Some random ideas of how to generate $2000 USD in a relatively short period of time
We're all in a tight fix for some money at one time or another. Maybe you've got a gap in your finances or need to make a big one-off purchase that just can't wait. Making $2,000 fast isn't easy, but it can be done.
Obviously, when trying to make this sort of money, “quickly” and “easily”, making two grand is going to be different from two hundred. It's certainly not going to be as quick as if you're trying to make $20 or $100 which you could probably get within a day. However, there are a few good options here that could get you that money within a few weeks, and a couple that might even help you get it on the same day if you are luck. It just depends on what skills you have, what you're willing to do for the money, what tools you possess, as well as where you live.
While some of these tips require a particular talent or skill – others just require some hard work and determination.
Personally, I used this method to earn over two grand online within the span of about six months. It took a lot of work, but the work eventually paid off. You might be looking for getting the money much faster, like before next week to pay rent. I'll tell your straight up – if you need that much money that fast, you're going to have to work more hours or sell something.
But if you have a slightly longer horizon in mind, like a couple months, then your options open up a bit more to something like starting a side business in the evenings and weekends.
Selling
Probably the simplest way to make money quickly if you need it is to sell something you already own. While you might not want to part with something expensive – it depends how much you really need that money. The best thing about selling is that it's reasonably simple and quick. Actually, one of these ideas in particular could get you that money on the same day.
Sell Stuff Through Apps
This will be a pain unless you have a couple of nice furniture items or machines around the home you want to sell. Apps like Letgo or Decluttr give you the chance to sell your items through your smartphone and earn money pretty quickly. However, you need to deal with people which can be frustrating. I sold some slow cookers and some old PEZ dispensers on Letgo last year and it took a lot of time dealing with irresponsible parties (no-shows and people coming late), plus everyone wants to negotiate.
If you're selling some old kitchen items or unwanted stuff in your closet, it'll take a good amount of junk to reach your $2k goal. However, a $500 couch and a $200 mower could get you pretty close, pretty fast. Just don't sell anything you need to maintain your home! If you're living in a small apartment and haven't been collecting life's junk for the past 10 years, this might be a difficult option.
Sell Your Home
Again this method might necessarily be the quickest – it could be a pretty easy way to free up a large amount of money like $2,000. But it's not a decision to be taken lightly. You have to decide how much you really need that money and if selling your home is worth it, as well as if you're going to purchase another property or rent again (or move in with someone you know).
While you should already have $2,000 worth of equity in your property, selling it is going to cost money. You'll probably end up paying much more than $2,000 just in fees and moving costs. But if you need to free up some cash, it might be one of the only options available to you.
Sell Your Car
Selling your car or vehicle is one of the best ways to get quick and easy money. Unlike selling your home, it's actually a much quicker option. While you could sell your car online or with other trade magazines in a private sale, this could take a few weeks. You've got to wait for people to arrange viewings and then actually make a sale.
If you really need that money quickly – the best way is to take your car to a dealer and sell directly to trade. There's normally always a buyer for the right car at the right price. You could actually get your cash instantly on the same day – so this option really is one of the quickest ways to actually get your money.
Be prepared to accept a price that's slightly lower than you might get in a private sale (and less than you might think the car is worth). That's because the dealer needs to make a profit too. While you might not get the best price – you will get your money quickly, so this is a viable option.
Renting Out
If you've got something of value that you either can't or don't want to sell – you might be able to rent it out.
Rent Out Your Entire Home
This is a good option if you've got somewhere else to stay for a while. Try moving in with a friend and sleeping on their couch while renting out your own property. While this could be uncomfortable, it's a relatively easy way to make a few thousand dollars.
Sites like AirBnB can help you rent your property out, or you could try local short-term letting agents. It could take a few weeks to list your property and start getting bookings. However, once that's done, you might be able to get the money you need in a couple of months.
To get bookings quicker, try lowering your prices to beat some of the competition. If you don't have somewhere else to stay – you could simply move to a cheaper apartment and save on rent yourself, but this will only work if you're near the end of your lease (or on a short-term rental plan). Make sure you've got good insurance before renting your property out.
You could also rent out space to a local business or other organization rather than a private renter – but this depends on the sort of property you've got and what sort of demand there is for it. One good way to make some quick money renting without waiting for sites like AirBnB is to simply ask around friends and family and see if they need somewhere to stay, or know anybody who does.
Rent Out Your Car
While most car rentals are done through established companies – there is a growing market for private peer-to-peer car renting. Especially in certain locations or for certain types of vehicles.
