Thanks to technology, we no longer have to take a second job with rigid hours and long commutes just to earn extra cash. Fast-forward to today, the script has flipped dramatically by using the best gig apps.
With such tools, we can set our hours, steer the course of our careers, and handpick projects that align with our passions.
And that’s where side hustles come in. Gone are the days when they were just a buzzword. Side hustles from the best gig apps can supplement our income without giving up on personal freedom or stifling one’s creative spark.
Whether it’s turning your car into a money-making machine or transforming your knack for grocery shopping into cold, hard cash, there’s an app out there designed to increase your income.
Yet here comes the twist: not all gigs are created equal. Some promise mountains but deliver molehills in terms of earnings.
The question looms large – which ones genuinely stand tall in this bustling marketplace? Keep reading to learn what gig apps are suitable to help your finances while doing what you love.
What is the Gig Economy?
The phrase “gig economy” pops up frequently, sparking diverse reactions and thoughts. But what exactly does it mean? In simple terms, it refers to a flexible work model in which folks like you and me take on short-term jobs—gigs—from different companies or clients.
Instead of sticking to the 9-to-5 grind under one employer, people in the gig economy bounce between gigs as independent contractors.
Top Food Delivery Apps to Boost Your Earnings
Earning extra cash in the gig economy takes many forms. One of these is through the top food delivery apps like Uber Eats and Grubhub.
1. Uber Eats
The big player in town. With its vast network and brand recognition, Uber Eats opens up avenues for drivers to earn by delivering people’s favorite meals right to their doorstep. And to maximize earnings, location is vital. Being in high-demand areas means more orders, more tips, and, yes – more cash.
- Earning Potential: Varied but shows promise with bonuses during peak hours.
- Tips & Tricks: Keep an eye on hot spots through the app; these are gold mines for order volume.
2. Grubhub Driver
Grubhub is a fierce competitor to Uber Eats. What sets Grubhub apart is its pay model, which often includes time spent plus distance covered and rewards effort directly.
- Earning Potential: Competitive base pay plus customer tips make a sweet deal.
- The Secret Sauce? Scheduling blocks. Grabbing scheduled shifts gets you priority on orders over non-scheduled drivers – talk about VIP treatment.
Dishing Out Success Tips For Food Deliveries:
- If possible, use both apps at once—multi-apping. That’s right; juggle UberEATS and GrubHub (and maybe others) like a pro circus performer balancing plates. Remember, though, that not every order is worth your gas or time, so choose wisely.
- Your ride matters. Do you have a bike? Or perhaps a fuel-efficient car? Both are excellent choices when considering wear-and-tear costs vs. earnings. Plus, biking means dodging traffic AND getting some cardio done. Now, that’s what I call multitasking.
The Best Grocery Delivery Apps on the Market
With the rise of grocery delivery apps, earning extra cash while filling someone else’s pantry has never been easier. Yes, you heard that right.
Nowadays, grocery shopping is a new opportunity—a chance to pocket some extra money.
But here’s the kicker: not all apps are created equal. Thus, I recommend these best gig apps that’ll kickstart this type of gig into a profitable side hustle.
3. Instacart
This is one of the best gig apps for grocery delivery services for a good reason. It gives you flexibility like no other – choose your hours and shop at various stores in your area. Plus, their pay structure can be pretty rewarding if you play your cards right.
You can start earning from $5 per order—note that Instacart guarantees this payment. But if you work full-time as an Instacart shopper, you can earn $7.25 to $25.59 per hour.
Want to earn more? Go grocery shopping during peak hours, accept larger orders, or participate in the app’s referral program, which allows shoppers to earn more.
4. Shipt
Next up is Shipt, which has a friendly vibe, albeit less famous than Instacart. Like the previous app, Shipt shoppers can start at a guaranteed $5 pay per order. The best part is that it has an earning potential to rake in up to $30 per hour in larger cities.
Sounds promising, right? However, factors like drive miles, total items, and delivery time during shopping trips can affect such a potential. And your accumulated pay for the previous week can be withdrawable every Friday—directly to your account, of course.
While there are other ways to earn extra cash directly in your bank account, Shipt is one of the best gig apps for this. Moreover, they’re big on building relationships between shoppers and customers, which can mean more tips.
