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6 Top Ways to Make Money from Home Quickly
By Holly Reisem Hanna
Are you a new stay-at-home mom? Is the transition from a dual income couple to a single income family, wreaking havoc on your finances? Do you need to make money from home quickly?
I feel you.
Even though I had saved up for my transition as a new stay-at-home mom, my savings dwindled much faster than I had anticipated, and I began to worry about money. There was no way that I was going to put my daughter in daycare and head back to the 9-to-5 grind.
It was when my daughter was nine months old that I started looking for a work-at-home job. But from my previous job hunts, I knew that my job search could take months, maybe even a year or longer. And, once you land a job, it usually takes 3 – 4 weeks to get your first paycheck.
Luckily, there are lots of quick ways to make money from home while you're caring for your little ones.
Here Are Some Great Ways to Make Money from Home Quickly:
1. Sell Your Services
Everyone has some sort skill or knowledge that they can put to work for them. So take a few minutes and jot down your skills, passions, in-depth knowledge, and prior jobs, and brainstorm how you can sell these services to make money.
Here are some ideas to get you started.
- Child Care
- Bookkeeping
- House Cleaner
- Pet Sitter
- Freelance Writer
- Meal Prep
- Organizer
- Photographer
- Personal Concierge
Need more ideas? Here is a big list of service-based business ideas.
Once you've narrowed down your service offerings, you can let people know that you're open for business. An easy way to do this is by posting a notice on Facebook, a community bulletin board, email, or word of mouth. In fact, when I was younger and looking for babysitting gigs, I posted a flyer on our church's bulletin board; and I had more jobs than I could handle. Once you have some takers, discuss payment and the jobs details. In these sort of situations, you should be paid upon completion of the task. So, the sooner you start getting the word out, the faster you can start earning money.
2. Complete Short Tasks
Short tasks or micro-tasks are just what they sound like – jobs that take a short time to complete, often only minutes. Payouts and tasks vary greatly. Here are some short tasks sites that pay out quickly (7 days or less).
Call Center QA hires Telephone Mystery Shoppers from the US. To get started, fill out their simple online application. You do not need experience, but you must be at least 18 years of age. Each call takes about 5 – 10 minutes, and a few minutes to complete the feedback form. You'll earn $5 per each completed call, and they pay out in 7 business days or less.
Fiverr is an online marketplace where individuals can sell short tasks starting at $5.00. People sell everything from writing services, design services, voice-overs, to making phone calls, and videos. Once you complete a buyer's order, Fiverr will keep a fee of $1 and payments will be transferred to your PayPal immediately. Doesn’t sound like much money? The Fiverr Mastermind Group (six Fiverr power sellers who each earn six-figures a year each) wrote an e-book about their success with the platform: The Fiverr Master Class: The Fiverr Secrets Of Six Power Sellers That Enable You To Work From Home!
OneSpace is a short task platform where you're paid for a variety of tasks, such as copywriting, translation, quality assurance, transcription, editing, design, taking surveys, and lots more. To get started, submit your application. When opportunities come in that meet your skills — you'll be contacted via email. Once you accept an assignment, complete the work, and it's approved, you'll be paid daily via PayPal. OneSpace works with companies like Overstock, Staples, and Lowe's and they have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Looking for more quick ways to make money using short task websites — check out this post for more ideas.
3. Sell Used Stuff
Probably the fastest way to make a quick buck is by selling your used stuff on a classified site like Craigslist, VarageSale, or Facebook Marketplace. You can also sell your used items to a consignment shop, pawn shop, or you can host a garage sale — but often these avenues don't generate as much revenue, and they can be inconvenient.
There are many online outlets that will pay good prices for your used items and they make the selling process simple; although they may take a little longer than the above methods. If you need cash fast, use the methods listed above. If you have a little time on your side, here are some online platforms for selling your used goods.
Cash4Books is an online portal where you can sell new and used books. Grab your books and head to the website, here you’ll be able to enter each book’s ISBN, which is a 10 or 13 digit number that can be found on the back cover or inside the front cover of almost all books. Once you have entered each code, you’ll receive a quote for each book. Next, send your books in with a pre-paid shipping label. Once they receive your books, you’ll be paid either via check or PayPal.
No matter what your item is — you can sell it on eBay! To get started, snap a few pictures of your item, write a great description, and post it on the site. Once your item sells, print out the shipping label from eBay, and send it on its way. eBay sellers are allowed 50 free listings per month and eBay only takes a small fee once the item sells. Payments are made quickly via PayPal once the buyer's payment method goes through.
Have old electronics (smartphones, laptops, tablets, or computers) that you no longer use? Sell them on Gazelle. Search the site for the type of device you have and instantly receive an offer. Once accepted, they'll send you a pre-paid box so you can ship the device back to them. It will take a day or two to process and verify your device and then payment is issued via PayPal 3 – 5 business days later.
thredUP is a way you can sell your old clothing, shoes, and handbags. Simply sign up for or a Clean Out Pack online. Once you receive your Clean Up Pack fill it full of clothing and send it to thredUp with the pre-paid label and packing slip. Upon receiving your package, thredUp will appraise your clothing and issue a credit which can withdraw via PayPal or store credit. Any unsold clothing will be donated with a donation receipt will be issued.
