Want To Make Extra Money? Check Out These Eight Side Hustles

1.     Wine Basket Company – What better way to entice consumers with chocolate, biscuits, nuts and some wine? Start-up costs are very minimal as you shouldn’t massively start spending on bulk items. Start out small with creating a couple of baskets, take pictures, create some postcards and try selling your creations in your neighborhood.

2.     House cleaning services – If you enjoy cleaning, not having serious overhead and rather go to your consumer’s place, then this business is for you. Some folks may think having a cleaning business isn’t all that but the potential to make serious money is definitely there. The start-up costs involve buying a couple of cleaning tools, buying a contractor liability insurance (it looks official and establishes credibility), make some business cards and flyers and start letting people know about your services in the neighborhood.

3.     Pet-sitting company – If you are a pet lover, then consider this side hustle. Managing a pet business is fun and the market for pet-sitting is small. Startup costs depend on personal factors since you can manage your business from your home or rent a place. Consider making the room very pet-friendly such as having toys or providing pet training services (which can be very lucrative).

4.     Virtual Assistant – This business is perfect for stay-at-home moms or anyone who is looking to work from home on a part-time basis. Society is still not to accepting of virtual assistant positions because some companies prefer the employee to be in the office. But the potential is there to be very successful. It’s a bit easier to start using third party services like oDesk, Freelancer and Elance by creating a profile. Search through the job postings, apply and start making money.

5.     App Developer – Have a cool app idea that can be the next Angry Birds or Temple Run? If you have the skills or you’re interested in taking some classes on C++ or Javascript, then you should take advantage of the opportunity and become an app developer. Or if it’s easier, you can ask us! We can do it for you J.  Know that Google/Android Developers pay $25 per year and iOS (Apple) Developers pay $99 per year to establish a profile and an account.  (For iOS Developers, you will need a Macbook and the Xcode program to develop and submit your app to Apple).

6.     Make-up artistry – If you enjoy creativity, have tons of MAC products and your artistry skills are tight, then do yourself a favor and start getting paid to make others look beautiful. No formal education is required unless you would like keep up-to-date with trends; look into taking some classes in fundamentals of make-up, application techniques, airbrushing or even getting a special certification in FX make-up artistry.

7.     Blogger – Love writing? Enjoy interacting with your online audience? Being a blogger is definitely fun and you have the opportunity to write about exciting topics, give tips and information to your online audience. The way to make money from blogging isn’t easy as you need to increase online traffic to your website (joining the Adsense program through Google) and joining affiliate programs. It takes time, sweat and late nights to establish a successful blog and articles but it’s worth it.

8.     Weight loss/fitness/nutrition services: One of my friends lost a substantial amount of weight from healthy eating and exercising and soon after, established her company by offering advice and training. She actually did this while attending school and holding down her full time corporate job. If you enjoy helping others, physical fitness and offering healthy-eating advice, this side hustle can bring in decent income. Start by showing off your before and after photos and sharing your story to others; this will build credibility.