Saturday, 27 November 2021

7 Best Credit Unions for Small Business of 2022 (Bank Accounts Ranked)

Years ago, the only people who would think about joining a credit union were those with student loans. However, things have changed dramatically over recent...Read More

The post 7 Best Credit Unions for Small Business of 2022 (Bank Accounts Ranked) appeared first on Adam Enfroy.



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Thursday, 25 November 2021

Neighbor Storage Review

The post Neighbor Storage Review appeared first on Millennial Money.

In this Neighbor Storage review, I’ll cover both sides of the platform. You’ll get an idea of how much you can make renting out your unused space as a Neighbor host, and you’ll also learn more about the benefits of using the Neighbor app to find low-cost self-storage.

Neighbor

Overall Rating

9.2

Earning Potential

Bottom Line

Neighbor is an online peer-to-peer platform that connects renters with available storage space. It's been dubbed the "Airbnb of Storage" and allows hosts to rent out extra space to store everything from cars to boats to business inventory.

Pros

  • Low-cost, local storage options
  • Easy platform to rent out extra space for passive income
  • In-app payment processing and messaging
  • Highly rated mobile app

Cons

  • Fees for both hosts and renters
  • Liability limitations
  • No sign-up promotions
  • Doesn’t have the best customer service

Mobile App

9.2

Payments

9.5

Liability Protection

8.5

Customer Service

6.0

Fees

8.5

or, skip straight to the section on how to sign up for Neighbor

If we’re being honest, most of us could use a little extra space at home. Whether your apartment doesn’t come with a parking space or you lack access to storage units for the stuff that doesn’t fit, it can be tough to find a home for all of your things. 

Enter Neighbor, a platform that connects those in need of space with those who have some room to spare.

On average, traditional storage units cost nearly $200 per month. Neighbor offers secure rental space for a fraction of that — plus the opportunity to keep money in your community by renting from a local homeowner instead of a faceless corporation. 

What Is Neighbor Storage?

Neighbor is an online peer-to-peer platform that connects renters with available storage space. It’s been dubbed the “Airbnb of Storage” and allows hosts to rent out extra space to store everything from cars to boats to business inventory. 

Neighbor was founded in Utah in 2017 by Joseph Woodbury, Preston Alder, and Colton Gardner. The platform aims to challenge self-storage industry practices by providing lower-cost storage options for the long and short term. 

To understand how Neighbor works, let’s get into the platform’s most exciting features. 

Neighbor Storage Features

Here are the top features of the Neighborhood app.

How Neighbor Works

If you’ve used Airbnb, then you already have a pretty good idea of how Neighbor works. Hosts list their unused space on the platform along with the cost and any requirements associated with it.

Storage spaces can serve a bunch of different functions. Maybe you have an entire garage to rent out or maybe you just have some extra space in your driveway, for example. 

Here’s a look at everything you can store with Neighbor:

  • Self-storage items
  • Cars
  • RVs
  • Boats
  • Trailers
  • Business Inventory

Once a renter finds a storage space that suits them, Neighbor connects the two parties. From there, you can determine the rental period, how the renter will access their stuff, and any other details. 

Renters make monthly payments within the app, and the host collects funds through a connected bank account. 

It’s a pretty straightforward and modern experience that you’d expect from most other apps.

Mobile App

Interested in using Neighbor? You can access the platform through Neighbor’s website or its free mobile app. 

The app is available on iOS and Android and has a 4.6-star (out of 5) rating in both the App Store and the Google Play Store. 

Payments

Rather than chasing down cash or check payments, Neighbor simplifies things by handling all payments between hosts and renters. 

Hosts can set any amount of money to charge for their storage units, but Neighbor provides pricing recommendations based on the space itself and the area. 

When you sign up as a host, you’ll need to link your profile to a bank account that can accept direct deposits. Once you get going, your renters’ payments are automatically charged to their debit or credit card each month, and you’ll get your payout once the transaction goes through. 

Neighbor even offers a host guarantee. The app will cover the cost of your space when renters cannot make payments. 

Liability Protection

Whether you’re a host or a renter, Neighbor has you covered with free host and renter guarantees. 

For hosts, Neighbor offers $1 million in general liability protection to cover your storage space, though there are important caveats. The coverage serves as a secondary option to any other applicable coverage, like homeowners insurance. It also doesn’t protect against property damage.

Neighbor’s Renter Guarantee protects any qualified belongings stored in the space up to $25,000. This covers both damage and theft but, like the host policy, operates as secondary to other insurance that you might have. 

Messaging

If you’re hesitant to exchange phone numbers with your host or renter, you can use Neighbor messaging through the website or app. 

Once you start a renting relationship, you can easily get in touch through your Neighbor account to stay on top of payments or anything else that either party should know about.

It’s also important to note that Neighbor will only help resolve any issues based on communication through the platform, so this is your best bet for staying in touch. 

Neighbor Storage Pricing & Fees

Neighbor is free to use for both hosts and renters. But it isn’t without its share of added costs. Let’s take a look at the fees you can expect to run into while using it. 

Processing Fees

It’s free to list your storage space on Neighbor, but when it’s time to collect rent, you’ll pay a processing fee. 

When you rent out your space, you’ll pay Neighbor 4.9% of the total reservation, plus $0.30 per monthly transaction. 

Service Fees

On the other end, Neighbor charges users a service fee on top of the cost of the listing. This fee varies depending on the listing but will always be stated upfront before you book it.

Eviction Fees

If you decide that you need your rented-out space back, Neighbor’s cancellation policy requires that you give your renter at least 30 days’ notice. If you don’t, you’ll be charged a $60 eviction fee unless the renter has violated your own terms of service. 

Refund Policy

If you decide to go in a different direction as a renter, you may get a portion of your funds back as a refund, depending on when you cancel. Here’s the breakdown of Neighbor’s refund policy:

  • Cancellation less than 24 hours after approval: Full refund
  • Cancellation more than three days before rental start date: Full refund
  • Cancellation within three days of start date: 80% refund (less service fee)
  • Cancellation after the start date: No refund

Signing Up & Getting Started

When you’re ready to get started, you can head to neighbor.com or download the app. 

Hosts can start setting up their listings right away with pricing, renter requirements, and any restrictions that you want to add. 

Renters can browse through available storage spaces to try and find the best fit. Once you find one that’ll work, you can book it and get in contact with the owner to take the next steps.

Neighbor Storage Promotions, Bonuses, & Coupons

Neighbor doesn’t have a sign-up bonus, but if you refer someone who ends up renting out space or listing space of their own, you can get a $50 Amazon gift card. 

The bonus is available to both hosts and renters. To qualify, your referral will need to either secure an approved rental totaling $100 or more or rent out their own space with the same payment threshold.

It’s important that if you refer someone, you won’t earn the bonus if the space they rent is one that you’ve personally listed. 

Neighbor Storage Security

I’ve already covered Neighbor’s liability coverage, which protects hosts for up to $1 million and renters for up to $25,000. 

On top of that, Neighbor ensures a secure payment platform with a PCI-compliant processor. This means that it’s top of the line in terms of protecting your sensitive banking information.

Neighbor also requires photo ID, email, and phone verification to ensure that users aren’t walking into scams. Certain items are also off limits for Neighbor storage, such as drugs, firearms, explosives, and hazardous materials. 

If you want to learn more about Neighbor’s security and read some helpful tips on protecting yourself, check out the online Trust & Safety center

Customer Service & Support

If you need help as a host or renter, check out Neighbor’s online Help Center. Representatives are available via phone, email, or live chat, and you can also browse through a ton of FAQs for quick answers. 

Neighbor’s regular customer service hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mountain Time. You can reach a customer service rep at 801-653-0264.

Unfortunately, Neighbor has had its struggles when it comes to customer experience, and the app has a rating of just 2.7 stars (out of 5) on Trustpilot. Caveat emptor.

Neighbor Storage Review Pros & Cons

Here are the pros and cons of the Neighborhood app.

