Month: December 2018

You’re probably in a bind and wondering whether there are things you can sell to make money.

Oftentimes, you only have to look around your house and take stock of what you have that you don’t use anymore.

I know, I know, spring cleaning is so exhausting.

But if you can make money out of the stuff you uncover, wouldn’t you be inspired to do it soon? Even today?

Seeing the piles of clutter might also make you rethink your spending habits. Every time you’re tempted to reach for your credit card, remind yourself of what you went through while clearing unused stuff and really, REALLY consider if you’re going to use whatever you wanted to buy.

Here are some ideas of stuff around the house that you can sell to get some money quickly.

The 25 Best Things to Sell to Make Money Fast

Start clearing your house of clutter and look out for these things that you can sell.

1. Old Electronics

Technology is evolving every day, from phones to computers to TVs.

People generally assume that as technology evolves, it makes its predecessors obsolete.

That is not always the case, and even if it does, it doesn’t mean you can’t sell it!

How many old cell phones do you have sitting in a drawer somewhere?

Gather your old electronics, be it old laptops, phones, portable DVD players (remember these???), radios, watches, or even old calculators, and put them up for sale.

I’ve talked about how to sell old laptops and old phones before, so these articles should help.

2. Clothes

You probably have many clothes lying around that either don’t fit you or just don’t like to wear anymore.

People usually just donate them to Goodwill or to the Salvation Army.

But sometimes you do need some cash, so don’t feel guilty about selling your clothes to make money, especially if they’re in very good condition.

3. Shoes and Handbags

If you have designer shoes and handbags that you took care of, they’re some of the best things to sell to make money.

It’s even possible to charge more than what you bought them for, depending on the rarity and the condition of your items.

4. Jewelry

Among some more common things you can sell to make money is your old jewelry.

It doesn’t necessarily have to be gold or silver or any other expensive material. Even replicas, costume jewelry, or fake jewelry for children would likely have buyers.

When selling your jewelry, make sure to get them appraised by a reputable jewel appraiser beforehand. This way you can find out the real value of your items before auctioning them off.

You can find an accredited appraiser easily on the American Society of Appraisers website.

5. Books

The chances of you rereading a book decline considerably after the first read, and after the second, it becomes almost negligible.

This doesn’t just apply to novels but to textbooks as well.

If you have stacks of old books lying around, give them life again and put them in a new reader’s hands.

Surprisingly, books hold their value quite well and some even go up with age.

Time to clear off some of those bookshelves.

6. Toys

Children outgrow their toys in a matter of months, if not quicker, and if that toy is in good shape, all is not lost!

There is a separate section dedicated to either handmade or used toys on a number of websites that can enable you to sell them from home.

7. Furniture

It isn’t uncommon for furniture to end up in a garage, storage facility, or attic after some usage.

But that’s silly.

Worst case scenario, you can sell them for a really low price to college students needing furniture in their dorms.

Best case scenario, you can refresh your furniture and sell it to used furniture dealers or on flea markets.

8. Musical Instruments

Remember that time you were going to learn how to play the violin and you quite 2 weeks into the New Year?

Hey, this isn’t about me. This is you we’re talking about.

According to statista.com, the total revenue from the purchase of musical instruments has amounted to $4.3 billion in 2021.

People are spending money on instruments and my your failed New Year’s Resolution could be worth something.

9. Sporting Goods

Oh yeah, exercise equipment.

I may have used my New Year’s analogy a little too early.

Brand new sporting goods such as bicycles, fishing gear, baseball equipment, and others tend to sell well on every online store, but that doesn’t mean people aren’t looking for cheaper alternatives.

There’s always a demand for secondhand sports and exercise goods and equipment.

10. Antiques

The market for antiques is ripe with buyers, both online and in person.

One example is something like Hummel Figurines.

These little porcelain things are just sitting in people’s houses and they could be worth thousands of dollars.

You might want to check in with other family members before you start selling off heirlooms, though. It’s really not worth starting a family feud over ceramic figurines.

11. Artwork

In a true bind, you can literally rip the art off your walls and put it up for sale.

However, bear in mind that art is extremely challenging to appraise because it’s only really worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it.

12. China Sets

Lots of newlyweds register for expensive china sets and never even take them out of the cupboard.

I’ve been married 5 years and we have $2,000 worth of plates we’ve used once.

Your mistake could be someone else’s discount china.

WAIT.

