Image via Complex Original
With the economy growing at a 2.3 percent annual rate since 2009, we're all still struggling to make ends meet and survive on our regular 9 to 5s. Living in hard times has only encouraged most Amercians to take on second jobs, or as we label them, side hustles. Thanks to the boom in mobile app development, numerous companies have created programs that allow users to earn some extra coin based on different services and tasks. Now granted these apps aren't made to replace your full-time careers, they're sufficient moneymakers to help you score the new iPad Air, latest Jordans, or even a monthly MetroCard. So whether you're renting apartment space, selling personal items, or taking on other people's chores, earn some cash doing so by testing these side hustle apps.
SideCar
Platform: iOS, Android; Free
A ride-sharing service that lets drivers pick up strangers and drop them off at desired locations sounds straight Bone Collector suspect. However, SideCar has proven to be safer than most other social media apps, offering chauffeured rides provided from individuals living in your area. Accept donations from riders for taking them across town, and the company snatches a 20 percent commission. Build your rep via rating system and make sure all background checks are clean to start earning instant business.
TaskRabbit
Platform: iOS; Free
If you're all about completing others’ to-do lists, then hop at the opportunity to become a TaskRabbit. Get money doing chores for those who don't have time to complete them from grocery delivers to household cleaning. Depending on the client, you just might come out with more than the average $45 rate per task. And that's not including tips.
Airbnb
The popular host-booking service that offers users the chance to rent out any unused space in their homes is now mobile. Set requirements for all guests including the maximum stay, self-required amenities, and pricing directly from any iPhone or Android device. Showcase your hospitality talents by managing all incoming inquiries and setting up professional photography sessions for the crib as well.
Foap
Mobile stock photography apps are huge right now with the most popular being Foap. Turn your digital polaroid shots into greenbacks by uploading them onto the service, which the app approves and uses for marketing and sales purposes. It also offers a Missions section where companies post the types of images they're seeking, plus all mandatory tags. Listed shots can get you $10 a pop with Foap getting half the cut. Professional shutterbugs need apply.
GymPact
Platform: iOS, Android; Free
Sometimes the best hustles are inspired by personal hobbies. So fitness freaks looking to keep their body and wallet healthy can start collecting on their workouts with the exercise app. Tag your gym and earn pay for hitting the weights or treadmill. Stay fit. Stay paid.
Gigwalk
City roamers can lock down paid gigs by taking on temp jobs from local companies, performing simple tasks like snapping photos of businesses and products, or filling out surveys. Earn anywhere between $5 to $15 for each assignment, with experienced users making more in due time. Collect your bread through PayPal within 48 hours.
Zaarly
Platform: iOS; Free
Service specialists have a platform to sell their expert skills on with Zaarly. So whether its be performing extensive carpentry or getting coffee at the nearest Starbucks, make cash running errands and offering other unique labors. Just make sure your skills are up to par because the company only promotes "the top 2% of service experts in your area" that are "personally tested and vetted."
iScrap
Who’s trying to push plastic bottles for milk money? Not us, and certainly not you. Get in the green spirit more ways than one by tackling scrap metal recycling with the iScrap app, which offers cash for all unwanted metal. Identify unknown metals by snapping photos and sending them over to local scrappers, while tracking down auto wreckers, metal recyclers, and scrap yards around your vicinity.
Parking Panda
Platform: iOS, Android; Free
Anyone with an empty car spot in front of their property or extra space in the driveway can list their own parking spots for rent. Charge drivers hourly rates for holding their whips. Just keep in mind the company takes a 20 percent cut of the profits.
Field Agent
Platform: iOS; Free
Play mystery shopper and execute simple tasks in the neighborhood like taking pictures of store displays or visiting stores to report prices. Jobs are based on a first come, first serve basis with payments going from anywhere between $3 to $12: all payable through PayPal. The app also provides compensation for answering surveys and providing consumer feedback.
SellSimple
Platform: iOS; Free
Rough financial times can call for rough measures, meaning the day might be here when all personal prized possessions go up on the auction block. So if there's any platform to push that Michael Jordan rookie card or personal-made items for the highest value, best believe it's SellSimple. List products across numerous marketplaces including eBay, Etsy, Craigslist, Twitter, or Facebook to maximize outreach and score major cash.
