Streamlining Financial Management for SMB Merchants
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, small and medium-sized business (SMB) merchants face unique challenges, particularly when it comes to financial management. As we delve into this critical topic, we'll explore the current state of SMB merchants, the financial hurdles they face, and how integrated financial services and commerce platforms are revolutionizing the way these businesses operate. We’ll close with specific suggestions on how these platforms can fill the remaining gaps for their SMB merchants.
According to the Small Business Association, SMBs represent 99.9% of all companies in the United States and the majority of these companies (81%) are owner operated with no employees.
Both of these stats paint a clear picture: The vast majority of SMB merchants are solo operators juggling multiple responsibilities.
These small business owners wear many hats, simultaneously managing operations, inventory control, marketing and sales, web design and development, payroll, human resources, and much more. While larger enterprises often have dedicated teams for each of these functions, SMB owners must handle it all themselves. This jack-of-all-trades approach, while admirable, can lead to significant challenges, particularly in financial management.
Why SMBs Struggle
Finance is the thread that connects all aspects of a business, from operations to marketing. Unfortunately, it's also often the Achilles' heel for many SMBs. Approximately 20% of small businesses fail within their first year, and this failure rate only increases as time goes on. Financial mismanagement is a primary factor in these failures.
The reasons for financial struggles are varied but often include a lack of financial expertise, insufficient cash flow management, inadequate bookkeeping and accounting practices, difficulty accessing capital or credit, and challenges in scaling operations efficiently. These issues are compounded by the fact that most SMB merchants are stretched thin, trying to manage every aspect of their business without specialized knowledge in each area.
The Rise of Integrated Financial Services and Commerce Platforms
The financial ecosystem for SMBs is currently undergoing a significant transformation. Traditional methods of financial management are being supplanted by innovative technologies and integrated platforms. These advancements promise to streamline operations, enhance decision-making processes, and ultimately contribute to the longevity and success of small businesses.
SMB merchants, however, have particular needs aside from the broader population of SMBs. A primary example of this can be found with reconciliation.
While reconciliation is important for most businesses, it is an acute need for SMB merchants. While all SMBs need to review their financial statements and reconcile those statements to daily transactions, SMB merchants have an even more specific need due to the nature of how they get paid. When using payment processors (e.g. Stripe, Square, etc.), many orders and refunds can be accumulated into a single bank deposit (also known as a payout). And, adding to the complication, merchant fees are also taken out of the payout before the bank deposit is made. Surprisingly, almost all SMB merchants do this manually, either themselves or via a bookkeeper.
Full reconciliation for an SMB merchant means being able to match the bank deposit on the bank statement to the individual orders and refunds, as well as the merchant fees; individual orders could number in the 5-10 range or exceed hundreds within a given day, exacerbating manual reconciliation processes. Yet, comprehensive reconciliation is essential for merchants because it affects all parts of their financial management of the business, from revenue to cash flow to profitability (and auditability).
Recognizing these challenges, several leading commerce and financial platforms have made significant strides in embedded finance offerings. Companies like Shopify, Square, PayPal, SumUp, and SpotOn have developed innovative solutions that address many core financial needs of SMB merchants. However, while these platforms have successfully integrated various financial services, certain critical gaps remain — particularly in areas such as reconciliation — that prevent them from offering truly comprehensive financial solutions for SMBs.
Through our work with tens of thousands of SMB merchants, at Hurdlr, we’ve gained deep insight into these reconciliation challenges, leading to the development of strategic integrations with these platforms, like Shopify and Square. The experience of serving this merchant base has revealed that the natural progression of embedded finance solutions leads inevitably toward embedded accounting.
The following analysis examines each platform's embedded finance solutions and explores how the evolution toward embedded accounting could further enhance their value proposition for SMB merchants.
Shopify
Shopify evolved from a snowboard e-commerce site into a comprehensive commerce platform serving businesses of all sizes with both online and in-person solutions. With the recent release of Shopify Finance, the platform now offers embedded financial services that consolidate essential merchant financial tools into one unified platform. This comprehensive offering surpasses competitors by creating a "unified financial home" that meets the growing demand from SMB merchants for all-in-one solutions. As Jake Chambers, Co-founder of Pupsentials, notes, "We wouldn't be on our way to $10M in revenue if not for Shopify Finance. After working with multiple financial vendors in the past, it makes a lot more sense to run our business on one platform."
The core components of Shopify Finance — Shopify Balance, Shopify Credit, Shopify Capital, Shopify Bill Pay, and Shopify Tax — provide merchants with integrated financial management tools that streamline business operations, support scaling, and enhance cash flow visibility directly within the Shopify platform.
- Shopify Balance, powered by Stripe Treasury, is an innovative embedded finance solution that provides a free business bank account integrated directly into the customer's admin interface. This offering currently allows merchants to earn 3.39% interest on all deposited funds, optimizing their capital efficiency. Shopify Balance delivers a comprehensive view of finances, offering real-time insights into cash flow and financial health. The solution includes both physical and virtual business spending cards, catering to diverse purchasing needs. A dedicated mobile app ensures merchants can manage their finances remotely, enhancing operational flexibility. Notably, Shopify Balance operates with zero monthly fees, facilitates faster payment processing, and allows fund organization across up to five additional accounts. This level of financial organization can help streamline tax management and provide cashback rewards, creating a compelling value proposition for SMB merchants aiming to optimize their financial operations.
- Shopify Credit offers SMB merchants a pay-in-full Visa card without requiring credit checks or impacting personal credit scores. The card features tailored credit limits that scale with business growth and provides 3% cashback rewards on eligible expenses, with flexible repayment options. Accessible directly from the Shopify admin interface, merchants can boost their cash flow by using the card for various business expenses, including marketing spend like Google Ads. The card is accepted wherever Visa is accepted, providing broad utility for business purchases.
- Shopify Capital provides flexible funding solutions for SMB merchants at every growth stage, accessible directly through the Shopify admin. This innovative financing option requires no credit checks and has no impact on personal credit scores, with offers customized to each business's needs. Merchants only make payments on days they generate sales, with reduced payments during slower periods. The funding process is streamlined, with potential approval and deposit within two business days and funding available up to $2 million. Notable features include no personal liability, no compounding interest, early renewal options with a simplified application process, and full integration within the Shopify platform.
- Shopify Bill Pay, powered by Melio, is an integrated business payments tool within the Shopify ecosystem. This solution enables merchants to schedule, pay, and manage all their business bills directly from their Shopify admin interface, eliminating the need for multiple platforms. By centralizing bill management, SMB merchants can efficiently track all their vendors, suppliers, and contractors in one location, reducing administrative complexity and potential errors. The solution offers payment flexibility, allowing vendors to receive funds via check or bank transfer, accommodating various preferences and banking arrangements. This level of integration and customization positions Bill Pay as a valuable tool for SMB merchants, streamlining accounts payable processes and providing a clear, organized view of financial obligations. Incorporating such a comprehensive bill management solution into platforms can significantly enhance the value proposition for SMB clients, addressing key challenges in financial management and operations.
- Shopify Tax simplifies U.S. sales tax compliance for SMB merchants through automated calculations, liability insights, and integrated filing capabilities within the Shopify admin. The system helps merchants track sales tax obligations and monitor thresholds, automatically collecting appropriate taxes at checkout based on precise product and location data. With rooftop-precision rate calculations across 11,000+ U.S. sales tax jurisdictions, merchants can view detailed sales and tax information by state, county, and local jurisdictions. The platform offers smart product categorization suggestions to ensure accurate tax rates and provides state-by-state liability overviews with threshold alerts. By automating sales tax returns and remittance, Shopify Tax enables merchants to maintain compliance without leaving their Shopify admin interface.
Square
Square evolved from a credit card processing solution into a comprehensive point-of-sale and business management platform, offering software and hardware solutions for SMB merchants across multiple industries
Square's suite of embedded finance solutions caters to the diverse needs of SMB merchants, offering seamless integration of financial services within their business operations. From invoicing and banking to payroll and instant fund access, Square's offerings are designed to streamline financial management, enhance cash flow visibility, and provide flexible tools for growth across various aspects of business finance.
- Square Invoices is a comprehensive invoicing solution designed for SMB merchants. This feature enables businesses to send estimates, create contracts, and request payments efficiently. Square Invoices offers flexible payment options for vendors, allowing merchants to accept payments instantly, track transactions in real-time, and set up recurring billing schedules tailored to their needs. The platform provides customization options for invoice appearance, ensuring brand consistency. Square Invoices centralizes payment-related information, offering a clear overview of cash flow to support informed business decisions. By consolidating essential details, contracts, estimates, and invoices into a single powerful platform, Square streamlines business processes. The solution also includes automation capabilities for routine tasks, comprehensive reporting features, and integration with Afterpay's Buy Now, Pay Later option. Additionally, the Committed Inventory for Invoices feature allows sellers to allocate stock to buyers upon invoice issuance, enhancing inventory control.
- Square Banking is an integrated financial management solution that seamlessly combines payments, banking, and cash flow management within the Square ecosystem. This feature enables SMB merchants to watch their sales directly flow into their Square Banking account, facilitating quick and easy access to funds. Square Banking offers instant access to funds through a Square Checking account, a high-yield Square Savings option for optimizing idle capital, and potential eligibility for Square loans (i.e. Square Capital) to support business growth. The interconnected nature of Square Banking streamlines financial operations, allowing for automated money movement and providing a holistic view of a business's financial health.
- Square Payroll simplifies the often complex task of managing employee compensation. This solution enables SMB merchants to efficiently run payroll, handle tax obligations, and maintain compliance with relevant regulations. By automating these critical but time-consuming processes, Square Payroll allows business owners to focus more on core operations and strategic initiatives, rather than getting bogged down in administrative tasks.
- The SquareCard, powered by Marqeta, is a financial tool that provides SMB merchants with immediate access to their sales proceeds. Linked directly to the Square Checking account, this debit card allows business owners to utilize funds as soon as a sale is processed, eliminating traditional waiting periods for fund availability. The SquareCard offering includes the option to obtain up to five additional cards for the business, facilitating expense management across multiple team members or departments. This instant access to sales revenue enhances cash flow management and provides greater financial flexibility for day-to-day business operations.
PayPal
PayPal has transformed from a digital payment system into a comprehensive financial platform, offering tailored payment solutions for ecommerce providers and marketplaces, including customizable payment flows, fee splitting, and consolidated fund management.
PayPal has expanded its services beyond its origins as a digital payment system, now offering comprehensive embedded finance solutions tailored for businesses of all sizes, from individual entrepreneurs to large enterprises.
- PayPal's Invoicing solution offers a streamlined approach to billing for SMB merchants. This feature enables businesses to send online invoices that customers can pay instantly using their preferred payment method, regardless of whether they have a PayPal account. The system is designed for ease of use, allowing merchants to create and manage invoices efficiently. PayPal's invoicing stands out with its cost-effective model, charging no monthly subscription fees and allowing unlimited invoice creation - merchants only pay when they receive payment. The platform supports a wide range of popular payment methods, including credit and debit cards, installment options, Venmo, and Apple Pay, catering to diverse customer preferences. Merchants can customize their invoices to align with their brand identity and specific needs. Additionally, the mobile functionality enables invoice creation on the go, providing flexibility for businesses operating in various environments. This comprehensive invoicing solution is tailored to enhance cash flow management and simplify billing processes for SMB merchants.
SumUp
SumUp is a financial services company that helps businesses like restaurants, spas & salons, and retailers. They offer a suite of tools for SMBs to manage their finances, process orders, and take payments.
SumUp equips SMB merchants with a robust array of embedded finance solutions, providing tools for invoicing, expense tracking, and swift payment processing to optimize financial workflows and fuel business expansion.
- SumUp's Invoicing solution offers a user-friendly tool for SMB merchants to streamline their billing processes. With the ability to create invoices and quotes in seconds, this feature accelerates cash flow and simplifies sales management. The "Smart Invoicing" functionality automatically calculates totals and flags any missing or incorrect details, reducing errors and saving time. To expedite payments, the system supports various payment options including online card payments, bank transfers, cash, Google Pay, and Apple Pay. This versatility caters to customer preferences and potentially increases on-time payments. The solution also allows merchants to easily manage their accounts and access customer-specific documents, including outstanding balances.
- The Expense Tracking feature from SumUp provides SMB merchants with easy tracking of all expenses under a unified transactions view, offering a clear picture of where money is being spent. The ability to export these expenses into a CSV format facilitates integration with other financial systems and simplifies reporting processes. Merchants can view their expense history with granular detail, including date, reason, user, VAT, total amount, payment method, and bill number. This level of detail supports more informed decision-making and helps identify areas for cost optimization.
- SumUp’s Banking offers a comprehensive, all-in-one business bank account solution for SMB merchants. SumUp Banking gives merchants the ability to effortlessly spend, save, and manage their funds through a streamlined, smartphone-accessible interface. The SumUp Business Bank Account boasts a suite of features designed to give small businesses complete control over their finances, without the burden of hidden fees or complex processes. It facilitates same-day bank transfers and next-day deposits of sales proceeds, significantly improving cash flow management. The account's flexibility makes it suitable for businesses of any size or budget, offering essential services such as sending and receiving money, business expense management, and seamless integration with SumUp's payment processing systems. This integration ensures that funds from sales made via SumUp Card Readers are swiftly deposited into the business account by the next business day, providing merchants with fast, reliable access to their earnings without additional costs.
SpotOn
SpotOn is a point of sale system and payment processing software whose customers are restaurants, retailers, professional services, automotive vendors, and health & beauty providers.
SpotOn's embedded finance solutions offer SMB merchants powerful tools for streamlined payroll management and flexible access to capital, designed to optimize operational efficiency and support business growth through innovative financial technology.
- SpotOn Teamwork, powered by Gusto Embedded, revolutionizes payroll management for SMB merchants. This innovative solution seamlessly integrates with a top payroll processor, significantly reducing the time and effort required for payroll preparation. By leveraging time-clock data directly from the point-of-sale system, it generates comprehensive payroll reports ready for publication to the merchant's preferred payroll processor. The system's automation capabilities streamline the entire payroll process, minimizing manual input and potential errors. SpotOn Teamwork offers extensive customization options, allowing businesses to tailor roles, wages, salaries, pay schedules, and tip distributions to their specific needs. For merchants operating across multiple locations, the solution provides a centralized platform to manage payroll consistently, ensuring a smooth workflow every payday and reducing the complexity of multi-site operations.
- SpotOn Capital addresses a critical need for many SMB merchants: access to funding. This embedded finance offering provides qualified SpotOn clients with the opportunity to secure loans up to $300,000 through a streamlined application and approval process. The system is designed for speed and efficiency, with fast deposit times ensuring that merchants can quickly access the capital they need to fuel growth or manage cash flow. Loan management is simplified through an intuitive dashboard, giving business owners clear visibility into their financial obligations. SpotOn Capital offers flexibility with its optional prepayment feature, allowing merchants to pay off their loans ahead of schedule without incurring fees, potentially reducing overall interest costs. Furthermore, the continual renewal option enables businesses to reapply for additional funding once their initial loan is repaid, creating a revolving source of capital to support ongoing business needs and opportunities.