Pros

  • Low-cost, local storage options
  • Easy platform to rent out extra space for passive income
  • In-app payment processing and messaging
  • Highly rated mobile app

Cons

  • Fees for both hosts and renters
  • Liability limitations
  • No sign-up promotions
  • Doesn’t have the best customer service

Alternatives to Neighbor Storage

When it boils down to it, there aren’t really any other apps like Neighbor; it really is one of a kind. No other apps in the U.S. have successfully created a peer-to-peer storage platform, making Neighbor your best bet if you like the sound of it. 

That said, there are some other solutions that you could look into. Let’s take a look at the most comparable options out there. 

Stashbee

Think of Stashbee as the British version of Neighbor. If you live in the U.K. (or just have some stuff there), Stashbee offers basically the same services. 

Stashbee is based out of London and offers easy peer-to-peer storage solutions. Hosts and users are both verified, and you can find affordable options without any hidden fees. 

The biggest difference between Stashbee and Neighbor is that on top of individual storage, Stashbee also works with businesses, so you can also use it to find warehouse and commercial storage options. 

CubeSmart

CubeSmart is one of the largest online storage marketplaces you’ll find. Basically, it’s a real estate investment company that buys self-storage facilities and rents them out to consumers. 

You can use CubeSmart on its website or mobile app, where you can browse through more than 1,000 different facilities. So, whether you’re looking for car storage or a climate-controlled option for valuables, CubeSmart should have you covered. 

CubeSmart also provides resources to help you move your stuff, with deals on rental trucks and plenty of useful moving and storage tips. 

SquareFoot

SquareFoot is a storage space aggregator. The site allows you to look through different storage companies and options in one, easy-to-use place. 

You can quickly find storage spaces near where you live (or wherever you’re headed), compare prices, and stock up on moving supplies if you need them. 

SquareFoot covers self-storage, car and RV storage, and boat storage options. The service is available nationwide and you can book a unit entirely online. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Neighborhood app.

Is Neighbor a scam?

No, Neighbor is not a scam. It’s a legitimate service that can connect you with affordable storage solutions for a wide variety of items. 

That said, with any sort of online marketplace, there’s never a 100% guarantee that people will not try to use it in a predatory way. The good news is that Neighbor has practices in place to combat this. 

On top of liability coverage, Neighbor also provides authentication services and encourages hosts to run their own background checks on potential renters. 

How safe is Neighbor Storage?

Neighbor’s online platform is extremely safe. All of your information is stored responsibly and will not be shared, and its secure payment processor will ensure that your transactions go through without a hitch. 

In terms of the safety of your actual extra storage space experience, Neighbor seems to do what it can to keep it as safe as possible by vetting people when they sign up. 

That said, no matter where you store something, you’re always running the risk of something going wrong. Whether you’re using someone’s garage or a traditional storage unit, 100% security isn’t possible. 

With this in mind, there are a couple of things to consider. In general, you’ll want to steer clear of storing highly valuable or highly sentimental items any place other than your house. Liability protection is great, but it can’t replace lost items if something happens. 

You’ll also want to consider a particular host’s rating on the platform. If someone has a less than ideal rating, it’s probably safer to look elsewhere.

How much can you make on the Neighbor app?

Neighbor claims that its average host makes around $2,000 per year and that its highest earners net more than $20,000.

How much you can make will completely depend on what sort of space you have to offer and whether there are users in the area looking to rent it. 

For example, you can list something as small as a spare closet on Neighbor. But it won’t earn you nearly as much as a full garage.

To max out your earnings, make sure that whatever space you have to offer is clean, as advertised, and priced fairly. This way, you’ll keep customers happy, build up your rating, and keep collecting payouts.

The Bottom Line

Neighbor is a one-of-a-kind app that helps people store extra stuff and helps hosts earn extra money.

Traditionally, the only solution was to rent out an overpriced storage unit (or ask your parents if they have room in their basement). 

With Neighbor, you can find local, secure, and cost-effective spaces that fit whatever your storage needs are.

On the host side, Neighbor is a great way to churn out passive income on unused space. It takes little effort, and if you have the space to do it, you can easily turn Neighbor Storage into a side hustle that nets extra money. 

That said, the platform isn’t perfect. We want our Neighbor Storage review to be fully transparent. Neighbor’s customer experience isn’t always the best, and fees for both hosts and renters drive its value down a bit. 

While you shouldn’t let these factors completely deter you from signing up, you need to at least be aware of them.

Overall, whether you’re looking to host or rent, Neighbor is an effective solution that could either save you some cash or help you earn some passive income. It’s just one of a boatload of modern apps that are challenging traditional business practices, and it’s worth your while to check it out if you’re looking to make some extra cash.

Nobody ever said the journey to financial freedom would be easy. Sometimes, it requires thinking out of the box and using Neighbor to rent space to your neighbors.

Whatever you decide, here’s to making the smartest moves on your journey to financial independence!

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November 25, 2021 at 04:48AM

Saturday, 20 November 2021

How to Make Money on YouTube Without Making Videos

The post How to Make Money on YouTube Without Making Videos appeared first on Millennial Money.

YouTube is a source of entertainment for billions of people. But believe it or not, you can make money on YouTube without making videos.

Since you’re reading this, there’s a strong chance that you aren’t excited about being on camera. The good news is that just about anyone can make money from YouTube — even the camera-shy.

If you don’t want to be filmed or lack the time or expertise to make high-quality videos, you can still rake in profits from this social media platform. Editing content, posting other people’s content, and selling merchandise are just a few ways you can earn.

Keep reading to learn the best ways to make money on YouTube without making videos. 

How to Set up a YouTube Channel 

Ready to make money on YouTube without making videos? Here’s how to start.

Setting up a YouTube channel is super easy, and you don’t have to submit an application. No doubt, this is one of the reasons why YouTube is so popular — it’s free for most users and content creators.

All you need to do is register for a YouTube account (which will link to your Google account) and begin setting up your channel.

1. Plan your channel

Before you do anything, spend some time thinking about what you want your channel to offer.

Pick your area of focus

To do this, start by determining the type of content you want to promote. To make sure your channel stands out, think about tackling a niche category to start. After all, you can always expand or pivot down the road. 

For example, rather than posting general cooking tutorials, consider making a most shocking mukbang compilation. You may even want to drill down further and focus on the most shocking pizza mukbang moments. Yup, I just went there.

Choose a name 

Your channel’s name plays a huge role in its overall success. For the best results, pick a name that’s short, simple, catchy, and related to the topic that you’re focusing on. 

The name you choose shouldn’t be vulgar. It should also be easy to spell and pronounce. 

Remember that the name you select is part of your brand. It’s one of the first things that your audience will see when searching for content. As such, it has a significant impact on how your channel is received. 

2. Create a YouTube account

Once you square away the basic details, head over to YouTube and open an account. 

YouTube brand vs. personal accounts

At this point, you have to determine whether you want to open a personal or brand account.

When you open a personal account, the channel appears as your Google account name. A personal account is generally for non-business use. 

Opening a brand account gives you greater control and flexibility. You can choose a different name, mask your email address, and manage multiple channels from a single location. 

If you aim to use YouTube as an income stream, you’ll almost certainly want a brand account. It doesn’t cost anything, and it offers lots of upside. 

3. Upload videos 

Now that you have a channel in place, you’re ready to start aggregating videos and publishing content. 

Publishing on YouTube is pretty straightforward. First, you need to make sure YouTube supports your file type. To do this, click “create a video” and either upload the file directly or drag and drop it from a source location.

Videos can be either public or private. For your purposes, you will almost certainly want to set all videos to public. Additionally, you need to set captions for SEO, add tags, and write succinct video descriptions so people can find your content on the search engine.

Don’t forget about video thumbnails when you’re uploading content. Think about the images that you want potential viewers to see when they’re browsing YouTube. When you use an eye-catching thumbnail image, you increase the likelihood of attracting new viewers. 

