Some examples included:

• Sell catfish dinners the front porch
• Use a portable propane burner to heat oil
• Make Star Wars costumes for people
• Donate blood plasma
• Research stories for a gossip columnist
• Juggling chainsaws in a talent competition
• Pose for an art class (yikes – I’d rather juggle the chainsaws)
• Tarot card reader
• Take notes in class for college students
• Take items from the Lost & Found and sell them online (NOTE this is not a job, so not sure why it’s on here – that’s called petty crimes)
• Give people in the office hair cuts
• Testing recipes for a book
• Work as a movie extra
• Participate in product testing for bandages
• Participate in university research studies

Some of these are more unique than other, and none seem long term. Of course our goal here at Thrifty Mommy is to help you spend less and save money, which is a form of making money, but that said, we have looked at other money making ideas in the past such as…

• Making money off your hobbies
• 5 ways to make some quick cash
• Mystery shopping 101

Have you been supplementing your income in odd ways? How?

[image via stock.xchng]

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Consignment shops: The key to making quick cash at a consignment store is to ask them how they pay. There are plenty of consignment shops, but not all pay right away, and not all pay in cash. Possible scenarios include the shop paying you in store credit, paying you when your items actually sell, or cutting you a check at the first of the month when their payroll runs. The best (for fast cash) are places that pay within one to two days of you giving them your stuff. Take in items that are in style and in good shape for the maximum payout.

Craigslist: I know folks who do make money on Craigslist, but you should follow some basic rules. Advertise details; i.e “10 pairs size 9 jeans – dark navy” vs. “JEANS”. Never meet a buyer in private – meet them in a public place and only accept cash.

Specialty shops: Record stores, CD exchange stores, video game shops, bookstores, and other specialty sellers will usually pay decent prices for items that are in good shape. Do not take a boxful of scratched vinyl in for example, they check this stuff.  Also if you trashed all your CD and hardcover book covers, you’re pretty much screwed. Resale shops get more money for covered items, and usually won’t accept uncovered books or discs.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Frankly, this is a good thing, because there’s likely plenty of stuff hanging around your house that you don’t need or even use. First you’ll need to clean out the most obvious places in search of items to sell. Your closet, attic, garage, bookshelf, video shelf, and CD shelf are good places to start. Once you have a box (or two or three) full of items, you’ll need to find a place to sell your goods. Following are five options…

Go local & used: Try places like your local bookstore, record shop, and used multimedia establishments. Look for places that offer a wide selection of the item you’re selling, and make sure it’s semi-decent. By semi-decent, I mean not trashy. For example, you’ll have better luck earning more cash if you sell at a bookstore that’s clean, frequented, and organized, then you will at a hole in the wall, out of the way bookstore.

Try consignment: Consignment stores don’t all fall under the same money-making schemes. For example, where I live there are stores that call themselves consignment, who offer cash or trade on the same day you take your goods in. There are other consignment stores near me that send out checks once a month, and only if they sell your goods. Call ahead to learn the terms of the consignment stores near you.

Craigslist: Craigslist classifieds section can make you some quick money if you work your ad right. Don’t be vague. Really describe your items. “Bag o’ clothes” is not good. “Four women’s winter dresses size 7 in black, patterned, red, and cream” is better. Be descriptive, no matter what you may be selling. You’ll also do better on Craigslist if you live in a major city rather then a small town. To get to the “For Sale” area, go to Craigslist, click on your city, and look for the sale items.

Oodle: Oodle is a possible better choice for online sales than Craigslist. It depends on the item. Oodle is a bit like eBay, but not so obnoxious (no fees or auctions).

College billboards: College kids like cheap stuff. College kids will make do with wonky couches, and oddball shelving. College kids need things like clothes, furniture, and CDs at cost. All in all, you can make quick cash if you have a college nearby. Create a list of the goods you have for sale, multiply that list and tack it up at college dorms, on cafe billboards, and in the bookstore. You can make money faster if you actually post photos of your items as well – college kids may be willing to spend money on bizarre items, but they’re also short on time, so photos can make or break a quick sale.

Bonus tip - when all else fails, you can always hold a garage sale.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy