6 easy ways to make extra cash
by Alex Manson-Smith on Jan 24,2012
1. Take part in a police identity parade
I did this a couple of times back in my student days. You turn up, hang around for a bit, make like you’re in The Usual Suspects and go home about an hour later, 10 or 15 pounds richer. It’s a pretty easy gig, especially if you take a friend.
Findextrawork.co.uk/identityparades
2. Be a mystery shopper
I’ve done this, too. Sometimes it’s paid, other times you’ll just get an allowance to spend in the shop (which is still worthwhile if it’s a shop you’d frequent anyway). Either way all it involves is buying something while asking the sales assistant a few probing questions. Again, not the toughest of jobs.
Gapcentral.gapbuster.com/mysteryshop
3. Hold a shopping party at your house
Plenty of firms organise these, from the Body Shop to Ann Summers to Virgin. They supply you with the kit; you provide the venue and guests. You’ll only make a commission on what’s sold, so it helps if you think your friends will go for the product.
4. Rent out your spare room
If seven nights a week sounds too much, try renting it Monday to Friday, which gives you weekends to yourself.
Either way, be sure to check out the tax implications.
5. Be a dog-walker
If you’ve the time and inclination, plenty of people in big cities are prepared to pay someone £10 an hour to walk their dog.
Be prepared for dogs of all sizes and temperaments, but if it’s something you think you could do, advertise on Gumtree, or have business cards made and distribute them locally.
6. Be a babysitter
Babysitters in London charge £10 an hour to sit around reading Grazia and watching DVDs. It’s such a wheeze I’d do it myself if I wouldn’t have to then pay someone to babysit my own kid. Most jobs come via word-of-mouth, so ask around and then make sure you can provide references.
Any easy ways that you’ve made extra cash in the past? Let us know!
{Image: John Haslam
Alex Manson-Smith
Contributor