5. Amazon Fresh
If brand power matters to you, Amazon Fresh might be your gig. As part of Amazon’s empire, expect reliability and demand, but so is competition among drivers.
Well, that’s given since the earning potential for an Amazon Fresh shopper is $43.80 per hour as of March 2024. And like Shipt, this rate can be higher if you’re grocery shopping in larger cities.
The best about Amazon Fresh? No worries about losing a job since it has a steady flow of orders because of its vast logistics network and infrastructure. No more worrying about suddenly losing a gig out of thin air.
Top Parcel and Item Delivery Apps
Ain’t feeling like dealing with perishables today nor going to grocery stores? Besides grocery and food delivery, you may want to become a parcel delivery driver—a not-too-delicate and time-pressured delivery service. Thus, parcel and item courier options have burst onto the scene, offering fresh avenues for extra income. And let me tell you, they’re more than just an alternative; they’re a whole new playground.
6. Amazon Flex
Well, Amazon Flex might just be the golden ticket. That’s because it emerges as a lucrative opportunity for those looking to make extra money on their schedule. As part of Amazon’s delivery network, Flex allows individuals to become independent contractors, delivering packages to customers’ doorsteps.
As an app-based platform, you can easily sign up to be an Amazon delivery partner. Once approved, you can choose delivery blocks that fit your schedule and start making deliveries using your own vehicle. It’s akin to ride-sharing apps but focuses solely on the delivery of packages rather than transporting passengers.
How Can You Earn Money with Amazon Flex?
Earning money with Amazon Flex is straightforward but requires commitment and efficiency. Here’s how it works:
- Picking Your Schedule: After downloading the app and getting approved, browse available delivery blocks in your area. These typically range from 3 to 6 hours.
- Making Deliveries: Use the app to navigate to each destination; it’ll guide you through every step of the process, from picking up packages at an Amazon facility or local stores participating in Prime Now and Fresh deliveries.
- Earning Rate: Payments are made twice weekly directly into your bank account. The rate depends on your location and time spent delivering; however, reports suggest drivers have an earning potential of $18-$25 per hour before expenses like gas and vehicle maintenance are considered.
Tips for Maximizing Earnings with Amazon Flex
To truly benefit from this side hustle, consider these tips:
- Schedule Wisely: Selecting longer blocks during peak times can increase earnings since demand often leads to higher pay rates.
- Maintain Efficiency: A well-maintained vehicle ensures fewer hiccups during deliveries while optimizing routes saves time—and, by extension, boosts income potential due to its hourly rate structure.
The flexibility offered by platforms like AmazonFlex presents a compelling option for digital nomads and online entrepreneurs seeking additional revenue streams without committing full-time hours elsewhere. By tapping into such opportunities within the gig economy landscape—particularly ones backed by established companies like Amazon—you can enjoy earning extra cash.
Who wouldn’t if you have autonomy over your work-life balance, saving both money and time effectively?
7. Dolly
Got a truck or van lying around? Great. Dolly could turn it into an earning beast with potential paychecks up to $50 per hour. This app isn’t playing around – think big moves like helping folks relocate their homes or delivering large items from stores directly to customers’ doorsteps.
If food deliveries aren’t your jam, then parcel deliveries offer a neat workaround. Imagine this: multiple parcels in one go means more drops per trip. This game’s all about maximizing your moves, folks.
The real kicker? These gigs often come without all those tight schedules tied to traditional jobs. You get flexibility plus earnings – now that’s what I call winning at life.
Best Gig Apps for Car Sharing and Rental Services
Still in cars, but not just any cars—your auto-earning cash. What if I told you that your vehicle could be making money right now instead of just sitting there, probably idle for the better part of the day? Yes, through Turo and Getaround, two giants in the ridesharing app world.
Imagine a straightforward yet ingenious concept where your idle car turns into a cash generator. When you’re not using your vehicle, let someone else take it for a spin—for a fee. Think Airbnb, but for cars. Exploring this idea goes beyond merely padding your wallet; it invites you to unlock the potential of an asset that’s been idly sitting, ready for adventures and opportunities unseen.
If this sounds like music to your ears (or instead, coins jingling), here’s how these platforms turn your parked car into a passive income machine.
