Starting a side hustle from scratch can be hard as it requires establishing your own part-time business. However, certain apps present an attractive alternative, enabling you to swiftly start earning money as an independent contractor while leveraging the infrastructure of an established business.
Side hustle apps offer a convenient platform to kickstart your journey as they eliminate the need to build your own business from the ground up. These apps connect individuals seeking additional income with various gig opportunities, providing a seamless way to monetize your skills, time, or assets.
Here are 5 best side hustle apps to make money in your spare time.
1. DoorDash
DoorDash operates on a simple premise: as a Dasher, you have the opportunity to pick up customers’ food orders from restaurants and deliver them to their desired location. DoorDash provides a starter kit that includes a food-warming bag, ensuring that deliveries remain fresh and appetizing.
Unlike other side hustle apps such as Uber Eats, DoorDash does not impose any vehicle restrictions, allowing individuals with various car models to participate.
One notable aspect of DoorDash is the potential to boost your earnings through tips and strategic scheduling. Customers have the option to tip Dashers, which can significantly increase your overall income. Additionally, by signing up for peak shifts—typically during busy meal times or weekends—you can take advantage of higher demand and potentially earn more during those periods.
2. Uber Eats
Uber Eats has emerged as a highly popular choice among food delivery apps, offering individuals the flexibility to work on their own terms. One of the major advantages of Uber Eats is the ability to set your own schedule without the need to commit to shifts in advance. This allows you to work whenever it suits you best, aligning your deliveries with your availability and personal preferences.
However, it’s important to consider certain limitations associated with Uber Eats. The app itself may occasionally experience glitches, particularly if you are using an older smartphone.
While this can be inconvenient, especially during peak times or when relying on the app for navigation, the impact may be less significant compared to using the regular Uber app, where glitches could potentially disrupt rides with passengers on board.
3. Uber
Uber stands out as the ultimate driving side hustle app, offering individuals the opportunity to earn additional income by providing transportation services. It remains a lucrative option compared to many other side hustles, making it an attractive choice for those looking to boost their earnings.
One of the key considerations when engaging in the Uber side hustle is the nature of the job itself. As an Uber driver, you’ll be interacting with strangers on a regular basis. While this can be an exciting and dynamic aspect of the job for some, it may not be suitable for everyone.
If the idea of being alone in a car with unfamiliar individuals, some of whom may be under the influence of alcohol, raises concerns or discomfort, then it’s important to carefully evaluate whether Uber is the right side hustle for you.
It’s worth noting that Uber has implemented safety measures and features within the app to enhance the well-being of both drivers and passengers. This includes features such as GPS tracking, driver ratings, and the ability to share trip details with trusted contacts.
4. AirBnb
Renting out your spare room or property through Airbnb can serve as an excellent strategy to generate additional income and offset your mortgage payments. According to Airbnb’s data from 2021, the average host earned an impressive extra income of $13,800.
The platform’s flexibility allows you to manage your bookings according to your preferences, giving you the freedom to schedule as many or as few bookings as you desire. Furthermore, you have the option to block off dates when you plan to use the property yourself.
Nevertheless, it’s important to recognize that hosting on Airbnb entails certain complexities and considerations. Depending on the extent of your activity on the platform, you may be required to file additional tax forms at the end of the year, ensuring compliance with local regulations and tax obligations.
It is advisable to consult with a tax professional to fully understand the implications and requirements specific to your situation.
5. Fiverr
If you’re a creative individual who prefers working from the comfort of your own home, Fiverr can be a viable option to generate additional income. This platform allows you to create a personalized profile and select from a vast array of over 200 services, known as gigs, that you can offer to potential clients.
For instance, if you possess graphic design skills, you can showcase your expertise by offering services such as book cover design, graphics for streamers, social media designs, and much more.
Initially, you can select up to seven gigs to get started, and as you gain experience and recognition, you have the opportunity to increase your offerings to a maximum of 30 gigs, particularly when you achieve the prestigious “Top Rated Seller” status.
However, with numerous freelancers and service providers available, there can be a race to the bottom in terms of pricing, especially for gigs that are relatively easy to complete. It’s not uncommon to encounter low-priced offers as clients often compare different sellers. Nevertheless, it is still a great app to make extra money in your spare time.
