A side hustle is work you do in addition to your primary job. Many individuals are now embracing side hustle ideas to earn extra money from home. You gain flexibility, save commute time, and leverage your personal skills. This trend is widespread. A Spherion Staffing survey reports that 85% of American workers have at least one side hustle. This highlights how popular a side hustle is.
You can explore many online side hustles. These diverse options let you generate income; the average monthly side hustle income is around $885. Discover a side hustle idea that aligns with your unique interests and skills.
Key Takeaways
- Side hustles help you earn extra money from home. They offer flexibility and use your skills.
- You can turn creative talents into income. Examples include writing, graphic design, and digital art.
- Offer your professional skills remotely. Virtual assistant services and online tutoring are good options.
- Use the internet to create income. Website design, app testing, and SEO consulting are digital side hustles.
- Create and sell physical products. Dropshipping, handmade crafts, and reselling items are product-based ideas.
Creative Side Hustle Ideas
You can turn your artistic talents into profitable ventures. These creative side hustles allow you to earn extra money from home. You use your imagination and specific skills.
Freelance Writing and Editing
Freelance writing and editing involves creating or refining written content for clients. You might write blog posts, articles, website copy, or marketing materials. You also might proofread and edit existing texts. This side hustle requires strong grammar, research skills, and attention to detail.
You will use various tools to succeed in this field. Google Suite helps you with documentation and workflow. Platforms like Bluehost and WordPress are useful for hosting your own website or blog. Grammarly assists with grammar and spelling checks. For professional networking and finding clients, LinkedIn is essential. You can also use platforms like Medium to build your portfolio.
For organizing your work, tools like Scrivener or Ulysses help with long-form writing. Project management tools such as Trello or Asana keep your tasks on track. For financial management, you might use QuickBooks or Wave for invoicing and tracking expenses.
Your earning potential varies based on your experience and the type of work.
| Service Type | Average Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Editing/Proofreading | $45 – $50 |
| General Freelance Writing | $33 |
| Technical Writing | $39 |
Some freelancers report hourly rates from $45 to $140. For corporate projects, rates can range from $160 to $300 per hour. Often, you charge by the project rather than by the hour.
Graphic Design Services
Graphic design involves creating visual content to communicate messages. You design logos, brochures, websites, and social media graphics. This side hustle demands creativity, an eye for aesthetics, and proficiency with design software.
You will use industry-standard software for your designs. Adobe Illustrator and InDesign are common choices for professional work. Alternatives like Affinity Designer and Canva are also popular. Other tools include CorelDRAW for vector illustration and GIMP as a free Photoshop alternative. For UI/UX design, you might use Figma or Sketch.
You can earn a good income as a graphic designer. The median annual wage for graphic designers is $61,300.
| Occupation/Industry | Median Annual Wage (May 2024) |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designers | $61,300 |
| Art and Design Workers | $53,180 |
| Total, All Occupations | $49,500 |
Entry-level designers typically earn around $40,000–$50,000 annually. Experienced art directors or UX designers can earn $80,000–$110,000 or more.
Social Media Management
As a social media manager, you handle a business’s online presence. You create content, schedule posts, engage with followers, and analyze performance across various platforms. This side hustle requires strong communication skills, an understanding of social media trends, and strategic thinking.
You will need to understand different social media platforms and content creation tools. You also need analytical skills to track engagement.
Social media management can provide a steady income.
| Service Type | Average Monthly Fee |
|---|---|
| Social Media Agency | $500 – $5,000 |
| Social Media Management Software | $0 – $3,500 |
| Freelance Social Media Managers | $35 – $350 per hour |
| Small Business (Basic Services) | $500 – $1,500 |
| Scaling E-commerce Business | $5,000 – $10,000 (plus $7,000 for ads) |
A social media management company often charges between $750 and $1550 per month. Freelance social media managers can charge $18.75 to $38 per hour. Businesses typically pay a social media manager around $750 to $1550 a month. Total monthly costs for social media management can range from $750 to $7,000.
Digital Art and Illustration
Digital art and illustration involve creating artwork using digital tools and software. You might design characters, backgrounds, or conceptual pieces for various clients. This skill-based side hustles requires artistic talent, proficiency with digital drawing tablets, and software like Adobe Photoshop or Procreate.
You can sell your digital art and illustrations on various platforms.
- Online Art Marketplaces: Creative Market, Envato Elements, and Adobe Stock connect you with buyers.