Think of it this way. Suppose you have the option to pick one of two different sandwiches. One sandwich looks fresh and well put together. The other looks so-so. 

The vast majority of the time, people will go for the better-looking option. The same concept holds true with all things online marketing. 

Out-of-the-Box Ways to Make Money on YouTube (Without Making Videos)

As you can see, it’s possible to make money on YouTube by leveraging other content. 

It takes a bit of work, but it’s still a lot easier than going through the process of getting on camera, editing, and producing content.

With that in mind, there are many other ways to generate profits from YouTube without making videos. Here are some of the top approaches. 

Posting Work From Other Content Creators 

The easiest and most common way to make money on YouTube without making videos is to publish third-party content. For example, YouTube allows you to post video content from other video creators through a strategy known as aggregation. 

In other words, you curate content instead of publishing original clips.

As such, it’s no surprise that aggregating or curating content saves you a lot of time. It also helps to attract viewers that are interested in what you’re sharing.

For example, the Movie Coverage YouTube channel aggregates movie trailers for viewers. At the time of writing, it has upwards of 1.03 million subscribers.  

Types of third-party content you can post on YouTube

Interested in aggregating content on YouTube? Here’s how you do it.

Original videos 

YouTube allows you to post full, original clips from third-party providers on your own channel. However, you have to obtain explicit permission from that party and properly attribute the video to avoid copyright violations.

Failure to do this could result in a Matched Third-Party notification from YouTube. The app sends this when it picks up on the fact that something in your video belongs to another person. 

How to deal with a Matched Third-Party notification

When sending a Matched Third-Party notification, YouTube typically explains what it intends to do about the situation. 

In some cases, the company might show ads on the video and send revenue to the publisher. The company might also choose to block the video — or even deactivate your account if you seriously abuse the terms of service.

Sometimes, YouTube sends Matched Third-Party notifications by mistake. If you follow the rules and think there may be a mistake, you could try to dispute the warning. 

Whatever you do, you can’t afford to ignore this type of notification. Otherwise, it could harm your account and immediately stop your money-making ability.

Creative Commons video content

Many content producers have success using Creative Commons licenses when posting videos.

When a content creator posts a video with a Creative Commons license, the original producer retains ownership of the content. However, the license gives you the ability to use their work in your videos or on your channel.

If you’re interested in this approach, search for the video term you want to find. When the results pop up, click on the filter button, and select Creative Commons under the Features list. You’ll then be looking at a targeted list of free videos that you should be able to republish.

Just make sure to look at each specific license and make sure to follow its conditions. Some licenses have strict requirements explaining how you can use the material, so it’s in your best interest to pay attention. 

In many cases, you can post videos exactly as they appear. You may also be able to use videos as part of larger compilations (e.g., a one-hour montage of kittens playing with babies). 

Start a blog

Blogging is a solid way to make money from YouTube. Any time you’re scrolling through a popular blog and see a YouTube video embedded in it, that website owner is probably making money from it.  

If you’ve got what it takes, consider starting a free blog on WordPress and posing videos to supplement your content. You can use most third-party videos as long as you attribute them to the owner.

Post alternative content 

You don’t have to post traditional videos on YouTube where you’re in front of the camera. For example, you can also post audio files, album compilations, or even pictures of slide decks and presentations. 

To illustrate, suppose you publish a weekly audio podcast. You could post a recording of the podcast to your YouTube channel, along with a compelling background image (or series of images), and get paid for views,

Happen to own a business? You can also post audio presentations with PowerPoint slides, using YouTube to provide educational content for current and potential customers. If your content is highly valuable, you can attract subscribers and create advertising opportunities. 

Invest in Google shares

As most of you know, I’m an investor at my core. 

From an investor’s angle, purchasing Alphabet Inc Class A shares (NASDAQ: GOOGL) is an indirect way to make money from YouTube.

At the time of writing, Google is hovering around $2,841.58 per share, and the stock has a market cap of $1.90 trillion. The only major downside is that Alphabet doesn’t offer a dividend yield. However, the stock is performing very well this year, up from just $2,030.69 in March. 

If you don’t have enough cash for full shares, look into buying fractional shares through brokers like Robinhood or Webull. With this strategy, you might buy as little as $1 worth of stock at a time.

When running a business, it’s critical to get your name out to as many people as possible, and advertising on YouTube is a great way to do that. 

YouTube has a video advertising service you can use to set up campaigns and measure your results. You can also advertise through Google Ads and expand your reach into other channels. 

Become a YouTube consultant 

The vast majority of YouTubers aren’t going to become rich. Many people start channels only to give up after realizing how hard the process is and how long it takes to earn income.

For this reason, there’s a growing opportunity to work as a YouTube consultant. 

If you’re proficient with YouTube, you can make money by helping other YouTubers and companies plan, execute, and optimize their content. You can coach people on camera, help with content strategy, write voiceover scripts, and dive into the weeds with analytics and SEO keyword research.

Get started by advertising your services on sites like Fiverr and Upwork. You can reach out to business owners in your network and offer to manage their YouTube pages for a set monthly fee. How much you can charge depends on the complexity of the tasks. For starters, a ballpark rate of $50 per hour is reasonable if you know what you’re doing and the client has a marketing budget.

Learn More:

Sign up for Nielsen 

Nielsen is a leading market research company that pays participants $50 each year just for sharing data about how they use the internet.

In other words, if you sign up for Nielsen, you can make money just by watching YouTube and giving Nielsen access to your viewing history and habits. 

This approach is safe, non-invasive, and doesn’t require anything other than browsing the internet and watching content.

Work for YouTube

Being passionate about YouTube and social media could potentially lead to an exciting and rewarding career in online media. 

If you’re a huge fan of YouTube, it might be worth considering working for the Google subsidiary either online or at one of its eight office locations.

The average annual salary for YouTube employees is $52,806 per year, or about $25 per hour. Plus, you’ll have a brand name on your resume, which should accelerate future job searches.

Buy a YouTube channel

When it boils down to it, there’s no rule that says you need to start a YouTube channel from scratch. 

If you’ve got some cash laying around, you can jump-start your YouTube ambitions by purchasing an existing channel from another subscriber. By going this route, you can start with an existing subscriber base and content library. 

To find YouTube channels for sale, check out sites like Fameswap and Flippa.

Market your channel 

Unfortunately, just posting content on YouTube won’t get you very far. It takes a fair amount of marketing and optimizing to stand out from the pack.

Optimize your channel

YouTube Studio offers many helpful reporting features and analytics tools that you can use to optimize and enhance your channel.

Here are some of the KPIs (key performance indicators) that YouTube marketers spend their most time improving. 

  • Total watch time: A measure of how much time viewers spend watching your videos.
  • Viewer retention: Helps determine if your content is captivating viewers and keeping them coming back for more.
  • Traffic source: Dig into where traffic is coming from using YouTube’s analytics tools. When you determine how users are getting to your content, you can get a sense of what they’re interested in — and identify ways to keep them on your channel instead of browsing elsewhere.
  • Subscribers’ demographics: By drilling into subscriber demographics, you can get a better sense of who your viewers are and where they come from. Once again, this can help you figure out what types of content to create (and what types to avoid).
  • Video engagement: Crucial for success on YouTube. As time goes on, you’ll want to see which videos generate the most likes, dislikes, shares, and comments. Your goal should be to create engaging content that people can interact with and share with others.

Live stream

Live streaming your own videos isn’t like posting regular content because you don’t need to spend time editing. To live stream on YouTube, all you need is a camera and a microphone. This is a great way to become an influencer and supplement the videos you’re already posting. 

For example, suppose you post five mukbang videos throughout the week. On Friday, you can jump on a live stream and offer commentary on your videos. This gives your viewers a bit of facetime with the creative force behind the channel.

Live streaming is a great way to encourage dialogue on your channel and excite viewers about your brand.

If the reason you want to make money on YouTube without making videos is because you don’t want to edit those videos, live streaming is a great option.

Sell merchandise

Consider setting up an eCommerce site on a platform like Shopify and align your YouTube videos with merchandise like T-shirts and mugs.

Creating supplementary merchandise is a proven way to make more money and draw attention to your channel. For example, you could post a viral video of a large group of golden retrievers playing and then sell T-shirts with images from the videos to your audience. 

Pro tip: Put your YouTube channel’s name on the shirt for additional exposure. 

Use social media platforms 

When managing a YouTube account, socializing content is key to success. 

For the best results, get active on sites like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter, and post content that sends users to your YouTube channel every day. 

The more you post, the more people will see your material and visit your channel. 

Use affiliate marketing 

Affiliate marketing involves making money by sending customers to third-party advertisers. 

YouTubers often do this by including content and promotions in videos. For example, suppose you have a channel about electronic music equipment. You might include a video reviewing headphones and link to certain brands in your content. 

To be clear, it helps to have a steady stream of viewers to make real money from affiliate programs. 

If you’re interested in taking this route, some of the largest affiliate programs to check out are Amazon Associates, CJ, and Impact.

Monetize Your YouTube Channel

If you go through all the above steps and commit yourself to growth, your channel will eventually gain traction. This is where the fun starts. 

Join the YouTube Partner Program

At this point, you need to join the YouTube Partner Program, which provides expanded access to YouTube resources and enables you to earn passive income through your channel.

To qualify, you need at least 1,000 subscribers and more than 4,000 valid public watch hours within twelve months. 

When you hit these targets, it’s time to apply. Your account then goes into a review queue to ensure your viewership meets the mark. If you’re accepted, you can set up ad preferences and enable YouTube-powered monetization tools on your channel uploads. 

If your application isn’t accepted, you have to wait thirty days to reapply. Focus on building up your viewership during that time. 

YouTube monetization opportunities

Here are the various ways you can profit from the YouTube Partner Program.

  • Ad revenue: As a member of the YouTube Partner Program, you can generate revenue from overlay, display, and video sponsorships, all of which is powered by Google AdSense. AdSense is Google’s online advertising platform, which automatically places targeted advertisements on websites and YouTube videos.
  • Channel membership: You can also charge for channel memberships and receive monthly recurring payments from subscribers.
  • Merch shelf: You can give fans the opportunity to browse your merch shelf and buy stuff.
  • Super chat and super stickers: Additionally, you can use super chats and super stickers to charge fans to highlight messages and stand out in chat streams.
  • Premium revenue: You can also receive income when Premium subscribers watch your content. If you’re interested in this route, make sure to follow YouTube’s monetization policies and link your Google AdSense account. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about making money on YouTube without making videos.

Can you make money on YouTube without making videos?

Absolutely. There are many ways to make money from YouTube without creating original videos. For example, you can post third-party content, buy shares of Google, or start an online business that helps other YouTubers grow.

Is YouTube a good way to make money online?

For those with the right skill set, YouTube is a potential gold mine. You just need to draw up a plan to generate revenue on the DIY platform and put it into motion. 

The biggest thing to keep in mind is that you won’t experience success overnight. But if you stick with it, you can potentially create a steady stream of passive income from anywhere in the world.

What are the perks to making money from YouTube?

The main perk is that you can make unlimited income from YouTube. The best YouTubers can make as much as $5 per 1,000 views, according to some estimates.

If you set up a passive income stream, you could also keep a full-time work-at-home job while managing your YouTube channel. This could be an excellent way to reach financial freedom and start living life on your terms.

The Bottom Line

YouTube could be a great side hustle and perhaps even a massive revenue stream for those with the right balance of skills and determination. Due to its global reach and massive popularity, it’s an excellent platform for making money remotely. 

The best part is that you don’t even need to be a YouTube creator. 

Since you’ve made it this far, my advice is to head over to YouTube, open a channel, and figure it out as you go along. At the end of the day, setting up a YouTube channel doesn’t cost anything — and, with the right approach, it could be your ticket to financial freedom.

The post How to Make Money on YouTube Without Making Videos appeared first on Millennial Money.



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November 20, 2021 at 04:58AM

Gopuff Driver Review for 2021 – Deliver the Goods for Cash

The post Gopuff Driver Review for 2021 – Deliver the Goods for Cash appeared first on Millennial Money.

Someone recently told me that they’re having trouble figuring out what to do for a side hustle. Here’s my advice: Don’t overthink it. Check out this Gopuff driver review, and then take action.

If you have a car and a clean driving record, you can easily make money driving around making deliveries or picking up passengers. This can lead to steady work and flexible income because you can set your own hours. 

Plus, you can listen to financial podcasts and brainstorm other side hustles when you’re in the car driving from point A to point B. 

If this sounds appealing to you, one company that you may want to consider driving for is Gopuff, which is one of the top food delivery apps on the market today. 

GoPuff

Overall Rating

8.9

Earning Potential

Bottom Line

Gopuff is one of the top food delivery apps on the market today.

Pros

  • Flexible hours
  • Easy access to fulfillment centers
  • Guaranteed minimum earning amount
  • Bonus opportunities for active drivers

Cons

  • The app isn’t available in Google Play or App Store
  • Significantly smaller reach than DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub
  • Limited driving hours
  • Lower paying than other delivery apps

Flexiblility

9.5

Pay

7.5

Security

9.0

Customer Service

9.0

Keep reading to learn all about driving for Gopuff so you can decide if it makes sense as your next side gig. 

or, skip straight to the section on how to sign up for GoPuff

Gopuff Review for 2021

What is Gopuff?

Gopuff brings together thousands of convenience store items into one central app, including cleaning supplies, food, drinks, over-the-counter medicine, electronics, baby products, and more.

The service is a bit like Amazon when it comes to the sheer variety of products you can buy through it. The main difference is that the site promises fast deliveries — within just thirty minutes! 

Gopuff has a standard $1.95 delivery fee for all products, but customers can receive unlimited free deliveries on eligible orders.

The Philadelphia-based company now has more than 300 facilities serving more than 550 cities across the U.S. 

Gopuff is valued at $15 billion following a recent mega funding round. Suffice it to say that this delivery app isn’t just spinning its wheels.

Driving for Gopuff: What to expect

As a Gopuff driver, you choose when you want to work by reserving shifts in the goDrive app.

When it’s time to work, simply head to a local fulfillment center and wait for order requests to appear. Once they come in, you deliver the items and return to wait for the next order. 

All deliveries are local, within a half-hour drive of the Gopuff facility. 

One major difference between Gopuff and other delivery apps is the fact that Gopuff has set hours of operation. Other apps like Uber Eats allow you to drive twenty-four hours, with service depending on local restaurant availability. As long as restaurants are open and serving, you can make money with Uber Eats.

Conversely, Gopuff drivers work with local fulfillment centers. Most facilities run between 10 a.m. and 3 a.m. or between 8 a.m. and 4 a.m.  

Demand is usually pretty low during those late-night hours. But if you’re the type who depends on early morning deliveries before work or late-night weekend shifts, you may have trouble with Gopuff. 

In that case, you can just drive for another app or ridesharing service. Problem solved!

Gopuff Driver Features

Here are the top features of driving for Gopuff.

Flexible scheduling

When you drive for a single restaurant, you have to be on call to work when they want you to. This is not the case with Gopuff. 

While you have to schedule your hours ahead of time, you get to pick when you want to work. In other words, Gopuff lets you make your own schedule.

Consistent driving experience

Delivery drivers often complain about the hassles associated with picking up restaurant orders. That’s because the best eateries are often located in the most highly trafficked areas — meaning you constantly have to deal with parking, traffic, and crowds. 

Gopuff makes the process much easier because you pick up items from a central facility. This way, you avoid all the headaches associated with having to hop in and out of restaurants.

Alcohol and tobacco deliveries 

A growing number of platforms are starting to sell booze online. For example, Uber Eats now sells alcohol, and Saucey is a platform specifically for it.

GoPuff competes against these services by offering alcohol and tobacco. That means more delivery opportunities for drivers and greater earning potential.

Non-contact delivery

The company values driver safety by enabling non-contact pickup and delivery options. As a result, you can deliver stuff without coming into close contact with other people. 

No passengers

Gopuff isn’t a rideshare service. It’s only for delivery. So, you don’t have to worry about picking up passengers or carrying around strangers in your car. 

Gopuff Driver Pay 

GoPuff pays you for each order that you pick up and deliver. Like most delivery apps, you get to keep 100% of any tips you collect.

In addition, you can sometimes collect weekly bonuses based on local demand. 

A standout feature is the Gopuff subsidy rate, which ensures you make a decent wage regardless of how many deliveries you make. 

If you end up under the subsidy rate, Gopuff automatically covers the difference. For example, if you’re making $4 per delivery and Gopuff promises $12/hour but you only make two deliveries in an hour, the app will automatically give you $4.

Further earning opportunities are available through incentives and promotions in certain locations. Altogether, Gopuff drivers earn about $14 per hour according to Glassdoor. Hopefully, your actual earnings will be higher than that. If they’re not, you should strongly consider testing other delivery services.

Signing Up and Starting 

Before signing up, make sure you can meet the following requirements.

  • You need to be at least 21 years old
  • You must provide your own vehicle and have auto insurance in your name
  • You need a valid driver’s license
  • You need an iPhone 5 with iOS 10 or newer or an Android 4.4.3 or newer 

To deliver booze, you’ll need to consent to a prepaid alcohol delivery training course. Don’t sweat it, though — it’s super easy. If you’ve ever worked in a restaurant before that serves alcohol, you have probably taken a similar course.

If you meet the above conditions, the next step is filling out an application. Submit your name, email address, and phone number and go through the registration process. The app also makes driver-partners pass a background check, which takes a few days.  

One thing to note is the goDrive app isn’t currently available in the App Store or Play Store. To access the app, you have to download it directly from a proprietary platform, either for iPhone or Android. You then need to grant permission through your phone’s security settings and tell your phone to trust Gobrands, Inc.

This is a bit trickier than downloading an app from Google or Apple. However, it shouldn’t be too difficult for you to get up and running. 

For detailed installation instructions, check out the company’s website.

Gopuff Driver Promotions for 2021

Here are the top Gopuff promotions.

Customer referral program

Gopuff’s referral program rewards you for getting other customers to sign up. However, it’s unclear how much you can actually earn. There’s no referral program for drivers.

Gopuff driving bonuses 

Gopuff occasionally offers weekly bonuses for driving at certain times or for reaching a specific number of deliveries. Bonuses range from $30 to $100 or more for the most active drivers. 

Keep your eyes peeled because these bonuses are crucial for maximizing your weekly Gopuff earnings.

Gopuff Driver Security

New drivers often ask whether Gopuff is safe to download and use since the goDrive app isn’t in the Google Play Store or the App Store.

One thing to consider is the separate, customer-facing app is publicly listed with a 4.3/5 rating in Google and a 4.6/5 rating in the App Store

In addition, the company has a massive amount of funding at $15 billion — a pretty clear indicator that the app is safe and trustworthy. 

The company doesn’t list any security policies, but it does have a public privacy policy explaining data collection and usage.

Overall, the app is as safe and trustworthy as most other driving apps. If you’re interested in becoming a Gopuff driver, you shouldn’t think twice about downloading and using it.

Customer Service and Support

You can contact Gopuff’s support team by sending a message to help@gopuff.com or by calling 855-400-7833. You can also chat with them on the website. 

It’s important to reiterate the fact that you’ll be visiting physical Gopuff fulfillment centers every time you work. Unlike popular online delivery apps such as Uber Eats, GrubHub, and DoorDash, Gopuff has real brick-and-mortar facilities where you can interact with employees and other drivers.

Gopuff Driver Pros and Cons

Here are the pros and cons of driving for Gopuff.

Pros

  • Flexible hours
  • Easy access to fulfillment centers
  • Guaranteed minimum earning amount
  • Bonus opportunities for active drivers

Cons

  • The app isn’t available in Google Play or App Store
  • Significantly smaller reach than DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub
  • Limited driving hours
  • Lower paying than other delivery apps

Gopuff Driver Alternatives

Here are the top alternatives to Gopuff.

DoorDash

DoorDash is an online service that aggregates deliveries from local restaurants. When driving for DoorDash, you can pick up orders directly from restaurants and deliver them to people around town.

DoorDash is active in over 4,000 cities across the U.S. At the time of writing, the average rate for DoorDash drivers is $15/hr. 

Uber Eats

Uber Eats is another top delivery service that’s active in over 6,000 cities. Drivers for Uber Eats usually make about $16/hr, according to Glassdoor.

Grubhub

Grubhub is a delivery service that’s available in over 4,000 cities. It uses a similar aggregation model as DoorDash and Uber Eats. 

Grubhub delivery drivers make around $14/hr.

Instacart

Instacart is a hugely popular grocery delivery app.

With Instacart, you can pick up items for customers and drop them off at various locations around town. The app is active in over 2,400 locations across the U.S. 

Instacart drivers make about $29/hr.

Gopuff Driver FAQs  

Here are the most frequently asked questions about Gopuff.

Is Gopuff for drivers worth it?

Being a Gopuff driver can be a great part-time gig. It doesn’t take a massive commitment to drive for Gopuff, and you can use it to make a flexible income.

Is Gopuff reliable for drivers?

Yes, Gopuff is reliable. Most importantly, you can earn a guaranteed wage even if delivery volume is slow. You also have access to a physical fulfillment center, which is rare in the gig economy. 

Where can I work as a Gopuff delivery driver?

Gopuff is available in over 550 cities across the U.S. 

Some of the biggest markets include Chicago, Denver, New York, San Antonio, Orlando, Fort Worth, Houston, Milwaukee, Seattle, Washington, D.C., Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Tallahassee, Tampa, and Los Angeles.

Do Gopuff employees receive perks?

While full-time Gopuff employees receive perks, drivers are considered independent contractors and typically don’t receive any benefits or discounts.

If you are looking for perks and access to discounted benefits, you’re probably better off driving for one of Gopuff’s larger competitors.

The Bottom Line

Gopuff is one of the easiest delivery jobs out there. Its main benefits are that you don’t have to deal with going in and out of restaurants, and you can even get a weekly subsidy bonus if you don’t land enough deliveries.

With that said, nothing good comes easy. At an earning rate of $14 per hour, before gas and car expenses, you’re not going to get rich. But if you have a car and nothing else going on, you don’t have much to lose, either.

Whatever you decide, here’s to spending your time on side hustles that accelerate your journey to financial freedom — and on your own terms.

The post Gopuff Driver Review for 2021 – Deliver the Goods for Cash appeared first on Millennial Money.



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November 20, 2021 at 04:39AM

13 Ways to Get Paid to Ride Your Bike

The post 13 Ways to Get Paid to Ride Your Bike appeared first on Millennial Money.

Are you the type of person who prefers pedaling from point A to B? Thanks to the gig economy, you can now get paid for doing what you love. In this post, I cover the best ways to get paid to ride your bike. From delivery apps to bike taxis to being a bike cop — if there’s a way to make money bicycling, you’re going to learn about it below.

Top Ways to Make Money With Your Bike

  1. Do food delivery with DoorDash or Uber Eats
  2. Work as a bike messenger with BikeMessenger 24
  3. Rent your bike through Spinlister
  4. Operate a pedicab
  5. Start a YouTube channel for biking
  6. Launch a bike blog
  7. Advertise with Ridevert
  8. Host bike tours
  9. Become a bike patrol officer
  10. Fix bikes
  11. Flip bikes
  12. Teach a spin class
  13. Work in a bike shop

1. Do food delivery with DoorDash or Uber Eats

Delivering food on your bike is tough work. But if you can swing it, you can save money on your transportation expenses because you won’t have to fill up your gas tank like most delivery drivers. 

In many cities, it’s faster to get around on a bike versus a car. Add it all up, and it means more profits. It also keeps you in good shape.

If you’re interested in delivering food on your bike, check out the following apps.

DoorDash

DoorDash is a popular restaurant delivery app that’s available in all fifty states. The site aggregates menus from local restaurants and lets customers purchase items from a single online dashboard. 

DoorDash allows you to deliver via bike in most major urban markets. You’ll use the DoorDash Driver app, but make sure to activate Bicycle mode. 

According to Glassdoor, you can make $22 to $23 per hour delivering DoorDash on a bike. And you’ll essentially be paid to exercise. 

Uber Eats

Uber Eats is one of DoorDash’s top competitors. Like DoorDash, Uber Eats allows bike delivery in many cities. The company also allows scooter deliveries in some areas. 

Uber Eats bike couriers use the Uber Driver app. Check it out in the Google Play Store or App Store if you’re ready to roll.

Uber Eats drivers earn around $19 to $20 per hour, according to Glassdoor.

Postmates

Postmates is a delivery service for food, household items, and office supplies from local businesses. Following a recent acquisition, Uber Technologies now owns Postmates.

Similar to Uber Eats, you can bike for Postmates in select cities.

2. Work as a bike messenger with BikeMessenger 24

BikeMessenger 24 is an app that connects people and local businesses with bike couriers. The service is available in most major U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Philadelphia, and San Francisco.

A top feature of BikeMessenger 24 is that it doesn’t take any commissions. That’s because the app is a portal rather than an agency. It merely connects you with customers and enables you to negotiate rates. 

While it might take a bit more backend work to find jobs on BikeMessenger 24, the lack of fees is a huge upside.

3. Rent your bike through Spinlister

Spinlister is a bike-sharing service that lets you earn passive income by renting your bike to others. Additionally, you can rent surfboards and snowboards.

The process is pretty straightforward. Sign up for Spinlister, include photos and a description of the item you want to rent, and set an hourly rate. The site recommends $7/hr, $20/day, or $100/week. But you can choose whatever price point you’re comfortable with. 

Technically, you’re earning money when other people ride your bike. However, if you’re riding your bike to and from the drop-off point, you’re still getting paid to ride.  

4. Operate a pedicab

A pedicab is the same thing as a bike taxi. You can find them in most major cities with crowded tourist areas — and you’re not alone if you’ve taken one of these home after a long night out.  

Being a pedicab driver is one of the most lucrative gigs on this list because you can negotiate your own rates and you usually get paid in cash. 

For example, if you pedal two tired people back to their apartment at 2 a.m., they’re likely to tip you well — even if the ride took only a few minutes. That said, it’s not uncommon for strong-willed pedicab drivers to pull home a few hundred per night. 

If you happen to live in the Big Apple, I recommend checking out New York Pedicab Services. For other cities, do a quick Google search for “pedicab license (insert city),” and you should be able to find the information you need to get started.

5. Start a YouTube channel for biking 

YouTube is an excellent resource for cycling enthusiasts. If you’ve got a creative mindset, why not set up a channel, hit the open road, and film your adventures? You can then post the footage on YouTube and potentially make money from subscribers and advertisers. 

Once you start to attract subscribers, you may be able to partner with brands and become an influencer — showcasing items like water bottles, helmets, and shoes. This is a great way to get free stuff and maybe some cash at the same time.

In addition, you could make money by offering bike repair tips. Check out Seth’s Bike Hacks for inspiration. 

Learn More:

6. Launch a bike blog 

If you’re camera-shy or simply don’t want to go through the hassle of putting together videos, consider posting biking content on your own blog.

For example, you might go on trips and offer trail reviews and demos on cycling gear. You can then link to bicycle products through Amazon Associates and earn a commission every time someone makes a purchase through your links.

Another way to make money is by becoming a Competitive Cyclist affiliate. You can receive a commission of 5 to 12 percent on sales and access to official banners, text links, and product data. 

In case you’re unfamiliar, Competitive Cyclist is a leading supplier of bikes and accessories. It’s also a great place to load up on affordable gear.

Learn More:

7. Advertise with Ridevert 

Ridevert isn’t fully live yet, but when it launches, it will pay you to place ads on your bike for leading advertising retailers and brands. 

How much you can earn depends on how much you ride. The app tracks your progress through GPS and gives you cash for each mile that you rack up. You can earn up to $280 per month just to attach a lightweight banner to your bicycle and ride around town. 

This could be an easy way to bring in some extra dough if you regularly use your bike for commuting.  

Sign up for early access.

8. Host bike tours  

Want to travel and get paid to bike at the same time? Consider becoming a bike tour guide.

Trek Travel hires experienced cycling enthusiasts to work as travel tour guides all over the world. You’ll be responsible for coordinating logistics, biking with your tour group from city to city, and entertaining them. 

To be clear, you have to be in top physical condition to qualify as a Trek guide. On some excursions, like its Andalucia trip, you’ll be covering over 50 miles per day in steep terrain.

If you have what it takes, you’ll make an hourly wage in addition to tips and benefits.

Feeling super adventurous? Consider linking up with Alaska Bike Adventures.

You could always host your own tours, too. Here’s how.

Familiarize yourself with local mountain bike and road trails, put together some routes, and market your tours on travel platforms like Airbnb Experiences and Viator. Before you know it, you could be running your very own tour company.

9. Become a bike patrol officer 

Universities and office complexes often hire bike patrol officers to perform security sweeps and check on suspicious activity. 

Obviously, this job isn’t for everybody. But if you have an interest in public safety and love to bike, it might just be the perfect fit.

The average pay for a bike patrol officer is $35,853. 

10. Fix bikes

Most bike owners don’t know how to fix their own bikes or don’t have the time. If you’re handy with bikes, consider turning your garage into a bike repair shop.

To find gigs, advertise your services on Craigslist, Facebook, and Nextdoor. And make sure to do a solid test ride on each bike that you fix so that the gig still qualifies as getting paid to ride.

Let’s be honest. You aren’t going to make a lot of money fixing bikes, but you might be able to earn a couple of hundred bucks per month once you find a handful of steady customers.

11. Flip bikes 

Bike flipping is another way to support your biking hobby. This involves finding bikes for free (or cheap), fixing them up, and selling them for a profit.

Sounds easy enough, right?

To find the best bike deals, check your local recycling center to see if anyone has left their bike behind. Sadly, this is where most old bikes wind up. 

In most cases, all it takes are some new tires, cables, and some elbow grease to get them back on the road again. But make sure to keep your repair costs down because these will eat directly into your profits.

When your fixer-upper is ready to sell, I recommend listing it on both Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace.

12. Teach a spin class  

Spin classes are all the rage right now. As an instructor, you can earn money by leading spinning classes in your area. Look for gigs at your local fitness centers and gyms.

This is another bike gig that requires you to be in top physical shape. You also need to engage with your fitness students so that they have a great time and want to come back. 

The average hourly rate for a spin class instructor is $28.

Peloton also hires virtual spinning instructors, but the vetting process is highly competitive.

Learn More:

    13. Work in a bike shop

    Looking for an easier way to work with bikes? Consider applying for part-time work at your local bike shop. Every customer repair will need to be road-tested, so that’s where the paid riding comes in. This is also a way to get your foot in the door with the biking industry.

    The hourly rate for a bike store employee is $17.

    Frequently Asked Questions 

    Here are the most frequently asked questions about getting paid to ride your bike.

    Is biking a good side hustle?

    If you love biking then of course it’s a good side hustle.  

    Just keep in mind that there are some risks, especially if you’re riding around a big city making deliveries. If you hurt yourself, not only will you have to deal with medical bills, but you also won’t be able to work.

    Make sure your helmet fits properly before you start riding and you should be just fine.

    Can you ride a bike with Amazon Flex?

    According to Amazon, you need to use a four-door, mid-size sedan to make deliveries with Amazon Flex. Unfortunately, motorcycles, motorized scooters, and motorized bicycles don’t qualify for Flex.

    What is Strava?

    Strava is a GPS-enabled fitness tracker for cyclists and runners. It’s not a steady way to get paid for taking bike rides, but you can potentially win some extra money through its partner-sponsored challenges.

    For example, App Human recently hosted a Strava challenge that paid over $5,000 in cash prizes.

    Can you bike as an Instacart grocery shopper?

    You can, but I don’t recommend it. Unless the idea of biking across town with gallons of milk is appealing to you, my advice is to stick with a car for Instacart deliveries. 

    The Bottom Line

    A lot of people love to ride bikes, but few have the determination to turn biking into a legit side hustle.

    At the end of the day, when you’re doing what you love, it never feels like work. If you’re an avid biker and want to log some serious miles on two wheels, the above jobs can help turn your passion into extra income.

    The post 13 Ways to Get Paid to Ride Your Bike appeared first on Millennial Money.



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    November 20, 2021 at 12:27AM

    Uber Eats Driver Review – A Yummy Side Hustle

    The post Uber Eats Driver Review – A Yummy Side Hustle appeared first on Millennial Money.

    Uber Eats is a super-popular food delivery service. Hundreds of thousands of drivers are earning with the app each day.

    Uber Eats

    Overall Rating

    8.7

    Earning Potential

    Bottom Line

    Uber Eats is a super-popular food delivery service. Hundreds of thousands of drivers are earning with the app each day.

    Pros

    • Set your own schedule
    • Flexible delivery options (e.g., car, bike, or scooter)
    • Secure app with nationwide coverage
    • Not exclusive; work with other companies if you want
    • Cash-out up to five times daily

    Cons

    • Limited opportunities in some areas
    • No job security
    • Vehicle wear and tear
    • Pay your own gas
    • Not the most lucrative

    Security

    9.0

    Mobile App

    9.0

    Pay

    8.0

    Flexibility

    9.0

    Keep reading to learn all about how Uber Eats delivery works for drivers and how you can use it to make some extra money. 

    or, skip straight to the section on how to sign up for Uber Eats

    What’s Uber Eats?

    If you’re new to the Uber ecosystem, you might not know that the company has a few different apps. 

    The most famous is the Uber rideshare service — the one you might take to an airport. 

    Uber also offers another app, Uber Eats, which is exclusively for ordering food.

    In other words, there are two ways to make money driving for Uber: You can either be a rideshare driver through Uber or make food deliveries as an Uber Eats delivery driver. 

    For both jobs, you’ll use the Uber Drive app. 

    It’s pretty easy to toggle back and forth between driving and delivering. Simply log in, and when you feel like making food deliveries select Account > Work Hub > Deliver food with Uber Eats. 

    Uber Eats Features

    Here are the top features you’ll want to know about before you sign up.

    Set your own hours 

    When you’re an Uber Eats delivery driver, you’re essentially your own boss. 

    This means if you get home from your nine-to-five and don’t feel like driving, you don’t have to. 

    At the same time, you may feel like getting back in the car after dinner and earning a few bucks making deliveries. It’s entirely up to you. 

    One thing to be aware of: Uber may deactivate your account if you don’t use it for a few months. However, if this happens, all you need to do is sign in and reactivate it. 

    Use your own vehicle

    Uber Eats lets you use your own car when making deliveries — which means you get to control the radio. And you don’t have to worry about figuring out how to drive a company car or a truck, either.

    On the flip side, this also means you have to pay for gas, maintenance, auto insurance, and wear and tear. Unfortunately, Uber won’t reimburse you for these expenses. They will, however, reimburse you for tolls. 

    To minimize your tax obligations at the end of the year, keep careful track of expenses and consider working with a tax advisor. The costs will pile up if you drive a lot.

    Flexible delivery options

    You need to have a car to drive for Uber. But with Uber Eats delivery, you have a bit more flexibility. 

    In fact, you can use a car, scooter, or bike to deliver in many of Uber’s markets.

    No-strings-attached model

    One of my favorite parts about the Uber Eats app – and other delivery apps like Grubhub and DoorDash — is that it comes with no strings attached. 

    It can be a side hustle, and it can also be a full-time gig if you really push yourself. 

    Driving around making deliveries can be a fun way to unwind and take your mind off your full-time job. Further, it can remove some of the stress of a full-time job. 

    Uber Eats Payment Policy 

    Uber Eats makes it very easy to track your earnings

    Before you accept an order, you can see how much you’ll earn for completing the delivery. 

    The app also lets you keep track of how much you’re making and see your total balance in real-time — and on a historical basis. This is helpful when tax time rolls around. 

    Uber Eats earning potential

    According to Indeed, the average income for an Uber driver is $14.96 per hour. 

    But every delivery driver’s experience is different. 

    The amount you earn depends on the amount you pick up and the distance you travel. Additional factors include a successful dropoff and the amount of time it takes to complete the delivery. Traffic and time delays may also impact your pay.

    Keep in mind that it’s also possible to bring in money through tips. Customers can tip you directly through the app — which is awesome since you don’t have to pay any service fees on tips.

    Cashing out

    Sick of waiting to get paid for your hard work? 

    Uber offers an instant payout feature for rideshare and delivery drivers, and you can cash out with Instant Pay up to five times per day. This feature should be available right after your first trip.

    Uber offers two different methods to cash out, and payment should be instant. However, you might have to wait a few days to receive cash in some cases. 

    You can use a personal debit card and pay a $0.50 fee every time you cash out. The company accepts most Visa, Discover, and MasterCard accounts. 

    As another option, you can use the Uber Visa debit card from GoBank and pay nothing at cashout. 

    When you open a regular checking account through GoBank, you need to sign up for Direct Deposit and bring in $500 per month to avoid the $8.95 monthly fee. But if you sign up as an Uber partner, you can receive a free exclusive monthly membership. Not bad, if you ask me. 

    The card earns 1 percent cash back on all purchases. You also get eight free in-network ATM withdrawals per month. Always look for an in-network ATM because the out-of-network fee is $2.50 — plus additional fees that the ATM or bank owner might apply.

    GoBank offers free transfers from your Uber account, and there is no minimum transfer amount. Plus, the company doesn’t charge overdrafts, insufficient funds, or penalty fees. 

    In my opinion, GoBank’s a solid deal if you’re regularly driving with Uber and Uber Eats.  

    Signing Up and Starting Out 

    Uber Eats has a relatively low barrier to entry. If you’re having trouble finding work or simply don’t want to go through an aggressive application process to get a job, this gig can provide a pathway to money.

    With that in mind, here’s a breakdown of how to sign up and start using the app. 

    1. Sign up for Uber
    2. Go through the screening process
    3. Make deliveries

    1. Sign up for Uber 

    If you’re already a driver on the Uber platform, then all you have to do is turn on delivery requests in the app and you can start making food deliveries. You don’t have to go through any additional approval process. 

    If you’re new to Uber, you have to go through a brief sign-up process to make deliveries. It should just take a few minutes. 

    2. Go through the screening process

    You’ll also have to make sure you meet Uber’s eligibility requirements. To qualify, you’ll need to be at least 19 and have access to a vehicle along with insurance and government identification. 

    In other words, your school or college ID won’t cut it.

    In addition, you’ll have to consent to a background check to drive for Uber Eats. Uber uses Checkr, which is a secure background verification company. 

    Background checks take roughly three to five business days to clear. Assuming you don’t have skeletons in your closet, you should be good to go. If for some reason you don’t qualify, consider reaching out to restaurants in your area and working for them directly.

    3. Make deliveries 

    Once you’re up and running on the platform, log in and hit the road. 

