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

Tips for work at home gigs:

Don’t work for free. There’s a reason it’s called work people. Being a stay at home writer, I see this more than I’d like (among other writers), however, people in other work-at-home ventures see this as well; i.e people asking them to work for free. If you have to pay to work, or work for free, it’s not legit, and even if it is, it’s a crappy way to make money. UNLESS you are actually investing in say, a direct marketing venture where you pay for products up front.

Check with the Better Business Bureau for complaints against the company or organization.

The best work-at-home jobs often pop up from on site jobs. If you’re already with a company, discuss telecommuting options with them; you’re more likely to get benefits, better pay, and more stability doing this, than if you up and leave, and then look for a new work-at-home job.

Don’t ever send money to get more information. While this is not working for free, it’s still shady. No one should ask you for money so that they can tell you about a job.

Make sure the company hiring exists. If it’s not a solo client, they should have a local address and phone number somewhere. You can ask where a company is headquartered, and then look them up to be sure they have local listings.

Most direct sales companies do buy back items you can’t or don’t sell. If your company is saying, oh, we don’t do that, I’d be wary.

Calculate hourly wage vs. pay. Often work-at-home jobs want to pay you a chunk of money vs. an hourly wage for a specific task or tasks.  $500 a week may sound nice, but not if it takes you 40 hours to complete the work. You’ll end up way far under minimum wage.

Of course this is just the tip of the work-at-home iceberg.  To learn more visit the following links:

• Home Biz Notes
• The Golden Pencil – for freelance writing info
• WAHM jobs and advice

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

My Bone Yard has a quick and easy online estimator that can tell you what your electronic device is worth, plus you get to ship for free (My Bone Yard will send you a shipping label). All you do is fill in a fast form, agree to give up your item, and ship it off. Easy and good for the environment. If your item is worth anything, you get to track your reward online.

Check them out and see if they can help you unload your computer, digital music device, or other electronic item in an ethical way. Oh, and they’re planning on adding more recycling options in the future as well – for things like game systems and cameras.

Visit My Bone Yard.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy