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Making money from home comes in many forms.
It just depends on your choices. Though you should always tread the work-from-home industry carefully, there are some legit companies like Literably that provide flexible work-at-home jobs.
Founded in 2013, Literably is a company that helps the reading abilities of school kids. This company hires work-from-home transcribers or scorers to grade the reading or comprehension through the audio files. This helps the teachers to understand and focus on the gaps in student learning.
As Literably scorer, you will be hearing audio recordings of students reading specific documents. The work involves checking if the audio matches the text provided, transcribing the errors, and also scoring each student audio file accordingly.
You can set your own hours, and you don’t need any prior experience for this job.
Related:
GoTranscript Review – Worldwide Transcription Jobs for Beginners
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Though this company doesn’t have many requirements, there are some basic things like having good command over English language & listening skills. You will also need a good work from home set up like a laptop, high-speed internet and headphones.
As mentioned on the website, you can earn around $10 per hour as a Literably scorer. But as with any transcription job, it depends on your speed to transcribe.
The payments are made weekly via PayPal.
The application process is pretty simple. You have to go here and apply with all your details, pass an assessment with its practice recordings, and start working.
It is one of the companies that open worldwide. It is not currently accepting applications from certain states in the US like Connecticut, Nebraska, New Jersey, California, Massachusetts, and Montana.
This company has excellent reviews from Glassdoor, with most of them talking about the flexibility and great support from the company.
The only complaints are about less or no work during school holidays and a big learning curve once you land the job.
Transcription jobs always have high competition in the work-from-home industry. Literably is a good option if you have excellent listening and typing skills and want an extra income job.
With minimal requirements and training provided, this job is perfect for anyone who wants to earn money from home.
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Part-time jobs are great at supplementing your income or providing income if you don’t have a full-time job. That said, some people may choose to work only part-time because they want more freedom, and more time on their hands – and can earn enough to live on working less than 35 hours a week.
There’s plenty of different part-time jobs out there right now. Depending on what you enjoy doing, what you feel you’re good at, and your circumstances, you definitely have options.
And because many jobs can now be done remotely, you can even have multiple part-time jobs/side hustles going, without ever having to leave your house for work!
To make your job search easier, I’ll be looking at the 21 best part-time jobs available right now. I’ve tried to be as inclusive as possible by choosing a wide range of different side jobs to make sure everyone can find something that best fits them – from college students to those with years of working experience.
While bookkeeping is a finance post, you don’t need a master’s degree or any other certifications to do this job. If you’ve never done bookkeeping before, there are courses you can follow online.
You can even get a certification for your efforts and make it that much easier to land a bookkeeping job. Pay can go as high as $60 per hour, which means that you can make quite a bit of money.
Choose this job if you’re looking for something you can progress in with relatively good pay.
Bookkeeping Resources:
Numerous apps offer flexible delivery driving jobs across the country. You can pick and choose the hours you want to work, but the amount of work you’ll get will largely depend on the demand at that time.
You can sign-up with multiple apps to maximize the hours you allocate making deliveries. Some apps have more stringent requirements than others, so look around to see which ones are the best fit for you.
Choose this job if you’re looking for something with low barriers to entry and flexibility above all else.
As a virtual assistant, you’ll be responsible for the same duties as those handled by an administrative assistant. The only difference is that you’ll be doing everything remotely instead of in an office.
This means that work is more flexible, and you’ll be able to take on multiple clients to maximize your income.
Choose this job if you like organizing things and managing your time.
Virtual Assistant Resources:
Pet sitting or walking can be one of the most fun jobs around. You get to host pets at your own place, stay with them at their owner’s home, or walk them around.
Put up a local listing or use apps like Rover to reach out to potential clients. If you’re renting, do remember to check with your landlord whether it’s ok to host pets since this is not always allowed, and you might want to get renter’s insurance to avoid liability lawsuits. Choose this job if you love animals.
As a freelancer, there are many different jobs you can do, including writing and software development. You get to decide the hours you want to work and can work from pretty much anywhere. This makes it one of the most flexible part-time jobs you can find anywhere.
Hourly rate will depend on the services you offer, but it can go quite high, especially if you specialize in a particular nice. Places like Upwork and Fiverr are great for freelancers to find part-time gigs – so do think about signing up.
Choose this job if you’re looking for flexibility and being your own boss.
Freelancer Resources:
Tutoring is one of the most rewarding jobs out there and can be done online or offline. It’s highly flexible, meaning you can do it full-time as well as part-time as a side hustle to supplement your income. If you are qualified, you can tutor students in academic subjects, but if not, there are many other ways to do so.
For example, sites like Udemy are great for sharing knowledge about a particular topic, and you don’t need any teaching qualifications. You get to share whatever expertise you might have and can look forward to passive income from the courses you design and upload.
Choose this job if you’re looking to make a difference and passive income.
Massage therapists help improve people’s health and wellbeing, so it is a highly rewarding job. If this interests you, then massage therapy might be the part-time job you are looking for.
You need to get certified before becoming a masseuse or masseur. For your efforts, you can expect a decent paycheck that’ll pay off tuition fees and then some if you stick with it long enough.
Choose this job if you like the healthcare industry and want to make people feel better.
As a barista, you will not only get to serve great coffee to customers, but you will also get to smell coffee all day, which can be quite the incentive. Excellent customer service is a must with some coffee chains, also providing health insurance and college tuition funding.
While pay isn’t the best, customer’s tips can give your take-home pay a nice little boost. Choose this job if you love coffee and enjoy chatting with people all day long.
As an administrative assistant, you’ll be responsible for carrying out several tasks, including data entry, taking care of booking and phone calls, and several other tasks. You need to have good communication and organizational skills, with most positions requiring you to work during office hours.
Choose this job if you have great organizational skills and would like to move up the corporate ladder someday.
With most businesses having some sort of online presence, graphic design skills are in high demand. From marketing collateral (such as flyers and business cards) to websites and social media posts, graphic designers get to work on a variety of visuals,
You can also take the freelancer route and have a bigger say on the hours and rate, but you’ll need to spend time looking for work on freelancer platforms. Working as a graphic designer is great for people who love being creative and want to remain flexible.