The Benefits of Embedded Finance on a User’s Lifecycle
The finance components embedded into these platforms offer significant advantages for both the platforms themselves and their SMB merchant users.
By integrating comprehensive financial tools directly into their offerings, platforms can enhance user acquisition as they become one-stop shops for business management and financial services.
These integrations have the potential to grow the average revenue per user, as merchants are more likely to utilize multiple services within a single ecosystem.
Critically, embedded finance will help reduce platform churn by addressing the financial challenges that often lead to small business failures. By providing real-time financial insights, automated accounting, and streamlined operations, these platforms empower SMB merchants to make informed decisions and manage their finances more effectively. This support is instrumental in helping businesses survive and thrive, thereby increasing merchant retention on the platform.
The seamless experience of having all financial functions in one place, from invoicing and payroll to capital access and expense tracking, not only simplifies operations for SMB merchants but also creates a sticky ecosystem that encourages long-term platform loyalty. Ultimately, by offering a unified financial experience, platforms can position themselves as indispensable partners in their users' business success.
Who Will Gain More Market Share?
As shown above, the landscape of financial services for SMB merchants is rapidly evolving, with major players like Shopify, Square, PayPal, SumUp, and SpotOn enhancing their platforms through embedded finance solutions.
Each company is strategically integrating various financial components — from banking and invoicing to payroll and lending — directly into their core offerings. While SMB merchants ultimately have the choice of which platform best suits their needs, the trend clearly points towards a preference for comprehensive, all-in-one solutions.
The platform that successfully prioritizes fully embedded financial functions, creating a seamless, unified experience, is likely to capture a larger market share. SMB merchants are increasingly seeking streamlined, integrated solutions that allow them to manage all aspects of their business finances in one place, rather than juggling multiple fragmented tools. As these platforms continue to evolve, the one that can offer the most cohesive and comprehensive financial ecosystem will likely emerge as the preferred choice for SMB merchants looking to simplify their operations and focus on growth.
The Missing Piece: Embedded Accounting
While the trend among financial services and commerce platforms is to offer a wide range of embedded financial services, one area stands out as particularly integral for SMBs: accounting. This integration of accounting functions directly into business management platforms can be revolutionary for how small businesses handle their finances.
Embedded accounting goes beyond simple bookkeeping. It can create a seamless financial ecosystem directly in the platforms listed above where every transaction, whether a sale, refund, bill payment, or payroll entry, is automatically recorded, categorized, and reflected in real-time financial statements. This is especially useful for platforms that have enabled both ‘money in’ and ‘money out’. This integration eliminates the need for manual data entry in spreadsheets, reduces errors, and provides SMB owners with an up-to-the-minute view of their financial health. It also fully automates the complex reconciliation inherent in payouts that include multiple invoices and/or merchant fees.
There are many benefits of embedded accounting. First, it saves time – one of the most precious resources for SMB owners who are already wearing multiple hats. Instead of spending hours reconciling accounts or creating invoices via the typical integration to third party, off platform products such as QuickBooks, business owners can focus on growth and strategy.
Second, it improves accuracy. By reducing manual data entry and automating calculations, the risk of errors is significantly decreased.
Third, it provides timely insights. With real-time financial data at their fingertips, SMB merchants can make informed decisions quickly, whether it's about inventory purchases, staffing, or investment in new equipment.
Lastly, embedding accounting functionality into a platform creates a valuable new revenue stream, as SMBs are often willing to pay for comprehensive, accurate financial management tools that simplify their operations. In research from Cornerstone Advisors, they found that SMBs spend on average 20 hours a week on accounting functions and have an average spend of over $9,000, depending on their annual revenue, per year on third-party accounting services.
By offering embedded accounting, platforms can charge additional fees or create premium tiers, thus increasing the average revenue per user. Moreover, the enhanced value proposition of a unified financial and operational system can attract more users to the platform, further boosting overall revenue potential.
Recent studies underscore the growing demand for these integrated solutions. While 60% of SMBs already use vertical SaaS offerings like Shopify or Toast for business operations, an overwhelming 80% of small businesses would prefer an industry-specific software provider if it included integrated accounting functions. This statistic reveals a clear gap in the market – SMB owners are hungry for solutions that can truly unify their financial management experience.
The integration of accounting into these platforms is not just about convenience; it's about empowering SMB owners with financial literacy and control. By demystifying accounting processes and making financial data more accessible, these platforms are enabling small business owners to become more confident and competent financial managers. This, in turn, can lead to better business decisions, improved profitability, and ultimately, a higher rate of survival for small businesses.
These platforms could reap the benefits previously mentioned and transform financial management for SMB merchants by integrating embedded accounting into their existing services. If they incorporate comprehensive accounting functions directly into their platforms, these companies could create unified financial ecosystems that go beyond their current payment processing and business management offerings. What would embedded accounting look like for Shopify, Square, PayPal, SumUp, and SpotOn?
Shopify Accounting would tie Shopify's merchant income (i.e. A/R) together with Shopify Balance and Shopify Bill Pay (i.e. A/P). This would give the merchant the full financial reporting needed to grow their business. Importantly, bank accounts and credit cards used outside of Shopify Balance could be brought into the same ledger, allowing for a full financial snapshot. Shopify could embed such a solution into its own product, ideally not only giving sellers automatic reconciliation of payouts to bank deposits but also Bill Pay transactions to withdrawals, with automatic expense categorization along the way.
Square Accounting would be a fully embedded and tightly integrated full accounting suite inside of Square's platform. Square could embed such a solution into its own product, ideally not only giving Sellers automatic reconciliation of payouts to bank deposits but also payroll runs to withdrawals, with full double-entry accounting occurring in the background. By unifying Square Invoices, Square Banking, Square Payroll, and Square Card (along with any external accounts) into one ledger, Square sellers would get full financial reporting and never need to leave the Square platform for anything related to finances.
PayPal Accounting, having evolved into a comprehensive financial platform, could integrate embedded accounting seamlessly into its existing services. For PayPal's SMB merchants using the Invoicing solution, embedded accounting could automate the complex reconciliation process for payouts involving multiple invoices and merchant fees. Additionally, PayPal Accounting could offer robust expense tracking capabilities, allowing businesses to easily monitor and categorize their spending, attach receipts digitally, and generate expense reports effortlessly. This comprehensive expense tracking would directly feed into real-time profit and loss statements, giving businesses an up-to-the-minute view of their financial performance and enabling more accurate budgeting and forecasting. It would provide real-time financial insights and statements, eliminating the need for manual data entry and reducing errors. .
SumUp Accounting would enhance its platform by incorporating embedded accounting directly into its existing suite of tools. SumUp accounting would automatically sync all transactions, including those processed through SumUp's payment solutions and SumUp Banking, into real-time financial statements, eliminating manual data entry and reducing errors. The fluid connection with SumUp Banking would allow for real-time cash flow management, with same-day transfers and next-day sales deposits automatically reflected in financial reports. For SMB merchants using SumUp's Invoicing solution, embedded accounting could streamline the reconciliation process for various payment methods, from online card payments to bank transfers. The system could leverage SumUp's Expense Tracking feature, automatically ingesting them directly into profit and loss statements, providing businesses with an instant, accurate view of their financial health. This real-time integration of sales and expense data would enable quick, informed decisions on inventory, staffing, or equipment investments. By offering this integrated accounting functionality, SumUp could create a new revenue stream through premium tiers or additional fees, tapping into the substantial market of SMB accounting needs.
SpotOn Accounting would automatically consolidate transactions from SpotOn's various systems into dynamic financial dashboards, minimizing manual intervention and boosting accuracy. For merchants utilizing SpotOn Teamwork, the embedded accounting could intelligently process payroll data, instantly adjusting financial statements after each pay period. The system could seamlessly integrate SpotOn Capital information, providing real-time visibility into loan impacts on cash flow and profitability, offering businesses a comprehensive view of their financial landscape, including current and projected debt obligations. This multifaceted integration of sales, employee compensation, and financing data would empower owners to make agile decisions on workforce planning, business expansion, or capital investments, leveraging their accurate, fully-reconciled, and built-in financials.
The Future of SMB Financial Management
The trend towards unified financial experiences is only going to accelerate. Successful platforms will be those that offer all-in-one solutions, combining e-commerce, point-of-sale, financial services, and accounting all in one package. These solutions will increasingly be tailored to the unique needs of different business types, from restaurants to retail to professional services.
For SMB merchants, streamlining financial management is not just about convenience—it's about survival and growth. By embracing integrated platforms that offer comprehensive financial services, small business owners can focus on what they do best: delighting customers with their own unique mix of products and services. As we move into a new year, the message is clear: the future belongs to platforms that can offer a truly unified financial experience, empowering SMB merchants to navigate the complex world of business finance with confidence and ease.
Here Are 16 Real Estate Agent Tax Deductions
Gig Economy Jobs Like Uber
As an independent contractor, driving for an on demand economy company gives you the ability make money with your extra time. Drive during your lunch break, at night, or during busy weekends – it’s up to you. However, these companies don’t only provide taxi-style services; companies like HopSkipDrive enable the driver to chauffeur kids to their activities around town, similar to a nanny. Other rideshare companies allow the individual to use their vehicle to make extra cash by renting it out or sharing a ride to work. If you have a car, then there’s an on demand economy opportunity out there for you.
UBER
With Uber, it’s “Your Car. Your Schedule. Your Move.” Uber allows you to use your personal vehicle to make money by giving rides around town. Get paid in fares weekly via their Uber Partners app; set your own schedule; choose who you pick up, where you drive, and when you work.
Bonus: After you give 25 rides, you will receive $500.
Driver referral: Refer another person to sign up to drive with Uber, and you can receive up to $500.
Rider referral: Receive $20 to be used towards a free trip when you refer a first time rider to Uber.
Driver referral: Up to $500
GROUNDLINK
GroundLink is your “ON TIME EVERY TIME®” chauffeured black car service, offering point to point and airport transfer service for corporate clients and leisure travels in most major cities and 110 countries.sau
Driver referral: None
Driver referral: None
LYFT
With Lyft, you can make up to $35/hour driving your personal car. The Lyft app matches drivers to riders and allows passengers to pay for their rides instantly. During peak hours, Lyft’s Prime Time pricing kicks in, allowing you to make more money when you need it. And unlike other rideshare apps, you can even earn tips–and Lyft doesn’t take a penny.
Driver referral: $50-750 for referring a new driver. This varies from city-to-city, and the requirements are always changing.
Rider referral: When you refer a rider, they will receive a free trip up to $20, and you will receive a $20 credit after they take their first ride.
Driver referral: $50 – $750
TURO
Own a car that you barely use? With Turo, formerly RelayRides, you can rent it out for fast cash. You’re in charge of pricing, availability and who gets to ride. With a $1,000,000 liability policy, your car is covered during every rental, so you never have to worry about paying for damage or theft.
With Turo, you have the option of allowing renters to pick up your car right from your driveway, or, for an additional fee, you can deliver it to them directly. It’s up to you!
You’ll get $10 of driving credit if your friend completes a rental, or $25 if that friend lists a vehicle that gets rented.
User referral: $10 per personOwner referral: $25 per person
Owner referral: $25 per person
HOPSKIPDRIVE
HopSkipDrive provides drivers an alternative to the traditional Taxi model. Drivers pick up and drop off kids for busy parents. To become a HopSkipDrive driver, you must be 23 or older, have a clean background, and 5 years of experience with childcare, among other requirements. HopSkipDrive is currently only working in the greater Los Angeles area.
Driver referral: None
Driver referral: None
GETT
Gett is an on demand economy rideshare service that allows drivers to keep 100% of their tips and earn more during peak hours. According to promotional materials, Gett drivers can earn 2-3 times UberX’s normal minute rates. During regular hours, you can earn $0.50/minute + Tip, and during peak hours, you can rake in as much as $0.90/minute + Tip.
When your refer a new user to Gett, both of you will receive $20 in credit towards Gett rides. When a driver signs up for Gett they receive $500 after completing 20 rides and if they refer another driver, after 20 rides both receive $500.
User referral: $20 per personDriver referral: $500 per person
Driver referral: $500
LIFT HERO
Lift Hero is a ridesharing platform designed specifically for elderly passengers. The requirements to become a “Hero” are more extensive than traditional rideshare drivers to ensure extra safety for Lift Hero passengers. For instance, drivers must be CPR and First Aid certified and possess at least 3 years of driving history. To see the full list of driver requirements, click here.
When you refer a new driver, the referrer receives $25 when the new driver signs up.
Driver referral: $25Rider referral: None
Driver referral: $25
CURB
Curb is a rideshare platform that works solely with licensed, insured taxi drivers and other for-hire drivers. Drivers must have a valid government ID, a license to drive a for-hire vehicle, a functional smartphone, and Curb approval to participate.
Driver referral: NoneRider referral: $10 in credits when you refer a first time user.
Driver referral: None
WINGZ
Drive for Wingz and give rides to and from airports. Drivers for Wingz get rides pre-booked with fixed, guaranteed rates, leaving the guesswork out of rideshare.
For riders, when you share your promo code the person you refer gets $10 off their first ride. After they use the code you will receive $10 off your next ride.
Driver referral: NoneRider referral: $10 per person
Driver referral: None
UZURV
UZURV is a Reservation Services app created to enhance the on-demand riding and driving experience. The app works in conjunction with existing on-demand transportation services like Uber and Lyft, allowing riders to make advanced reservations with the on-demand driver of their choice.
Driver referral: None
Driver referral: None
Gig Economy Sites Like Airbnb
Make money off renting out your home, car, boat, tools, or almost anything with these sites like Airbnb. If you are out of town, make money while you are away. If you have free space in a home you live in, you can leverage that too. You can also choose specifically who you would like to rent to – say, a college sports fan. Check these hosting companies out below.
NEIGHBOR
Neighbor allows you to rent out your unused space to store your neighbors' belongings by connecting people in need of storage space with other people who have extra room. You can earn money by renting out space in your basement, garage, warehouse, driveway, attic, parking space, bedroom, shed, and more.
For your peace of mind, hosts can talk to potential renters or even meet them in person before letting them use their space. Neighbor's $1M Host Guarantee also protects hosts for personal liability.
Space owner referral: $50
Space owner referral: $50
AIRBNB
Have an empty guest room? Leaving town for a month on a sabbatical in Spain? Why not rent out your vacant space and make some money? Airbnb is disrupting the hotel scene by allowing anybody with an internet connection to offer their room, cabin, cottage, treehouse, RV or some other interesting abode to travelers. Listing your space is free, and Airbnb even has a photographer who will come and take killer wide-angle lens photos of your space, totally free.
Send your friend an invite, and they will receive $25 in travel credits, which can be used towards their next adventure. Earn $25 in travel credits when your friend completes a qualifying reservation as a guest. Earn $75 in travel credits when your friend completes a qualifying reservation as a host.
Host referral: $75 per person
User referral: $25 per person
Host referral: $75
WIMDU
Wimdu is a short term vacation rental platform focusing on hosts who want to rent out their city apartments. It’s completely free to list your spare room or empty apartment, so get started today!
No referral program
Listing referral: None
Listing referral: None
LOVEHOMESWAP
Swap homes with a fellow traveler instead of paying for a vacation rental or hotel. You can either travel at the same time or swaps can occur non simultaneously – it’s up to you. Earn points when another member stays at your place and spend those points to stay in another member’s home when you need a holiday.
You can also make money by renting out your home to other Love Home Swap members while you’re away, if that’s more your style.
If you refer a friend and they sign up for a year subscription or if they list a property, you will receive a $25 Amazon gift card.
Host referral: $25 Amazon gift card
User referral: $25 Amazon gift card
Host referral: $25
RENTLIKEACHAMPION
Founded by and for college football fans, Rent Like a Champion is the website for weekend rentals in college football towns around the country. List your property for free and set your custom price. Rent Like A Champion charges a 15% commission fee, which includes contracts, payments, and marketing, and there is a standard 2.9% credit card fee charged by the credit card processing company.
Rent Like A Champion protects your home in one of two ways. The first way requires each renter to sign a renter’s contract agreement, which lists what the renter is responsible for during the time of the rental. The second way is by collecting a $1,000 security deposit from every renter prior to check-in.
If you refer someone to list their home, you will receive $150. (not available in South Bend, IN)
Host referral: $150
User referral: None
Host referral: $100
GETAROUND
Similar to RelayRides, Getaround allows you to rent out your car for cash. For your peace of mind, Getaround provides $1,000,000 insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance. Set your car’s custom availability, rent out your car, and get paid on the 15th of every month.
When you refer a new user, they receive a $50 dollar credit towards their first rental. After redeeming, the referrer will receive $50 in credit. On top of that, if you refer someone to list their car, you get a $500 credit. Pretty cool.
Vehicle owner referral: $500
Driver referral: $50 for referrer and referee
Vehicle owner referral: $500
OPENAIRPLANE
Own a plane? Want to make some money? Then OpenAirplane is the on-demand platform for you! OpenAirplane allows you to rent out your airplane to qualified pilots. Before leasing your plane, you can verify renter pilots’ credentials and read previous owner’s reviews, so you always know your aircraft is in good hands. Pilots keep 90% of the rental income while 10% goes to OpenAirplane.
Refer a pilot and get $25 credit towards your next rental.
Owner referral: None
Pilot referral: $25
More information
Pilot guide
Guide for flight schools and flying clubs
Pilot referral: $25
RV SHARE
RV Share is the peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace. Offset the financial burden of RV ownership by leasing out your RV and making up to $30,000/year. When you sign up, you get full RV rental insurance, providing full liability and damage protection for you. RV Share allows you to list a class a, class b, class c, towable RV and more.
Referral program: None
Referral: None
SHARESHED
Have a tent, paddle board, kayak or mountain bike? ShareShed allows you to rent out your adventure gear to others. Worried someone will snag a hole in your TETON sleeping bag? ShareShed has an insurance policy to cover any damages to your gear; just submit a claim within 72 hours after the return date of the item, and you will be reimbursed, easy. You can also apply to become a ShareShed ambassador to represent the company.
Perks include:
- Receive top-notch gear from Shareshed sponsors to use on your adventures.
- Access to exclusive ShareShed events and meetups.
- Be featured on the ShareShed Explorers page.
Referral: None
Referral: None
SPINLISTER
Spinlister is the peer-to-peer global bike, surf, and snow marketplace that allows users to lease their bicycles, skis, snowboards, paddleboards, and surfboards to other outdoor enthusiasts. Simply upload photos and a brief description of your item, and Spinlister will post the “Ride” for you.
Refer a friend, and they will receive $5 in Spinlister credit. When they book their first rental, you will get $5, as well as an additional $5 when they get their first booking on an item they list.
Owner referral: $5 per person
User referral: $5 per person
Owner referral: $5
SAILO
Sailo is a peer-to-peer boat rental marketplace that connects boat owners, captains and renters on one online platform. If you’re a boat owner, list your boat out for rent and easily cover the costs of ownership. Or, if you’re a captain, offer your services, accept clients and get out on the water, thereby helping you to build your reputation and your business.
Owner referral: None
User referral: None
Referral: None
BOATBOUND
Boatbound is the platform for renting your boat out to other seafarers. Set a custom schedule and pricing, and make easy cash, offsetting your ownership costs. Boatbound provides up to $1,000,000 in liability protection and up to $2,000,000 in hull damage protection with every rental through Lloyds of London. Approve each rental on a case-by-case basis, so you can rest assured your vessel is in good hands. Receive payment via direct deposit 2 business days after your rental.
You’ll receive a $25 boating credit when your referrals rent a boat. You’ll earn a $75 boating credit when your referrals rent out their boat.
Owner referral: $75 per person
User referral: $25 per person
Owner referral: $75
HOMEAWAY
Homeaway is another big player in the Vacation Rental market. While Airbnb only takes a cut every time you rent out your place, with Homeaway you have the option to either pay a yearly subscription to list your home or, if you prefer, you can decide to pay a fee per booking. It’s up to you with Homeaway.
Listing referral: None
List your property with Homeaway
Listing referral: None
TOOLLOCKER
Rent out your heavy and light construction equipment to others in your area. Have a forklift or excavator that’s not being used? Lease it out for quick cash in an easy and safe marketplace.
Use your referral code and refer someone to rent or list and you receive 10% of the earnings off of that transaction, you will also continue to make 10% earnings off all the transactions from the person you referred while they use ToolLocker.
Renter referral: 10% of transaction earnings
Lister referral: 10% of transaction earnings
Lister referral: 10% of transactions
RENTAH
Rentah is a peer-to-peer marketplace where you can lease out a range of goods, services and spaces to other community members. From an apartment to a lawn mowing service to a diamond necklace, you can rent out whatever your mind comes up with–as long as it’s legal, of course.
Referral program: None
Referral: None
3D HUBS
Use your 3D printer to make money by lending out its services to others in your community. Receive orders, complete the print job and hand the finished product over to your happy customer. It’s free to list your printer, but 3D Hubs charges a 12.5% commission fee for each order.
Referral: None
Referral: None
APTDECO
Need to sell that couch you inherited from Grandma that’s not quite your style? AptDeco allows you to easily sell your furniture and household decor. AptDeco offers pick up and delivery, handles secure payments, and makes the process seamless. Payments are processed to your bank account within 24-48 hours of pick-up. AptDeco takes 14-19% from your earnings, and all sales are final, unless the item is damaged, wrong, missing or not as described.
Send a friend $25 in AptDeco credit. You’ll get $25 when they buy or sell.
Seller referral: $25 per person
User referral: $25 per person
Seller referral: $25
BREATHER
Have a beautiful, private space you’re not using? Rent it out to people who need a tranquil, quiet place to work, meet and relax. Breather designers can even help beautify your space. Decrease your overhead on your office building, business centre or co-working space by renting it out to others in your community.
Refer a friend with you code and they receive a free hour at a space. After they use their hour, you will also receive a free hour.
Special Offer: For new users, enter the promo code “HURDLR” and receive a free hour with Breather.
Host referral: None
User referral: 1 free hour
User referral: 1 free hour
LIQUIDSPACE
LiquidSpace is reinventing real estate for startups. Now you can complete your office hunt online in a matter of minutes and say goodbye to complex leases, brokers and hassles. If your business has extra space to share, we can help you fill those desks and lower your burn rate.
Referral program: None
Referral: None
TURNING ART
TurningArt works with over 1,000 artists to provide homes and offices nationwide with fresh, local artwork; members can rent a variety of pieces and swap them at the frequency of their choosing. If they find a piece they love, several purchasing options are available.
To list your art, upload a high-resolution image of your work, and when someone requests your piece, Turning Art will print, package and ship it for you.
Referral program: None
Referral: None
SPOTHERO
Do you have a parking space that you don’t use? List it on the SpotHero app and earn money renting it out to other drivers.
For drivers, refer a friend with your promo code and you’ll get $5 off your next reserveration (up to $250). Your friend will receive $5 off their first reservation with SpotHero.
Parking Owner referral: None
User referral: $5 credit up to $250
Parking spot referral: $25
PARKINGPANDA
Parking Panda is the #1 solution for online parking reservations. Are you a parking garage operator? Parking Panda can help increase traffic to your garage by providing you with serious internet visibility, and it allows you to change rates based on special events and peak hours, gather detailed reporting, and improve customer experience.Own a private space you’re not using all the time? Post a free listing with ParkingPanda and earn immediate cash when someone books your spot. Set your own price and schedule, and you’re ready to start making money!
Each friend that signs up with your invitation code gets $5 in credits when they sign up. Once they make their first parking reservation and spend over $10, you earn $5 in credits.
Parking hosts referral: None
User referral: $5 per person
User referral: $5
MONKEYPARKING
Have an unused parking space, driveway or garage? MonkeyParking allows you to lease it out in exchange for easy cash. Every rental is protected by MonkeyParking’s $500,000 insurance policy, so you can have peace of mind when someone parks in your driveway.Referral program: None
Referral: None
VRBO
As a Homeaway company, VRBO (Vacation Rentals By Owner) has the same pricing structure as Homeaway with the yearly subscription model. VRBO was one of the earliest online vacation rental marketplaces, founded in 1995 by a couple who wanted to rent out their ski lodge.
When you refer a friend to list a home, they receive $50 dollars off their subscription fee. 21 days after your friends listing goes live, you will receive $50 reward credit towards your next purchase.
Listing referral:$50
Listing referral: $50
CLOSET COLLECTIVE
Closet Collective is a subscription rental service for everyday designer wear. Have a closet full of clothes you rarely wear? Rent out your $200+ designer pieces and earn extra cash without giving up the option of wearing them again.During the lending period, each item is fully insured, so you don’t have to stay up nights worrying about that Chanel jacket! There are two ways of lending your items on Closet collective:
DIY: Create your own listings, ship them yourself and keep up to 80% of the rental price.
White Glove Service: Package the item in a pre-paid shipping bag and send to Closet Collective for professional photographing and listing. When it’s not being rented out, they will ship it back to you, so you can wear your glamorous item. Keep up to 60% of the rental price.
After the rental, Closet Collective dry cleans your designer item and ships it back to you in tip-top shape.
Closet Collective has a referral program for both lenders and borrowers. Borrowers get a $25 credit for each friend they refer, and lenders get $25 cash for each referral.
Lender referral: $25 per person
Borrowers referral: $25 per person
Lender referral: $25
MISTERBNB
misterbnb is the largest gay hotelier in the world with 18,000 hosts in over 130 countries. Their goal is to connect the global gay travel community. Like Airbnb, you can rent out your house, apartment, guest house, spare bedroom, or couch and decide how many travelers you can host. It’s up to you.
Listing referral: None
Listing referral: None
HOMESTAY
Homestay connects live-in host families with travelers from around the world. Hosts can join and list their spaces for free. Set per room per night rates, as well as weekly, monthly, seasonal and single occupancy rates. Homestay (kindly) asks that you include a light breakfast in your price.
To get started, simply create an account, complete a profile describing your family and home, have a guest live with you and get paid.
Host referral: None
User referral: None
Host referral: None
FLIPKEY
Flipkey is a vacation rental company owned by Tripadvisor with over 300,000 rentals worldwide. List anything from a cabin to a castle. Sign up for free. Flipkey takes 3% per booking, and all reservations are completed through their online booking system.
Listing referral: None
Listing referral: None
ONEFINESTAY
OneFineStay is the high end vacation rental platform that takes care of all preparation work for hosts: insurance, key handling, checking guests’ identities, greeting guests upon their arrival, cleaning, preparing your home with toiletries and making the bed with linens. OneFineStay only lists the finest accommodations and requires hosts to offer a minimum of six weeks availability, spread across the year. To host, you must complete a brief questionnaire to see if your home qualifies.
If an existing host recommends a potential new host, the referrer receives $250 once the referee’s home is live.
Host referral: $250
User referral: None
Host referral: $250
ROOMORAMA
Roomorama is an online booking platform for short-term vacation rentals with over 300,000 stylish listings around the globe. Roomorama’s user base is comprised of business and leisure travelers, with the average Roomorama user booking their stay for 9 nights or longer and spending $1,000+ per booking – more than double the industry average. Unlike other vacation rental platforms, hosts get to keep all of their rental income.
When your friends sign up, they will receive $50 and you will earn $10. When your friend books on Roomorama, you will earn $50. Minimum booking value of $500 applies.When your friend lists a property on Roomorama, you will earn $50.
Host referral: $60
Guest referral: $50
Host referral: $60
9FLATS.COM
9flats.com allows you to rent out your home, spare room, treehouse, igloo or apartment and make money. List your place for free, and, get paid before guests set foot in your home.
Listing referral: None
Referral: None
Gig Economy Delivery Jobs Like Postmates
Delivery jobs vary in their specific functions, but they all allow independent contractors like yourself to travel, create a flexible schedule, and deliver goods (as opposed to passengers). Jobs like Postmates give you the ability to work short gigs during times like your lunch break or at night, while others like Roadie allow you to use space in your car for somewhere you are already going to deliver a package.
POSTMATES
As a Postmate, you may deliver food from a restaurant, a Frappuccino from Starbucks, or someone’s dry cleaning. Set your own schedule and earn up to $25/hour. To work, you must be over 18 and own a bike, car, truck, scooter, or motorcycle. Postmates receive 80% of the delivery fee and 100% of any tips they make; money is deposited into couriers’ accounts weekly.
When you refer someone to join Postmates, both of you receive $10 in credit.
User referral: $10 per person
Postmate referral: $10 per person
Postmate referral: $10
ORDERUP
Like Postmates and DoorDash, OrderUp allows you to order food or drinks from your favorite local restaurants and brings them right to your door.
Driver partners are paid once a week via direct deposit (for work from the prior week). Drivers earn a commission on the delivery fee charged, plus 100% of tips.
No referral program.
OrderUp referral: none
GRUBHUB
Thankfully, there is no shortage of food delivery services. Grubhub also allows you to make money with your car as you deliver people food from their favorite Grubhub restaurants.
Drivers are required to have a valid driver’s license, reliable driving vehicle, clean driving record, and auto insurance.
No referral program.
Grubhub referral: none
SAUCEY
Become a Saucey Courier to make great money, set your own schedule & be part of a great community. Saucey is changing one of the oldest and largest industries in the world, making it easier, faster and safer for customers to purchase alcoholic beverages and have them delivered under an hour.
As a Courier, you can turn your car, bike or motorcycle into income by delivering alcohol and snacks to people in your neighborhood.
No referral program.
Saucey referral: none
MINIBAR
Become a Saucey Courier to make great money, set your own schedule & be part of a great community. Saucey is changing one of the oldest and largest industries in the world, making it easier, faster and safer for customers to purchase alcoholic beverages and have them delivered under an hour.
As a Courier, you can turn your car, bike or motorcycle into income by delivering alcohol and snacks to people in your neighborhood.
No referral program.
Saucey referral: none
SHIPT
Shipt Shoppers make an average of between $15-$25 an hour while delivering groceries to Shipt members.