Not sure what to sell? This post covers 27 weird and quirky things you can sell for money. And here is a huge list of online platforms that can be used to sell just about anything.
4. Focus Groups
Over the years, I've participated in a handful of focus group studies. Not only do they pay well, (I've always made $100 per session), but they pay upon completion of the session — can't get paid much faster than that! All of the market research groups I've done were conducted in-person, but, research companies like 20|20 and Respondent both offer online and virtual focus groups.
If you're looking for more focus groups to participate in, here is a huge list of companies. You may also want to check your local newspaper or classified sites for other focal group opportunities.
5. Use On-Demand Sites
Technology has made it easier than ever to make money quickly by using smartphone applications. If you need money fast, check out these on-demand sites to start working quickly.
With DoorDash, you can make money weekly by delivering food orders. First, apply online to be a Dasher (driver), once your application is approved you can start accepting assignments via the DoorDash app. DoorDash pays per delivery and you're allowed to accept tips. Payments are distributed weekly via direct deposit.
Instacart needs full-service and in-store grocery shoppers. With Instacart, you can make your own schedule, get paid weekly, and start earning quickly. You must be 18 or older to work as a shopper.
Make money by delivering food from restaurants to hungry customers. With Uber Eats, you apply to be a driver, and once accepted, you log into the app and start taking on assignments. You'll earn $2.60 to pick up the order, $1.15 per mile to the dropoff destination, and $1.00 for delivery. Payments can be made via direct deposit (takes one week) or you can get paid instantly with Instant Pay.
Looking for more ways to make cash quickly with on-demand gigs? See this post for more on-demand companies.
6. Rent Your Stuff Out
Probably the two largest purchases you've made are for your house and your car — so why not use them to generate some fast cash?! Check out these online platforms to start generating income quickly!
Going away for a weekend? Have an extra bedroom you're not using? List it on Airbnb! To get started, list your entire home or room on the platform (include high-quality photos and a great description) and then go live. BTW, it's completely free to list your home on Airbnb! Once your home is listed, renters can view it online and book it for a certain amount of time. Guests are charged via the Airbnb platform before arrival, and the money (minus a 3 percent booking fee) is immediately deposited in your account, via PayPal, or international money wire. Some Airbnb hosts are earning thousands each month renting their home out via the platform.
Share your car on Getaround when you're not using it. Simply apply online, and then once approved, start sharing your car via the Getaround smartphone app. Every time someone uses your car, Getaround provides insurance and roadside assistance. The average car owner earns $10,000 per year! While payments are only issued once a month, Getaround could be a great way to build up your bank account.
Looking for more ways to make money fast by renting out your stuff — see this post.
Conclusion.
While some people may see these opportunities as just extra pocket cash, there are some individuals that have made odd jobs their full-time career. Check out Britney or Lori's story to see how they are using sites like these to make a full-time income from home.
How do you make money from home quickly? Drop us a note we'd love to hear from you!
You’ll Also Love These Posts:
Studies have shown if you like this blog post — you will also love the following articles.
- Five Types of On Demand Money Making Opportunities
- Quirky and Weird Things You Can Rent for Money
- 20 Ways to Make Money Whenever You Want
Originally published November 8, 2013. Content updated April 20, 2018.
This post includes referral and affiliate links. Please be aware that we only promote advertising from companies that we feel we can legitimately recommend to our readers. See our disclosure policy for further information.
Daquarie Williams says
February 12, 2015 at 5:57 pmGreat Article very inspiring I loved reading it.
Omar Saady says
January 23, 2015 at 10:47 amHello
I`m really excited in reading this useful info in the article. I found some resources that I have already known but of course there`s a something new regarding of making an extra money from home. But the only one thing I have missed in this place is the easiest way to make money online ( in my opinion) It`s Affiliate marketing or selling other people`s products or services
I think you should edit the post to be included by this amazing way.
Thanks so much
Best Regards
Omar Saady
Carlise Hill says
January 17, 2015 at 4:32 pmJoin Insta GC!! I made alot of money for Christmas from Nov-Dec with this site. I
really love it because it is only $1 to cash out so you don’t have to save up to get your money. They offer 100’s of gift
cards to choose from and even have direct deposit. My favorite way to cash out is Amazon. I am addicted to this site, they
also have a really helpful community so there is always a way to make money!!!!!
stephen fowler says
January 13, 2015 at 1:17 pmHi. This site is chock full of great ways to make money fast from home. great job. Selling used books online has been a great adventure for me. I signed up for Amazon’s FBA program for free and have been able to make money from used books. I found these books at estate sales and garage sales and paid very little if anything for them. I then sold them on Amazon for a profit. Try out Amazon FBA. I hope this helps.
Nilanthy says
January 3, 2016 at 6:07 amCan any one try these website or u have to
Live in USA.
I live in New Zealand
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
January 3, 2016 at 8:46 amToluna, CashCrate, and Fiverr are open to New Zealand residents.
