When you are unemployed and need a little extra to tide you over, there are a few ways that you can do this legally. Please remember though, if you start something that turns into a fruitful business – you will no longer be unemployed and must inform any benefit provider you have.
Selling Online
If you have ANYTHING that you no longer use and don’t need anymore, sell it online. There are now various free local sites which you can advertise on or you can use sites such as eBay – where you pay a fee for advertising as well as a percentage of the sold price.
If you look at something and think that you can’t imagine anyone wanting it, but it is in good condition, advertise it as you maybe surprised by what others want. After all, one man’s rubbish is another’s treasure!
Please remember that if you are selling on a national or international site, there could be significant postage prices – don’t end up out of pocket otherwise what was the point in the first place.
Make sure that you receive the money before you send the goods.
Car Boot Sales
Car boot sales can help you save money and make money. You can pick up items that need repairing or cleaning up for a minimal price. You can then go back and sell them for a profit the following week!
The great thing about a car boot sale is that all your items don’t have to fit under one heading…so, you can sell clothes and ornaments and any other items you might not need anymore all on the same stall.
Of course, you have to pay for a ‘pitch’ at a car boot sale, so make sure you have enough items accumulated to make it worth your while.
On a sunny day, a car boot sale is a fun day out too!
Online Surveys
Many companies are looking for people to complete online surveys about their goods or services. Sometimes you can approach that company direct (if they have advertised). They may pay in kind. For example you might do a survey for a certain type of nappy or diaper, and they will provide you with a certain number of packets of the nappy/diaper in return…so no money changes hands.
More often these days a large organisation will task an external survey company with getting surveys completed. If you find one of these survey companies, you can undertake to complete a certain number of surveys a month (or as many as you have time for) and you are rewarded with minimal payment. However, if you do many of the surveys per week or month this amount can be more substantial. If you have time on your hands, why not do a couple of surveys and see how you get on. If you enjoy it you can always do more.
Product Testing
There are a couple of ways you can be involved in product testing.
Firstly, you can join a panel of product testers who get paid every time they attend the panel to test a product and give their feedback. This is usually a set amount and would be held locally so you would have to actually attend.
The other, more convenient method, is to be a home tester. A company will send you items to test and then write a review of the product (sometimes over a prolonged period – depending on the item – and supported by pictures).
Once the product review has reached its end, you get to keep the product. OK, that’s not a monetary reward but it’s new item that you can sell on (either online or at a car boot sale!).
Medical Trials
People are always required for medical trials. Every drug used in medicine has been preceded by medical trials before going on the shelves or into the pharmacy.
Before you even think about applying to be a medical trial patient, you will need to make sure you are well and don’t have any underlying issues. Obviously, you are not just taken at your word, and many tests will be carried out before you are deemed appropriate for trials…so, if you don’t like needles, this one’s not for you!
Whilst this sort of process pays better than others, you must remember that once you are enrolled you will be expected to follow the rules of the trial. This could mean anything from staying in hospital for a prolonged period, to only eating certain foods for a day. Each trial is different and carries its own rules and regulations.
It might seem daunting to partake in a medical trial but on a brighter note, where would we be today if there were no ‘guinea pigs’ around for previous trials? In truth, you are helping to advance medicine and getting paid for it – but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.
Start a Blog
If you are computer minded and know how social media works, starting a blog and keeping it engaging and relevant can be a sure-fire way to make some money.
If you market it right and create a large following, you become ‘famous’ to those people who read your blog. This, in turn, can lead to advertisers wanting to use your blog for endorsements.
If you have a keen hobby or interest, that’s the best way to start. Try and gather all the like-minded people together and then approach retailers or service providers from that field to use your platform to sell their wares. Surely it’s worth a shot. Do something you love (talking about your favourite thing) and get some payback for it.
Conclusion
Whatever you decide to do, keep it legal and above board. If you are unemployed you should have a bit of spare time to be able to take on any of the above suggestions. Please just remember that if you end up making a business out of anything you do – you must inform your benefits providers immediately.
