Being a teenager has got to be the most awkward phase in anyone’s life, and I’m not just referring to puberty. Teenagers are at that age where they’re old enough to be expected to pay for things themselves, but sometimes, with school and friends, can’t get a job to do so. So how can teenagers make money without having the responsibility of a part-time job? There are actually many ways for teens to make a good amount of money, some of which I will list below.
1. Buy & Sell
There are many platforms for people to buy and sell items, but the one I recommend is Craigslist. It’s a locally-based classified ad system where buyer and seller meet face to face to do the exchange, which means you would need an adult to be present for that. You don’t always need money to start with if you decide to try reselling, because Craigslist has a "free" section. You could always keep an eye on that and grab whatever you think may sell. Once you have saved up some money, however, you may want to venture out into the real world of buying and selling.
A few tips include buy low and sell high, always haggle, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
2. Sell Crafts
If you are the artsy type, why not make money from doing what you love? No matter what you like to do (draw, paint, make jewelry, etc.), there is someone out there who would love to buy your products from you. One selling platform I’ve found for arts and crafts is Etsy. Its popularity will give you more competition, but also more potential customers. To be successful on Etsy, you should try to diversify your crafts, while still enjoying the process.
You could also try to sell your crafts on eBay or Craigslist, but Etsy will most definitely bring better results.
Every girl has that section of clothes in her closet that she’s never going to wear again, but doesn’t want to just donate them. There are actually many websites and apps that connect buyers to sellers. Before listing, however, make sure that the clothes are in good condition with no rips or stains. One of these is Poshmark. You can list the items, take pictures, describe it, and even set your own price. Make sure it’s reasonable, but also keep in mind that Posh takes 20% of the profits.
4. Repair Bikes
If you’re mechanically-inclined, or just good at following instructions you find online, then this may be a great money-making opportunity for you. To do this, make sure you have any tools or supplies that may be necessary when repairing bikes, and try to have some practice before moving on to fixing other people’s bikes. You can advertise your business on Craigslist, in and around your neighborhood, and even on that bulletin board at the library. Make sure to include your contact information and prices on your flyer. In addition to repairing other people’s bikes, you could buy cheap, broken bikes and then resell them after fixing them up. You can make a great profit from this.
5. Write Online
There are many ways for teens to earn money with their writing. There are websites that pay you per view, which is the easiest way to start. It gives you experience and practice writing articles, which will help you in the long run. Another way you could earn money from writing is to sell your articles directly to publishers, like magazines or websites. They usually pay upfront and you get your money much sooner than the other option. Selling your writing to magazines is not only a great way to earn money, but it will give you something to write about in your college applications!
6. Make YouTube Videos
Yes, you can make money from your YouTube videos. This will take lots of time, though, because it is based on the revenue your ads pull in. Meaning, you’d need to build a good, steady group of subscribers to view your videos. You also have to make sure that you have monetization enabled on your YT account, or you won’t be earning anything. If you want to do this, make sure that you actually enjoy making videos or it won’t be worth the time and effort you’ll be putting in.
If you use these money-making ideas, you have the chance to make tons of money throughout the years. Now your problem is what to buy with all your money?
This article by Brittney Walker first appeared on The Dollar Stretcher and was distributed by the Personal Finance Syndication Network.