The china was the mistake, not the wedding.

Sorry about that.

13. Old Video Consoles and Games

Modern consoles have made sharing games easier, which has kind of slowed down the used games market.

However, there are a LOT of people out there who want original retro consoles and games and are willing to pay a premium for them.

Dust off that Nintendo because it could be worth some money.

14. Planners

Every New Year, people often make planners and schedules that they are going to follow throughout the year but are unable to keep track later on.

If you are one of those people and your planner has gone unused, you can always sell it to people who manage to keep track of their daily routine.

Of course, it would be better if this is an undated planner so that anyone can use it anytime.

Man, this list is slowly turning into a list of failed resolutions.

15. Kitchen Gadgets

Your old utensils and tools might not be useful for you, but there are many who can still use them, either for their kitchen needs or as decoration.

For instance, you may have started to take up baking as a hobby, and so you have plenty of cake pans and measuring tools lying around, but then you gave it up maybe because you don’t have the time or your oven broke down (it happens).

Instead of staring at your unused gadgets, just sell them and earn money while helping others with their needs.

16. Tools

Although no tool is ever obsolete, if you do have any that you think you don’t need, or are getting an upgrade, don’t throw them out!

Instead, ask around if anyone is willing to buy them. You’d be surprised at how many tool junkies and DIYers there are who are constantly looking for good deals on tools.

17. Holiday Decorations

Now, be honest. How many bins of decorations do you have sitting in your attic?

Start taking the minimalist approach to holidays and selling those decorations you can let go of (that is, those without much sentimental value).

You may have to wait when it’s close to that holiday before you can sell them, but at least have them clean and ready for when buyers inquire about them.

18. Baby Gear

The used baby gear market is HUGE.

There will always be new moms looking to save some cash on baby expenses by buying second-hand.

If you don’t plan to add to your population count, unload what your child or children will never use again and get some money out of them.

19. Makeup

Ever bought something in the wrong shade or wrong formula for your skin (you’re allergic or you broke out)?

Or maybe you simply have buyer’s remorse and you’ve lost the receipt?

Sell them to sites such as MUABS or GlamBot.

Facebook Groups also has buy and sell groups that trade in new and used makeup.

20. Gift Cards

You may have been given a gift card (or a dozen) to stores you never shop at.

Fortunately, you can turn those gift cards into cash or another gift card to a store that you do shop at.

Start at websites like Gift Card Granny to exchange your gift cards for cash.

21. Old VHS Movies

To be clear, I’m talking about VHS tapes of feature films, not home videos or your parents’ wedding videos.

eBay has made buying and selling VHS tapes popular. You might be able to sell your old tapes or anywhere from $5 to $25, and even more if they’re sealed.

Disney classic animated films are especially in demand, but obscure and B movies that aren’t available on DVD can sell for up to $100 or more.

22. Scrap Metal

Handling and collecting scrap metal might sound like a tetanus infection waiting to happen, but these are one of the more valuable things to sell to make money.

People make a living finding and selling scrap metal, and thieves target demolition and renovation sites to steal some.

But you don’t have to go that far. If you have old appliances, old kitchen pots and pans, patio furniture, or even aluminum cans in your home, you can sell them.

Try to keep your eye out for copper in old electronics and cables, as these are more valuable.

23. Vintage Stuff

There’s old, and then there’s vintage.

If you still have your grandparents’ stuff sitting in your attic, don’t be afraid to rummage through it and possibly find things to sell among their old canes or cans of denture cream.

You may find old postcards, rugs, retro cameras, typewriters, coins, clocks, dolls, sheet music, stamps, lace, and so on. These may look like junk to some people but are treasure to others. The trick is to find these buyers.

Etsy and eBay are probably the most popular online marketplace for vintage goods. Of course, flea markets are also good places to sell your vintage items.

24. College Notes

Provided you haven’t graduated from college too long ago, the subjects you took are in demand, and your notes are legible and detailed, students will pay for them.

Here is a guide on how to sell your college notes for side cash.

25. Hair

This is probably one of the stranger things to sell to make money, but hear me out.

If you have long and shiny hair and are ready for a change, you can easily sell your hair online.

You can make anywhere from $100 to $4,000 just by selling your locks.

There are probably local hairdressers that might be interested in your hair to make as extensions.

It’s weird, but it’s a real thing, I promise.

Best Places to Sell Your Stuff

So you’ve done your spring cleaning and you have all this stuff.

