15. Sell your gently used clothes

Selling clothes you no longer wear is a quick way to make some money. Start with local consignment shops to make money quicker or use sites like ThredUp and Poshmark to find buyers. If you go the online route, be sure to take clear, well-lit photos of your pieces and research similar items to set competitive prices. Get tips on how to sell your clothing.

Total time: Varies by sales channel.

Setup: Easy and fast. You can simply go to a consignment shop or fill a box with clothes and send it in.

How easy to start: Easy. Cleaning out the closet may be the hardest part.

Age threshold: Any.

How fast you'll get paid: Varies by sales channel.

Need to Know:

• You can sell used clothing and accessories several ways, but they're all pretty quick to start.
• Fast: A brick-and-mortar consignment store like Plato's Closet will give you cash on the spot.
• Medium: Other in-person and online consignment shops pay you when your items sell, or when they receive and inspect your items. Either way, allow at least a month for your payout.

Requirements:

• Gently worn shoes, clothing and accessories.
• Items will go through various inspections before being accepted. For example, ThredUp checks items for pilling, fading, shrinkage, missing parts (like buttons) and stains.

16. Trade in old phones, electronics for cash

Have an old phone, iPad, laptop or gaming system lying around? Sell it on a site like Swappa or Gazelle. Check out Amazon’s trade-in program, which pays participants in Amazon gift cards — and eBay, too. If you’re in a rush, try an ecoATM kiosk, which offers cash on the spot for your device.

Total time: Lots of options, so your time spent will vary.

Setup: A breeze.

How easy to start: Easy, especially if your phone is in good shape.

Age threshold: Any.

How fast you'll get paid: Varies by where you sell.

Need to Know:

Selling directly (Swappa, OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace): In most cases, you take photos of the phone, verify the electronic serial number is clean and post your listing. Some sites review and approve postings, but the time is minimal. Fees vary. Swappa, for example, charges a 3% seller fee.

• Selling to reseller (Gazelle): Answer a few questions online for an instant quote. Then send in your device and get paid once the company confirms its condition is as described.
• Selling directly: When you get paid depends on how quickly your phone or device sells. Once the item sells, payment is fast.

Requirements:

• A used phone, laptop, gaming system, etc.
• Cell phones: You need to verify the phone is not stolen or under a repayment plan.

17. Get a babysitting gig

Everyone from college students to recent retirees can make money by watching other people’s children. Word-of-mouth referrals from friends and family are still a great way to get started, but you can also create a profile for free on Care.com or Sittercity to expand your reach. Note any specialized skills, such as CPR certifications, to make yourself more marketable.

Total time: Online setup takes minutes; neighborhood referrals may take a while.

Setup: Just minutes.

How easy to start: Getting the word out is the main thing.

Age threshold: Very young if you're using referrals. 18+ online.

How fast you'll get paid: When the parents come home.

Need To Know

• You can create a profile on Care.com or Sittercity in a matter of minutes.
• You typically get paid when you complete your gig.

Requirements

• You usually need to be at least 18 to list as a caregiver on Care.com and Sittercity.
• Must complete a background check.

18. Rent out your car

City-dwellers often don’t use their cars for days or weeks at a time. That idle time can translate to extra money with services like Getaround and Turo, which let you rent out your car by the hour or day. You take home the majority of those earnings, while Getaround or Turo takes a cut for protecting your car while it’s being rented.

Total time: Demand for your car will depend on the local market.

Setup: It takes about a half hour to set up an account.

How easy to start: With an appropriate vehicle, it's easy.

Age threshold: A valid driver's license and 21+.

How fast you'll get paid: Varies by site.

Need to Know

• You can create a listing on Turo or Getaround in under 30 minutes.
• Turo initiates payment within three hours of the end of the rental, but you can expect it to take a few days for your bank to process the deposit. (This is the case for all trips after the first one, which takes a few days for Turo to send.)
• Getaround rental earnings accrue monthly and are paid out on the 15th of the following month. Payments are made via check or PayPal.

Requirements

• You must own your car. Or, if you lease your car, check the terms of your agreement and financing documents to make sure you’re allowed to share it.
• Your car must meet certain requirements (make/model/year/mileage) and satisfy maintenance and safety standards.
• You should have a current, valid driver's license.
• You must meet the site’s age requirement, which is commonly 21 years old.

19. Sign up for TaskRabbit

If you actually enjoy putting together Ikea furniture or standing in long lines, you may be cut out for doing tasks for others. Websites like TaskRabbit can connect you with people who need help with a variety of things, such as moving, cleaning, delivery and handyman services. The site also offers several virtual and online tasks, such as helping with a research project or data entry. Read about how to get started on TaskRabbit.

Total time: Local demand for your skills will determine the time you spend.

Setup: A couple of hours, then some time for approval.

How easy to start: Easy, though you'll need to do some research.

Age threshold: 18+.

How fast you'll get paid: A few days after a job.

Need to Know

• You can set up your profile and register in a matter of hours, but can't start accepting tasks until your profile is approved by TaskRabbit.
• Once approved, you need to pay a $25 fee, so you may first want to research your market and the value of your skills to determine if that fee is worth it to you.
• You're paid after the task is completed through direct deposit. Payment typically takes a few days to appear in your account.

Requirements

• You need to be at least 18 to start working with TaskRabbit.
• Prospective Taskers must also pass a background check.

20. Become a private tutor

Parlay your math, science, foreign-language or test-prep expertise into a lucrative side gig by becoming a private tutor. You can tutor people online or in-person. What you charge can depend on your experience, expertise and what’s in demand. To get started, see what types of tutors are needed on Craigslist or create a profile on sites like Tutor.com or Care.com. You can also advertise your services at local schools and community centers.