Because graphic designers are in high demand, it can also be a good option if you’re looking for a high-paying job on top of a flexible schedule.
Fitness instructors help their clients get into shape. You can hold classes or one-to-one sessions for individual attention. Most fitness instructors work in a gym, but some also work remotely through video conferencing.
If you have the experience or certification, you can also hold specialized classes such as Zumba, Pilates, Yoga, and many many others. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists this job as paying a median wage of just over $19.00 per hour.
Choose this job if you’re passionate about fitness and love helping people achieve their goals.
As a customer service representative, you’ll be fielding calls from customers and helping them with their queries. Some companies offer remote work, which means that you’ll be able to do the job right from the comfort of your home.
Pay is not the best, and you’ll have to work within the hours set by the company. The good news is that there’s always a demand for good CSR’s so you can expect a steady stream of work that’ll allow you to plan your finances better.
Choose this job if you’re looking for a part-time job within office hours.
As a market researcher, you’ll spend most of the time on the phone talking to different people and asking them questions about a specific topic. If you work with an agency, you might get to work on different projects carrying out research that ultimately influences future developments.
Since you’re not selling anything, there is less stress making the conversation friendly and the job that much easier. You can earn just under $13.00 per hour doing this job, and no certifications are generally required.
Choose this job if you enjoy speaking to people and are curious about people’s thoughts, attitudes, and preferences.
Companies like Uber and Lyft have pretty much introduced the concept of ridesharing, which has become the standard in the ride-hailing industry. You can join Uber, Lyft, or any of the other ridesharing companies and drive people to and fro.
You need to have a car, a driving license and will need to meet a few other requirements before you can join. Some companies also offer car rentals, so even if you don’t have your own car, you can still become a rideshare driver. You can choose your own hours and get paid for each trip with the possibility of also making tips.
Choose this job if you enjoy driving and want to choose the hours you work.
When it comes to advertising and PR, social media has become the go-to channel for many many companies and individuals. To make social media work, you need to have a good understanding of how it works, which is the job of social media managers. You can join a company part-time or offer your services as a freelancer.
Many small businesses can’t afford to hire a full-time social media manager, which means there are many opportunities for part-time and freelance social media managers and specialists.
Choose this job if you understand social media and how to make it work.
To work as a photographer, you need more than just a camera, but it is a skill you can learn. Most people who take photographs for a living tend to specialize in a given area such as portraits, events, industry, and so on.
You can choose whether you prefer to cover events such as weddings or prefer corporate photography where you get to work with graphic designers and social media managers to take pictures that help the company across the board.
Choose this job if you enjoy photography and can take professional pictures.
Photographer Resources:
Operating your online store can be a fun and exciting part-time job with the number of sales you’ll be able to make largely depending on the model you adopt. You can try the traditional online store model where you buy things from a wholesaler and resell them with a markup.
You can try dropshipping where the supplier holds the stock with the same supplier fulfilling the orders and taking care of any issues. Or you can try something like Etsy where you make and sell the products yourself.
Choose this job if you want something flexible with unlimited earning potential.
As a restaurant host, you’ll be taking phone calls and managing the flow of clients, including walk-ins and reservations. Some might consider the job of a restaurant host as being easier than that of a waiter or waitress; however, you can expect to fulfill other duties as well.
Of course, a restaurant host job does not offer flexibility as some of the other jobs discussed here, but it has lower requirement entries even if it doesn’t pay so much with the average wage coming in at just under $10.00 per hour.
Choose this job if you enjoy interacting with people and would consider moving up within the catering industry
Test and exam proctors watch over those taking exams ensuring the environment is according to the stipulated standards and rules, check IDs, and make sure that anything irregular is reported.
There isn’t a lot of flexibility when it comes to this job, as you need to be available according to the exam schedule. You can expect to make around $25,000 per year, but this will depend on the amount of work you get.
Choose this job if you’re looking for something relatively easy with good pay.
While most people get their news online, the good old paper newspaper still exits, with several people still preferring to read the daily news from an actual paper. You need to be available early in the morning and have an adequate means of transportation to service your route.
As a paper carrier, you can expect to make $500 each week on average. With routes having to be serviced in the morning, you will still have enough time for a full-time day job, work on your business, or attend to your other commitments.
Choose this job if you’re a morning person looking for decent extra money.
As a retail assistant, you get to help customers choose the right products or services for their needs. With so many different kinds of shops available, you can choose whether you would like to work in clothing, electronics, pet, or any other kind of store.
Customer service is of the utmost importance as well as the ability to handle transactions and customer complaints effectively. You can expect to make as much as $25 per hour working as a retail assistant, but rates tend to vary quite a bit from one store to another.
Choose this job if you’re a student working on your high school diploma or want something that earns you extra money.
I hope that this list will help you narrow it down and find a part-time job that suits your personality, financial goals, and lifestyle.
Of course, this is not a full list of all available part-time jobs, but it does provide you with a wide view of what you can expect to find in today’s job market.
Before you decide which job to apply for, take the time to understand how much time you can realistically dedicate to your part-time job and if the choice you made is going to address your financial requirements.
You should also think about whether you want things like flexible hours and how much you’d like to earn – some jobs pay well, while others may only offer you a minimum wage.
Many part-time jobs also offer plenty of perks that may sound appealing – such as in-store discounts and employee offers (like free coffee if you work in a coffee shop!), so do think about that when looking for your ideal part-time position.
The path you take can make a big difference. It is important to address the short-term but this should not come at the expense of compromising the long-term either. Take the time to balance your immediate needs and aspirations to achieve a better financial balance in your personal as well as your professional life.
Freelance writing is one of the best jobs available today. It’s not surprising at all that it has seen renewed interest! It offers flexibility, good pay, and the freedom to express your creativity. And if you love writing, then you’ll never have to work a day of your life!
Knowing how to become a freelance writer can save you a lot of pain and wasted time. Many aspiring writers don’t know where to start, which is why I’ve prepared this step-by-step guide to freelance writing success.