8. Turo
Turo emerges as a standout choice. This car rental app isn’t your traditional vehicle hire service; it’s an innovative platform that exudes simplicity and effectiveness for both car owners and renters. Unlike conventional rental services, Turo allows you to list your vehicle on their platform easily, setting your rates and rules for its use.
Moreover, Turo provides up to $1 million in liability insurance coverage, offering peace of mind to both parties involved in the transaction. With features like these, it’s no wonder why more individuals are turning towards this user-friendly app as their go-to source for extra dough.
Potential Earnings on Turo
The question on every potential host’s mind is: How much can I actually earn with Turo? While earnings vary based on factors such as location, type of vehicle, and availability, many hosts see significant returns.
Some reports suggest that renting out a well-maintained vehicle could fetch anywhere from $500 to over $1,000 per month. Moreover, it would depend on market demand, how often you rent it out, and other factors:
- Variability: Your earnings will fluctuate based on seasonality and local events, which might spike demand.
- Pricing Strategy: Hosts have flexibility in pricing — adjust according to demand peaks or offer discounts during slower periods.
- User Reviews: Building a solid reputation through positive reviews can allow you to command higher prices over time.
In essence, Turo stands out not only as an excellent avenue for monetizing underutilized assets. It also introduces car owners into the burgeoning world of shared economies, a testament to modern ways of making money. The best about it? You can contribute positively towards sustainability efforts by maximizing resource utilization.
9. Getaround
Another innovative platform that transforms idle vehicles into income sources, Getaround leverages technology to connect car owners with individuals who need temporary transportation. Its intuitive app is available on Android and iOS devices, making it easier for anyone with a smartphone to download it from Google Play or App Store.
The process begins by listing your vehicle on the platform—this involves providing details about your car, setting availability schedules, and determining rental rates based on recommendations from Getaround.
Renters can then browse available listings in their area and book cars directly through the app. One of Getaround’s standout features is its keyless entry system; once a booking is confirmed, renters can unlock and start the vehicle using just their phone.
And that’s how seamless transactions are without requiring physical meetups, making it one of the best gig apps in car rentals.
Potential Earnings with Getaround
Your earnings potential on Getaround largely depends on these factors:
- Location: Cars in high-demand areas like cities or near airports tend to fetch higher rental rates due to increased usage needs.
- Type of Vehicle: Newer models or specialty vehicles (like convertibles or SUVs) often command higher prices than older economy models.
- Availability: More availability equals more booking opportunities—the more you make your car available for rent during peak times (weekends or holidays), the more you stand to earn.
Leveraging technology solutions provided by platforms like GetAround is essential to maximizing earnings while minimizing personal inconvenience. For instance, utilizing automated scheduling tools within the app helps manage bookings efficiently. Doing so ensures your car is earning money without disrupting your daily life.
So why wait? If side hustles were dishes at a buffet, Turo and Getaround would definitely be worth second helpings. Who said only Uber drivers get to have all the fun?
Most Popular Freelance Gig Apps
Let’s face it: the traditional 9-to-5 grind isn’t for everyone. Maybe you’re a night owl who does their best work when everyone else is asleep. Or perhaps you crave variety so much that the thought of doing the same thing every day feels like being stuck in a black-and-white movie – predictable and utterly devoid of color.
For those who find resonance in these words, embrace the kaleidoscopic realm of unconventional employment and freelance ventures. It’s where creativity meets flexibility, and what limits your earning potential is only your willingness to hustle.
If you’re eager to hustle, consider these two champions reigning supreme in this arena: TaskRabbit for those who love getting hands-on with real-world tasks (think assembling furniture or helping someone move) and Upwork for freelancers looking to sell their digital skills from anywhere on this planet (or beyond if Wi-Fi reaches there).
10. TaskRabbit
Perfect if you’ve got a knack for DIY projects or just genuinely enjoy helping folks out. Plus, it gets you moving – say goodbye to desk-chair-shaped butt prints and say hello to becoming a “Tasker.”
The best about this? You can earn extra cash by waiting in line for someone else! Tasks like those are headaches to some, but it’s a cash-ing, cash-ing to Taskers.
