I won’t lie, making extra cash has never been easy. Between full-time jobs and monthly bills, most of us are looking for ways to make a few bucks on the side. While some choose to become a virtual assistant or buy and sell goods on Amazon, others decide to explore the seemingly endless opportunities online. When it comes to making money online, many wonder if it’s even worth their time. But before we begin, it’s important to note that not everywhere is made equal when it comes to making money online. There are plenty of opportunities for those looking to make quick cash but there are also plenty of scams out there waiting to trick you. So, make sure you’re not getting scammed and read up on the opportunities before you begin.
A Quick Cash Opportunity
One of the simplest ways to make extra cash is to take surveys online. Many companies such as Survey Junkie and Swagbucks will pay you for taking their surveys and you can easily make a few hundred to a few thousand dollars a month. The key to making the most out of this opportunity is to take multiple surveys daily and focus on building a reputation. You can find a list of the top ten paying survey sites here.
If you’re looking for a way to make fast cash, taking online surveys might be a good option for you. But, keep in mind, the money can come with some strings attached. For example, Swagbucks will often attach financial incentives to their surveys in order to get you to take their survey. While this is fantastic if you’re looking for a way to make extra cash, it’s essential that you understand the terms and conditions of any given offer before you begin.
The Uber Opportunity
If you’ve ever used the Uber app, you know that it’s quite a lucrative opportunity to make money online. Just remember, you’ll have to be on the lookout for scammers who might be willing to fool you and steal your hard-earned cash. Luckily, Uber has a pretty strict anti-fraud policy, so you can rest assured that your money is safe when you make a purchase through their platform. Even better, if you meet the right criteria (which you can learn about through Facebook and Google promotions), you might just make enough money to cover your bills for the month. So, while this is not a guaranteed way to make money, it’s definitely worth a shot.
The Airbnb Opportunity
If you’ve ever rented out your house or room on Airbnb, you know that this is a great way to earn extra cash. Simply sign up with the company and begin collecting guests. As a host, you’ll make money off each booking through the platform while Airbnb keeps a portion of the payment for themselves. Like with Uber, be careful not to fall for a scammer who can ruin your chances of earning extra cash through Airbnb. Like with all online opportunities, there are plenty of predators out there who might want to take your money and run. Use your best judgment and do your research before you decide to go with this option.
The One-Click Shopify Plus Opportunity
Shopify is an e-commerce development company that creates flexible online stores for businesses of all sizes. While they offer a robust product that makes building a store very easy, their commission rates aren’t too great (roughly $1 per sale). However, if you’re looking for a way to make extra cash, you can take advantage of their affiliate program. Simply sign up with them and begin promoting their product to earn a commission. You’ll need to have a minimum of 10 sales per month to qualify for payout. The great thing about this program is you don’t need any previous experience to get started and you can make money online without any risk of loss. Keep in mind, this is not a get-rich-quick scheme or something you can make money off of immediately. It will take some time to build up your account and begin earning money through this channel.
The Survey Junkie Opportunity
Survey Junkie is a company that connects online survey takers with survey companies that need their help. Similar to Swagbucks and other surveying companies, you can make a few hundred to a few thousand dollars a month by taking online surveys. The great thing about this company is they’ll often pay you instantly, so you don’t need to wait for a check. Like with other survey companies, be careful about falling for a scammer who wants to steal your information. Make sure you’re dealing with a legitimate company who is aware of the problems associated with fake accounts. If you want to make extra cash, Survey Junkie is a good option because they’ll often pay you for taking surveys. And, as I mentioned before, they also issue you payment as soon as you finish a survey, so there’s no need to wait for a check to clear.
Earning Potential And Risks Associated With Each Opportunity
Each of the opportunities I’ve listed above has its perks but, just like with any other financial venture, there are risks attached as well. For example, if you decide to go the Uber route and become an Uber driver, you’ll have to look into the distance factor. The more miles you drive, the more you’ll earn (typically more than $100 per day). But the risk is that if the passenger is more than a few miles away and you need to leave before the ride ends, you’ll lose money. Or, if they are nearby but it’s already past your shift’s end, you could lose your job. Not to mention the fact that you have to be 18 years old to drive for Uber and the application process can be pretty rigorous. So, in this case, the risks definitely outweigh the potential benefits. Similar scenarios can be applied to the Airbnb and One-Click Shopify Plus opportunities. If you decide to take the survey route with Swagbucks, you’ll have to be careful about the companies you choose to work with. There are many scammers who will attempt to get you to join their ranks. So, make sure you’re dealing with a legitimate company who is familiar with online safety.
To ensure you’re not getting scammed, be sure to thoroughly research the companies and people involved before you do business with them. Furthermore, if you want to make extra cash, take a little time to evaluate the risks associated with the different options available to you. While some of these options might be great fits for your lifestyle, others might be better suited to someone with a different set of skills. When it comes to money, nothing is more frustrating than learning of a scam only to have your hopes dashed a few days later. So, to keep your hard-earned cash from being stolen, be sure to do your research and take your time to decide which path is best for you.