I asked Ema Globyte. a freelance copywriter and UX writer, to share her advice, tips, and guidance on how to build a successful freelance writing career.
Ema started her own journey five years ago and is now a full-time freelance writer, making $70,000 a year. Let’s dig right in.
Taking the first steps towards becoming a successful freelance writer is exciting, but before you get started, it is worth taking a few steps back to consider what you want to take out of it and what you can put into it.
Ask yourself the following questions before becoming a freelancer – and you’ll get a better sense of the direction you want to head in.
While you can choose to do freelance writing as a side hustle, it is also perfectly possible to make it your full-time job. The approach you take will be different depending on the answer to this question.
Do keep in mind that there is nothing stopping you from doing this part-time then switching to full-time once you have a steady stream of clients.
This approach can allow you to lower the risk associated with going freelance.
If you’ve never written anything before, now is the perfect time to start. Everyone was once a beginner! Do keep in mind that writing skills improve over time and with effort.
The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll be able to write well.
Also, consider what other skill sets you might need to become a successful writer. Basic SEO knowledge and an understanding of content marketing are both important as these can influence how you write.
As with any job, when you’re starting a new career, there’s a chance you won’t get paid much at the start. It’s how it is until you have a portfolio to back up how incredibly talented and experienced you are – so it’s good to have a think about how soon you want to be able to make money from freelance writing.
If you don’t have other sources of income, you’ll want to start making money right away – which means you should give it all you got. If, on the other hand, this is a bit of an experiment and you also have other sources of income but are looking to move into freelance writing slowly, then you’ll know you don’t need to rush as much to make money.
Here’s how to start out as a freelance writer, and build a career that allows you to work from anywhere:
Good writing is the sum of many different things working together. Grammar, structure, flow, and vocabulary are some of the elements you need to understand to become a good writer.
While there are courses you can take online to improve your understanding of the language, there is a far easier (and way more fun) way to do so; reading.
One of the best ways to start out as a writer is to build a library of different books, making sure to include timeless classics as well as business books and everything in between. Take the time to read and absorb the words literary greats have penned. It will not only help you learn new things but improve your writing many times over.
Writing can be quite a labor-intensive affair. Having the right environment in which to write can not only help you write better and faster but ultimately be more productive. One of the biggest perks of being a freelance writer is that you can work from anywhere (but this doesn’t mean that you should).
Take the time to experiment with different setups and locations to see which one you’re most comfortable in. Some like the bustle of coffee shops, and if this is something that inspires you, then you should go for it. Many other professional writers prefer to work from home, helping them keep their costs down while making it easier to divide their time as they see best.
If you decide to work from home, make sure you separate your working space from your living space. You can dedicate a corner in your apartment or a whole room – the important thing is to designate an area for your work as otherwise, it is going to be very difficult to concentrate and write.
If you don’t have the space required to work from home – or there are simply too many distractions – you might want to consider renting out shared office space. These usually come with monthly subscription plans and have the added benefit of offering the opportunity to mingle with other freelancers and entrepreneurs, some of which will be looking for content for their website.
Improving your writing is a life-long journey as you learn to refine your style and build upon your experiences working on different projects with different clients. To help you speed your progress, there are a number of different writing tools available that not only help you get the job done but do a better job of it.
There are many different solutions when it comes to writing software. You can use something generic like Google Docs or Microsoft Word. There are also other specialized solutions that offer a distraction-free writing environment. In some cases, clients will expect you to write according to their workflows, and in this sense, you need to maintain some sort of flexibility to keep the client happy.
Grammarly comes in 2 versions; free and paid. If you have some experience writing, the free version should be more than enough. It finds common mistakes for you automatically as you are writing and suggests edits that you are free to accept or decline. If you need more help with writing, the Pro version also suggests stylistic improvements that can help you with writing in a clearer, more concise way.
Learn More:
Hemingway takes its name from one of the greatest authors of the modern era, Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway was known for his clean writing, which is exactly what this app helps you to do. If you’re hoping to build a successful writing career, then improving your writing daily is what you’ll want to do. Both Grammarly and Hemingway can help with that.
When you’re starting out as a freelance writer, it’s important to write as much as you can – and to get your articles up on as many media platforms as possible. There are plenty of really great websites you can get published on and become a contributor for, and some are quite easy to start with. I’ve listed the best ones for new freelance writers below:
Medium is a publishing platform that allows you to build your portfolio. You can publish different articles on a wide range of subjects and can even make money from home as a ProBlogger by joining their partner program. It’s really excellent as, not only do you get to improve your copywriting and blogging skills as a new freelance writer, but you also may land freelance work doing so, because your articles will be visible to many potential clients.
Thrive Global is another excellent site that can help you get your name out there and create a portfolio that attracts new clients. Launched by the co-founder of The Huffington Post, Arianna Huffington, Thrive Global is a business focused on improving how people work, and feel at work.
You can become a Thrive Global contributor very easily – just sign up on their website and start submitting posts. There’s a chance that your article will get featured as one of the Top Stories, which means your articles could be read by millions – but even if you don’t make it to the Top Story page, your article will still be posted in the community section. You can write on any topic you like – from mental wellbeing to boosting productivity at work.
WordPress is a very flexible CMS (Content Management System) tool that allows you to build your own blog. You can install your own WordPress website or use one of the free accounts. Having your own website gives you more flexibility, but you need to nail your SEO to ensure customers can find you.
If you’re new to freelance writing and don’t have any client recommendations yet, building your writing portfolio can be a great way to showcase what you can do and attract potential clients.
Your writing clients want to see that you’ve done similar work to what they’re looking to commission and that you’re good at it. That’s exactly what a writing portfolio shows – and it’s one of the best ways to convince a potential client you’ve got what it takes to deliver the best results.
Take the time to understand what type of content you can and want to produce, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Write as much as you can on your computer then upload what you feel are the best examples of your work. Never be afraid of asking for opinions from friends and family – after all, content is written to be consumed by people just like them.