Total time: Varies by subject matter. Some companies might require a minimum availability per week (e.g., Tutor.com requires 5 hours).

Setup: Can be a bit involved.

How easy to start: Students will have to find you, and that might take a while.

Age threshold: Any.

How fast you'll get paid: Usually pretty fast; often right away.

Need to Know

• Startup time depends on demand in your area. It could take a while before you get your first student.
• If you haven't tutored before, you'll want to allow for time to prep so students feel like they're getting the most out of their time with you.
• How quickly you get paid depends on whether you tutor via a platform or in-person; either way, it likely won't take long.

Requirement

• You'll need deep knowledge in an area that people need help understanding, like mathematics, a foreign language or test prep.
• Educational requirements might apply. Some tutors might be required to be currently enrolled in a 4-year university or have at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited 4-year university.

21. Drive for Uber, Lyft

Join Uber or Lyft (or both) and make money by driving passengers around. Just don’t forget to factor in gas and maintenance costs. You need an eligible car in good condition and must agree to a background check and a review of your driving history. Learn how to become an Uber driver or how to earn with Lyft.

Total time: Depends on your market demand.

Setup: A few weeks.

How easy to start: Not difficult, but you'll need the right type of vehicle.

Age threshold: Licensed to drive in your locality with one year of licensed driving experience (or three years if you're under age 25).

How fast you'll get paid: Very fast. Either instantly or within days.

Need to Know

• Allow some time for the application process, background check and car inspection.
• Lyft and Uber can pay you instantly through a debit card or transfer earnings to your bank account pretty quickly.

Requirements

• A car with four doors. It must also meet other requirements, such as year, physical condition, etc.
• Let your car insurance company know of your plans before you start driving.

22. Make deliveries for Amazon, Uber Eats

Take advantage of the growing delivery trend and sign up for a service like Instacart, Uber Eats, Postmates, DoorDash or Amazon Flex. You get paid per delivery, in most cases, and can even earn tips. A car isn’t always required — Postmates and, in some cities, DoorDash, lets you use a bike or scooter to make deliveries. However, a background check is almost always part of the deal. Learn more about how to get started with Amazon Flex, Uber Eats and Instacart.

Total time: Depends on your market demand.

Setup: About a week.

How easy to start: Easy, if you have dependable transportation.

Age threshold: 21+.

How fast you'll get paid: Varies by vendor.

Need to Know

• The background check can take a few days, and timing can vary.
• Payments from these services also vary, but are generally issued weekly or quicker.

Requirements

• You'll need a way to deliver items. It could be a car, scooter or bike, depending on the service.
• A smartphone is necessary to accept and process jobs.
• Each delivery service has a minimum age requirement, but it varies by service.

23. Find work as a housesitter

If you’re willing to watch someone’s home — and maybe feed the pets, water the plants and take out the garbage — become a housesitter. Tap your personal network for referrals or try out HouseSitter.com, which connects homeowners with housesitters. People often make $25 to $45 a day, according to the company’s website.

Total time: Depends on your market demand.

Setup: Minutes — or more if you try to drum up business by referrals.

How easy to start: That can depend on the need in your area.

Age threshold: Varies by site.

How fast you'll get paid: At the end of a gig.

Need to Know

• You can create a profile on HouseSitter.com in a matter of minutes, though it may take time to secure your first housesitting gig.
• You typically get paid by the homeowner when you complete your gig.

Requirements

• Most sites have an age requirement.

24. Sign up to be a mystery shopper

Businesses often want to know how they’re performing from a customer’s perspective. Sign up to be their eyes and ears. You can apply online via sites like IntelliShop, BestMark and Sinclair Customer Metrics. Just beware of scams and do thorough research before signing on.

Total time: Varies by site.

Setup: Applying takes little time, but approval can take a while.

How easy to start: Relatively easy if you have required transportation and tech.

Age threshold: May vary by site, but typically 18+.

How fast you'll get paid: Varies by company.

Need to Know

• The application process is typically quick, but then it's in the company's hands. It can take days, or more, to assess your application, depending on demand.
• Payout timing varies by company. BestMark, for example, issues payments monthly.

Requirements

• Most mystery shopping services have an age requirement. You have to be at least 18 to shop for BestMark.
• Depending on the service, you may need reliable transportation and internet access.

25. Put your drone to work

The market for drones is expanding. Companies hire out work like aerial inspection, photography and land mapping. So if you’re already a drone enthusiast, why not make extra money with your aircraft? You need to pass a test to become a drone pilot and register your drone with the Federal Aviation Administration. Then, you can apply for flying gigs. Learn how to make money with drones.

Total time: Depends on demand.

Setup: You'll need to make time to pass a test. And then find clients.

How easy to start: If you already have a drone, you're likely qualified.

Age threshold: 16+.

How fast you'll get paid: Varies by company.

Need to Know

• Give yourself more than a month to study, schedule and pass a written test.
• You also need to find clients.
• Payment will depend on your client.

Requirements

• You’ll need a drone.
• To do this legitimately, you’ll need a certificate that involves passing an aeronautical knowledge test.
• A background check is also needed.

Watch out for making money scams

The internet is full of opportunities to make money online or from home, but many are questionable, if not outright scams. Be wary of any “opportunity” that asks for an upfront fee, wants you to pay for certification, or requests your Social Security number or any financial information, such as your credit

card number. Still unsure if an opportunity is legit? Look for community forums, like those on Reddit, for unfiltered reviews and complaints. Also, check if the company has a Better Business Bureau profile. The BBB assigns ratings based on reported complaints, business transparency and other factors.

(Partially reprinted from www.nerdwallet.com)