- Personal Websites: Building your own site with Squarespace or Wix gives you full control and helps build your brand.
- Social Media: Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok are powerful for showcasing your work and driving sales.
- Print-On-Demand (POD) Services: Fine Art America or Society6 let you sell designs on products without managing inventory.
- Digital Art Communities: ArtStation, DeviantArt, and Behance help you connect with specific audiences and promote your work.
Online Course Creation
Creating online courses involves developing educational content and packaging it into a structured learning experience. You share your expertise on a specific subject. This side hustle requires in-depth knowledge of your chosen topic, good communication skills, and the ability to organize information clearly.
You will need tools for video recording, audio editing, and presentation design. Platforms like Teachable or Thinkific help you host and sell your courses.
The income from selling online courses can be substantial.
| Earnings Scenario | Course Price | Monthly Enrollments | Monthly Income | Annual Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low-End | $50 | 10 | $500 | $6,000 |
| Mid-Range | $200 | 50 | $10,000 | $120,000 |
| High-End | $500 | 100 | $50,000 | $600,000 |
Many creators earn between $1,000 and $10,000 per month. The most successful creators can achieve annual incomes ranging from six to seven figures. Some creators earn $5,000 – $25,000 per year as a side hustle. Others, who integrate courses into their main business, earn $40,000 – $120,000 per year.
Photography and Videography Editing
Photography and videography editing involves enhancing and refining visual media. You adjust colors, remove imperfections, add effects, and assemble footage into a cohesive story. This freelance work requires a keen eye for detail, an understanding of visual storytelling, and proficiency with editing software.
You will use software like Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere Pro, or DaVinci Resolve. You also need a powerful computer and a good monitor.
Your earning potential depends on your experience and the complexity of the projects.
| Service | Per Image Rate | Hourly Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Background Removal | $0.50 – $2 | N/A | Price can increase for advanced techniques. |
| Product Photo Editing | ~$3 | ~$90 | Rates are estimates and depend on file quantity and project pricing. |
| Pro Photo Editing | $5+ | N/A | Includes advanced techniques, requires significant skill and time. |
| Photo Retouching | N/A | $20 (beginner) – $180 (experienced) | Depends on experience and task complexity. |
| Real Estate Photo Editing | $2 – $6 | N/A | May require advanced techniques and software. |
For combined shooting and editing, a beginner might charge $150 per day. An intermediate editor might charge $100 for separate editing work, while an advanced editor could charge $150.
Remote Service Side Hustles
You can offer your professional skills to clients from your home. These side hustle ideas let you provide valuable support to businesses and individuals. You use your expertise to help others succeed.
Virtual Assistant Services
As a virtual assistant (VA), you provide administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients remotely. You help businesses and entrepreneurs manage their daily tasks. This side hustle requires strong organizational skills, good communication, and reliability.
Virtual assistants perform many common tasks for clients. You might handle marketing tasks like email marketing, content coordination, or monitoring PPC campaigns. You also manage events, scheduling, researching venues, and handling guest lists. For sales support, you qualify leads, schedule appointments, and manage CRM systems. Data entry is another common task. You update spreadsheets, manage databases, and process orders. You also conduct research, analyzing markets, competitors, or products.
💡 Tip: Many VAs specialize in specific areas like social media, marketing, or administrative support to attract ideal clients.
You can also perform administrative work, such as answering phones, screening calls, and scheduling meetings. You handle data entry, inputting structured data into systems like CRMs. Sales and marketing support includes prospecting, managing email campaigns, and scheduling social media posts. Back office support involves bookkeeping, invoicing, and payment processing. You might even help with personal tasks like online shopping or vacation planning.
The general hourly rate for virtual assistant services typically ranges from $15 to $30. However, for high-skilled tasks, this can increase to $50 to $75. In some cases, you can earn up to $100 per hour.
| Service Category | Hourly Rate Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Administrative Tasks | $10 – $20 or more |
| Accounting (Essential) | $15 – $25 or more |
| Accounting (High-end) | $40 – $50 |
| Business Executive Services | $35 – $40 |
| Diverse Services (e.g., Content Writing) | $6.98 |
| Diverse Services (e.g., Social Media Management) | $9.75 – $13.75 |
Online Tutoring and Coaching
Online tutoring and coaching involve teaching or guiding students and clients remotely. You share your knowledge in a specific subject or skill. This side hustle requires expertise in your chosen field, good communication skills, and patience.
You will need a reliable internet connection, a webcam, and a microphone. Platforms like Zoom or Google Meet facilitate virtual sessions. Many online platforms connect you with students. Preply connects learners with over 100,000 tutors across more than 120 subjects.
Wiingy specializes in STEM subjects, linking students with tutors in math, science, and computer programming. Wyzant offers a virtual classroom with collaboration tools like screen sharing. iTutor provides tutoring for PreK–12 students. Chegg Tutors integrates textbook solutions. Air Tutors uses innovative technology to connect students with educators.
You set your own rates, which can range from $15 to $50 per hour or more, depending on your expertise and the subject.
Proofreading and Copyediting
Proofreading and copyediting involve reviewing written content for errors and improvements. Proofreading focuses on grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Copyediting addresses clarity, style, and consistency. This freelance work demands a keen eye for detail, excellent language skills, and a strong understanding of grammar rules.
You will use tools like Microsoft Word’s track changes, Google Docs, and Grammarly. Style guides like the Chicago Manual of Style or AP Stylebook are also essential.
For proofreading, a basic service typically costs between $0.01 and $0.02 per word. This equals $1.50 to $3.50 per page. Copy editing is more comprehensive. It usually ranges from $0.02 to $0.04 per word, or $2.50 to $5 per page.
Wordvice offers specific per-word rates:
- Academic Editing Services: $0.044 per word
- Admissions Editing Services: $0.023 per word
- Premium Admissions Editing Services: $0.22 per word
- Assignment Editing Services: $0.044 per word
- Business Editing Services: $0.044 per word
- Writer/Author Editing Services: $0.040 per word
Standard editing and proofreading rates range from $0.023 to $0.044 per word. This is approximately $23 to $44 per 1000 words.
| Service Type | Per Word Rate (¢) | Per Page Rate (250 words) |
|---|---|---|
| Academic, humanities (student) | 3.0–5.0 | $7.50–12.50 |
| Academic, humanities (faculty, publication) | 3.5–5.0 | $8.75–12.50 |
| Academic, STEM (student) | 3.6–5.5 | $8.88–13.75 |
| Academic, STEM (faculty, publication) | 3.8–6.0 | $9.50–15.00 |
| Business/marketing | 3.0–5.0 | $7.50–12.50 |
| Fiction | 2.0–3.0 | $5.00–7.50 |
| Nonfiction | 3.0–4.0 | $7.50–10.00 |
Customer Service Roles
Remote customer service involves assisting customers with inquiries, issues, and product information from your home. You act as the first point of contact for many businesses. This side hustle requires excellent communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and patience.
You need several essential skills for remote customer service roles.
- Organizational Skills: You manage multiple tasks, take notes, and track customer interactions in a fast-paced environment.
- Communicating Clearly with Others: You ask the right questions and successfully resolve customer issues.
- Proficiency with Various Products and Services: You know client offerings well to answer questions and handle complaints.
- Technical Experience: You are tech-savvy and proficient with computer software. You switch between various screens easily.
- Patience and Empathy Skills: You maintain a polite, positive tone and avoid industry jargon.
- The Ability to Listen: You identify and solve problems by actively understanding customer concerns.
Strong communication skills are the foundation. You listen actively to understand customer needs. You also communicate clearly and with empathy. Time management and self-discipline are critical. You set a schedule, prioritize tasks, and minimize distractions. Problem-solving abilities are essential for quick thinking and independent troubleshooting. You deeply understand the product or service. You also practice common scenarios.
You typically use customer relationship management (CRM) software, ticketing systems, and communication tools like VoIP phones or chat platforms. Hourly rates often range from $12 to $25, depending on the company and complexity of the role.
Technical Support from Home
As a remote technical support specialist, you help users troubleshoot and resolve technical issues with hardware, software, or networks. You provide assistance over the phone, chat, or email. This side hustle requires strong problem-solving skills, technical knowledge, and good communication.
You need a solid understanding of common operating systems, software applications, and basic networking. You use remote access software, ticketing systems, and knowledge bases. Many companies hire remote tech support staff. You can find opportunities with software companies, internet service providers, or IT service firms.
Hourly rates for remote technical support can range from $15 to $30 or more, depending on your expertise and the complexity of the support provided.
Bookkeeping and Accounting
Remote bookkeeping and accounting involve managing financial records for businesses or individuals from your home. You record transactions, reconcile accounts, and prepare financial statements. This side hustle requires attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a good understanding of accounting principles.
You use accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, or FreshBooks. You also need a secure internet connection and a reliable computer.
The Certified Bookkeeper (CB) Designation is a nationally recognized certification. It significantly boosts a bookkeeper’s career. Achieving the CB designation allows you to add ‘CB’ after your name. This enhances your market value and professional status. It also increases your value to employers and clients. To get certified, you apply, pass a four-part national exam, sign a Code of Ethics, and demonstrate at least two years of full-time or 3,000 hours of part-time/freelance bookkeeping experience. The AIPB offers prep courses to help you prepare for the national CB exam.
Hourly rates for remote bookkeepers typically range from $20 to $50, depending on your experience and the services you offer. Certified bookkeepers or those with specialized skills can command higher rates.
Digital Online Side Hustles
You can leverage the internet to create income streams. These digital side hustle ideas allow you to work from home. You use your technical and marketing skills to help businesses thrive online.
Website Design and Development
Website design and development involves creating and maintaining websites. You might build new sites from scratch or update existing ones. This side hustle requires creativity, problem-solving skills, and knowledge of web technologies.
You need to understand design principles and user experience. You also use various tools. For simple sites, you might use website builders like WordPress, Squarespace, or Wix. For more complex projects, you learn coding languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and potentially backend languages like Python or PHP. You also use graphic design software for visual elements.
Your earning potential varies greatly. A simple brochure website might bring in a few hundred dollars. A complex e-commerce site could earn you several thousand. Many freelance web designers charge between $50 and $150 per hour. Project-based fees are also common.
App Testing and QA
App testing and QA (Quality Assurance) involves finding bugs and usability issues in mobile applications or websites. You provide feedback to developers. This side hustle requires attention to detail, analytical thinking, and good communication skills.
You need a smartphone or tablet and a reliable internet connection. You follow test plans and report issues clearly. Several platforms offer opportunities for freelance app testers.
- TesterWork: You join a community of over 100,000 testers globally. You earn money by testing websites and apps in your free time.
- Testlio: This platform offers freelance opportunities for software testers and test leads. Testers are crowdsourced and vetted. They focus on quality best practices and testing strategies. Test leads provide technical and analytical support. They link clients and testers.
- UserTesting: You can boost your monthly income by testing apps. New surveys and recorded test opportunities post daily from companies worldwide.
You typically earn per test or per hour. Rates can range from $10 to $25 per test, depending on the complexity and duration. Some platforms pay more for specialized testing.
Data Entry and Transcription
Data entry involves inputting information into databases or spreadsheets. Transcription converts audio or video files into written text. This side hustle demands accuracy, speed, and good listening skills for transcription.
You need a computer, a reliable internet connection, and good typing skills. For transcription, you might also use a foot pedal and specialized software.
The average hourly rate for transcription is $19.28. This data updates on September 12, 2025, from 372 individuals reporting.
| Transcription Type | Hourly Rate | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| General Transcription (2024) | $18.67 | N/A |
| Medical Transcription (2023) | $17.82 | $37,060 |
| Legal Transcription (2024) | N/A | $27,000 – $78,308 (average $42,108) |
| Court Reporters & Simultaneous Captioners (2024) | $29.03 | $60,380 |
Data entry jobs often pay per hour or per task. Rates can range from $10 to $20 per hour. Transcription rates vary by audio quality and turnaround time. You might earn $0.75 to $1.50 per audio minute.
SEO Consulting
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) consulting helps businesses improve their visibility in search engine results. You analyze websites and recommend changes. This side hustle requires analytical skills, an understanding of search engine algorithms, and good communication.
You use SEO tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, or Google Analytics. You also stay updated on industry trends. SEO consultants offer a range of services:
- SEO Audits: You check website performance. This includes keywords, backlinks, page loading times, and mobile functionality. You provide a report for future improvements.
- Keyword Research: You identify words people type into search engines. You focus on those with good search volume and easier ranking potential. Sometimes you use less popular keywords for higher-quality visitors.
- On-Page SEO: You make changes to website pages. This includes optimizing title tags, meta descriptions, headers, natural keyword integration, and internal linking. This helps search engines and visitors understand content.
- Technical SEO: You address how search engines find and sort website pages. This covers site speed, mobile responsiveness, readable URLs, fixing broken links, XML sitemap creation, and HTTPS setup.
- Link Building: You focus on earning quality backlinks from respected sites. This improves search rankings. Search engines use backlinks to measure trust.
- Content Strategy: You plan and create high-quality, relevant content. This includes blog posts, how-to guides, product guides, landing pages, and FAQs. You also update older pages to maintain currency and value.
- Local SEO: This is crucial for location-specific businesses. It involves optimizing Google Business Profile, earning customer reviews, adding local keywords, and using structured data.
- Social Media and SEO: Social media shares can increase website visitors. This helps more people learn about the brand. It indirectly supports SEO efforts.
You can charge project-based fees or monthly retainers. A typical SEO consultant might earn $75 to $200 per hour. Monthly retainers can range from $500 to several thousand dollars, depending on the scope of work.
Podcast Editing
Podcast editing involves taking raw audio recordings and transforming them into polished episodes. You remove errors, enhance sound quality, add music, and ensure smooth transitions. This side hustle requires a good ear, attention to detail, and proficiency with audio editing software.
You need a computer and headphones. You also use specific software for editing.
- Audacity: This is a widely used, free, open-source program. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It remains a popular choice due to zero cost and ease of use.
- GarageBand: Apple includes this free digital audio workstation on every Mac, iPhone, and iPad.
- Ferrite Recording Studio: This popular free app for iPhone and iPad offers advanced editing for mobile podcasting.
- Adobe Audition: Many consider this an industry standard for podcast editing. It offers advanced features.
- Hindenburg PRO: This DAW designs explicitly for podcasters and radio journalists. Audiobook narrators also use it.
You can charge per episode or per hour. Rates typically range from $50 to $300 per episode, depending on the length and complexity of the audio. Experienced editors with a strong portfolio can command higher fees.
Digital Marketing Services
Digital marketing services encompass a wide range of online strategies to promote businesses. You might manage social media ads, email campaigns, or content marketing. This side hustle requires an understanding of online marketing principles, analytical skills, and creativity.
You need knowledge of various digital marketing channels. You also use tools like Google Ads, Facebook Ads Manager, email marketing platforms (Mailchimp, ConvertKit), and content management systems.
You can specialize in areas like:
- Social Media Advertising: You create and manage ad campaigns on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
- Email Marketing: You design and send email newsletters and promotional campaigns.
- Content Marketing: You create blog posts, articles, and videos to attract and engage audiences.
- Paid Search (PPC): You manage ad campaigns on search engines like Google.
Your earning potential varies by service and client. You can charge hourly rates, project fees, or monthly retainers. Hourly rates might range from $40 to $150. Monthly retainers for comprehensive services can be several hundred to several thousand dollars.
Product-Based Side Hustles
You can create and sell physical products from your home. These side hustle ideas let you turn your creativity or sourcing skills into income. You manage inventory, production, or fulfillment.
Dropshipping Business
Dropshipping involves selling products online without holding any inventory yourself. You set up an online store. When a customer buys a product, you purchase it from a third-party supplier. The supplier then ships the product directly to your customer. This side hustle means you do not handle the products. You focus on marketing and customer service.
You need an e-commerce platform to build your store. Shopify is a popular choice. You also find reliable suppliers through platforms like AliExpress or SaleHoo. Marketing skills are crucial to attract customers. You also need good customer service to handle inquiries.
Dropshippers typically maintain an industry average profit margin between 15% and 20%. For Amazon dropshipping, the profit margin averages around 20%. This can range from 10% for beginners to 30% for experienced sellers.
Shopify dropshipping generally sees profit margins between 15% and 50%, with an average of 20-30%. Beginners in dropshipping can expect to earn up to $1000 monthly. Intermediate dropshippers can scale their profits to $1000-$5000 per month. Established businesses can reach earnings of up to $10,000 per month.
Handmade Crafts and Goods
You can create and sell unique handmade items. This includes jewelry, home decor, custom apparel, or personalized gifts. This side hustle allows you to express your artistic talents. You also connect with customers who value unique, handcrafted products.
You need crafting skills specific to your chosen product. You also need materials and tools for production. Good photography skills help you showcase your items online. Marketing your creations is also important.