Drivers are required to have a valid driver’s license, know their way around a grocery store, a smartphone, and their own insulated cooler bag to keep groceries fresh – that’s it!
No referral program.
Shipt referral: none
INSTACART
Instacart allows you to make money by doing someone else’s grocery shopping. Set your hours, receive orders on your smartphone, hit the grocery store, deliver, and get paid. Shoppers can make up to $25/hour. To get started, shoppers must complete an online application, pass a background check, and attend an interview/training session. Don’t have a car? Not a problem: shoppers on foot and bicycle are welcome.
When you refer a new member, you receive a $5 credit, while they get $10 off their first order and free delivery.
To refer another shopper, give them the same code you used to refer a user. The new shopper will add the code to their application, once that person completes 40 hours of work, you will be paid $25.
Shopper referral: $25 per person
User referral: $5 per person
Shopper referral: $25
SPRIG
As a server for Sprig, you will deliver hot, organic meals to hungry customers. Set your own shift that fits your schedule and earn between $16-25/hour. Bonus: for every shift you work, you get to take one meal home for free.
For delivery, if you refer a friend, tell them to mention your name when they apply or when they come in for orientation. Then once your friend has worked 48 hours, you’ll receive a $100 referral bonus on your next invoice.
When you refer a user, they receive $10 in credit. After they make their first purchase, $10 in credit will be added to your account.
Server referral: $100 per person
User referral: $10 per person
Server referral: $100
DOORDASH
As a DoorDasher, you will make money by delivering food from restaurants to customers’ doors. To work for DoorDash, you must own a car or bicycle, have a clean driving record, be over 18, have at least 2 years of driving experience and an outgoing attitude. Set your own hours and earn up to $20/hour.
Refer someone to DoorDash and receive $5 in credit after they make their first purchase.
DoorDasher referral: None
User referral: $5 per person
DoorDasher referral: None
CAVIAR
Similar to Doordash, Caviar delivers local restaurant meals straight to customers’ home and office doors. Drivers can earn up to $25/hour and set their work schedules according to their particular needs. Money is deposited directly to drivers’ bank accounts weekly.
To become a driver, you need to be over 18, as well as have a vehicle, a functional smartphone and a customer-service mentality.
When you refer a friend they receive $15 dollars towards a meal, after they redeem that, you will receive $15 towards your next meal.
Courier referral: None
User referral: $15 per person
Courier referral: None
ROADIE
Roadie is the neighbor-to-neighbor shipping network that connects “Roadie” drivers to people who need items shipped from one location to another. Roadies can browse “Gigs” by price, location, distance and size and decide which gigs they want to take. The majority of local Gigs pay between $8-20, and long distance Gigs with oversized items can pay up to $200. When on the road, Roadies get special discounts on food, gas, and more.
if you get a friend to sign up and either Send something or Drive something for the first time, you both get a $10 credit on your account. This $10 can either go towards a new shipment or be added as profit on your second gig.
Roadie referral: $10 per person
Sender referral: $10 per person
Roadie referral: $10
FAVOR
Favor is a delivery service that promises to complete any order in under an hour — food from restaurants, dry cleaning, groceries, and more. While most “Runners” make between $10-20/hour, they are are guaranteed to make at least $9/hour and keep 100% of any tips earned.
To be a Runner, you must be at least 18 years old, and have an iPhone or Android smartphone, a car, bicycle, scooter or motorcycle, and a clean record.
First delivery is free for the referee, and the next delivery is free for the referrer.
Runner referral: $50 when referral completes 50 runs
User referral: Free delivery
Runner referral: $60
AMAZON FLEX
Flex is a platform created by Amazon that allows you to make $18-$25/hr delivering packages for Amazon with your car and smartphone. Build your own schedule ahead of time or pick up any available time.
Drivers must be 21 years old with a valid driver’s license and a vehicle. You will need to pass a background check which includes, but is not limited to, a review of motor vehicle records.
No referral program.
Amazon Flex referral: none
SHYP
Shyp picks up, packages, and sends your stuff for the lowest price within 20 minutes. Shyp Couriers pick up the items customers want to send and transports them to the Shyp warehouse for packaging.
No referral program.
Unskilled On Demand Jobs
If you’re looking to help someone out and make some quick cash, then this section is for you. These companies function as automatic lead generators: instead of finding gigs by yourself, these companies give you the gigs. If you enjoy working with people and assisting them with their problems, many of the companies listed allow you to do just that.
TASKRABBIT
TaskRabbit connects “Taskers” with people who need things done, whether that be picking up groceries, moving across town, assembling an Ikea desk, or performing yard work. Taskers get paid after the completion of a task via TaskRabbit’s online payment system. Encounter any problems? Their 24/7 support is ready to assist in times of need.
When you refer a friend, if that person meets or exceeds the following criteria you will receive a $50 TaskRabbit credit towards a future task and a $50 Amazon gift card.
- Your referral successfully completes at least 1 task in each of their first two months as a Tasker
- Meets or exceeds all expected performance metrics
- Have a 98% or above rating
Tasker referral: $100
User referral: The referee receives $10 for their first task, while the referrer receives $10 after the referee orders their first task.
Tasker referral: $100
TAKL
Takl providers can connect with local people to get paid for tasks like lawn care, junk hauling, cleaning, and small home repair. Providers receive 70% of the preset job price for any job they accept, which increases to 80% if Providers are requested as a ‘favorite’. Providers keep 90% of any service that the customer requests in addition to the original job, called “While You’re At It” services. Providers receive 100% of all tips and disposal fees.
Takl currently operates in 19 cities around the United States and the only requirement to sign up as a provider is to submit to a basic background check.
Provider referral: None
Customer referral: Use your unique Takl referral code and get $3 every time a friend books a job with Takl. Referrees get 10% off the listed job price.
BELLHOPS
In college? Want to earn cash lifting? Like setting your own schedule? Join Bellhops, the tech-enabled college student workforce that helps people move without the hassle and cost of old-school moving companies. Relieve people of moving day stress, work with friends, and earn $13-$15 per hour.
Bellhop referral: Refer a friend to become a bellhop and get $15 after they complete their first move.
User referral: Refer a friend to use bellhops and you’ll both get a $20 credit toward your next move.
User referral: $20
Bellhops referral: $15
Bellhops referral: $15
DOLLY
Dolly is a moving service that utilizes two types of workers: “Helpers,” who own a pickup truck, box truck, or cargo van and can lift up to 75 pounds, and “Hands,” who can lift up to 75 pounds but don’t own a moving-friendly vehicle. Average earnings are $30/hour, but plenty of Helpers and Hands earn more than that. Choose to perform only the work you want to do, and get paid weekly.
Give someone a referral code, and they receive $20 in credit.
User referral: $20 to the person you refer
Helper referral: None
Helper referral: None
GIGWALK
Gigwalk is a database of quick jobs, or “Gigs” in your area that pay anywhere from $3-$100. Gigs may take anywhere from 5 minutes to a few hours. Get paid quick and easy via your PayPal account.
Refer a Gigwalker: Refer a friend to be a Gigwalker, and once they download the app and completes a gig, you get $3.
Gigwalker referral: $3 per referral
Gigwalker referral: $3
SCHLEP
Schlep is “Your neighbor with a truck,” helping people who need things moved to connect with “Schleppers” with a truck and some brawn. Schleppers receive 80% of total payment and 100% of all tips.
To be a Schlepper, you must perform a face-to-face interview, sit in on orientation sessions, and pass a background check.
Lead Schleppers referral: $100
Sidekick Schleppers referral: $50
Both are provided to the referring Schlepper, should the referred Schlepper hit 10 schleps with a perfect rating and no claims.
Schlepper referral: Up to $150 per person
User referral: None
Schlepper referral: $150
DOGVACAY
DogVacay is a network of more than 20,000 pet sitters across the US and Canada who offer in-home dog-sitting, grooming, boarding, and walking. All bookings are completed via the DogVacay website. Sitters can earn up to $1000/month. DogVacay offers 24/7 customer service and premium pet service for every reservation.
To become a sitter, create a profile on DogVacay’s website, including a photo of yourself and your home. Set your own rates, the types of dogs you are open to sitting, your availability and the particular services you offer. Once DogVacay approves your profile, you’re ready to start sitting!
Refer someone and they receive $10 off their first reservation.
Sitter referral: None
User referral: $10
User referral: $10
Gig Economy Jobs for Freelancers
Freelancing allows individuals to work wherever they want, whenever they want, with whoever they want. Freelance occupations range from bloggers, lawyers, chefs, stylists, caregivers, techies, and many more. If you like the freedom to travel and be your own boss, check out the companies below.
HANDY
Are you a cleaner or handyman? Then Handy is the on demand economy company for you! Handy connects professional cleaners and handymen to lucrative gigs around town. Handy cleaners make up to $22/hour and handymen make up to $45/hour. Set your own schedule and receive earnings via direct deposit as soon as the job is complete.
To be a Handy Professional, you must have paid experience as either a cleaner or handyman, be authorized to work in the country in which you are applying, and pass a criminal background check.
User referral: First time users get $25 towards their first cleaning, once they redeem it, you get $25 in credit towards your next cleaning.
Handy referral: $25 per person
Handy referral: $25
FREELANCER
Similar to Upwork, Freelancer is an online freelance marketplace that allows you to find and bid on jobs you want. Top work categories include graphic design, social media marketing, content writing and software architecture.
Referral: None
Freelancer referral: None
FIVERR
Fiverr is the marketplace for creative and professional services specializing in projects starting as low as $5. Freelancers can advertise very specific skillsets, such as “I will create the perfect voice over for you” or “I will write a captivating and SEO friendly About Us.” You’re not going to make $500 per project on this site, but if you want to make a quick buck on an easy-to-complete project, then Fiverr may work for you.
Refer a friend, and they will receive a free gig. When your friend spends $10 or more, you will receive $5.
Freelancer referral: None
User referral: $5 per person
Freelancer referral: None
HUBSTAFF TALENT
Hubstaff Talent connects talented workers – from designers, developers, to marketing experts – to companies around the globe looking to hire. The best part is that Hubstaff workers keep 100% of their hourly rate, no strings attached.
Hubstaff has thousands of clients looking for quality, remote agencies and freelancers. Get great exposure to clients looking to hire people with your skillset for projects, without bidding, and work on your own schedule.
Freelancer referral: None
User referral: None
Freelancer referral: None
THUMBTACK
Thumbtack matches freelance professionals with customers who need help with an array of tasks, from taking wedding reception photos to painting a mural to remodeling a kitchen. Once you create a profile, Thumbtack sends you customer requests, and you decide whether you want to respond. If you are interested in a project, you send a custom quote to the customer, who will decide between your and other freelance professionals’ quotes. If they approve your quote, then you are ready to work on the project!
When you refer a friend to become a Thumbtack professional, after they make their first quote, you will receive 12 free credits. The Person you referred will get 30% off the first time they buy credit.
Freelancer referral: 12 credits ($12)
User referral: None
Become a Thumbtack professional
Freelancer referral: 12 credits ($12)
WONOLO
Wonolo: Work, Now, Locally. Wonolo will notify you of daily jobs from the biggest and best brands, allowing you to work where you want, when you want, for whomever you want.
On the flip side, if you are a business owner or manager — and need quick staffing, or other assistance, Wonolo will help you staff your event, so that you can focus on the important things.
Wonolo’er referral: If they get 5 stars on their first job, you each receive $25.
Business referral: If the business becomes a Wonolo Requestor, Wonolo will pay out the first $250 in service fees directly to you.
Wonolo’er referral: $25
CROWDFLOWER
CrowdFlower distributes companies’ “microtasks” to millions of contributors online. Make money right from your couch; all you need is a computer and a healthy internet connection. Contributors can assist with Data Collection & Enhancement, Data Categorization, Content Moderation, Search Relevance Tuning and Sentiment Analysis. Sign up for an account online, and you’re ready to get working!Contributor referral: None
Referral: None
DOCTORONDEMAND
DoctorOnDemand connects doctors, psychologists and healthcare providers with patients via video messaging. Patients pay per visit, so you get compensated easy and immediately.
When you refer a patient, their first visit is free, and you’ll receive $10 towards your next visit.
Doctor referral: None
User referral: $10 for referrer, free visit for referee
Patient referral: $10
ZEEL
Zeel is where massage therapists and clients meet. Therapists get access to a variety of clients via Zeel’s mobile app where they can offer convenient, same-day booking. Zeel Massage Therapists earn 75-80% of the total cost of every massage they perform and receive payment via weekly direct deposit payments. Have a client cancel on you at the last minute? No worries! Zeel charges a fee for late cancellations that amounts up to and including the price of the massage itself.
When you refer a friend, they receive $25 in credit towards their first massage. After that, you will receive $25 credit towards your next massage.
User referral: $25 credit
Massage therapist referral: None
Become a Zeel Massage Therapist
User referral: $25
URBAN MASSAGE
Urban Massage is an on-demand mobile massage service connecting quality and professional therapists with customers.
Be your own boss with Urban Massage work where you want, when you want and with great customers at locations near you.
No referral program.
Massage Hero referral: none
SOOTHE
Soothe connects professional massage therapists with customers in their home, office or hotel. Soothe therapists earn 3-4x the industry standard and just a therapist certification, their own massage table, and reliable transportation.
Set your own schedule with Soothe and work when you want, where you want and with an ever-expanding local pool of private clients.
No referral program.
Soothe referral: none
HELLOTECH
Like solving tech problems? Then consider earning extra money on your own time with HelloTech. As a Tech, you will provide computer, phone, home theater, and smart home installation support to not-so-tech savvy folks. Get paid $30-90+ per job via PayPal twice a week.
Referral: None
Referral: None
UPCOUNSEL
Grow your practice by offering your legal services with UpCounsel. Their full service billing platform allows you to easily send invoices, track your income and receive payments. Whether you work with individuals, startups or enterprises, UpCounsel puts you in direct touch with a range of potential clients.
Attorney referral: None
User referral: $10 per person
Attorney referral: None
VAYABLE
Vayable is the way for local “insiders” to provide travelers with unique, enriching experiences in exchange for cash. Whether you are offering an off-the-beaten path bike tour or an Indian cooking class, Vayable allows you to show others what you love about where you’re from while making money. Vayable Insiders include writers, historians, musicians, tour guides, designers, bankers, architects, foodies, travel agents, students, administrative assistants, philanthropists, taxi drivers and engineers.
Refer a friend with your unique referral code, and they get $10 off their first booking. After they use theirs, you will receive $10 added to your account towards your next booking.
Insider referral amount: None
User referral: $10 per person
User referral: $10
ROVER
Never beg a friend to watch your dog again. Find and book a neighborhood dog lover who’ll treat your dog like family. Design a full or part-time dog sitting business by setting your own hours, rates, service offerings and the types of dogs you’re willing to host.
Get paid electronically and fast – and hang out with some furry friends while you do it!
Sitter referral: Refer a Sitter and receive a $50 amazon gift card. Refer a friend to hire a Sitter, and both of you receive $20 credit.
User amount: $20 for a new user
Sitter referral: $50
CARE.COM
Do you consider yourself a natural caregiver? Then you may want to check out Care.com, where you can work a variety of gigs in pet care, child care, senior care, housekeeping and errand-running. Simply create a profile describing your skills and certifications, browse open positions, and apply for only the jobs you want. You can also set how much you want to work: “occasional” (less than 10 hours per week), “Part-time” (25 hours per week) or “Full-time” (40 hours per week).
Refer a friend, and you’ll both get $15 in FreeTime credit when they sign up as a Premium Care Seeker.
Caregiver referral: None
User referral: $15 per person
User referral: $15
URBANSITTER
Whether you want to be a full-time nanny or get a one-night babysitting gig, UrbanSitter will help you find the right job for you. Create an account, enter your availability and rates, get/accept requests or browse jobs, and start making money. Payment is issued via direct deposit, so you get paid, no hassle!With a Basic membership, you can create a free profile, set your own rates/schedule and accept credit card payments. With a Premium membership, which is $9.95/month or $69.95/year, you can get:
- Background check
- Higher ranking in search results
- The ability to add a custom message when you apply to jobs
- Reputation management tools (the ability to reply to reviews)
Refer a family as a Babysitter Rewards Program member and they will receive $15 towards their first sitter.
Sitter referral: None
User referral: $15
User referral: $15
HONOR
As an Honor Care Pro, you will provide family-quality care and companionship for older adults in their own homes. Care Pros will help prepare food, do grocery shopping, help transport clients to doctor’s appointments and social events, perform housekeeping, assist clients with grooming and more. Make a minimum of $17/hour, set your own schedule and pick your own clients.
To qualify, you must have one of the following:
- 6 months of paid caregiver experience and Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
- 6 months of paid caregiver experience and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- 6 months of paid caregiver experience and Home Health Aide (HHA)
- 6 months of paid caregiver experience and Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
- 6 months of paid caregiver experience and Registered Nurse (RN)
- 2+ years of paid caregiver experience
In addition, you must:
- Maintain any existing certification/licensure
- Have CPR and/or First Aid certificate/training
- Be able to travel to clients in the Bay Area
- Have valid California Driver’s License
- Have a car and insurance
- Be willing to drive clients
- Be physically capable of assisting clients with mobility
- Successfully pass Honor background check
- Show proof of negative TB test
Referral program: None
Referral: None
HOMEHERO
HomeHero is a platform that helps caregivers find and schedule senior home care jobs.Caregivers, or “Heroes,” earn on average between $12-$15 per hour and receive payments daily via direct deposit. A support team is standing by 24/7 to assist with any issues or questions Heroes may have.
To apply, you must complete an online application, which requires a driver’s license (15 mins), and attend an in-person orientation session (90 mins). Heroes must be experienced professional caregivers with solid past references.
HomeHero offers $100 for each client referral after the client has received care for 100 hours.
Caregiver referral: None
Client referral: $100
Client referral: $100
LAWNLOVE
If you’re a lawn care professional, you will fall hard for LawnLove. By working with LawnLove, you will get to be your own boss, set your own hours and make up to $800/week. If you have lawn care/landscape experience and passion, then LawnLove may be the right place for you.
Referral program: None
Referral: None
ETSY
Etsy is perhaps the most famous marketplace for people selling arts, crafts, supplies, vintage clothing and much more. For each item you list, Etsy charges $0.20, and listings expire after 4 months. When you make a sale, you will be charged a transaction fee of 3.5% of the item price (This percentage does not apply to the shipping cost or tax.). Sellers can accept payment by credit card, debit card, Etsy gift card, some bank transfer services, Apple Pay and Google Wallet.
When you refer someone to sell through Etsy, after the person being referred sets up a shop, both people receive 40 free listings.
Seller referral: 40 free listings
User referral: None
Seller referral: 40 free listings
FEASTLY
Feastly is a p2p marketplace empowering any chef to host meals wherever, whenever. This is the future of global dining. Through the platform eaters find and attend unique meals all over the world from Supper Clubs, Pop-ups, Professional Chefs, and Home Cooks.
Give $10, get $10. Refer a friend and both of you will receive $10 towards your next meal.
Chef referral: None
User referral: $10 per person
User referral: $10
SPARE5
Spare5’s community members use their skills, spare time, and smartphones to generate high-quality insights for businesses working to solve their big data problems. Spare5 matches people’s skills and passions to tasks they can complete on their smartphones at any time of day or night.
Tasks are broken down into “Light Tasks” such as estimating retail item prices and improving image keywords, “Medium Tasks,” such as cropping photographs, and “Complex Tasks,” such as conducting voice survey calls and distributing online surveys.
Referral: Coming soon
Referral: Coming soon
EATWITH
EatWith is a platform for home-restaurants and unique food experiences. EatWith chefs prepare innovative meals and host local foodies in their homes. Whether you are a Michelin-starred chef or a self-taught home cook, EatWith allows you to showcase your cooking chops to an ever-rotating roster of guests from in and out of town. Host a pop-up or cater a private event. Have fun making creative, delicious meals.
Refer a friend and get $10, after they register, they too will receive $10 in credits.
Host referral: None
User referral: $10 per person
User referral: $10
JOSEPHINE
Josephine is an online marketplace that lets you make money by cooking meals for your neighbors. Design your meal, set the price and pick-up time, and publish online for others to purchase. Package your meal to-go style, and customers pick up your yummy food right from your house. Get customer reviews and build a foodie following!
Referral program: None
Referral: None
UDEMY
Udemy is the leading marketplace for the most-up-to date, on-demand online courses. Instructors can create and design their own courses and join 16,000 other instructors in this vibrant online educational community. No teaching experience is required, and instructors make an average of $7,000/course. Keep 100% of the revenue when you promote your course and 50% when Udemy promotes it.
Referral program: None
Referral: None
LYNDA.COM
Lynda.com is an online education company offering thousands of video courses in software, technology, creative, and business skills. Become a Lynda trainer, design your own course, and share your industry knowledge and experience with others. Course areas include 3D + Animation, Photography, Video, Audio + Music, and CAD.
Referral program: None
Referral: None
TAKELESSONS
TakeLessons is the trusted marketplace for finding online and local instructors and taking online classes across a wide array of subjects ranging foreign languages, math and photography to music, dance and acting.
Instructors rely on TakeLessons to simplify marketing and manage their business with integrated scheduling, billing, payment, and communication tools that work seamlessly across desktop and mobile devices.
Referral program: None
Referral: None
SKILLSHARE
Skillshare is a platform for sharing your skills with others. You don’t need to be a professional teacher to start a class and grow a following. Skillshare teachers earn an average of $3,500/year and have access to over 850,000 students.
For each class you publish, you’ll receive a unique teacher referral link. Share this link through social media to market your class and drive enrollments. For every student who signs up for a Premium Membership through your link and makes a first payment, you will receive $10 in your next payment.
When your friends sign up for a Premium Membership using your referral link, they’ll receive a free month of Premium Membership and so will you after their first $9.95 payment is processed.
Teacher referral: $10 per student
Student referral: Free month of membership
Referral: None
Teacher referral: $10
GLAMSQUAD
GLAMSQUAD is an app-based beauty provider delivering professional and affordable beauty services to the home, office or hotel. If you are hair stylist, makeup artist or manicurist, you can join GLAMSQUAD’s team of beauty professionals.Beauty professionals must pass background checks, a rigorous character assessment and a 40-hour assessment executed by their senior creative team.
Refer a friend, and you both receive $20 credit towards your next booking.
User referral: $20 per person
Professional referral: None
Hair Stylist: Hairstylist application
Makeup Artist: Makeup artist application
User referral: $20
STYLESEAT
StyleSeat is your source for beauty and wellness professionals, from hair stylists to massage therapists to personal trainers. StyleSeat gives professionals everything they need to schedule online, as well as a free website to showcase their work.
Their nationwide directory features these websites, giving clients a place to search, discover, and book appointments, whether it’s a same-day blowout, a haircut next month or a manicure tomorrow.
Referrals: None
Referral: None
OBSERVA
Observa gives small business owners real-time insights into their business from a customer’s point of view. Observers evaluate a specific aspect of the store experience, like displays, sales, products, and customer service.
Observers get paid by submitting their observations through the Observa mobile app. Perfect for frequent shoppers who have a keen eye for evaluating products and stores. Observers get paid $4-12 per job, which typically only take 10-15 minutes to complete.
Referrals: None
Referral: None
FANCY HANDS
As a Fancy Hands assistant, you will accomplish tasks such as scheduling appointments and finding the best travel deals anytime from your personal computer. Assistants must have excellent communication skills, a personal computer, speedy internet connection, and an audio headset.
In the beginning, you will be paid per task depending on how quickly you complete the assignment, the time of day, and the complexity of the job. And if this is up your alley, you can even get promoted to a managerial position, ensuring other assistants are performing their tasks correctly and transactions are running smoothly. Get paid biweekly, on Tuesdays, via Dwolla.
Refer a friend and you get $15 towards your next task. If I refer someone to be an assistant they offer me 10% of their pay until they make Mentor statues.
Assistant referral: 10% of pay
User referral: $15 per person
Assistant referral: None
SPAREHIRE
SpareHire is an online work marketplace that connects organizations with top-tier finance and consulting professionals for project-based work. If you are an investment banker, management consultant or investment professional looking for new ways to utilize your skills, expand your networks and take control of your life, then Sparehire may be the right on-demand company for you.
With SpareHire, you can browse project opportunities privately, so companies will not see your contact information until the final stage of the matching process. Work with your client to finalize any budget and logistical details, complete the assignment, and close out the project using the Project Tracker. Get paid via direct deposit, and rate your client based on your experience. SpareHire takes 25% from the total project value as a service fee.
To join the Sparehire network as a Professional, you must have at least 2 years of experience in investment banking, management consulting, or similar fields.
Project referral: If you refer a project to SpareHire, they will pay 5% of the total project value straight to your bank account upon completion.
Professional referral: None
Become a SpareHire professional
Project referral: 5%
TASKEASY
TaskEasy connects property owners with lawn and homecare professionals. Tasks include lawn mowing, snow clearing, and putting up holiday lighting. Payments for work will be deposited directly into your business’s account 3-5 days after the work is completed. Or, if you prefer a paper check, TaskEasy will mail that to you 10-14 business days after the task is done.
Referral: None
Contractor referral: None
LAWTRADES
LawTrades’ lawyers connect via text message to answer clients’ pressing legal questions. Attorneys answer questions pertaining to business formation, immigration, trademarks & copyright, website agreements, contract review, patent, fundraising and personal legal. Make money right from your iPhone. If you enter “Save50” you will save $50 off your first purchase.
Lawyer referral: None
User referral: None
Lawyer referral: None
YOURMECHANIC
At YourMechanic, you’ll work as a mobile mechanic, visiting peoples’ homes and offices to work on their cars. You will never take on any complex jobs, just the simple stuff like brakes, tire rotation, timing belts, cooling system, 90k mile service, AC work, etc.
Mechanics earn 2-3x what shops and dealers typically pay, making a flat hourly rate of $40-60 hourly based on location, skills and experience. Set your own hours to fit your lifestyle.
Mechanics must pass criminal, background and reference checks.
Refer a Mechanic: You get $100 when the mechanic completes their first appointment. You get $400 when the mechanic completes their 25th appointment.
Refer a user: Both of you will receive $20 credit towards your next car service.
Mechanic referral: $200
UPWORK
Formerly known as Odesk and Elance, Upwork is one of the most comprehensive websites for finding freelance gigs. By signing up to freelance on Upwork, you have access to more than 4 million potential clients. Projects are available in the areas of Web, mobile & software development, engineering & architecture, writing & translation, administrative support, sales & marketing and more.
To get started, create a profile with a photo, your professional skills, experience, education and portfolio. Then, search Upwork’s database of jobs and submit a compelling application to the ones of interest. Projects are hourly or fixed price. Once you win and complete an assignment, get paid via direct deposit, PayPal, wire transfer, Local Funds Transfer (LFT), Payoneer or Skrill.
Referral: None
Freelancer referral: None
Rideshare Companies With Jobs Like Uber
As an independent contractor, driving for an on demand economy company gives you the ability make money with your extra time. Drive during your lunch break, at night, or during busy weekends – it’s up to you. However, these companies don’t only provide taxi-style services; companies like HopSkipDrive enable the driver to chauffeur kids to their activities around town, similar to a nanny. Other rideshare companies allow the individual to use their vehicle to make extra cash by renting it out or sharing a ride to work. If you have a car, then there’s an on demand economy opportunity out there for you.
UBER
With Uber, it’s “Your Car. Your Schedule. Your Move.” Uber allows you to use your personal vehicle to make money by giving rides around town. Get paid in fares weekly via their Uber Partners app; set your own schedule; choose who you pick up, where you drive, and when you work.
Bonus: After you give 25 rides, you will receive $500.
Driver referral: Refer another person to sign up to drive with Uber, and you can receive up to $500.
Rider referral: Receive $20 to be used towards a free trip when you refer a first time rider to Uber.
Driver referral: Up to $500
GROUNDLINK
GroundLink is your “ON TIME EVERY TIME®” chauffeured black car service, offering point to point and airport transfer service for corporate clients and leisure travels in most major cities and 110 countries.sau
Driver referral: None
Driver referral: None
LYFT
With Lyft, you can make up to $35/hour driving your personal car. The Lyft app matches drivers to riders and allows passengers to pay for their rides instantly. During peak hours, Lyft’s Prime Time pricing kicks in, allowing you to make more money when you need it. And unlike other rideshare apps, you can even earn tips–and Lyft doesn’t take a penny.
Driver referral: $50-750 for referring a new driver. This varies from city-to-city, and the requirements are always changing.
Rider referral: When you refer a rider, they will receive a free trip up to $20, and you will receive a $20 credit after they take their first ride.
Driver referral: $50 – $750
TURO
Own a car that you barely use? With Turo, formerly RelayRides, you can rent it out for fast cash. You’re in charge of pricing, availability and who gets to ride. With a $1,000,000 liability policy, your car is covered during every rental, so you never have to worry about paying for damage or theft.
With Turo, you have the option of allowing renters to pick up your car right from your driveway, or, for an additional fee, you can deliver it to them directly. It’s up to you!
You’ll get $10 of driving credit if your friend completes a rental, or $25 if that friend lists a vehicle that gets rented.
User referral: $10 per personOwner referral: $25 per person
Owner referral: $25 per person
HOPSKIPDRIVE
HopSkipDrive provides drivers an alternative to the traditional Taxi model. Drivers pick up and drop off kids for busy parents. To become a HopSkipDrive driver, you must be 23 or older, have a clean background, and 5 years of experience with childcare, among other requirements. HopSkipDrive is currently only working in the greater Los Angeles area.
Driver referral: None
Driver referral: None
GETT
Gett is an on demand economy rideshare service that allows drivers to keep 100% of their tips and earn more during peak hours. According to promotional materials, Gett drivers can earn 2-3 times UberX’s normal minute rates. During regular hours, you can earn $0.50/minute + Tip, and during peak hours, you can rake in as much as $0.90/minute + Tip.
When your refer a new user to Gett, both of you will receive $20 in credit towards Gett rides. When a driver signs up for Gett they receive $500 after completing 20 rides and if they refer another driver, after 20 rides both receive $500.
User referral: $20 per personDriver referral: $500 per person
Driver referral: $500
LIFT HERO
Lift Hero is a ridesharing platform designed specifically for elderly passengers. The requirements to become a “Hero” are more extensive than traditional rideshare drivers to ensure extra safety for Lift Hero passengers. For instance, drivers must be CPR and First Aid certified and possess at least 3 years of driving history. To see the full list of driver requirements, click here.
When you refer a new driver, the referrer receives $25 when the new driver signs up.
Driver referral: $25Rider referral: None
Driver referral: $25
CURB
Curb is a rideshare platform that works solely with licensed, insured taxi drivers and other for-hire drivers. Drivers must have a valid government ID, a license to drive a for-hire vehicle, a functional smartphone, and Curb approval to participate.
Driver referral: NoneRider referral: $10 in credits when you refer a first time user.
Driver referral: None
WINGZ
Drive for Wingz and give rides to and from airports. Drivers for Wingz get rides pre-booked with fixed, guaranteed rates, leaving the guesswork out of rideshare.
For riders, when you share your promo code the person you refer gets $10 off their first ride. After they use the code you will receive $10 off your next ride.
Driver referral: NoneRider referral: $10 per person
Driver referral: None
UZURV
UZURV is a Reservation Services app created to enhance the on-demand riding and driving experience. The app works in conjunction with existing on-demand transportation services like Uber and Lyft, allowing riders to make advanced reservations with the on-demand driver of their choice.
Driver referral: None
Driver referral: None
Sites Like Airbnb
Make money off renting out your home, car, boat, tools, or almost anything with these sites like Airbnb. If you are out of town, make money while you are away. If you have free space in a home you live in, you can leverage that too. You can also choose specifically who you would like to rent to – say, a college sports fan. Check these hosting companies out below.
NEIGHBOR
Neighbor allows you to rent out your unused space to store your neighbors' belongings by connecting people in need of storage space with other people who have extra room. You can earn money by renting out space in your basement, garage, warehouse, driveway, attic, parking space, bedroom, shed, and more.
For your peace of mind, hosts can talk to potential renters or even meet them in person before letting them use their space. Neighbor's $1M Host Guarantee also protects hosts for personal liability.
Space owner referral: $50
Space owner referral: $50
AIRBNB
Have an empty guest room? Leaving town for a month on a sabbatical in Spain? Why not rent out your vacant space and make some money? Airbnb is disrupting the hotel scene by allowing anybody with an internet connection to offer their room, cabin, cottage, treehouse, RV or some other interesting abode to travelers. Listing your space is free, and Airbnb even has a photographer who will come and take killer wide-angle lens photos of your space, totally free.
Send your friend an invite, and they will receive $25 in travel credits, which can be used towards their next adventure. Earn $25 in travel credits when your friend completes a qualifying reservation as a guest. Earn $75 in travel credits when your friend completes a qualifying reservation as a host.
Host referral: $75 per person
User referral: $25 per person
Host referral: $75
WIMDU
Wimdu is a short term vacation rental platform focusing on hosts who want to rent out their city apartments. It’s completely free to list your spare room or empty apartment, so get started today!
No referral program
Listing referral: None
Listing referral: None
LOVEHOMESWAP
Swap homes with a fellow traveler instead of paying for a vacation rental or hotel. You can either travel at the same time or swaps can occur non simultaneously – it’s up to you. Earn points when another member stays at your place and spend those points to stay in another member’s home when you need a holiday.
You can also make money by renting out your home to other Love Home Swap members while you’re away, if that’s more your style.
If you refer a friend and they sign up for a year subscription or if they list a property, you will receive a $25 Amazon gift card.
Host referral: $25 Amazon gift card
User referral: $25 Amazon gift card
Host referral: $25
RENTLIKEACHAMPION
Founded by and for college football fans, Rent Like a Champion is the website for weekend rentals in college football towns around the country. List your property for free and set your custom price. Rent Like A Champion charges a 15% commission fee, which includes contracts, payments, and marketing, and there is a standard 2.9% credit card fee charged by the credit card processing company.
Rent Like A Champion protects your home in one of two ways. The first way requires each renter to sign a renter’s contract agreement, which lists what the renter is responsible for during the time of the rental. The second way is by collecting a $1,000 security deposit from every renter prior to check-in.
If you refer someone to list their home, you will receive $150. (not available in South Bend, IN)
Host referral: $150
User referral: None
Host referral: $100
GETAROUND
Similar to RelayRides, Getaround allows you to rent out your car for cash. For your peace of mind, Getaround provides $1,000,000 insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance. Set your car’s custom availability, rent out your car, and get paid on the 15th of every month.
When you refer a new user, they receive a $50 dollar credit towards their first rental. After redeeming, the referrer will receive $50 in credit. On top of that, if you refer someone to list their car, you get a $500 credit. Pretty cool.
Vehicle owner referral: $500
Driver referral: $50 for referrer and referee
Vehicle owner referral: $500
OPENAIRPLANE
Own a plane? Want to make some money? Then OpenAirplane is the on-demand platform for you! OpenAirplane allows you to rent out your airplane to qualified pilots. Before leasing your plane, you can verify renter pilots’ credentials and read previous owner’s reviews, so you always know your aircraft is in good hands. Pilots keep 90% of the rental income while 10% goes to OpenAirplane.
Refer a pilot and get $25 credit towards your next rental.
Owner referral: None
Pilot referral: $25
More information
Pilot guide
Guide for flight schools and flying clubs
Pilot referral: $25
RV SHARE
RV Share is the peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace. Offset the financial burden of RV ownership by leasing out your RV and making up to $30,000/year. When you sign up, you get full RV rental insurance, providing full liability and damage protection for you. RV Share allows you to list a class a, class b, class c, towable RV and more.
Referral program: None
Referral: None
SHARESHED
Have a tent, paddle board, kayak or mountain bike? ShareShed allows you to rent out your adventure gear to others. Worried someone will snag a hole in your TETON sleeping bag? ShareShed has an insurance policy to cover any damages to your gear; just submit a claim within 72 hours after the return date of the item, and you will be reimbursed, easy. You can also apply to become a ShareShed ambassador to represent the company.
Perks include:
- Receive top-notch gear from Shareshed sponsors to use on your adventures.
- Access to exclusive ShareShed events and meetups.
- Be featured on the ShareShed Explorers page.
Referral: None
Referral: None
SPINLISTER
Spinlister is the peer-to-peer global bike, surf, and snow marketplace that allows users to lease their bicycles, skis, snowboards, paddleboards, and surfboards to other outdoor enthusiasts. Simply upload photos and a brief description of your item, and Spinlister will post the “Ride” for you.
Refer a friend, and they will receive $5 in Spinlister credit. When they book their first rental, you will get $5, as well as an additional $5 when they get their first booking on an item they list.
Owner referral: $5 per person
User referral: $5 per person
Owner referral: $5
SAILO
Sailo is a peer-to-peer boat rental marketplace that connects boat owners, captains and renters on one online platform. If you’re a boat owner, list your boat out for rent and easily cover the costs of ownership. Or, if you’re a captain, offer your services, accept clients and get out on the water, thereby helping you to build your reputation and your business.
Owner referral: None
User referral: None
Referral: None
BOATBOUND
Boatbound is the platform for renting your boat out to other seafarers. Set a custom schedule and pricing, and make easy cash, offsetting your ownership costs. Boatbound provides up to $1,000,000 in liability protection and up to $2,000,000 in hull damage protection with every rental through Lloyds of London. Approve each rental on a case-by-case basis, so you can rest assured your vessel is in good hands. Receive payment via direct deposit 2 business days after your rental.
You’ll receive a $25 boating credit when your referrals rent a boat. You’ll earn a $75 boating credit when your referrals rent out their boat.
Owner referral: $75 per person
User referral: $25 per person
Owner referral: $75
HOMEAWAY
Homeaway is another big player in the Vacation Rental market. While Airbnb only takes a cut every time you rent out your place, with Homeaway you have the option to either pay a yearly subscription to list your home or, if you prefer, you can decide to pay a fee per booking. It’s up to you with Homeaway.
Listing referral: None
List your property with Homeaway
Listing referral: None
TOOLLOCKER
Rent out your heavy and light construction equipment to others in your area. Have a forklift or excavator that’s not being used? Lease it out for quick cash in an easy and safe marketplace.
Use your referral code and refer someone to rent or list and you receive 10% of the earnings off of that transaction, you will also continue to make 10% earnings off all the transactions from the person you referred while they use ToolLocker.
Renter referral: 10% of transaction earnings
Lister referral: 10% of transaction earnings
Lister referral: 10% of transactions
RENTAH
Rentah is a peer-to-peer marketplace where you can lease out a range of goods, services and spaces to other community members. From an apartment to a lawn mowing service to a diamond necklace, you can rent out whatever your mind comes up with–as long as it’s legal, of course.
Referral program: None
Referral: None
3D HUBS
Use your 3D printer to make money by lending out its services to others in your community. Receive orders, complete the print job and hand the finished product over to your happy customer. It’s free to list your printer, but 3D Hubs charges a 12.5% commission fee for each order.
Referral: None
Referral: None
APTDECO
Need to sell that couch you inherited from Grandma that’s not quite your style? AptDeco allows you to easily sell your furniture and household decor. AptDeco offers pick up and delivery, handles secure payments, and makes the process seamless. Payments are processed to your bank account within 24-48 hours of pick-up. AptDeco takes 14-19% from your earnings, and all sales are final, unless the item is damaged, wrong, missing or not as described.
Send a friend $25 in AptDeco credit. You’ll get $25 when they buy or sell.
Seller referral: $25 per person
User referral: $25 per person
Seller referral: $25
BREATHER
Have a beautiful, private space you’re not using? Rent it out to people who need a tranquil, quiet place to work, meet and relax. Breather designers can even help beautify your space. Decrease your overhead on your office building, business centre or co-working space by renting it out to others in your community.
Refer a friend with you code and they receive a free hour at a space. After they use their hour, you will also receive a free hour.
Special Offer: For new users, enter the promo code “HURDLR” and receive a free hour with Breather.
Host referral: None
User referral: 1 free hour
User referral: 1 free hour
LIQUIDSPACE
LiquidSpace is reinventing real estate for startups. Now you can complete your office hunt online in a matter of minutes and say goodbye to complex leases, brokers and hassles. If your business has extra space to share, we can help you fill those desks and lower your burn rate.
Referral program: None
Referral: None
TURNING ART
TurningArt works with over 1,000 artists to provide homes and offices nationwide with fresh, local artwork; members can rent a variety of pieces and swap them at the frequency of their choosing. If they find a piece they love, several purchasing options are available.
To list your art, upload a high-resolution image of your work, and when someone requests your piece, Turning Art will print, package and ship it for you.
Referral program: None
Referral: None
SPOTHERO
Do you have a parking space that you don’t use? List it on the SpotHero app and earn money renting it out to other drivers.
For drivers, refer a friend with your promo code and you’ll get $5 off your next reserveration (up to $250). Your friend will receive $5 off their first reservation with SpotHero.
Parking Owner referral: None
User referral: $5 credit up to $250
Parking spot referral: $25
PARKINGPANDA
Parking Panda is the #1 solution for online parking reservations. Are you a parking garage operator? Parking Panda can help increase traffic to your garage by providing you with serious internet visibility, and it allows you to change rates based on special events and peak hours, gather detailed reporting, and improve customer experience.Own a private space you’re not using all the time? Post a free listing with ParkingPanda and earn immediate cash when someone books your spot. Set your own price and schedule, and you’re ready to start making money!
Each friend that signs up with your invitation code gets $5 in credits when they sign up. Once they make their first parking reservation and spend over $10, you earn $5 in credits.
Parking hosts referral: None
User referral: $5 per person
User referral: $5
MONKEYPARKING
Have an unused parking space, driveway or garage? MonkeyParking allows you to lease it out in exchange for easy cash. Every rental is protected by MonkeyParking’s $500,000 insurance policy, so you can have peace of mind when someone parks in your driveway.Referral program: None
Referral: None
VRBO
As a Homeaway company, VRBO (Vacation Rentals By Owner) has the same pricing structure as Homeaway with the yearly subscription model. VRBO was one of the earliest online vacation rental marketplaces, founded in 1995 by a couple who wanted to rent out their ski lodge.
When you refer a friend to list a home, they receive $50 dollars off their subscription fee. 21 days after your friends listing goes live, you will receive $50 reward credit towards your next purchase.
Listing referral:$50
Listing referral: $50
CLOSET COLLECTIVE
Closet Collective is a subscription rental service for everyday designer wear. Have a closet full of clothes you rarely wear? Rent out your $200+ designer pieces and earn extra cash without giving up the option of wearing them again.During the lending period, each item is fully insured, so you don’t have to stay up nights worrying about that Chanel jacket! There are two ways of lending your items on Closet collective:
DIY: Create your own listings, ship them yourself and keep up to 80% of the rental price.
White Glove Service: Package the item in a pre-paid shipping bag and send to Closet Collective for professional photographing and listing. When it’s not being rented out, they will ship it back to you, so you can wear your glamorous item. Keep up to 60% of the rental price.
After the rental, Closet Collective dry cleans your designer item and ships it back to you in tip-top shape.
Closet Collective has a referral program for both lenders and borrowers. Borrowers get a $25 credit for each friend they refer, and lenders get $25 cash for each referral.
Lender referral: $25 per person
Borrowers referral: $25 per person
Lender referral: $25
MISTERBNB
misterbnb is the largest gay hotelier in the world with 18,000 hosts in over 130 countries. Their goal is to connect the global gay travel community. Like Airbnb, you can rent out your house, apartment, guest house, spare bedroom, or couch and decide how many travelers you can host. It’s up to you.
Listing referral: None
Listing referral: None
HOMESTAY
Homestay connects live-in host families with travelers from around the world. Hosts can join and list their spaces for free. Set per room per night rates, as well as weekly, monthly, seasonal and single occupancy rates. Homestay (kindly) asks that you include a light breakfast in your price.
To get started, simply create an account, complete a profile describing your family and home, have a guest live with you and get paid.
Host referral: None
User referral: None
Host referral: None
FLIPKEY
Flipkey is a vacation rental company owned by Tripadvisor with over 300,000 rentals worldwide. List anything from a cabin to a castle. Sign up for free. Flipkey takes 3% per booking, and all reservations are completed through their online booking system.
Listing referral: None
Listing referral: None
ONEFINESTAY
OneFineStay is the high end vacation rental platform that takes care of all preparation work for hosts: insurance, key handling, checking guests’ identities, greeting guests upon their arrival, cleaning, preparing your home with toiletries and making the bed with linens. OneFineStay only lists the finest accommodations and requires hosts to offer a minimum of six weeks availability, spread across the year. To host, you must complete a brief questionnaire to see if your home qualifies.
If an existing host recommends a potential new host, the referrer receives $250 once the referee’s home is live.
Host referral: $250
User referral: None
Host referral: $250
ROOMORAMA
Roomorama is an online booking platform for short-term vacation rentals with over 300,000 stylish listings around the globe. Roomorama’s user base is comprised of business and leisure travelers, with the average Roomorama user booking their stay for 9 nights or longer and spending $1,000+ per booking – more than double the industry average. Unlike other vacation rental platforms, hosts get to keep all of their rental income.
When your friends sign up, they will receive $50 and you will earn $10. When your friend books on Roomorama, you will earn $50. Minimum booking value of $500 applies.When your friend lists a property on Roomorama, you will earn $50.
Host referral: $60
Guest referral: $50
Host referral: $60
9FLATS.COM
9flats.com allows you to rent out your home, spare room, treehouse, igloo or apartment and make money. List your place for free, and, get paid before guests set foot in your home.
Listing referral: None
Referral: None
Delivery Jobs Like Postmates
Delivery jobs vary in their specific functions, but they all allow independent contractors like yourself to travel, create a flexible schedule, and deliver goods (as opposed to passengers). Jobs like Postmates give you the ability to work short gigs during times like your lunch break or at night, while others like Roadie allow you to use space in your car for somewhere you are already going to deliver a package.
POSTMATES
As a Postmate, you may deliver food from a restaurant, a Frappuccino from Starbucks, or someone’s dry cleaning. Set your own schedule and earn up to $25/hour. To work, you must be over 18 and own a bike, car, truck, scooter, or motorcycle. Postmates receive 80% of the delivery fee and 100% of any tips they make; money is deposited into couriers’ accounts weekly.
When you refer someone to join Postmates, both of you receive $10 in credit.
User referral: $10 per person
Postmate referral: $10 per person
Postmate referral: $10
ORDERUP
Like Postmates and DoorDash, OrderUp allows you to order food or drinks from your favorite local restaurants and brings them right to your door.
Driver partners are paid once a week via direct deposit (for work from the prior week). Drivers earn a commission on the delivery fee charged, plus 100% of tips.
No referral program.
OrderUp referral: none
GRUBHUB
Thankfully, there is no shortage of food delivery services. Grubhub also allows you to make money with your car as you deliver people food from their favorite Grubhub restaurants.
Drivers are required to have a valid driver’s license, reliable driving vehicle, clean driving record, and auto insurance.
No referral program.
Grubhub referral: none
SAUCEY
Become a Saucey Courier to make great money, set your own schedule & be part of a great community. Saucey is changing one of the oldest and largest industries in the world, making it easier, faster and safer for customers to purchase alcoholic beverages and have them delivered under an hour.
As a Courier, you can turn your car, bike or motorcycle into income by delivering alcohol and snacks to people in your neighborhood.
No referral program.
Saucey referral: none
MINIBAR
Become a Saucey Courier to make great money, set your own schedule & be part of a great community. Saucey is changing one of the oldest and largest industries in the world, making it easier, faster and safer for customers to purchase alcoholic beverages and have them delivered under an hour.
As a Courier, you can turn your car, bike or motorcycle into income by delivering alcohol and snacks to people in your neighborhood.
No referral program.
Saucey referral: none
SHIPT
Shipt Shoppers make an average of between $15-$25 an hour while delivering groceries to Shipt members.
Drivers are required to have a valid driver’s license, know their way around a grocery store, a smartphone, and their own insulated cooler bag to keep groceries fresh – that’s it!
No referral program.
Shipt referral: none
INSTACART
Instacart allows you to make money by doing someone else’s grocery shopping. Set your hours, receive orders on your smartphone, hit the grocery store, deliver, and get paid. Shoppers can make up to $25/hour. To get started, shoppers must complete an online application, pass a background check, and attend an interview/training session. Don’t have a car? Not a problem: shoppers on foot and bicycle are welcome.
When you refer a new member, you receive a $5 credit, while they get $10 off their first order and free delivery.
To refer another shopper, give them the same code you used to refer a user. The new shopper will add the code to their application, once that person completes 40 hours of work, you will be paid $25.
Shopper referral: $25 per person
User referral: $5 per person
Shopper referral: $25
SPRIG
As a server for Sprig, you will deliver hot, organic meals to hungry customers. Set your own shift that fits your schedule and earn between $16-25/hour. Bonus: for every shift you work, you get to take one meal home for free.
For delivery, if you refer a friend, tell them to mention your name when they apply or when they come in for orientation. Then once your friend has worked 48 hours, you’ll receive a $100 referral bonus on your next invoice.
When you refer a user, they receive $10 in credit. After they make their first purchase, $10 in credit will be added to your account.
Server referral: $100 per person
User referral: $10 per person
Server referral: $100
DOORDASH
As a DoorDasher, you will make money by delivering food from restaurants to customers’ doors. To work for DoorDash, you must own a car or bicycle, have a clean driving record, be over 18, have at least 2 years of driving experience and an outgoing attitude. Set your own hours and earn up to $20/hour.
Refer someone to DoorDash and receive $5 in credit after they make their first purchase.
DoorDasher referral: None
User referral: $5 per person
DoorDasher referral: None
CAVIAR
Similar to Doordash, Caviar delivers local restaurant meals straight to customers’ home and office doors. Drivers can earn up to $25/hour and set their work schedules according to their particular needs. Money is deposited directly to drivers’ bank accounts weekly.
To become a driver, you need to be over 18, as well as have a vehicle, a functional smartphone and a customer-service mentality.
When you refer a friend they receive $15 dollars towards a meal, after they redeem that, you will receive $15 towards your next meal.
Courier referral: None
User referral: $15 per person
Courier referral: None
ROADIE
Roadie is the neighbor-to-neighbor shipping network that connects “Roadie” drivers to people who need items shipped from one location to another. Roadies can browse “Gigs” by price, location, distance and size and decide which gigs they want to take. The majority of local Gigs pay between $8-20, and long distance Gigs with oversized items can pay up to $200. When on the road, Roadies get special discounts on food, gas, and more.
if you get a friend to sign up and either Send something or Drive something for the first time, you both get a $10 credit on your account. This $10 can either go towards a new shipment or be added as profit on your second gig.
Roadie referral: $10 per person
Sender referral: $10 per person
Roadie referral: $10
FAVOR
Favor is a delivery service that promises to complete any order in under an hour — food from restaurants, dry cleaning, groceries, and more. While most “Runners” make between $10-20/hour, they are are guaranteed to make at least $9/hour and keep 100% of any tips earned.
To be a Runner, you must be at least 18 years old, and have an iPhone or Android smartphone, a car, bicycle, scooter or motorcycle, and a clean record.
First delivery is free for the referee, and the next delivery is free for the referrer.
Runner referral: $50 when referral completes 50 runs
User referral: Free delivery
Runner referral: $60
AMAZON FLEX
Flex is a platform created by Amazon that allows you to make $18-$25/hr delivering packages for Amazon with your car and smartphone. Build your own schedule ahead of time or pick up any available time.
Drivers must be 21 years old with a valid driver’s license and a vehicle. You will need to pass a background check which includes, but is not limited to, a review of motor vehicle records.
No referral program.
Amazon Flex referral: none
SHYP
Shyp picks up, packages, and sends your stuff for the lowest price within 20 minutes. Shyp Couriers pick up the items customers want to send and transports them to the Shyp warehouse for packaging.
No referral program.
Unskilled On Demand Jobs
If you’re looking to help someone out and make some quick cash, then this section is for you. These companies function as automatic lead generators: instead of finding gigs by yourself, these companies give you the gigs. If you enjoy working with people and assisting them with their problems, many of the companies listed allow you to do just that.
TASKRABBIT
TaskRabbit connects “Taskers” with people who need things done, whether that be picking up groceries, moving across town, assembling an Ikea desk, or performing yard work. Taskers get paid after the completion of a task via TaskRabbit’s online payment system. Encounter any problems? Their 24/7 support is ready to assist in times of need.
When you refer a friend, if that person meets or exceeds the following criteria you will receive a $50 TaskRabbit credit towards a future task and a $50 Amazon gift card.
- Your referral successfully completes at least 1 task in each of their first two months as a Tasker
- Meets or exceeds all expected performance metrics
- Have a 98% or above rating
Tasker referral: $100
User referral: The referee receives $10 for their first task, while the referrer receives $10 after the referee orders their first task.
Tasker referral: $100
TAKL
Takl providers can connect with local people to get paid for tasks like lawn care, junk hauling, cleaning, and small home repair. Providers receive 70% of the preset job price for any job they accept, which increases to 80% if Providers are requested as a ‘favorite’. Providers keep 90% of any service that the customer requests in addition to the original job, called “While You’re At It” services. Providers receive 100% of all tips and disposal fees.
Takl currently operates in 19 cities around the United States and the only requirement to sign up as a provider is to submit to a basic background check.
Provider referral: None
Customer referral: Use your unique Takl referral code and get $3 every time a friend books a job with Takl. Referrees get 10% off the listed job price.
BELLHOPS
In college? Want to earn cash lifting? Like setting your own schedule? Join Bellhops, the tech-enabled college student workforce that helps people move without the hassle and cost of old-school moving companies. Relieve people of moving day stress, work with friends, and earn $13-$15 per hour.
Bellhop referral: Refer a friend to become a bellhop and get $15 after they complete their first move.
User referral: Refer a friend to use bellhops and you’ll both get a $20 credit toward your next move.
User referral: $20
Bellhops referral: $15
Bellhops referral: $15
DOLLY
Dolly is a moving service that utilizes two types of workers: “Helpers,” who own a pickup truck, box truck, or cargo van and can lift up to 75 pounds, and “Hands,” who can lift up to 75 pounds but don’t own a moving-friendly vehicle. Average earnings are $30/hour, but plenty of Helpers and Hands earn more than that. Choose to perform only the work you want to do, and get paid weekly.
Give someone a referral code, and they receive $20 in credit.
User referral: $20 to the person you refer
Helper referral: None
Helper referral: None
GIGWALK
Gigwalk is a database of quick jobs, or “Gigs” in your area that pay anywhere from $3-$100. Gigs may take anywhere from 5 minutes to a few hours. Get paid quick and easy via your PayPal account.
Refer a Gigwalker: Refer a friend to be a Gigwalker, and once they download the app and completes a gig, you get $3.
Gigwalker referral: $3 per referral
Gigwalker referral: $3
SCHLEP
Schlep is “Your neighbor with a truck,” helping people who need things moved to connect with “Schleppers” with a truck and some brawn. Schleppers receive 80% of total payment and 100% of all tips.
To be a Schlepper, you must perform a face-to-face interview, sit in on orientation sessions, and pass a background check.
Lead Schleppers referral: $100
Sidekick Schleppers referral: $50
Both are provided to the referring Schlepper, should the referred Schlepper hit 10 schleps with a perfect rating and no claims.
Schlepper referral: Up to $150 per person
User referral: None
Schlepper referral: $150
DOGVACAY
DogVacay is a network of more than 20,000 pet sitters across the US and Canada who offer in-home dog-sitting, grooming, boarding, and walking. All bookings are completed via the DogVacay website. Sitters can earn up to $1000/month. DogVacay offers 24/7 customer service and premium pet service for every reservation.
To become a sitter, create a profile on DogVacay’s website, including a photo of yourself and your home. Set your own rates, the types of dogs you are open to sitting, your availability and the particular services you offer. Once DogVacay approves your profile, you’re ready to start sitting!
Refer someone and they receive $10 off their first reservation.
Sitter referral: None
User referral: $10
User referral: $10
Freelance On Demand Jobs
Freelancing allows individuals to work wherever they want, whenever they want, with whoever they want. Freelance occupations range from bloggers, lawyers, chefs, stylits, caregivers, techies, and many more. If you like the freedom to travel and be your own boss, check out the companies below.
HANDY
Are you a cleaner or handyman? Then Handy is the on demand economy company for you! Handy connects professional cleaners and handymen to lucrative gigs around town. Handy cleaners make up to $22/hour and handymen make up to $45/hour. Set your own schedule and receive earnings via direct deposit as soon as the job is complete.
To be a Handy Professional, you must have paid experience as either a cleaner or handyman, be authorized to work in the country in which you are applying, and pass a criminal background check.
User referral: First time users get $25 towards their first cleaning, once they redeem it, you get $25 in credit towards your next cleaning.
Handy referral: $25 per person
Handy referral: $25
FREELANCER
Similar to Upwork, Freelancer is an online freelance marketplace that allows you to find and bid on jobs you want. Top work categories include graphic design, social media marketing, content writing and software architecture.
Referral: None
Freelancer referral: None
FIVERR
Fiverr is the marketplace for creative and professional services specializing in projects starting as low as $5. Freelancers can advertise very specific skillsets, such as “I will create the perfect voice over for you” or “I will write a captivating and SEO friendly About Us.” You’re not going to make $500 per project on this site, but if you want to make a quick buck on an easy-to-complete project, then Fiverr may work for you.
Refer a friend, and they will receive a free gig. When your friend spends $10 or more, you will receive $5.
Freelancer referral: None
User referral: $5 per person
Freelancer referral: None
HUBSTAFF TALENT
Hubstaff Talent connects talented workers – from designers, developers, to marketing experts – to companies around the globe looking to hire. The best part is that Hubstaff workers keep 100% of their hourly rate, no strings attached.
Hubstaff has thousands of clients looking for quality, remote agencies and freelancers. Get great exposure to clients looking to hire people with your skillset for projects, without bidding, and work on your own schedule.
Freelancer referral: None
User referral: None
Freelancer referral: None
THUMBTACK
Thumbtack matches freelance professionals with customers who need help with an array of tasks, from taking wedding reception photos to painting a mural to remodeling a kitchen. Once you create a profile, Thumbtack sends you customer requests, and you decide whether you want to respond. If you are interested in a project, you send a custom quote to the customer, who will decide between your and other freelance professionals’ quotes. If they approve your quote, then you are ready to work on the project!
When you refer a friend to become a Thumbtack professional, after they make their first quote, you will receive 12 free credits. The Person you referred will get 30% off the first time they buy credit.
Freelancer referral: 12 credits ($12)
User referral: None
Become a Thumbtack professional
Freelancer referral: 12 credits ($12)
WONOLO
Wonolo: Work, Now, Locally. Wonolo will notify you of daily jobs from the biggest and best brands, allowing you to work where you want, when you want, for whomever you want.
On the flip side, if you are a business owner or manager — and need quick staffing, or other assistance, Wonolo will help you staff your event, so that you can focus on the important things.
Wonolo’er referral: If they get 5 stars on their first job, you each receive $25.
Business referral: If the business becomes a Wonolo Requestor, Wonolo will pay out the first $250 in service fees directly to you.
Wonolo’er referral: $25
CROWDFLOWER
CrowdFlower distributes companies’ “microtasks” to millions of contributors online. Make money right from your couch; all you need is a computer and a healthy internet connection. Contributors can assist with Data Collection & Enhancement, Data Categorization, Content Moderation, Search Relevance Tuning and Sentiment Analysis. Sign up for an account online, and you’re ready to get working!Contributor referral: None
Referral: None
DOCTORONDEMAND
DoctorOnDemand connects doctors, psychologists and healthcare providers with patients via video messaging. Patients pay per visit, so you get compensated easy and immediately.
When you refer a patient, their first visit is free, and you’ll receive $10 towards your next visit.
Doctor referral: None
User referral: $10 for referrer, free visit for referee
Patient referral: $10
ZEEL
Zeel is where massage therapists and clients meet. Therapists get access to a variety of clients via Zeel’s mobile app where they can offer convenient, same-day booking. Zeel Massage Therapists earn 75-80% of the total cost of every massage they perform and receive payment via weekly direct deposit payments. Have a client cancel on you at the last minute? No worries! Zeel charges a fee for late cancellations that amounts up to and including the price of the massage itself.
When you refer a friend, they receive $25 in credit towards their first massage. After that, you will receive $25 credit towards your next massage.
User referral: $25 credit
Massage therapist referral: None
Become a Zeel Massage Therapist
User referral: $25
URBAN MASSAGE
Urban Massage is an on-demand mobile massage service connecting quality and professional therapists with customers.
Be your own boss with Urban Massage work where you want, when you want and with great customers at locations near you.
No referral program.
Massage Hero referral: none
SOOTHE
Soothe connects professional massage therapists with customers in their home, office or hotel. Soothe therapists earn 3-4x the industry standard and just a therapist certification, their own massage table, and reliable transportation.
Set your own schedule with Soothe and work when you want, where you want and with an ever-expanding local pool of private clients.
No referral program.
Soothe referral: none
HELLOTECH
Like solving tech problems? Then consider earning extra money on your own time with HelloTech. As a Tech, you will provide computer, phone, home theater, and smart home installation support to not-so-tech savvy folks. Get paid $30-90+ per job via PayPal twice a week.
Referral: None
Referral: None
UPCOUNSEL
Grow your practice by offering your legal services with UpCounsel. Their full service billing platform allows you to easily send invoices, track your income and receive payments. Whether you work with individuals, startups or enterprises, UpCounsel puts you in direct touch with a range of potential clients.
Attorney referral: None
User referral: $10 per person
Attorney referral: None
VAYABLE
Vayable is the way for local “insiders” to provide travelers with unique, enriching experiences in exchange for cash. Whether you are offering an off-the-beaten path bike tour or an Indian cooking class, Vayable allows you to show others what you love about where you’re from while making money. Vayable Insiders include writers, historians, musicians, tour guides, designers, bankers, architects, foodies, travel agents, students, administrative assistants, philanthropists, taxi drivers and engineers.
Refer a friend with your unique referral code, and they get $10 off their first booking. After they use theirs, you will receive $10 added to your account towards your next booking.
Insider referral amount: None
User referral: $10 per person
User referral: $10
ROVER
Never beg a friend to watch your dog again. Find and book a neighborhood dog lover who’ll treat your dog like family. Design a full or part-time dog sitting business by setting your own hours, rates, service offerings and the types of dogs you’re willing to host.
Get paid electronically and fast – and hang out with some furry friends while you do it!
Sitter referral: Refer a Sitter and receive a $50 amazon gift card. Refer a friend to hire a Sitter, and both of you receive $20 credit.
User amount: $20 for a new user
Sitter referral: $50
CARE.COM
Do you consider yourself a natural caregiver? Then you may want to check out Care.com, where you can work a variety of gigs in pet care, child care, senior care, housekeeping and errand-running. Simply create a profile describing your skills and certifications, browse open positions, and apply for only the jobs you want. You can also set how much you want to work: “occasional” (less than 10 hours per week), “Part-time” (25 hours per week) or “Full-time” (40 hours per week).
Refer a friend, and you’ll both get $15 in FreeTime credit when they sign up as a Premium Care Seeker.
Caregiver referral: None
User referral: $15 per person
User referral: $15
URBANSITTER
Whether you want to be a full-time nanny or get a one-night babysitting gig, UrbanSitter will help you find the right job for you. Create an account, enter your availability and rates, get/accept requests or browse jobs, and start making money. Payment is issued via direct deposit, so you get paid, no hassle!With a Basic membership, you can create a free profile, set your own rates/schedule and accept credit card payments. With a Premium membership, which is $9.95/month or $69.95/year, you can get:
- Background check
- Higher ranking in search results
- The ability to add a custom message when you apply to jobs
- Reputation management tools (the ability to reply to reviews)
Refer a family as a Babysitter Rewards Program member and they will receive $15 towards their first sitter.
Sitter referral: None
User referral: $15
User referral: $15
HONOR
As an Honor Care Pro, you will provide family-quality care and companionship for older adults in their own homes. Care Pros will help prepare food, do grocery shopping, help transport clients to doctor’s appointments and social events, perform housekeeping, assist clients with grooming and more. Make a minimum of $17/hour, set your own schedule and pick your own clients.
To qualify, you must have one of the following:
- 6 months of paid caregiver experience and Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
- 6 months of paid caregiver experience and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- 6 months of paid caregiver experience and Home Health Aide (HHA)
- 6 months of paid caregiver experience and Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
- 6 months of paid caregiver experience and Registered Nurse (RN)
- 2+ years of paid caregiver experience
In addition, you must:
- Maintain any existing certification/licensure
- Have CPR and/or First Aid certificate/training
- Be able to travel to clients in the Bay Area
- Have valid California Driver’s License
- Have a car and insurance
- Be willing to drive clients
- Be physically capable of assisting clients with mobility
- Successfully pass Honor background check
- Show proof of negative TB test
Referral program: None
Referral: None
HOMEHERO
HomeHero is a platform that helps caregivers find and schedule senior home care jobs.Caregivers, or “Heroes,” earn on average between $12-$15 per hour and receive payments daily via direct deposit. A support team is standing by 24/7 to assist with any issues or questions Heroes may have.
To apply, you must complete an online application, which requires a driver’s license (15 mins), and attend an in-person orientation session (90 mins). Heroes must be experienced professional caregivers with solid past references.
HomeHero offers $100 for each client referral after the client has received care for 100 hours.
Caregiver referral: None
Client referral: $100
Client referral: $100
LAWNLOVE
If you’re a lawn care professional, you will fall hard for LawnLove. By working with LawnLove, you will get to be your own boss, set your own hours and make up to $800/week. If you have lawn care/landscape experience and passion, then LawnLove may be the right place for you.
Referral program: None
Referral: None
ETSY
Etsy is perhaps the most famous marketplace for people selling arts, crafts, supplies, vintage clothing and much more. For each item you list, Etsy charges $0.20, and listings expire after 4 months. When you make a sale, you will be charged a transaction fee of 3.5% of the item price (This percentage does not apply to the shipping cost or tax.). Sellers can accept payment by credit card, debit card, Etsy gift card, some bank transfer services, Apple Pay and Google Wallet.
When you refer someone to sell through Etsy, after the person being referred sets up a shop, both people receive 40 free listings.
Seller referral: 40 free listings
User referral: None
Seller referral: 40 free listings
FEASTLY
Feastly is a p2p marketplace empowering any chef to host meals wherever, whenever. This is the future of global dining. Through the platform eaters find and attend unique meals all over the world from Supper Clubs, Pop-ups, Professional Chefs, and Home Cooks.
Give $10, get $10. Refer a friend and both of you will receive $10 towards your next meal.
Chef referral: None
User referral: $10 per person
User referral: $10
SPARE5
Spare5’s community members use their skills, spare time, and smartphones to generate high-quality insights for businesses working to solve their big data problems. Spare5 matches people’s skills and passions to tasks they can complete on their smartphones at any time of day or night.
Tasks are broken down into “Light Tasks” such as estimating retail item prices and improving image keywords, “Medium Tasks,” such as cropping photographs, and “Complex Tasks,” such as conducting voice survey calls and distributing online surveys.
Referral: Coming soon
Referral: Coming soon
EATWITH
EatWith is a platform for home-restaurants and unique food experiences. EatWith chefs prepare innovative meals and host local foodies in their homes. Whether you are a Michelin-starred chef or a self-taught home cook, EatWith allows you to showcase your cooking chops to an ever-rotating roster of guests from in and out of town. Host a pop-up or cater a private event. Have fun making creative, delicious meals.
Refer a friend and get $10, after they register, they too will receive $10 in credits.
Host referral: None
User referral: $10 per person
User referral: $10
JOSEPHINE
Josephine is an online marketplace that lets you make money by cooking meals for your neighbors. Design your meal, set the price and pick-up time, and publish online for others to purchase. Package your meal to-go style, and customers pick up your yummy food right from your house. Get customer reviews and build a foodie following!
Referral program: None
Referral: None
UDEMY
Udemy is the leading marketplace for the most-up-to date, on-demand online courses. Instructors can create and design their own courses and join 16,000 other instructors in this vibrant online educational community. No teaching experience is required, and instructors make an average of $7,000/course. Keep 100% of the revenue when you promote your course and 50% when Udemy promotes it.
Referral program: None
Referral: None
LYNDA.COM
Lynda.com is an online education company offering thousands of video courses in software, technology, creative, and business skills. Become a Lynda trainer, design your own course, and share your industry knowledge and experience with others. Course areas include 3D + Animation, Photography, Video, Audio + Music, and CAD.
Referral program: None
Referral: None
TAKELESSONS
TakeLessons is the trusted marketplace for finding online and local instructors and taking online classes across a wide array of subjects ranging foreign languages, math and photography to music, dance and acting.
Instructors rely on TakeLessons to simplify marketing and manage their business with integrated scheduling, billing, payment, and communication tools that work seamlessly across desktop and mobile devices.
Referral program: None
Referral: None
SKILLSHARE
Skillshare is a platform for sharing your skills with others. You don’t need to be a professional teacher to start a class and grow a following. Skillshare teachers earn an average of $3,500/year and have access to over 850,000 students.
For each class you publish, you’ll receive a unique teacher referral link. Share this link through social media to market your class and drive enrollments. For every student who signs up for a Premium Membership through your link and makes a first payment, you will receive $10 in your next payment.
When your friends sign up for a Premium Membership using your referral link, they’ll receive a free month of Premium Membership and so will you after their first $9.95 payment is processed.
Teacher referral: $10 per student
Student referral: Free month of membership
Referral: None
Teacher referral: $10
GLAMSQUAD
GLAMSQUAD is an app-based beauty provider delivering professional and affordable beauty services to the home, office or hotel. If you are hair stylist, makeup artist or manicurist, you can join GLAMSQUAD’s team of beauty professionals.Beauty professionals must pass background checks, a rigorous character assessment and a 40-hour assessment executed by their senior creative team.
Refer a friend, and you both receive $20 credit towards your next booking.
User referral: $20 per person
Professional referral: None
Hair Stylist: Hairstylist application
Makeup Artist: Makeup artist application
User referral: $20
STYLESEAT
StyleSeat is your source for beauty and wellness professionals, from hair stylists to massage therapists to personal trainers. StyleSeat gives professionals everything they need to schedule online, as well as a free website to showcase their work.
Their nationwide directory features these websites, giving clients a place to search, discover, and book appointments, whether it’s a same-day blowout, a haircut next month or a manicure tomorrow.
Referrals: None
Referral: None
OBSERVA
Observa gives small business owners real-time insights into their business from a customer’s point of view. Observers evaluate a specific aspect of the store experience, like displays, sales, products, and customer service.
Observers get paid by submitting their observations through the Observa mobile app. Perfect for frequent shoppers who have a keen eye for evaluating products and stores. Observers get paid $4-12 per job, which typically only take 10-15 minutes to complete.
Referrals: None
Referral: None
FANCY HANDS
As a Fancy Hands assistant, you will accomplish tasks such as scheduling appointments and finding the best travel deals anytime from your personal computer. Assistants must have excellent communication skills, a personal computer, speedy internet connection, and an audio headset.
In the beginning, you will be paid per task depending on how quickly you complete the assignment, the time of day, and the complexity of the job. And if this is up your alley, you can even get promoted to a managerial position, ensuring other assistants are performing their tasks correctly and transactions are running smoothly. Get paid biweekly, on Tuesdays, via Dwolla.
Refer a friend and you get $15 towards your next task. If I refer someone to be an assistant they offer me 10% of their pay until they make Mentor statues.
Assistant referral: 10% of pay
User referral: $15 per person
Assistant referral: None
SPAREHIRE
SpareHire is an online work marketplace that connects organizations with top-tier finance and consulting professionals for project-based work. If you are an investment banker, management consultant or investment professional looking for new ways to utilize your skills, expand your networks and take control of your life, then Sparehire may be the right on-demand company for you.
With SpareHire, you can browse project opportunities privately, so companies will not see your contact information until the final stage of the matching process. Work with your client to finalize any budget and logistical details, complete the assignment, and close out the project using the Project Tracker. Get paid via direct deposit, and rate your client based on your experience. SpareHire takes 25% from the total project value as a service fee.
To join the Sparehire network as a Professional, you must have at least 2 years of experience in investment banking, management consulting, or similar fields.
Project referral: If you refer a project to SpareHire, they will pay 5% of the total project value straight to your bank account upon completion.
Professional referral: None
Become a SpareHire professional
Project referral: 5%
TASKEASY
TaskEasy connects property owners with lawn and homecare professionals. Tasks include lawn mowing, snow clearing, and putting up holiday lighting. Payments for work will be deposited directly into your business’s account 3-5 days after the work is completed. Or, if you prefer a paper check, TaskEasy will mail that to you 10-14 business days after the task is done.
Referral: None
Contractor referral: None
LAWTRADES
LawTrades’ lawyers connect via text message to answer clients’ pressing legal questions. Attorneys answer questions pertaining to business formation, immigration, trademarks & copyright, website agreements, contract review, patent, fundraising and personal legal. Make money right from your iPhone. If you enter “Save50” you will save $50 off your first purchase.
Lawyer referral: None
User referral: None
Lawyer referral: None
YOURMECHANIC
At YourMechanic, you’ll work as a mobile mechanic, visiting peoples’ homes and offices to work on their cars. You will never take on any complex jobs, just the simple stuff like brakes, tire rotation, timing belts, cooling system, 90k mile service, AC work, etc.
Mechanics earn 2-3x what shops and dealers typically pay, making a flat hourly rate of $40-60 hourly based on location, skills and experience. Set your own hours to fit your lifestyle.
Mechanics must pass criminal, background and reference checks.
Refer a Mechanic: You get $100 when the mechanic completes their first appointment. You get $400 when the mechanic completes their 25th appointment.
Refer a user: Both of you will receive $20 credit towards your next car service.
Mechanic referral: $200
UPWORK
Formerly known as Odesk and Elance, Upwork is one of the most comprehensive websites for finding freelance gigs. By signing up to freelance on Upwork, you have access to more than 4 million potential clients. Projects are available in the areas of Web, mobile & software development, engineering & architecture, writing & translation, administrative support, sales & marketing and more.
To get started, create a profile with a photo, your professional skills, experience, education and portfolio. Then, search Upwork’s database of jobs and submit a compelling application to the ones of interest. Projects are hourly or fixed price. Once you win and complete an assignment, get paid via direct deposit, PayPal, wire transfer, Local Funds Transfer (LFT), Payoneer or Skrill.
Referral: None
Freelancer referral: None