    You’ll receive notifications whenever local delivery opportunities arise. Simply accept an order that looks good to you, pick it up, and drop it off to make money. 

    One small perk with this job is that you don’t have to deal with any cash because the app only processes digital payments. It’s much safer than driving around with a wad of cash in your glove box. 

    This is also helpful for people who struggle with math or have disabilities. For example, I have a friend who has dyscalculia, a rare condition that makes it hard to do quick transactions on the fly. But she can drive for apps like Uber Eats and make money because she doesn’t have to worry about doing math quickly. 

    This saves her the embarrassment of struggling to count through money or provide a correct change in front of a customer. All she has to do is drop off the food, and the money’s sent her way automatically. 

    Uber Eats Driver Promos for 2021

    Here are the top Uber Eats driver promotions.

    Uber referral

    Uber Eats offers a referral program for drivers. 

    All you have to do is invite friends to deliver on Uber Eats and nag them until they complete a certain number of deliveries.

    If you know people who might be into the idea, you can send personalized referrals directly from your contacts list via email or text message. 

    Once you send the person an invite code, you can start to track their progress in the app. 

    One thing to note: The referral reward varies by location. Either way, Uber automatically credits your account with rewards when the promotion is complete. 

    Uber Eats Pro

    Uber Eats Pro is a rewards program that issues points for successful trips. The more you drive, the more you earn.

    Here’s a look at what you can access through Uber Eats Pro.

    100% tuition coverage at Arizona State University Online 

    Uber Eats will pay 100% tuition coverage to you or a family member to attend Arizona State University online — a pretty sweet deal if you ask me. 

    Take advantage of this opportunity to enroll in classes and start earning credits toward one of the school’s online bachelor’s degrees. While you’re at it, why not attend upskilling courses in entrepreneurship or technology? 

    25 percent discounted car maintenance 

    Sign up through CarAdvise through Uber Eats and receive a discount of up to 25 percent on car maintenance. If you ask me, that sounds pretty solid.

    5 percent cashback on gas 

    Don’t let high gas prices keep you off the road. Sign up for the Uber Visa Debit card, and you can unlock up to 5 percent cash back at any gas station through Uber Eats Pro.

    Uber Eats Security

    Driving can be chaotic. You’ll take a risk every time you put your keys in the ignition.

    Fortunately, Uber Eats offers some security features to make the experience a bit safer. 

    GPS tracking 

    The company tracks all trips from start to completion. In the event something happens on the way to your delivery, you’ll have a record of it. 

    GPS tracking is only active when you’re driving for Uber Eats.

    Phone anonymization

    Customers can only contact you through the app if they need to give you special instructions or inquire about your status. All communications are anonymous, keeping your personal phone number private. 

    Follow my ride 

    One of my favorite features is “follow my ride.” It gives family and friends the ability to track you when you’re driving around town — which means you can have others looking out for you during your travels. 

    Personal injury protection (optional)

    Let’s face it: Anything could happen when you’re out making deliveries. You could slip and fall down the stairs, get into a fender-bender, or hurt your back bending over to drop off someone’s food at their doorstep.

    Uber Eats offers optional injury protection through Affinity Insurance Services, a product that’s designed to help if you get hurt and miss work. 

    This program costs less than $0.04 per mile and covers up to $500 per week in disability payments, up to $1 million in accidental medical expenses with no deductible or copay, and survivor benefits of up to a maximum of $150,000 for your family.

    If you ask me, this is a no-brainer. But if you’re willing to roll the dice just to save a few bucks, that’s on you.

    Customer Service and Support

    Customer service and support is an important part of choosing a company to deliver for. Here’s the low down on Uber Eats.

    Customer service 

    Uber offers in-app phone support. If you have an account-related question or need to report an issue, you can get in touch with someone directly. Simply go to the “help” section in the app and follow the instructions. 

    Here’s how to do it: Open the app, tap the menu icon, touch help, and navigate to the issue you’re having. If phone support is available for that issue, click “call support.” 

    If you don’t see an option to call, try reporting a different issue to see if you can get through to a live agent. Sometimes, you might have to get a bit creative.

    App ratings 

    The Uber Driver app has a rating of 4.6 stars in the App Store, which is basically the same in Google Play.

    In my experience, these numbers are very difficult to attain, which shows how much users enjoy this app. 

    As such, you should feel confident and safe about downloading it onto your device and trusting it with your personal information.

    Uber Eats Pros and Cons

    Here are the pros and cons of Uber Eats as a side hustle.

    Pros

    • Set your own schedule 
    • Flexible delivery options (e.g., car, bike, or scooter)
    • Secure app with nationwide coverage 
    • Not exclusive; work with other companies if you want 
    • Cash-out up to five times daily 
    • Earn more through promotions and referrals
    • Proposition 22 benefits (California drivers only)

    Cons

    • Limited opportunities in some areas 
    • No job security 
    • Vehicle wear and tear 
    • Pay your own gas 
    • The company doesn’t pay for healthcare outside of California 
    • Heavy competition during peak hours 
    • Not the most lucrative

    Alternatives to Uber Eats

    Here are the top alternatives to Uber Eats.

    Postmates 

    Postmates is like Uber Eats, except it offers a wider variety of options for customers. The platform lets you order food, drinks, alcohol, groceries, and household and office items.  

    Postmates drivers’ pay is based on a few factors: an amount for a completed pickup, drop-off, a per-minute wait when waiting at the pickup location, and a per-mile rate for the distance between the pickup and drop-off locations. You’ll also keep 100% of the tips. 

    Grubhub

    Grubhub is one of the top three food delivery apps next to Uber Eats and DoorDash. Like Uber Eats, Grubhub only delivers food. 

    Grubhub pays for mileage per order, time spent on the road, tips, and special offers. You’ll keep 100% of your tips on this platform.

    DoorDash

    DoorDash is by far the most popular app on the market right now. The company serves over 4,000 cities around the world. 

    Just as with the other apps, as a DoorDash driver — or DoorDash Dasher — you can keep every customer tip you receive. 

    Lyft 

    Lyft is the top rideshare app next to Uber. The company also offers a delivery service now through Lyft Delivery — although it isn’t as popular as Uber Eats.

    Lyft drivers receive money through a base fare, time, and distance. It’s like there’s a theme here, since you also keep 100% of the tips you make. Bonus opportunities are available for extra income.

    Uber Eats FAQs

    Here are the most frequently asked questions about Uber Eats.

    How much do Uber Eats drivers make?

    Uber delivery drivers make about $14.96 per hour.

    When you’re driving for Uber Eats, the amount you make depends on a few different factors — like your location, demand, and how much you deliver. You can potentially earn more by participating in bonuses and promotions, with vary throughout the year. 

    As an Uber Eats driver, you’ll work as an independent contractor. This means you’ll have to put money aside to pay taxes. Unlike most jobs, Uber won’t deduct taxes for you.

    How long does it take for Uber Eats to approve you?

    The signup process is relatively quick. However, you’ll have to wait for three to five business days for a background check to come back. 

    If you apply on a Monday, you should be able to start by that weekend — or at least the following week — if everything goes smoothly. 

    Is Uber Eats worth it for food delivery drivers?

    Uber Eats can be a great way to bring in money on a flexible basis. 

    However, if you don’t have any other revenue streams or a full-time job, you’ll most likely have to use this in conjunction with the Uber rideshare service and other apps to make ends meet.

    The Bottom Line

    Using the Uber Eats driver app can be a solid personal finance decision – especially right now when there is high demand for food delivery. 

    In other words, if you want to earn money and have a car, it’s worth looking into Uber Eats. 

    The app is flexible, it offers a decent hourly rate, and you don’t need any real qualifications to make deliveries. 

    It’s time to get out there, fire up your engine, and pick some low-hanging fruit.

    See you on the road!

    The post Uber Eats Driver Review – A Yummy Side Hustle appeared first on Millennial Money.



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    November 19, 2021 at 11:11PM