You can sell your handmade crafts on various e-commerce platforms. Each platform offers different benefits.
| Platform | Pros | Cons | Fees | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shopify | Complete control over brand and customer relationships | Requires more setup | Investment implied | Established businesses, higher production capacity, multiple product lines, wholesale ambitions, long-term growth |
| Wix eCommerce | Drag-and-drop builder, lots of design freedom, intuitive editor, 800+ templates, built-in marketing/social tools, product options, mobile-optimized, SEO/analytics | Not handmade-specific | $17+/month (Business Basic plan) | Visually-oriented craft businesses, art, photography, design-focused crafts, makers who prefer to focus on creating |
| Squarespace | Gorgeous templates, built-in eCommerce, strong visual storytelling, appointment booking, email marketing, inventory management, analytics | Fewer marketplace tools, less customizable | $23/month (Business) or $27+ (Commerce plans) | Visual presentation is paramount, fine art, luxury handmade goods, design-focused crafts, makers who love design |
| Big Cartel | Free for up to 5 products, simple and clean, artist-friendly pricing, straightforward interface, customizable themes, real-time sales/inventory, discount codes, Google Analytics/Mailchimp integration | Limited features | Free (5 products) or $9.99/month+ | Emerging craft businesses, artists, jewelry makers, small-batch producers, beginners or minimalist brands |
| LoveCrafts | No listing fees, built-in tax handling, strong community features, global reach | Not specified | Not specified | Designers of knitting and crochet patterns, high-quality yarns, patterns, craft supplies, fiber arts, international expansion |
| Ecwid | Add to existing websites, integrates with socials, free starter plan, multi-platform selling, responsive storefronts, automatic tax/shipping, 50+ languages, POS integration | Basic unless you pay | Free (limited), $15+/month for advanced features | Adding e-commerce to existing websites/blogs, selling across multiple channels, crafters participating in physical markets |
| Instagram Shopping | Highly visual, builds brand loyalty, integrated with Meta (Facebook) Shop, direct product tagging, in-app checkout (eligible countries), product stickers, shoppable ads, insights | Setup can be fiddly, requires regular posting/engagement, no direct checkout for UK yet | No extra fees from Instagram unless checkout enabled (US only), payment processing fees via connected shop | Visually striking handmade goods, products with strong lifestyle appeal, jewelry, fashion, home décor, art, makers who already use Instagram |
| IndieCart | Affordable with no upfront listing fees, strong focus on handmade/artisanal, community-oriented, customizable storefront, simplified product management, low monthly subscription | Smaller audience, limited traffic/visibility | Monthly: $5, Commission: 8% | Independent artisans looking for a low-cost, community-driven platform, new sellers, diversifying presence |
| iCraft | Handmade-only, no transaction fees, international reach, no commission fees, strict handmade-only policy, unlimited listings, integrated blog, strong Canadian presence, category-specific promotion, clean design | Outdated design, lower traffic | Monthly: $5 to $15, No commission on sales | Higher-volume sellers, fine crafts, jewelry, premium handmade goods, anything handmade, not mass-produced |
Etsy is another very popular platform for handmade goods. You can also create your own website using platforms like Shopify or Squarespace. Your earnings depend on your pricing, sales volume, and production costs.
Print-on-Demand Products
Print-on-demand (POD) allows you to sell custom-designed products without managing inventory. You create designs for items like t-shirts, mugs, or phone cases. A POD service prints your design on the product only when a customer places an order. They also ship it directly to the customer. This side hustle is great for designers and artists.
You need graphic design skills to create appealing designs. You also use POD platforms like Printful, Printify, or Redbubble. These platforms integrate with e-commerce stores like Shopify or Etsy.
Apparel accounts for almost 40% of products sold on print-on-demand sites in the United States. This shows its significant popularity. Many other product categories also do well.
Popular print-on-demand product categories include:
- T-shirts
- Hoodies
- Mugs
- Stickers
- Posters
- Hats
- Bags
- Tank tops
- Kids’ clothing
- Pillows
- Phone cases
- Home-decor items
You can also find success with more unique items:
- All-over print yoga pants
- Belt bags
- Shorts
- Backpacks
- Wall art
- Jackets
- Towels
- Face masks
- Bluetooth speakers
- Dad caps
- LED gaming mouse pads
- Desk mats
- Tech accessories
- Leggings
- Sportswear
- Aprons
- Oven mitts
- Coasters
- Tea towels
- Kitchen accessories
Your earnings come from the difference between your selling price and the POD service’s cost.