If you’re writing about a subject you have no experience in, make sure you take the time to research and learn about the topic you’re writing about. This will help you make sure the content is not only relevant but also useful for its target audience.
Once you’re happy with your writing samples, upload them to an appropriate platform. Earlier, I mentioned LinkedIn, WordPress, Medium, and Thrive Global, as some of the platforms you can use to get published – and there are plenty of platforms you can use to build a portfolio website. A few of these include Squarespace, Wix, and Journoportfolio.
This is not an exhaustive list. There are many other platforms you can use to showcase your work. Pick the one you’re most comfortable with it and let yourself shine.
From looking for your first client to looking for potential clients that can generate repeat business, promoting yourself and your freelance writing business should be at the top of your priority list.
Social Media can help you build your brand and online presence as well as reach out to potential customers. Use platforms like LinkedIn to build your professional reputation and connect with customers and industry insiders.
You can also publish articles to offer advice and showcase your writing skills as well as get testimonials for jobs well done.
Freelancer platforms are another great way of landing your first client and many more clients after that. These platforms have the added benefit of being global, meaning you can get work from anywhere in the world.
Top Freelancer Platforms:
Job boards such as Craigslist and ProBlogger can include writing jobs that you might want to consider. Just like when applying for a job, the more listings you apply to, the bigger your chance of landing a job.
Top Job Boards:
Local businesses are also in need of content. Reach out to the local business community and see if there is any content work you can help them with. Use the fact that it’s a local business to your advantage, and don’t forget to research the company as well as the market before approaching them.
Landing writing gigs is quite a skill in itself – and landing your first client can seem like a daunting task. While it may take some time, you have to trust that you will land your first writing gig (and many more after that).
The important thing with looking for freelance writing jobs is to do so strategically – especially when you’re just entering your freelance writing career.
You can decide to cast a wide net and see which channels work the best or you can try to specialize from the beginning, especially if you have a freelance writing niche in mind (for example, you have a lot of knowledge about a specific topic, like physics, the environment, personal finance, or anything else).
Being a freelance writer can be quite lonely at times. From spending time alone writing to figuring out the administrative side of freelancing, being a freelance writer is very different than working for a company where you have teams of specialized professionals taking care of the different sides of the business.
While making it on your own is part and parcel of freelance writing, it does not mean that you cannot get support. It is very likely that you’re not the only freelance writer in your area, and other writers are probably facing the same challenges as you are – which creates opportunities for support.
Find out where local writers hang out. Art events, the theatre, and good coffee shops are all good places to start from. Get involved in the local scene and network like crazy.
You should also be able to find other business support groups such as Toastmasters and BNI. Such groups are attended by professionals, and getting people to know who you are is an important aspect of fostering productive business relationships.
While it might seem counterproductive, specializing in a specific niche can help you earn more money. Choosing your writing niche does not mean that you have to give up jobs that do not fall within your category, but it does mean that you promote yourself as a writer in that niche first and foremost.
Just like every other industry on the planet, specialists get paid more for every hour work they do then generalists. Now, being a generalist is a good way to start as you can get work in when you haven’t established yourself yet and, at the same time being to explore what type of content you enjoy doing the most. This allows you to produce your best work.
Selecting your niche requires a bit of work. You need to understand what you are good at as well as what the market needs. If you manage to find a balance between the two, you’ve probably hit a sweet spot. Be also mindful of the competition as some areas can be very saturated, making it difficult to get to the top. This doesn’t mean you should give up! On the contrary, it means to you to double down on your efforts and be prepared for some hard work that is also highly rewarding.
Better clients provide you with interesting work and are willing to pay higher rates. This can become easier as your writing skills improve, and your expertise runs deeper in the niche of your choice.
To help you improve, look for style guides such as Chicago and AP (Associated Press). Many other publishers, like The Economist, also publish their style guides. These can give you insights into how major publishers write their content. This can help you elevate your content to new levels while writing for different niches.
The other important thing is to keep writing. If you’re going through a dry spell, write for your own blog or reach out to other bloggers and ask if you can write a guest post. You might also want to consider sitting for a writing course to help you turn your hard work into success.
So, there you have it. Everything you need to know on how to become a freelance writer, which I hope will help you get started.
The beginning will be the toughest part of the journey – but don’t let this discourage you. You may have to deal with some rejection and unanswered emails at first – but you have to keep going! Keep applying for writing gigs, polishing your resume, and building your portfolio with the help of sites like Medium, Thrive Global, and your own blog.
The truth is all freelance writers had to struggle in the beginning. If it were too easy to become a freelance writer, everyone would be writing from the beach, and there would be no opportunities left for you. Instead, see it as a test of your will to make freelance writing your job.
Another important thing to remember is to recognize that there’s always room for improvement. Understanding this will help you stay at the top of the game and keep you ahead of the curve and your competition.
I would also like to point out is to recognize that there are many tools available that can help you become a successful writer. From the tools we mentioned in this very article to platforms such as Contently, leveraging what is available around you (in most cases for free) can provide you with the boost you need.
The very last concluding remark I would like to make is to encourage you to enjoy writing. Writing is a process that can be very fun once you learn to appreciate it. It can get frustrating at times, sure, but if you feel that its what you want to do, stick with it, and soon enough, you will learn that writing is not only a great way to make money, but it can also help you grow.
Selling your diamond jewelry can be an easy and fast way to make some extra cash real quick. From engagement rings to loose diamonds, there is a massive market for these precious gemstones.
Knowing your way around can help you make sure you get the best deal possible. This is especially important if you’re not very familiar with how to sell diamonds. Don’t worry – that’s what this article is for.
We’ll be looking at everything that you need to know to sell your diamond at the best price possible. From how diamonds are graded to the selling options available to you, we will uncover everything you need to know to make sure the sale is a resounding success.
When it comes to selling your diamonds, there are a number of different routes you can take. The one you take will largely depend on your circumstances.
Having said that, it is still important to weigh the pros and cons of each one so that you can make the most money out of the diamond you want to sell.
Let’s take a look at the most common options available for selling diamonds:
Selling jewelry online is perhaps the easiest option out of all. There are many different companies to choose from.
Most offer an instant quote online, so you will know pretty much what your diamond is worth in a few minutes. Free shipping is not unheard of, and the value will get confirmed once the company receives your diamond.
The price offered might be less than what you would get selling it yourself, but you can expect to receive the money in a few days. This makes online selling a great option if you need the cash fast – just remember that even convenience has a price.
Learn More: Read my full Worthy.com Review.
After getting your diamond independently evaluated, you can try to sell it online yourself. There are many platforms where you can do so, including Craigslist and eBay.
Going down this route will generally take you more time, but it can be done. Do keep in mind that most buyers looking to spend a large enough sum of money for a diamond would rather go to a store where it can feel safer to make such a purchase, so you might need to lower the price to make the deal more attractive.
If you’re not too keen about selling your diamond online yourself, you can approach your local jewelry store and see if they are interested in a consigning deal.
What this means is that the jeweler will hold on to the diamond and attempt to sell it as if it were his own stock. Should they succeed in selling the diamond on your behalf, they’ll be due a commission, which would be a percentage of the sale.
Look for jewelers where foot traffic is heavy and preferably one that is known for selling diamonds to ensure more potential buyers and as fast of a sale as possible.
One other route to consider is selling your diamond to a pawn shop. While this is a very easy way to turn your diamond into cash, it might not be the most profitable.
If you want to try your luck at pawn shops, make sure you get your diamond independently verified – you could be sitting on a gold mine and not even know it!
Most retailers, including pawn shops, will generally try to offer you what is known as dump price or lower. Sump price is roughly 40% of the diamond’s market value. Going below this price is not recommended, so do proceed with caution as you could lose out on a lot of money.
When it comes to valuing a diamond, most appraisers use the 4C’s system. This system was developed by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) back in the 1950s.
All professional diamond appraisers use this system, so you should be wary of anyone who promises to value your diamonds without using this system. When in doubt, always ask the appraiser which system they intend to use to value your diamond.
The 4Cs system looks at four separate factors that are present in every diamond. These are color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Let’s briefly look at each factor separately.
The GIA system uses a color grading that starts at D and goes all the way to Z. A D grade is given to colorless diamonds, and these have the highest value. The more color a diamond has, the less value it becomes with a Z grading given to light-colored diamonds. A Z grading is the lowest grading when it comes to assessing color.
Diamond imperfections, such as inclusions and blemishes, reduce the clarity of the precious stone and, with it, the value. Blemishes are usually superficial (on the surface of the diamond), such as nicks and scratches. Inclusions, on the other hand, are internal imperfections. Clarity is graded from flawless (which is very rare) all the way down to I3. I stands for Included.
Diamonds are cut and polished in different ways. This affects how much light the diamond is able to emit and how beautiful it looks, which in turn also affects its value. Cuts are graded from Excellent all the way down to Poor.
Due to their relatively small size, diamonds are weighed in carats. This is nothing more than a fraction of an ounce. In fact, 1 carat works out to seven-thousandths of an ounce (.007 of an ounce). The heavier a diamonds is, the more value it has.
If you’re looking to sell your diamond, the first thing you need to do is to get it appraised. This will not only tell you much much its actually worth but whether it’s even worth selling it or not.
As we saw in the previous section, the surest way to get a fair valuation for your diamond is to use the GIA system since this system is used as a standard all over the world. This means that when you’re looking for an independent grader, check if they are qualified to give you a fair and true valuation of the diamond that you want to sell.
Professional graders will also have a degree from the GIA. This makes them well versed in how diamonds should be evaluated and graded, giving you a fair assessment of your diamond.
The GIA has its own laboratories with different reports available for different kinds of diamonds. Depending on where you’re planning to sell your diamond, you might also be able to get a free valuation from the buyer who will use their own valuation to make you an offer. This means that having an independent evaluation done can offer you a better perspective on the diamond’s value.
There are many things that you need to look out for when selling your diamonds. First, and this is perhaps the most important out of them all, make sure that you know the true value of your diamond. This can easily be done by getting a gemologist report. If you’re looking to sell online or to a store, do they the time to check their BBB (Better Business Bureau) rating and make sure that they are in good standing.
If the diamond is part of jewelry such as a white gold necklace or a tiffany diamond engagement ring, know that this fetches top dollar. It is equally important to look out for scams – of the deal seems to be too good to be true, it probably is and always get more than one quote to verify that what you have been offered reflects the actual best price you can get.
Don’t settle for low prices just because you need the money now – your diamond could be worth much more than what you’re currently being offered.
GIA was founded in 1931 and is considered to be the world’s foremost authority on diamonds. They also specialize in colored stones and pearls, and they have a very informative website that can help you understand more about diamonds.
They are a non-profit organization and offer a number of courses online and in their institutes around the world.
When it comes to selling diamonds – knowing the market is always going to be an advantage. Take the time to research the current prices and always try to get multiple quotes to work out who is offering you the best deal.
While it might feel like an extra hassle to get valuations from different sources, this is one of the surest ways to understand what your piece is actually worth and can save you a lot of heartaches if you end up taking a bad deal.
Do remember that if you’re selling to a local jeweler or an online store, the person you are selling it to is a business, and just like you, they want to make as much money as possible from the deal.
This is where negotiations come into play. Never shy away from haggling – after all, it’s more money in your pocket.
Online survey software has come a long way since its initial release in the late 1990s. And today, the need to better understand your customers...Read More
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In today’s environmental crisis, we all are making efforts to save the planet by doing simple things like buying local, reducing our carbon footprint, turning to plant food, and, most importantly, recycling stuff that we don’t use.
I know it’s hard for many people to make such changes, but for the greater good, we all need to take this initiative.
There is another perk to consider recycling – you can earn some extra money.
Sounds interesting?!
Whether you are a college student or someone who loves reading, you must be having a lot of books that you don’t need anymore. At some point, you will want to get rid of some of your books, and the best way to do it is to recycle them. Recycling books is excellent for many reasons: you are saving the trees and reducing the landfill.