Nikki says
January 8, 2015 at 8:24 pmI have been a member on Inbox Dollars for over 2 years. It is legit and they do pay. Once you reach their payment limit ($30) you can request payment and they will send you a check, usually takes about 2-3 weeks because they cut the checks on certain days of the month. I use the app, the search engine, do the surveys and print the coupons and get compensation for all of that plus more.
Also, if you don’t qualify for a survey, you get a spin on their wheel and a chance to win money, I got $5 before! Some of the cash offers pay out more than what the product is worth too. I once bought earrings on Groupon for $3 and got $10 credit for it!!
sandra says
January 5, 2015 at 8:04 pmHey, i loved the article. i have a bad back, and mental disorders that prevent me from working a taxing job in retail or something like that. I am in between jobs right now and i found this site called InfiniteWorkers. it is based out of the UK, but they pay you in USD to do small tasks. im not making enough to fully support myself but the extra cash does help a lot :) i hope this helps you guys!
http://www.infiniteworkers.co.uk
Melissa says
December 3, 2014 at 9:10 pmGreat Ideas! I use Instagc. In your spare time on your computer. While you won’t get rich – this is a perfect way to earn extra spending money – either cash or gift cards. I am a mom of a college kid who uses this site and earns his own spending money for gas or his fun things. I myself have earned over $500 this year and only get to spend a couple of hours (if lucky) a day.
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
December 8, 2014 at 9:47 amI haven’t used this app yet. My faves are ShopKick and Ibotta.
Margaret says
November 28, 2016 at 8:18 amHi Holly: My Name Is Margaret.. How R U ?? Good I Hope.. I Am Looking For A Work At Home Job Such As Stuffing Envelopes Putting Things Together Things Like That That Will Generate A Good Income.. Please Let Me Know If There Is Anything Like That.. I Also Don’t Want To Have To Pay An Arm & Leg To Start.. Ty SO Much.. Have A Good Day..
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
November 28, 2016 at 11:01 amHi Margaret,
Envelope Stuffing is a scam: https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/envelope-stuffing-–-work-at-home-scam/
Assembly work is a scam too: https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/assembly-jobs/
Give this post a look for some legit jobs: https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/right-job/
Jacob says
November 18, 2014 at 11:41 amGreat list!
Another category that could be added is taking part in usability studies.
Companies like Loop11.com offer these for example: http://www.loop11.com/get-paid-to-test-websites/
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
November 19, 2014 at 10:48 amYep, website testing is another way.
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/test-websites/
Meg Rulli says
October 9, 2014 at 12:59 pmGreat tips for women in here – there really are so many great opportunities to find balance and start a career from home these days!
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
October 10, 2014 at 4:01 pmGlad you enjoyed the article, Meg! With all of the new technology — the WAH opportunities are endless!
Dan says
July 4, 2015 at 3:16 pmHi, another option to make money at home that you didn’t include in your list would be to use paid surveys. I spend about an hour each day completing surveys online and I make between $350-$500 a month. Not bad when you consider this is just meant to be some additional income on the side.
Jessica says
July 13, 2015 at 4:45 amHi what company are you doing surveys with?
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
July 13, 2015 at 10:44 amI’ve personally used Swagbucks, CashCrate, and Receipt Hog.
Meghan says
January 7, 2016 at 3:38 pmHi dan,
What website do you use for taking surveys to earn extra cash?
Thanks
Stephanie Newman says
April 13, 2016 at 7:12 pmMeghan, I found a great survey place that has listed around 60 different survey companies you can click on and sign up. There are other ways to make money there called “Make More Money Here” and subscribe to blog at the bottom so you will be sent any new companies,etc. http://doohickeys.co
fallon says
April 7, 2016 at 2:45 pmHi, what survey site are you using ??
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
April 8, 2016 at 9:08 amI use Swagbucks, CashCrate, and then some smartphone apps like Receipt Hog, ShopKick and Ibotta.
Soon to be new mommy Rosa says
August 26, 2016 at 5:26 pmthese surveys you did was there a word count length that you would do? My question really is how long were the answer to your surveys when you turned them in. Also how long until they paid you from each organization?
Sue Berry says
October 18, 2015 at 2:42 amI agree some really great ideas
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
October 19, 2015 at 8:42 amGlad you enjoyed the list, Sue!
Donna Stephens says
November 10, 2013 at 12:03 pmFYI: Field Agent’s app is only available on iphone. :(
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
November 11, 2013 at 12:57 pmThanks for the information, Donna. Good to know!
Jennifer Davies says
February 20, 2018 at 11:59 amHi, I want to do work from home. Can you get back in touch with me please?
Thank you, Jennifer Davies
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
February 20, 2018 at 1:17 pmHi Jennifer,
These articles will give you a great place to start your WAH job search:
http://www.theworkathomewoman.com/best-work-from-home-jobs/
http://www.theworkathomewoman.com/right-job/
http://www.theworkathomewoman.com/work-home-jobs-location/
Amanda says
June 25, 2016 at 1:38 pmField agent is available for android phones now. I’ve been using it and have made almost $400 about $50 a month. Not a lot but it has helped.
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
June 27, 2016 at 9:02 amThanks for sharing, Amanda!