Now what?

Here are the best ways and platforms to sell your stuff.

1. Host a garage sale.

Sort and organize your items, price them, set a date, and advertise it all over town.

Give out flyers and post it on your neighborhood Facebook group.

When the day comes, remember to have change on hand, be polite when haggling, and be safe. Lock your doors and windows, keep the curtains drawn, and don’t let anyone in under any circumstances.

If you have any items left at the end of the day, don’t fret. Read on for more places to sell your things.

2. Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace makes it easy to sell your stuff to people in your area who may have missed your garage sale or don’t have the time to get out of the house.

Doing your transactions over social media may sound sketchy, but it’s a great way to actually have a record of your transactions with people and vet your buyer through your mutual friends, if you have them.

3. Craigslist

aka. Old Reliable.

Everyone has at least heard of Craigslist and a few are even brave enough to use it regularly.

Be prepared to haggle and make sure you take proper precautions when meeting up locally.

4. eBay

eBay makes it so simple.

Simply upload a few pictures of your product on eBay, type in relevant details, click on “Sell,” and done!

Whether you’re selling an old phone, jewelry, furniture or any of the things listed above, you can get bids on your items pretty soon.

5. Etsy

Etsy is an online marketplace where you can list your handmade, vintage, or factory-made items easily.

While the Etsy crowd is more “craft-minded,” the Vintage category is a great place to sell the vintage stuff you unearthed in your home.

6. OfferUp

OfferUp is stepping up its game to becoming a huge name in the buy and sell industry.

You can sell your products to people all over the US with OfferUp, provided you are comfortable shipping your stuff and dealing in credit.

7. Bookscouter

Bookscouter is only available for books as it works based on the ISBN behind it.

Once you enter your book’s ISBN number, Bookscouter automatically starts finding the best buyer for you (usually vendors).

Start Scouring Your House For These Things to Sell and Make Money Today!

Whether you’re saving up to buy something or would simply like to have some extra cash, rolling up your sleeves and doing some Kondo-ing might make you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.

So start turning your mess into money today!

But if you have stuff that you aren’t using or use quite infrequently but just can’t let go of, you may be able to rent them out so you can still make some money from them.

Ever made money from selling your stuff? Did we miss out on potential moneymakers in this list? Tell us in the comments so we can add them here!

Having a baby is wonderful, but let’s be honest: it can be costly and it can be hard on one’s body. If you’re pregnant and looking for work because your current job is too physically demanding, or because you want some extra income to help your expenses, we have a list of jobs for pregnant women for you to consider.

The prospect of searching and keeping a job while pregnant may sound daunting. After all, you’ll need a job that has flexible hours or at least offers some personal time off and is not too physically or emotionally exhausting.

Thankfully, there are now plenty of job opportunities for pregnant women available, particularly remote positions.

I’ve compiled some of the best jobs for pregnant women out there, including work from home jobs for those who prefer to work online, as well as offline jobs for those who are restless at home.

20 Online Jobs for Pregnant Women

Let’s first explore some online jobs for pregnant women that you can do remotely or from the comfort of your own home.

1. Writer

Being a freelance writer is one of the best jobs for pregnant women.

It’s the type of job that gives you the ultimate flexibility to work wherever you want, whenever you want while making a decent income.

There are several different paths you can take when pursuing a writing career.

If you’re creative and able to write well, you can write advertising copy and website content. If you’re analytical and are a skilled communicator, you can try writing technical documents and books.

Here are 153+ companies currently looking for writers — all you need are a few writing samples to get you started and you’re good to go.

2. Blogger

Being a blogger gives you a whole other level of flexibility that being a freelance writer doesn’t give you.

Yes, you can write whenever you want, as I’ve said, but you’re given specific topics to write on, plus you need to turn your work in by a certain deadline.

When you’re a blogger, you get to write about whatever you want and you get to set your own deadlines.

The only downside to blogging is that it takes a little bit of time to actually develop—you will need to build an audience, create mailing lists, and learn how to monetize your blog.

On the plus side, though, once you get everything established, you’ll be able to make a decent passive income working a few hours per week, all while writing about subjects you actually care about.

3. Online Proofreader

For every piece of content put out online, there had to have been someone who went over and edited and proofread the work before it was published.

If correcting someone else’s writing is more up your alley than actually doing the writing, then online proofreading might be a great fit for you.