Moreover, you can have your own rate for as high as $200 per task, depending on your skill level, location, or task. And if you’ve done an excellent job, you’re more likely to receive tips from clients—you can keep 100% of these tips.
That doesn’t stop there. You can also receive refunds if you incur any expenses for doing the task, helping and appreciating Taskers to provide excellent service.
11. Upwork
Ideal for writers, designers, developers – basically anyone whose tools of trade are housed within their laptop. So you can consider Upwork as the virtual place where imaginative souls and eager clients cross paths, each searching for what the other can provide.
The beauty? You’re not tied down.
Love writing, but also pretty handy with an IKEA Allen key? Divide your time between TaskRabbit during weekends and crafting killer content on Upwork through weekdays.
Surely there must be a catch? Well, yes…and no. Freedom comes at a price – hustling hard becomes part of your daily mantra because, let’s face it, bills won’t pay themselves, nor will pizza magically appear at your doorstep without some effort (unless AI has really stepped up its game).
But hey, the thrill lies in chasing different gigs that spark joy rather than dread as Monday morning rolls around again.
Intrigued yet? I betcha. Jumping into freelance waters might seem daunting at first glance, but remember – countless others have made successful leaps before. You’ve got this, so start using these best gig apps for freelancing and completing tasks.
The Best Gig Apps for Pet Caregiving Services
Who knew that your love for furry friends could actually be a way to earn extra money? These days, it’s a thing, especially since more people become pet lovers, but most of them have a busy life. And that’s an advantage for gig lovers.
With the help of the best gig apps in pet caregiving, you can be profitable while walking—with dogs or pets, of course.
12. Wag
Imagine this: you’re outdoors, soaking up some vitamin D, and getting those steps in (who needs a gym membership?). The best of it all is having an adorable companion by your side. It doesn’t get much better than that with dog walking.
And guess what? Platforms like Wag are making it super easy to connect with dog owners who need someone trustworthy to take their pooch for a stroll.
What’s really cool is how you can bend things to fit your schedule. You set the pace—literally and figuratively speaking. Morning person? Schedule walks at dawn. Night owl? Twilight strolls can be your jam.
You can either pay via check or PayPal. Earning opportunities through PayPal is better since you can receive it quickly without fees. Thus, your earnings of $16.68 to $23.47 per hour are 100% yours.
But if you want to double it, try offering overnight dog or cat boarding. Having $1000 per month from the best gig apps isn’t bad!
The only catch is to pay an application processing fee worth $29.95. But that’s a minimal expense compared to the earnings you can make with this platform.
13. Rover
On average, folks taking care of clients’ pets rake in around $16-$27 per hour with Rover. It’s pretty, considering you’re spending time with dogs instead of being stuck behind a desk.
The basis for the pay? Well, your location matters, as does the number of dogs walked and the duration of the walk. But whether it’s a half-hour or a whole-hour walk, you’ll get paid. And if you just want to have a dog as your company, you can offer drop-in visits, house sitting, or dog boarding.
Like any other best gig app, you can accept walks based on your preferences or availability as a Rover walker.
And if you want a trick to maximize earnings, it’s simple: consistency and reliability win the race—or should we say walk? Add in the following, and you’ll be set to boost your dog-walking hustle income:
- Show up on time.
- Ace those puppy playdates.
- Rack up stellar reviews.
- Bonus: Cute pics shared with pet parents never hurt anyone.
Conclusion
The gig economy has morphed into a treasure trove of prospects. It’s now far from being merely a haven for the audacious or those at their wit’s end. As long as you’re armed with a smartphone and brimming with initiative, you can have a gig work for you, especially if you have the best gig apps.
From turning your car into an earnings engine to walking dogs for dough, these gig platforms are changing how we think about work, money, and freedom. And armed with insight, you now know where to cast your net in this vast sea of opportunity.
If other people are making real money on their own terms, you can also do it. Don’t take it as another chapter in your financial story; it could very well be the beginning of something revolutionary.
Harnessing those spare moments for monetary gain or transforming hobbies into income-generating pursuits is within your grasp, courtesy of these transformative online spaces.
So go ahead and make that bold move toward boosting your bank balance while embracing flexibility like never before. Don’t forget to share your journey in the gig economy with us!