You can choose to donate your textbooks (reasonably in good state) to your local library or sell them on sites like BookScouter. It’s a platform that gives you a lot of places to sell your textbooks once you type in your ISBN. You can choose the right price for your book and start the process of selling.
Read our BookScouter review here.
Related:
9 Fun Ways to Earn Money Playing Games Online
How to Get Free Money – 30 Quick & Scam-Free Ways to Earn Money
You can easily recycle your electronics and get paid for it by going to websites like Gazelle, Decluttr, or Amazon Trade-in. With Decluttr you can sell anything like computers, phones, CDs, video games, even lego.
For most of the sites, you have to sign up and check the price for your item and post the item if you choose to sell it for the offer. Amazon Trade-in works the same way and pays you in Amazon gift cards.
As we amass a lot of tech gadgets over the years and it can be hard to sell them, these options give you a lot of flexibility and best prices for your stuff.
Read our review on Decluttr here.
Recycling clothes has been around for a long time, and it can be done in many ways to earn extra money. Whether it is your wedding dress or fancy workwear, if you are thinking of replacing it, then the best thing to do is recycle. You can also opt for donating them to goodwill stores or any of your local thrift stores.
If you want to go the recycling route, then check out Poshmark and thredUp. It’s relatively easy to list and sell your used clothes on these sites. Though Poshmark mostly works for select branded clothing, thredUp is a better alternative as it has a bigger list of brands it accepts.
You can also get money out of your worn-out shoes by giving them to stores like TheNorthFace, American Eagle Outfitters, etc. These websites offer you a discount for your shopping or a gift voucher in exchange for your used shoes.
I know the biggest pile of your trash consists of bottles and cans. Making some extra cash from recycling these is definitely worthwhile. You can just redeem your bottles or cans and get some spare cash. Most of the states in the US give 5 cents for standard size bottles or cans, and you can redeem bigger sizes for 10 cents in certain states.
The amount you get depends on the state you want to redeem in, and though it’s a small amount, it’s definitely extra cash that also saves a lot of energy and landfill.
Apart from books, you can earn money selling old newspapers, magazines or brochures. First, do some research and find out which recycle centers in your area accept paper and how much they pay.
You can choose companies like PADNOS or check your local directory. Once you have collected the paper, you can go and give it all for money. Keep in mind that the amount you get depends on the quantity of the paper and the company you are selling to.
Recycling batteries is common, and you can get good money for them. Whether it is lithium-ion batteries or car batteries, everything is recycled. You can sell your old car batteries in places like AutoZone or CASS, which give you around $10 for each cell.
Cass also accepts auto tires, junk vehicles, and closed cylinders.
If you frequently visit office supply stores like Office Depot, you must know that it pays you to drop off your used ink cartridges. Just drop them off at the store and get a store credit of $2. You can redeem up to ten used cartridges per month at Office Depot.
Another place that accepts used cartridges is Advantage Cartridge. Once you collect enough cartridges (25), you can ship them for free and get paid.
Do you know that you can use your empty make up products to earn extra cash and save the planet? Yes, you can. There are many cosmetic companies like MAC, Aveda, and Lush, where you can get store credit or a free product. Best way to get some money back on your expensive beauty stuff.
Recycling stuff is one of the many ways to reduce carbon emissions, decrease the landfill, and it could be your first step toward saving the environment. For the stuff that’s going to end up in junk anyways, you are earning money – it’s a win-win.
The post 8 Simple Ways to Make Money Recycling appeared first on Crowd Work News.
You woke up this morning and thought: I need to make at least $1,000 — and quickly.
The good news is that there are countless ways to make extra cash today — and without breaking the law. All you have to do is recognize your value, get creative, and know where to look for opportunities.
If there’s one thing I have to say before moving forward, it’s this: Never lose your desire for making money.
If you can make $1,000 in your spare time, why not make $1 million? Your goal should be to hit $1,000 and keep going. The sky’s the limit when you have the right mindset.
Here are 21 simple ways for you to start putting more money into your pocket fast:
Take a look around your house, and take inventory of the items that are sitting around.
I’m willing to bet there are items like old books you will never read again, outdated devices that are collecting dust, and guitar amplifiers that will never make you famous — or perhaps even see the light of day ever again.
This is a great opportunity to clear some floor or shelf space and sell your unused objects at a yard sale, on Facebook Marketplace, or on Craigslist to make some money.
In fact, now may even be a good time to get rid of your car. Right now there is widespread fear about using public transportation, which is down 50 percent across the U.S. — and 75 percent in some major cities — due to the pandemic.
As a result, the Manhein Used Vehicle Value Index reached an all-time record high in June, meaning used car prices are reaching their highest value ever.
You may also be able to make extra money selling scrap metal, rocks, or firewood. Look for resources that are sitting around that may have value as raw materials. You never know what you might find.
You may roll your eyes at the suggestion of getting paid to take surveys. After all, it seems like a scam — but it’s not.
In fact, tons of survey sites offer cash back, gift cards, and other rewards for your opinion, and the only thing it takes is a little bit of time.
Of course, there are many services offering money for your input, and it’s important to be discerning about the ones you work with.
Three companies that I recommend are InboxDollars, Swagbucks, and SurveyJunkie.
In most cases, I tell people to avoid opening checking or savings accounts because they offer sign up bonuses. Instead, you should select a bank account because it meets your needs. And whatever you do, you should always look at the fine print.
That said, many banks will give you a bonus for opening an account and parking your money there for a specific period of time.
For example, Wells Fargo is currently offering a $400 bonus for new customers who meet their terms and conditions. This includes making a minimum deposit of $25 and receiving direct deposits of at least $4,000 within 90 days of opening the account.
Chase Bank is also offering a $300 cash bonus for opening a new Chase Premier Plus Checking Account. Just open an account, make your first qualifying deposit within 90 days and receive your $300 cash bonus.
Keep in mind that this is a fast way to earn a few hundred dollars but it’s not a fast way to actually receive the money. Typically you’ll have to play the long game to receive your payment.
*must setup direct deposit within 90 days to earn bonus cash.If you own a home or car, you could consider renting your assets to make some extra money.
For example, services like Airbnb, Domio, or TripAdvisor Rentals can make it easy to rent a spare room for short periods of time.
So, if you have someone that you can go crash with from time to time — or if you own a second property — you may want to consider renting your space for extra income.
You can also rent your car using an app like GetAround or Turo. This is a great option for people who are now working from home.
Instead of letting your car rust in the parking lot, let someone else use it and earn money for doing nothing.
Next Steps:
Nothing is more frustrating than canceling plans last minute because you can’t find someone to watch your kids or pets.
Make no mistake about it: People are willing to pay top dollar for these services.
And the best part is that if you do it consistently, and prove that you are reliable, you can build up a steady clientele for recurring income — getting paid to watch movies or play with dogs, instead of doing hard labor — while also giving your friends, family, or customers some time to themselves.
The average hourly rate for a babysitter is now $16.75 for one child and $19.26 for two kids. Believe it or not, this is more than twice the federal minimum wage requirement.
Pet sitting or dog walking typically yields $20 and $40 per day, $25 for a 30-minute visit, and $75 to $85 or more for an overnight stay or longer care. Not too shabby, if you ask me.
Next Steps:
Another way you can make money is to help people with specific tasks in exchange for money.
Sites like Craigslist and TaskRabbit can help you connect with people who need help moving, gardening, shopping, and cleaning. Even little handyman jobs — like mounting a TV or setting up a table — can earn you a decent hourly rate.
Always be smart about working for strangers though — especially when going into other peoples’ homes. In most cases, task apps do not offer insurance and will require you to enter into unknown situations.
And as you probably already know, Craigslist is like the Wild West of the internet. In addition, some apps can charge a high fee for work that you do. You’re much better off building up a trusted network of personal contacts and letting them know you are available to help when needed.
Cut out the middleman and put those profits where they belong: in your pocket.
Next Steps:
Many businesses are looking for virtual assistants who can provide administrative and technical support.
Virtual assistants can perform a variety of tasks, ranging from calendar management and meeting coordination to social media management and communication support.
Hiring a virtual assistant on a freelance basis is far more cost-effective than hiring someone full time. Now is a great time to start exploring virtual assistant opportunities, with most companies operating remotely.
Becoming a photographer is a serious business, and one that requires years of training, an eye for design, and expensive equipment.
However, it doesn’t take much talent or money to take a picture and sell it online for use as a stock photo, for use on a website, blog, or sales document.
The same is also true for graphic design.
Companies like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock will pay you royalties for your photos while helping you connect with businesses and creative professionals across the world. You can also hop on sites like Fiverr and Upwork to see your graphic design creations.
Next Steps:
Having a full-time job with benefits is great. But you’re never going to get rich working for someone else.
If you want to start racking up money, you need to develop a side hustle. A side hustle is an additional job that can bring in supplementary and steady income.
Today, roughly 45 percent of Americans have side hustles. Examples of side hustles can include:
Whatever you do for work, you can probably do it on the side as a freelancer, as long as there is no direct conflict with your job.
Skills like accounting, consulting, and writing are all in high demand right now. Look for opportunities on job boards and scour LinkedIn for opportunities. They are out there. You just need to be patient and determined.
You don’t have to be Picasso to make money selling art. If you’re a crafty type who makes items like masks, T-shirts, and drawings, then look to start selling your wares online, in marketplaces like Etsy, eBay, and Amazon.
Your work has value. People will pay money for it if you are creative and can market your services effectively.
If you’re struggling to determine what to charge, start by figuring out a reasonable hourly rate for your work and then add in the cost of materials. See what happens and take it from there.
If you were born with a natural ability to fix things like cars or computers, set up a workshop and start advertising your talents. Why not clear out your garage and turn it into a neighborhood auto shop?
I love the story of Anthony A. Martino, who started repairing automatic transmissions out of leased space in Philadelphia. Eventually, Martino went on to start the Anthony A. Martino Company (AAMCO), which turned into a leading American repair franchise.
The point is this: A side hustle can turn into something incredible. You just need to apply yourself.
At first, a side hustle should take up about 10 hours of your week. However, it’s common for some people to work 20 or even 30 extra hours, depending on their drive.
As an extreme example, Elon Musk puts in about 120 hours of work each week. It all depends on your drive, your energy, and how much money you want to bring in.
One of the easiest ways to make money fast is to drive for Uber.
This may be a drop in the bucket in your overall salary, as the average Uber driver earns about $364 per month. However, it’s incredibly flexible and will only cost you gas, insurance, and wear and tear on your car.
The best part about driving for Uber or Lyft is that there is no minimum commitment. You can pick people up and earn money on your daily commute (covering your weekly gas or parking fees), or even on the way to the grocery store.
In my opinion, driving people is a no-brainer if you want to earn extra income and can incorporate it into your daily routine. And, if you don’t want to drive people, check out Instacart, Uber eats, Postmates, or Doordash.
Here’s something to consider, too: Driving is an excellent way to make interesting and profitable connections. You never know when you might meet someone who will offer you more money to drive privately — or even someone who may turn into a great business partner.
Here is a crazy statistic: Almost two-thirds of people have never asked for a raise.
In most cases, this is because people are either afraid to ask or they don’t want to go through the hassle of a performance review.
In my opinion, both excuses are lame.
Determine your market value and see how far you are away from the industry average. Then, benchmark your performance and do it honestly to make sure you can justify asking to make more money.
If you find that you’re several thousand dollars away from what you should be bringing in, then you shouldn’t feel bad about asking for more — or going to another company that can give you a bigger bump.
If you happen to live in a big city or an area with abundant natural resources (like mountains, trails, or rivers), then you may be able to pick up a part-time job as a tour guide.
For example, REI is looking for single and multi-day tour guides in Arizona. In this type of role, you will take guests out for a specified period of time to local destinations, helping them get there safely while teaching them about the local area.
This is something that you can either do through a company (like a local outfitter or travel agency) or on your own if you advertise your services.
Some outdoor outfitters may also pay you commission for bringing tourists into their shop to buy gear like tents, backpacks, or rock climbing gear, among other items.
As they say, money saved is money earned — and chances are likely you’re throwing cash away on a daily basis.
Take a hard look at your budget, and try to figure out where you’re losing money.
For example, if you’re like many people, you’re still spending money on a gym membership. But when was the last time you went? Now may be a good time to cancel and save money.
You may also find that you’re spending way too much money on luxuries like food delivery, entertainment, alcohol, or your phone bill. Figure out where your money is going, and trim where appropriate.
Not everyone has the time, desire, or ability to cook — especially working professionals who are stressed and overloaded. Many people would prefer to spend their free time doing other things than going through the arduous process of preparing daily meals.
You can make money shopping for groceries, cooking, serving, and cleaning for other people. Other opportunities may include preparing school lunches or even private dinner events.
If you’re handy in the kitchen, this could be a great opportunity to help friends, family, and community members.
Don’t be dismayed if you lack formal culinary training, either. Many people would be willing to pay for food that tastes good and enjoy the freedom of not having to deal with any of the preparation or clean-up work.
Many people are now working from home because of the pandemic, and many are struggling with daily network and computer issues.
Even seemingly simple tasks — like setting up Zoom meetings or managing accounts — can be difficult for people who are not good with computers.
So, if you have technical skills, you should consider offering on-demand tech support for people in your community, helping with tasks like connectivity, cybersecurity, and Windows or Mac support.
Charge an hourly rate or a monthly retainer for virtual tech support. According to recent research, you may be able to earn anywhere from $60 to $100 per hour — and even more for on-site service. That’s a lot of money.
It’s a misconception that you need over 20,000 social media followers to be an influencer. In fact, brands sometimes prefer to work with micro-influencers, and bloggers, who have the ability to persuade a particular niche audience.
Recent advancements in influencer marketing and blogging software make it easy for influencers to be discovered, recruited, and compensated for their advertising efforts. Almost anyone can become an influencer, with the right skill, product, or marketing strategy.
For example, “skinflueners” can get paid to showcase their progress using skin medications or beauty products. There are also many creative pet owners who like to personify their dogs and cats. Take a look at Dean the Basset Hound on Instagram for inspiration.
If you’re looking for a more traditional way to earn one thousand dollars fast, you should strongly consider bartending.
In fact, now is a good time to start lining up opportunities in places where shutdowns are ending and restaurants are hiring. Bars will eventually open back up, and many people will be venturing back out in search of nightlight.
Like driving for Uber, bartending is a great way to make connections that can lead to other lucrative opportunities — especially if you tend bar in a high-end establishment.
As for compensation, the average reported income for a bartender is only $22,000. However, bartenders typically make much more than that as the majority of their income is paid in cash tips. On a decent weekend, you could easily make a few hundred or even a thousand dollars, if you pick the right place.
Many students were set back during the pandemic, which shortened the school year and forced students to learn from home. As a result, a ton of parents are looking for ways to help their kids catch up. This holds true for children of all ages.
Add it all up, and there is a great opportunity at hand for people who have degrees and a penchant for teaching and working with youth.
If you can speak Spanish fluently, are a gifted artist or musician, or are good at math, English, or science, then you should consider going through the process of becoming certified, advertising your services, and setting rates. A little bit of groundwork could help jumpstart a flexible and lucrative business.
Who knows? Maybe you’ll find out teaching is your life calling. What’s better than helping the future generation prepare for tomorrow?
Eventually, trade shows will open back up.
When they do, companies will be looking for ways to maintain a presence at events with as few team members as possible — for liability reasons. As a result, people who are willing to sit in front of a booth and engage with attendees will have plenty of opportunities to find work.
Working as a trade show professional is a great way to earn income. All you have to do is know enough about the company to hold a conversation and then steer people to the right contacts within the organization.
And when the show ends, you are free to move on to another gig.
Plus, if you can earn a reputation as someone who is reliable and engaging, you can earn future gigs and be recommended to other companies. Booth assistance is always in high demand. And right now, there are also opportunities for part-time assistance helping with virtual trade shows and events. Check ‘em out.
Poke around and look for companies with strong products that are easy to sell that may be willing to take you on as a 1099 sales associate.
Selling is hard. But it can also be financially rewarding — especially if you can land a gig that will compensate you while letting you work at your own pace.
If you’re good at talking with people and you’re persuasive, a freelance sales gig could help you earn quick money without requiring much work or responsibility.
Plus, it could also lead to a high-paying role or even a future leadership position if you’re successful.
If you are really in a bind and need quick cash, and you are good at making payments, then you should consider taking out a personal loan.
I should caution you against doing this if possible, as you will wind up paying more in the long run.
However, these services can usually provide large sums of money and sometimes within 24 hours.
Here’s a pro tip: Instead of relying on others when you need a loan, use the above tips that I mentioned to build a nest egg and start a high yield savings account (HYSA), at a bank like Amex, Vio, or Ally.
Build up a nest egg that you can draw from when needed. Then make it a point to pay yourself back and charge yourself interest for tapping into your reserve funds. This way, you’ll avoid going into debt.
Next Steps:
We’re all looking for the fastest ways to make money. But we can’t snap our fingers and expect it to stack up overnight.
In today’s digital age, it’s easier than ever to find some extra ways to make quick cash. That’s what I love about being alive during this time. Everything is at our fingertips, and the possibilities are endless.
At the end of the day, you know your interests, you know your talents, and you know how hard you’re capable of hustling. No one else does.
It’s up to you to prove yourself to everyone else and show what you bring to the table.
If you’re determined to make cash doing what you do best, and you’re ready to work hard to make it happen, you can end up in a place you didn’t even know was possible sooner than you think.
Take my word for it. Yes, it could and most likely will take a lot of time. But it’ll be worth it. And, let’s be honest, what’s the alternative?
Good luck. I’m rooting for you.