Editing or proofreading is the perfect way to make some money while pregnant, and you can even pursue it as a permanent job later on.

4. Data Processor

If you’ve got unparalleled organizational and analytical skills, then you can try being a data processor.

You’ll basically be responsible for turning source data into a database and that’s it.

It is a bit of a repetitive job, but it’s perfect if you can type quickly, have no time to learn or develop other skills, and just want to make money as soon as possible.

Here are companies currently offering data entry jobs.

5. Online Stylist

If you’ve always had a flair for fashion, now is your time to shine!

This may seem like a job you need to apply for in person, but in fact, there are many online stores and companies are looking for online personal stylists.

A lot of the work involves curating outfits for buy-boxes and helping customers find new styles to try.

If you feel like you’ve got the skills for it, then read more about finding online fashion stylist jobs here.

6. Chat Agent

Traditional customer service jobs may be too stressful for you to handle, especially ones over the phone.

If you’re still interested in customer service though, being a chat agent may be a better fit for you.

You’ll need to stick to a specific working schedule, but at least you won’t have to worry about actually talking to customers and potentially dealing with irate ones.

Here is a list of places to look for work at home chat jobs.

7. Social Media Manager

This is one of the best jobs for pregnant women out there.

If you know the ins and outs of social media marketing, then being a social media manager is one of the best ways to make money while pregnant.

Plus, you can make it into a career even after your pregnancy, as social media grows bigger.

8. Paid Survey Taker

Before anything else, I’d like to state that this is far from being the highest paying job you can do online.

The income isn’t the same as the income you’d make writing, for example.

However, if you’re just looking to make some side income, why not try it anyway?

Answering surveys is a great source of quick cash and generally requires little time and effort to make some side cash.

Plus, you can do this during your downtime, which means you can do other jobs.

I’ve rounded up my favorite paid online survey companies here.

9. Online English Teacher

Teaching English online can actually pay well.

Most of these positions allow you to create your own schedule, allowing you to wrk as little or as much as you want to.

10. Transcriptionist

If you’re typing speed has always been off the charts, being a transcriptionist may be for you!

You will need a quiet workspace and a computer that can handle transcription software.

The thing about transcription is that the pay tends to be a bit low at the start, but you can advance rapidly and start making a lot of money.

11. Graphic Designer

Graphic design is a skill that is constantly sought after, and more and more graphic designers are either freelancing or working remotely.

If you’re creative and proficient in graphic design software, you’ll find someone or some company to hire you, even on a part-time or freelance basis.

This is not just a side hustle that’ll bring you extra money on the side too.

It’s a legitimate job that you can advance in and is a rapidly growing career. There are plenty of graphic design jobs for pregnant women too, as a lot of them are remote.

12. Website Tester

You’d be surprised at the number of companies that will actually pay you to test websites, apps, and UI.

It’s not a full-time gig and you won’t be making as much money as you would being a writer or a graphic designer, but it’s still good money on the side.

13. Online Moderator

If you’re the kind of person who spends the majority of their time on online forums like Reddit or maybe pregnancy-related forums, then you can take it to the next level and become a moderator!

You’ll be in charge of responding to inquiries, providing information, deleting and moving threads, and other tasks related to maintaining an orderly forum.

Online moderator jobs have few requirements, but because of that these spots are also highly coveted.

14. Online Researcher

If you’re naturally curious and have excellent online research skills, why not get paid for them?

Several online platforms pay people to research industry-specific questions, compile the results, and use them for content, marketing, and other purposes.

Here are some companies currently looking for online researchers.

15. Virtual Assistant

The term “virtual assistant” is a general term for assistants who do administrative tasks for individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses.

You’ll be mainly responsible for answering calls, responding to emails, organizing schedules, and other day-to-day tasks.

You can work as an independent contractor, join a virtual assistant company that deploys virtual assistants to different employers, or be directly hired by the individual or business in need.

Here is a big list of websites with openings for virtual assistants.

16. Search Engine Evaluator

When you do a search in Google or any other search engine, algorithms and bots take over and serve you the information you were likely searching for.

Sometimes, though, a bug can cause an error in the search results that are returned by the search engine algorithms.

Search engine evaluators act as quality control analysts by doing various searches and judging the accuracy and relevancy of the results.

17. Online Test Grader

If you have a background in education, grading tests may be a good fit for you, since you already have previous knowledge and experience.

You’ll probably need to have a bachelor’s degree and previous teaching experience to qualify. You may also be asked to take some tests.