Reselling Items Online
Reselling involves buying items at a low price and selling them for a profit online. You can find items at thrift stores, garage sales, clearance sales, or clearance sales. This side hustle requires a keen eye for value and good marketing skills.
You need to identify valuable items. You also need to clean, photograph, and list them effectively. You use online marketplaces to reach buyers.
Many online marketplaces are effective for reselling used items.
| Marketplace | Category/Items | Key Features | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chairish | High-quality home decor and furniture | Connects with collectors, curatorial review, handles shipping | 60-80% of selling price (depending on plan), free listing |
| Swappa | Phones, laptops, cameras, tech | Vets all products, PayPal protected payments | 3% fee (seller and buyer), free listing |
| Poshmark | Clothing and lifestyle accessories | Large community (80M+ users), social media sharing | $2.95 for sales under $15, 20% for sales over $15 |
| eBay | Almost anything | Zero listing fees for most private sellers | 3% final value fee up to $15,000, 0.5% above |
| Bonanza | Almost anything (eBay alternative) | Growing popularity, 1M monthly visits, buyers can negotiate | 25¢ transaction fee, at least 11% final value fee for orders under $4000 |
| Ruby Lane | Vintage goods and antiques (collectibles, art, dolls, jewelry) | Targeted buyers, connects with passionate buyers | $45 monthly maintenance fee, 9.9% service fee on orders up to $2,500 |
| Etsy | Handcrafted and vintage items, maker-developed manufactured goods | 96M+ active buyers, active buyer network, pop-up storefront | $0.20 listing fee (renews every 4 months), 6.5% transaction fee (plus shipping/gift wrap) |
Your profit comes from the difference between your purchase price and your selling price, minus any platform fees and shipping costs.
Selling 3D Prints
You can design and print physical objects using a 3D printer. Then you sell these objects to customers. This side hustle combines technology with creativity. You can create custom items, functional parts, or decorative pieces.
You need a 3D printer and knowledge of 3D design software (CAD software). You also need materials (filaments). Marketing your unique prints is important. You can sell your 3D prints on platforms like Etsy, eBay, or your own website.
High market demand exists for various types of 3D printed items:
- Eco-Friendly and Biodegradable Prints: Products made with sustainable filaments like PLA, PETG, or recycled materials. This includes plant-based home decor, biodegradable phone holders, and custom packaging.
- AI-Generated Custom Designs: Unique 3D models created using generative design tools and AI-enhanced software. Examples include parametric rings, algorithmically designed desk decor, and AI-personalized keychains.
- Smart Home-Friendly Functional Prints: Accessories that integrate with smart home devices. This includes wall mounts for smart speakers/security cameras, cable organizers, charging docks, and optimized vent covers.
- Customizable products: phone cases, wedding cake toppers, pet tags, jewelry (e.g., intricate patterns, personalized name pendants, geometric rings), keychains.
- Functional items: replacement parts for broken appliances, customized mounts for gadgets, ergonomic tools, drone propeller guards, vintage oven knobs.
- Niche market items: gaming accessories (e.g., intricate miniatures, custom terrain for tabletop games), cosplay props (e.g., custom armor pieces, masks, helmets), home decor (e.g., vases, lampshades, decorative wall art), educational models (e.g., anatomical models, prototype components).
Your earnings depend on the complexity of your designs, material costs, printing time, and your pricing strategy.
These side hustle ideas offer great potential. You can boost your income and develop new skills. You also gain flexibility. To choose the right side hustle, assess your existing skills and passions. Consider what you genuinely enjoy. Evaluate market demand in your area. Factor in any upfront costs. You should dip your toe before you dive. This means testing your idea on a small scale. Be patient. Continuously learn and adapt in your chosen side hustle. You can create a new source of income. These income-generating projects help you earn extra money from home. Take control of your financial future. You will earn extra money.
FAQ
What is a side hustle?
You do a side hustle for extra income. It is work you do apart from your main job. Many people choose home-based side hustles. You use your personal skills to earn money.
What are the main benefits of starting a side hustle?
You get more flexibility. You save time by not commuting. You also develop new skills. A side hustle helps you increase your income. It gives you financial control.
What skills are most useful for home-based side hustles?
Strong communication is important. You also need good organization. Problem-solving abilities help you a lot. Technical skills and attention to detail are also key.
What platforms can I use to sell products online?
You can sell handmade items on Etsy. Shopify or Squarespace let you create your own store. eBay and Amazon work well for reselling. Print-on-demand services also offer options.
