The gig economy is in full swing and there are tons of ways to make some extra money. Now, your car isn’t just for getting around. You can make money with your car. From food delivery to mobile businesses, there’s a world of opportunities to turn your wheels into cash.
Let’s explore 14 creative ways to monetize your vehicle, going beyond the traditional ridesharing route.
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14 Ideas on How to Make Money Driving
The Rise of Car-Based Side Hustles
The gig economy has exploded, and it isn’t going away anytime soon. More than 75% of gig economy workers reported that they are either very satisfied or somewhat satisfied with their current job. One of the offshoots is car-based businesses.
1. Moving and Hauling Services
If you own a pickup truck or van, there are opportunities to make extra money, especially if you’re in a prime position to offer moving and hauling services. Platforms like TaskRabbit connect you with people needing help moving furniture or hauling large items.
Earnings can range from $25-$30 per hour. It is a lucrative option for those with larger vehicles and the ability to lift heavy objects.
2. Food Delivery Services: The New Uber
Food delivery service has become a go-to side hustle for many drivers. You deliver food from local restaurants to customers’ doorsteps. It’s possible to earn tips while at it too.
Food delivery drivers can earn between $10-$25 per hour. Peak times are usually during dinner hours and weekends. You can potentially earn more when you deliver food around this period. Some major platforms to consider include Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub.
You can maximize earnings by focusing on busy periods. You may even bring a friend along to keep things entertaining. Don’t forget to track your miles for tax deductions!
3. Grocery Delivery: Shopping for Profit
The e-commerce space is growing in leaps and bounds. It has led to the widespread popularity of different platforms. With this, grocery delivery services have surged in popularity too in recent times.
Instacart and Shipt are leading platforms in this space. You can be a full-service shopper of sorts. As a shopper, you get paid to deliver groceries. You’ll receive orders through an app, shop for the items, and deliver them to customers.
Pay varies based on order size and complexity. The great part is that you always keep 100% of your tips. It’s a great option for those who enjoy shopping and have an eye for detail.
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4. Peer-to-Peer Car Rental: Passive Income on Wheels
If your car spends more time parked than on the road, consider renting it out. Platforms like Turo and HyreCar connect car owners with individuals needing temporary wheels.
You could earn up to $700 per month. Actual earnings depend on your vehicle and location. This option offers passive income. However, be mindful of wear and tear. Check with your insurance provider about coverage during rentals.
5. Advertising on Your Car: Rolling Billboards
Google AdSense is popular for paying publishers to display ads on their sites. There is something similar for cars. You can wrap your car in advertisements and get paid. Companies like Carvertise and Wrapify match drivers with advertising campaigns.
You can choose campaigns that align with your values. Ads on cars can offer recurring revenue. Companies “subscribe” to use your car as a billboard for a specified period. Once the time elapses, they have to pay again.
6. Package Delivery with Amazon Flex
Amazon Flex offers another avenue for drivers to earn money. Delivering packages for Prime Now and other Amazon services, you can make $18-$25 per hour. The flexible scheduling allows you to pick up blocks of time that suit your availability. A larger vehicle can help you earn more by carrying more packages.
7. Roadie: Delivery with a Difference
Roadie stands out by focusing on item delivery rather than passengers. You can earn up to $13 per local trip. There are opportunities for higher pay on multi-stop or long-distance deliveries. The platform offers a unique mix of deliveries, from lost luggage to retail items.
8. Specialized Transportation Services
Catering to specific demographics can be a rewarding niche. Platforms like HopSkipDrive focus on safe transportation for children.
Also, Care.com offers opportunities to drive seniors. These services often require additional vetting. Nevertheless, they can provide steady work and competitive pay. Pay is typically around $15-$20 per hour.
9. Mobile Business Opportunities
Why limit your car to just transportation? Consider turning it into a mobile business. Ideas include a mobile car wash and pet grooming service. This option allows you to bring services directly to customers. Keep in mind the initial investment for equipment and any necessary permits.
10. Participate in Car-Related Studies
Universities and research firms often conduct traffic studies or GPS tracking experiments. These short-term opportunities can pay well. Sometimes, you can earn up to $100 for a week-long study.
Check local university research boards or community subreddits to find these gigs. It’s an easy way to earn extra cash while going about your normal routines.
11. Pet Taxi Services
With more people returning to offices, pet taxi services are in high demand. This niche service involves pets. You make money driving pets to vet appointments, groomers, or daycare.
It’s perfect for animal lovers and can be marketed through local pet services or community groups. Remember to prioritize pet safety and keep your vehicle clean between furry passengers.
If you’re a pet lover interested in more earning opportunities, read about other ways you can make money with your dog, such as pet-sitting, dog walking, or even pet modeling.
12. Errand Running Services
Busy professionals and families often need help with daily tasks. Offering errand-running service can be a flexible way to earn money with your car. Grocery pickups and post office runs are some great options. Advertise your services on local community platforms or consider joining established errand-running apps.
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13. Ridesharing Beyond Uber
You can be a rideshare driver without Uber. One in three Americans use ridesharing services. Although Uber is dominant, there are alternatives. Lyft, for instance, offers similar opportunities with slightly different pay structures and perks.
Diversifying across platforms can help you maximize earnings. It also means you can find the best fit for your driving style. Peak hours and surge pricing can significantly boost your income, so plan your driving schedule strategically.
14. Medical Delivery Services
Transporting medical supplies and prescriptions is a growing niche in the delivery world. Some platforms, like Roadie, offer specialized gigs for medical deliveries. These jobs often require additional certifications and a commitment to confidentiality but can provide steady, well-paying work.
Maximizing Your Earnings
To make the most of your car-based side hustles, consider combining multiple gigs. Use food delivery to fill gaps between rideshare passengers, or offer errand services alongside your regular delivery routes.
Keep meticulous records of your expenses and mileage for tax purposes. Tools like Everlance can help track your miles automatically.
Legal and Financial Considerations
Before starting car-based gigs, check the insurance requirements for each service. Most personal policies don’t cover commercial use. This means extra coverage might be needed. Get familiar with the tax implications. This might be quarterly payments and deductions. Also, research local regulations, as some services may need special licenses or permits.
Conclusion
You can make money with your car and make it more than just a mode of transportation. Whether you prefer the flexibility of delivery services or the entrepreneurial spirit of a mobile business, there’s a car-based side hustle for everyone. Start exploring these options today and turn your vehicle into a money-making machine!
Next Steps: What Now?
- Assess your options to determine your car monetization option.
- Research deeper into your choice of side hustle.
- Understand terms and conditions and local laws surrounding it.
- Check to ensure your car is in a good state for the work ahead.