18. Video Editor

With the rise of the amount of video content online, the demand for video editors is also rising.

The great thing about this online job is that even if you don’t have a college degree, you can start by taking online courses.

If you can manage your deadlines and avoid difficult clients, video editing may be one of the top jobs for pregnant women you can do.

19. Mock Juror

This one isn’t exactly a career or a steady job, but being an online mock juror may be a good gig for you.

Online mock jurors sit on mock trials that are hosted by companies who recruit these jurors so that lawyers can present a made-up case with made-up evidence so the lawyers can make decisions on their case strategies.

We’ve listed companies that hire online mock jurors if you’re interested.

20. Legal Assistant

If you have a legal background or experience in the legal field but don’t have a law degree, you can try working as a virtual legal assistant.

The exact responsibilities may vary depending on the firm that you apply to, but in general, you’ll need to be able to comprehend legal documents, conduct legal research and analysis, and perform general administrative tasks as needed.

Tips And Tools For Working Online Jobs As A Pregnant Woman

The first place you should look for online jobs is FlexJobs.

Save yourself hours of research and access thousands of legitimate jobs from human-vetted companies.

Every little thing matters when you’re pregnant, so having the right tools ensures you can be as productive and efficient as you can be.

Here are some things that can help you get into the groove while working.

• A desk at the perfect height — It’s better if you can have either a table that has an adjustable height or an adjustable stand where you can prop your laptop. Make sure your eyes are level or higher than the top of your screen.
• A comfortable working chair — As your pregnancy progresses, sitting too long will become more and more uncomfortable. Exercise balls are great to sit on, plus it strengthens your core and pelvic muscles. Or you might want to invest in a donut pillow to sit on; it’ll be useful way after you give birth.
• A water bottle and nutrition-rich snacks within reach — You don’t want to waddle to the kitchen every single time you get thirsty or snacky. Have these essentials within reach so you only have to stand up to refill or to go to the bathroom.
• An ideal workplace location — Speaking of the bathroom, you’ll want to work as near to the bathroom as you possibly can. Trust me and thank me later.

8 Offline Jobs for Pregnant Women

Remote and online jobs are popular jobs for pregnant women, but if you want to work out of the house, you still have some options.

Here are a few more ideas for some offline jobs that are flexible and do not require long-term commitments.

1. Cook

If you’re already a good cook (or you make some incredible baked goodies!), you can always offer your cooking services.

A great way to start is to sell ready-made meals or advertise a meal-prep service.

2. Dog Walker

Who doesn’t love dogs? (Don’t answer that if you don’t love dogs, thank you).

If you feel like you need some physical activity while you’re pregnant, then doing so with a canine companion is definitely better than doing it alone.

It’s definitely worth asking around your neighborhood if anyone is looking for a dog walker.

Here is our guide to being a dog walker, including sites and apps that you can check out for dog walking jobs.

3. Retail Salesperson

This is a tricky one.

Some stores don’t mind having pregnant salespeople, while others don’t usually prefer it.

Your job is to find companies that are pregnant-friendly—maternity stores are your best bet!

Retail work generally has a high turnover rate and you are likely to pick up extra work during holiday seasons.

4. Accountant

Being an accountant is one of the best jobs for pregnant women who love math, as there’s a constant demand for it whether it’s for individual entrepreneurs, SMEs, or larger companies.

This is also one of those traditionally office jobs that can transition into a work-from-home role when you’re near your due date and when you’re still settling into motherhood with a newborn.

5. Photographer

If you’ve already got the photography equipment, then why not start a page and offer your services for money?

You can work around your own schedule, it’s as flexible as you want it to be, and there is definitely a lot of room for growth.

Read our detailed guide to making money with photography.

6. Corporate Recruiter

Do you have experience in human resources? If so, perhaps being a corporate recruiter could be your next thing.

You will be responsible for:

• Crafting job descriptions (so you will need great writing skills.)
• Conducting pre-screening interviews.
• Conducting face-to-face interviews.
• Choosing a pool of qualified candidates.
• Coordinating all interview schedules.

7. Crafter

Are you a DIY enthusiast? Did you find yourself sewing baby clothes or even making a crib once that pregnancy test turned positive?

You may have a hobby that’s possibly lucrative!

You get to have an outlet during your pregnancy while profiting from selling the finished products. Double win!

If you’re interested but don’t know quite where to start, read our guide to selling crafts online

8 Offline Jobs for Pregnant Women

Remote and online jobs are popular jobs for pregnant women, but if you want to work out of the house, you still have some options.

Here are a few more ideas for some offline jobs that are flexible and do not require long-term commitments.

1. Cook

If you’re already a good cook (or you make some incredible baked goodies!), you can always offer your cooking services.

A great way to start is to sell ready-made meals or advertise a meal-prep service.

2. Dog Walker

Who doesn’t love dogs? (Don’t answer that if you don’t love dogs, thank you).

If you feel like you need some physical activity while you’re pregnant, then doing so with a canine companion is definitely better than doing it alone.

It’s definitely worth asking around your neighborhood if anyone is looking for a dog walker.

Here is our guide to being a dog walker, including sites and apps that you can check out for dog walking jobs.

3. Retail Salesperson

This is a tricky one.

Some stores don’t mind having pregnant salespeople, while others don’t usually prefer it.

Your job is to find companies that are pregnant-friendly—maternity stores are your best bet!

Retail work generally has a high turnover rate and you are likely to pick up extra work during holiday seasons.

4. Accountant

Being an accountant is one of the best jobs for pregnant women who love math, as there’s a constant demand for it whether it’s for individual entrepreneurs, SMEs, or larger companies.

This is also one of those traditionally office jobs that can transition into a work-from-home role when you’re near your due date and when you’re still settling into motherhood with a newborn.

5. Photographer

If you’ve already got the photography equipment, then why not start a page and offer your services for money?

You can work around your own schedule, it’s as flexible as you want it to be, and there is definitely a lot of room for growth.

Read our detailed guide to making money with photography.

6. Corporate Recruiter

Do you have experience in human resources? If so, perhaps being a corporate recruiter could be your next thing.

You will be responsible for:

• Crafting job descriptions (so you will need great writing skills.)
• Conducting pre-screening interviews.
• Conducting face-to-face interviews.
• Choosing a pool of qualified candidates.
• Coordinating all interview schedules.

7. Crafter

Are you a DIY enthusiast? Did you find yourself sewing baby clothes or even making a crib once that pregnancy test turned positive?

You may have a hobby that’s possibly lucrative!

You get to have an outlet during your pregnancy while profiting from selling the finished products. Double win!

If you’re interested but don’t know quite where to start, read our guide to selling crafts online

8. Librarian/Library Assistant

Libraries are generally quiet and calm, and visitors to the library just want to find books and sit down to read them; they’re not very demanding of your attention or your time.

Honestly, this is as pregnant-friendly as you can get.

If you don’t have a degree in library sciences, you might find it difficult to find work as a librarian, but you may still be able to work as an assistant.

Just make sure you’re not required to lift piles of books that may be too heavy.

The Bottom Line

Pregnancy is stressful enough as it is.

I hope this list of jobs for pregnant women has helped you narrow down some potential work you could pick up while you wait for your little one to arrive!

If you’re here, you’re probably already an Uber driver and you want to learn how to make money with Uber.

Driving for Uber is one of the best side gigs or even full-time hustle available when you have a car and a pristine driving record.

The way you’re paid by Uber is flexible in that you aren’t paid an hourly wage. There are ways to increase your Uber revenue so that you’re earning four or even five figures a month.

Today, we look at how to make more money with Uber, as well as the pros and cons to being an Uber driver so you can judge for yourself if this is hustle is for you.

12 Tricks for Uber Drivers to Make More Money

Here are a few tricks for Uber drivers that you can utilize to maximize the amount of money you can make in the shortest time possible.

1. Drive the right car.

What makes a car the right car to drive with Uber is one that balances your driving skills, fuel efficiency, maintenance needs, and your income goals.

For instance, you can make more money driving a larger car because you’ll be eligible for both UberX and UberXL, but if you can’t drive a larger car comfortably, it may not be worth it.

2. Always keep water and snacks in the backseat.

Nothing feels better than getting inside of an Uber car and finding a few snacks and water.

It shows the passengers that you care about their comfort and increases your chance of getting a larger tip and a good review.

Don’t just place it in the backseat haphazardly, though; invest in a car seat organizer so everything is neatly arranged on the back of your seat.

3. Don’t follow the herd.

A few weeks in and you’ll already know about the “recommended times” and the “recommended locations” where the demand is high.

Whether that’s a busy Saturday night or a certain morning route, it’s always better to completely ignore those.

