Side hustles aren't just driving for Uber or starting a dropshipping business. Many offbeat talents and interests can help you earn extra money — if you know where to look.
Check out these 10 part-time gigs with a ready-made market, and find out how you can start raking in some unexpected bucks.
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Professional mourner
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If you can cry on cue and have a naturally solemn demeanor, there may be a side gig for you as a funeral-goer. Many cultures value having a large crowd to honor the deceased and you can actually be paid to show up.
For true professional mourners, the craft may require studying the deceased person's backstory, learning the names of relatives and friends, and being directed to show grief in a specific way.
Locksmith
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Do you have a MacGyver mindset or find you're handy at picking locks? With a little time spent learning a new trade, locksmithing might be the right side hustle for you.
With only a few months of training, you can legally help people break into their own cars or homes — and charge for it. Locksmiths can make thousands monthly, especially in emergency scenarios.
Fancy handwriting services
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If you have nice handwriting and enjoy crafting, dust off that calligraphy set. Hand-lettered art is still popular for inspirational art, invitations, custom signage, and more.
Many handwriting artists find customers at local art shops or on Etsy. You could even open your own calligraphy business.
Stop overpaying when you shop online
Shopping online has its perks. It's super convenient, but it can be time consuming to find the best deals. Instead of hunting for coupon codes (that don't always work!) and opening tons of browser tabs comparing prices, you can try Capital One Shopping.
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Capital One Shopping is free to use. Add it today and you could stop overpaying!1 <p>Capital One Shopping compensates us when you get the browser extension using the links we provided.</p>
Selling vintage goods on Etsy
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If you've got an eye for vintage treasures, you can flip these thrift store finds on Etsy. It's a great place to find a large audience who will pay top dollar for the right aesthetic.
Many sellers earn several thousand dollars a year through this marketplace. And you may not have to look far to find flippable goods: your attic may have piles of goods people are willing to pay for just gathering dust.
Moderating online communities
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If you're good at de-escalating conflict or playing family referee at Thanksgiving dinner, then being an online moderator may be a side gig worth checking out.
Online communities need moderators to manage forums, chats, and social media threads to keep things civil and ensure everyone follows community guidelines.
Internet companies often hire freelance moderators and pay them an hourly wage.
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Niche tour guide
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General tour guides are a dime a dozen, but if you've got a niche interest you can tie it to, then you're a standout. Into the occult? Show tourists the supernatural side of your city.
Love eating at local hidden gems? Host a gastronomic walking tour where you point out the sites and enjoy a meal at a farm-to-table restaurant.
You can find and post guide work on online marketplaces like Viator or GetYourGuide, or even create a dedicated website.
Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals
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July is here, and with Independence Day on the horizon, it’s the peak of summer. That also means peak season for red-hot deals and unbeatable savings. Now’s the time to save big on:
- Grills, coolers, and outdoor living upgrades
- Travel must-haves for road trips and beach days
- Swimwear and summer fashion
- For grocery savings, grab seasonal produce like watermelon, peaches, and tomatoes
As fireworks fill the skies, retailers are quietly making room for back-to-school inventory. That means July is your chance to scoop up summer favorites while the deals are still blazing.
Renting out chickens
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If you're got skills raising chickens, there's a side hustle for you. Urbanites seem to love sustainable living, especially farm-fresh eggs — or at least they think they do.
It turns out many ovo-enthusiasts want to be sure they're ready to commit before bringing home a baby chick of their own.
Poultry owners can rent out their egg-laying chickens for extra income. Explore sites like RentACoop or Rent The Chicken to get started.
Repairing old technology
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Have an old typewriter that you keep humming along? Then consider using those skills on other people's old products. Repair services are lucrative in the collector and nostalgia markets, where people want working versions of their favorite devices.
There's a growing market for old technology, and you can list your services on eBay, Facebook groups, and Etsy to get started.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with a debit card
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2 <p>See website for details.</p>
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
Digitizing memories
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If you're handy with figuring out new devices and patient with doing the same task repeatedly, consider selling services for digitizing old VHS tapes, photos, and slideshows.
If you don't already have the gear, you can buy affordable tools such as VCR file converters, film scanners, and bulk photo scanners that let you digitize thousands of photos per second.
Quick tips: How to save on your grocery bill
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Grocery shopping doesn't have to break the bank when you use the right strategies. Here are three quick tips for reducing food expenses:
- Buy store brands instead of name brands whenever possible.
- Always make sure to compare unit prices, not just sticker prices.
- Join your store's loyalty program so you don’t miss out on member discounts.
Even though something like choosing coupons in your grocery store app can feel like an annoying task, the savings can really add up.
Selling phone pics
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If you have an eye for photography, your iPhone photos could make money. Sites like Foap and EyeEm allow you to upload your pictures and earn royalties when they're used.
From selfies to artistic shots, there's demand out there for a wide range of images. It's a great way to monetize your creativity.
Bottom line
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Not every side hustle needs to be about freelancing platforms or rideshare and delivery services. Some of the most unique gigs are the most fun and can boost your bank account.
Go and pursue what makes you happy. With a little creativity and digging on the web, you can turn any oddball interest into a little extra cash.
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