You’ll be dealing with high competition since all Uber drivers in the area will tend to flock to those recommended locations at those recommended times.

You’re more likely to actually get a request where there is a lack of drivers.

4. Log out of the Uber Driver App before a surge.

Learn about the general surge times and log out of the app 15 minutes before.

Let’s say you know that 5 p.m is a huge time for surge pricing as everyone is leaving work.

Log out of the app 15 minutes before since that reduces the number of drivers, hence increasing the surge fare. Plus, you won’t get a request right before the surge pricing kicks in, so you won’t be missing out on the higher fares.

5. Stay in one place when you’re waiting for a request.

It’s tempting to drive around the city when you’re in between rides, hoping to increase the chances that you’re pinged for a ride.

Unless you’re doing it to familiarize yourself with an unknown area, it’s a bad idea.

You waste gas, you wear out your car, and it’s unlikely that the one or two pickups you get to make will be worth it.

A better strategy is to find a safe place to park (not idle) and wait for a while. Ideally, it’s near a high-traffic area where there are riders.

6. Watch the Uber Passenger App as well.

This is one of the most important Uber tricks for drivers.

You need to understand your local market, and to do that, I recommend downloading the Passenger App.

You’ll be able to know how many Uber drivers are near you and make a strategy around it.

For example: if people are leaving a concert, all drivers may be in the same place by the main entrance.

Instead, go to the other entrance where you’re more likely to get a request instantly.

7. Follow the alcohol.

Friday and Saturday nights, along with major holidays, are definitely the best days to make the most money with Uber.

Surge pricing usually lines up with bar closing times.

However, remember that you do have to deal with inebriated passengers, and there is always the risk of someone getting sick in your car.

8. Be ready for the mess that comes from following the alcohol.

If you’re going to deal with drunk passengers, you need to be ready.

Puke-proof your interiors (Scotchgard your cloth covers or just change to vinyl covers), have proper barf bags (the ones with a plastic ring to hold on to) within easy reach, and keep an emergency cleaning kit complete with rubber gloves, soapy water, and a portable vacuum for “accidents.”

Uber does charge a cleaning fee to passengers who make messes, so you get back at least some of the cost of your emergency puke kit and to actually deep clean the mess.

Remember to document and take pictures of all messes first before you clean them up, though.

Lastly, air fresheners are your best friend; have a few of them handy.

9. Dress and act professionally.

Always dress in clean and nice clothes, and put a lot of effort into being polite and respectful to the passengers.

Making a good impression goes a long way toward high ratings and even possibly a tip.

10. Stay updated on weekly incentives.

Gamifying ridesharing can be a good or bad thing, depending on who you ask. But we’re not going to pooh-pooh a chance to get extra money from Uber.

Not every city offers these incentives, but when you see chances to boost your earnings (for example, “Do X trips and get an extra $Y”), do your best to take advantage of them.

11. Sell useful stuff to your passengers.

You might have heard about the “Uberpreneur” a few years back who made more than $250k a year selling jewelry as he was driving his Uber.

It’s not for everyone, though.

Riders book Uber to go someplace, not to go through a sales pitch.

However, if you’re careful to sell goods that your passengers might need, you just might be able to earn a few extra dollars a day.

For instance, display folding umbrellas or rain ponchos for those days when there’s unexpected rain. Or offer portable power banks for those who forgot to charge their phones.

12. Make even more money by incorporating other apps with Uber.

Instead of just making money with Uber as a driver, you can capitalize on being an Uber driver by downloading these apps.

• Vugo. This is a company that will pay you to set up a tablet in your car and display ads in the backseat.
• Wrapify. They are a company that will pay you to wrap your car in a commercial ad. Just be wary as there are a lot of car wrap scams that exist out there. Stick with legit, proven companies like Wrapify.
• GetUpside. Save up to 25¢ per gallon of gas with this cash back app
• Stride. Track your mileage and expenses with this app so you can maximize your tax deductions come tax season.
• Waze. Uber’s in-app navigation can fail you. Waze is much more accurate and can get you to your destination quicker and safer, which are all good things if you’re looking for good ratings, good tips, and to squeeze in as many rides as you can in a day.

Pros of Making Money with Uber

If you’re new to driving for Uber or trying to decide if it’s worth it, it’s always important to weigh the pros and cons so you can end up making an informed decision.

I’ll lay everything out and help you decide if it’s worth it.

1. You have a flexible schedule.

Possibly the biggest advantage of making money with Uber is that you can work as much or as little as you want.

You can dictate your schedule around important occasions and holidays.

Need to work late at night? Do it.

Take a whole month off because you just need some “me time”?

Yup, go for it.

Have a friend’s baby shower all the way across the state? You guessed it…Do it!

2. It’s perfect for entrepreneurs.

If you’re an entrepreneur who’s in the process of starting or funding their own business, then Uber is a great way to make that extra money you need to fund your business.

Usually, entrepreneurs go for part-time jobs but those often come with strict schedules, and, well, a boss.

Which brings me to the next point…

3. You are your own boss.

Driving with Uber, there’s no one telling you what to do, how to do it, or when to do it.

If you thrive in an independent work environment and don’t like being constantly supervised or micromanaged, then you’d like driving with Uber!

4. Only skill required: driving well.

You don’t need to be a great writer, a crafty person, some Bitcoin guru, or even have special skills at all to be able to make money with Uber.

Driving well (read: driving safely, not driving fast) is enough.

You don’t even need any equipment but your phone and your car.

There’s a very low barrier of entry to the job in general (all you need is a car, a license, and no criminal background).

5. You get to meet new people.

This one can be a pro or a con, depending on whether you like people.

If you’re an extrovert, then you will love the fact that you get to meet all types of people.

Maybe you’ll get to learn a thing or two from them.

Most side hustles don’t give you the opportunity to interact socially.

6. You get to explore your city and beyond.

A lot of freelancers who work from home or remotely complain about the sudden monotonous routine that they find themselves in after a while.

They are sick of working from the same place every day.

When you make money with Uber, you’ll actually get to see new places and neighborhoods you’ve never even heard about.

7. Learn while working.

Yes, you can listen to music or news while driving, but why not use this time to listen to podcasts?

You can use the time you work and make money to master another subject.

8. Take advantage of the surge.

Let’s be honest: this definitely sucks for the rider.

For you, though, it’s definitely quite freaking cool.

If you are in an area or a time that often has surge pricing, you can make up to double the money (or even more) for the same amount of work.

Although it’s not smart to always be chasing the surge pricing (you’ll get to know why in a minute), it’s still a major advantage.

Cons of Making Money with Uber

The benefits are enticing, but there are some drawbacks to being an Uber driver, too.

1. You have to do your taxes.

Having to do your own taxes is dreadful.

But since you’re considered an independent contractor, you’ll have to calculate your own taxes and pay your own expenses.

2. You subject your car to hard use.

The biggest enemy of your car is wear and tear.

The number of miles will increase, you’ll need to maintain your car religiously, and repairs will be more frequent.

The expenses add up and will take a considerable chunk off your earnings.

3. You subject yourself to some risk.

You’d probably think twice before picking up a hitchhiker, right?

Well, picking up an Uber passenger is a slightly more sophisticated (and paid) version.

It’s not to say that driving with Uber is dangerous, but driving strangers around to places that you may be unfamiliar with does sound a little risky.

4. Customers may leave unfair ratings.

You can do everything to improve customer experience, but in the end, you can’t control how you’re rated by your passengers.

But if you have a low rating, you’re less likely to be pinged when someone needs a ride.

Moreover, if your average rating falls below a 4.6-star rating average, your account is flagged and Uber will consider whether or not to kick you out of the platform.

5. It’s a sedentary lifestyle.

If you’re making money with Uber as a side hustle, then you won’t have to really worry about this, since you have plenty of hours left in a day to make up for the lack of activity when you’re driving.

But if you’re taking up Uber as more of a long-term, full-time business, this can affect your health.

6. There’s little to no growth potential.

As I’ve mentioned, you do get to explore your city and learn new things from interacting with all sorts of people.

But in terms of a career ladder, it’s a dead-end, quite frankly.

Your income can increase from year to year, but there are no promotions or any higher level you can get up to.

Start Making More Money With Uber!

Hopefully, you’ve weighed the pros and cons of becoming an Uber driver and decided to go for it.

Whether you’re trying to earn more money to pay off debt, fund a business, save for a holiday, or build a nest egg, every cent of extra income matters.

If you think you can’t handle being an Uber driver, considering renting out your car or other ways of getting paid to drive.

Are you currently driving for Uber? Did I miss any hacks to increase your Uber income? Tell me in the comments so I can add those to the list!