If you can't got without your vehicle for a long period but don't need it immediately, you might be able to rent it out. The reality of this option is that it could take a while to get your money. You'll have to get registered and wait for bookings. Even if you get bookings quickly, this isn't a super-quick earner and could need a couple of months to hit that $2,000. There are a few new apps that help get your renters, but again – a good way to cut out the middle man is to simply rent to someone you know, so ask around.
Skill Based
If you don't have something valuable that you want to rent out or sell – you might have a skill that you can make money from instead. Some of these don't require a particular talent, but the determination to work hard and earn the money you need. While you might already have a job, some of these ideas can be done in the evenings or at weekends to fit alongside your current employment.
Become an Uber Driver
You've probably heard of Uber by now. While it might be a bit controversial – it's actually a great way to make some side money (or even as a replacement for your main job). Signing up and getting started is easy, but your ability to get regular clients quickly and easily will depend on your feedback score, as well as your location.
Make sure you offer a good service so that you get a good rating and can get new clients more quickly. You might have to drop prices to start with so that you can start getting clients. You could make $2,000 within a month or two of part-time Uber work in the right location. Make sure you're allowed to do this in your area, as some locations have started to ban Uber.
Trade Stocks Online
This one is only recommended if you've already got a good background in finance and know what you're doing. Many people get into this sort of thing thinking they can make some money, but end up losing it. If you don't already know what you're doing, this could be you.
However, if you know what you're doing – trading stocks, or even cryptocurrency could be a viable option if you're careful. Like most investments, the ones that could get you more money quickly are normally the higher risk ones – they might get you some quick cash but they could also lose you a lot in the same timeframe. Most sensible investments require a large outlay of cash to earn a reasonable percentage back. For this article, you obviously don't have that initial stake, so there might be better options out there.
Work for a Delivery Business
There are normally lots of local delivery businesses looking for new drivers or door-to-door delivery people. If you've got your own car, this could put you in a good positions. Many of these roles can fit around other jobs and be completed at the weekend or in evenings. Other than a bit of local knowledge and the willingness to put the hours in, these jobs are normally quite easy to get.
As well as local parcel delivery, you could also get into door-to-door leaflet delivery. Again, this is a relatively flexible and easy job to get – and you don't need a vehicle for it either.
Join a Medical Trial
The pay rate on medical trials can vary greatly, but there are some you can do for around $2,000. While this is the higher end of the scale, it could be an easy and efficient way to make the money you're looking for.
Medical trials aren't without risk. While most of them pass of incident free, you're risking your health and wellbeing by joining one. Decide if this is worth it to you. For this sort of money, you may be joining a riskier one – or one that requires you to move to a facility for a couple of weeks to be monitored full-time. While these trials aren't for you, they could be a great option for someone who needs some quick money. While they do have risks, they're normally easy to complete on a day-to-day basis.
Get Some Day Labor
There are many ways to simply turn up and do a good days work. While this used to be easier, there should still be some locations in your area where you can turn up to do some day labor. There are also now a few online services that help find people casual and short-term day work.
While you could do some of this at the weekends, this is only normally an option during working days, meaning it might not fit around other roles. It's also normally physically demanding labor, and could either be on a busy construction site or be involved with other hard work. So this is obviously only right for certain people – but it could be a good option for you. If you work hard enough, you could get the money you need within a few weeks.
Get a Temp Job
If you think about it, one of the most straightforward ways to make more money is to simply earn more. The problem with getting long-term jobs is that they take a lot of effort and time before you can get started. Instead of trying to get a better main job, you could just fit another temp one around it. The best thing about some of these jobs is that they hire straight away. Try looking at local temping agencies (either online or otherwise) and see if there's something you can get quickly and easily. If you've already got a day job, you could try evening work.
Business Based
Start a Scrap Metal Business
Scrap metal has got much more expensive in recent years, and that means there's money to be made from it. If you've already got a ton of scrap metal, you could have enough to scrap already. However, the reality is that most people don't have this sort of metal lying around – but you can still make money in this industry.
A small scrap metal business is quick and easy to start up and doesn't require a large amount of overhead to start. You can simply start buying scrap and selling it at a higher price. One thing you probably will need for this to work is a van, truck, or other large vehicle capable of transporting heavy items like metal. That's how you add value, as most local people know their value is worth something but can't move it. You either buy it from them cheaply, or offer a cut of the sale price for transporting it.
You can get started without your own premises or an established business name as this is a simple cash-in-hand type of work. Simply start visiting local businesses and ask them directly if they have any scrap metal they no longer need. Some might even let you take away items for free, just for disposing of them.
Start a Web Design Business
At the other end of the scale, this 21st century business is a viable option for those looking for some quick cash. It could also turn into a sustainable long-term side earner (or your main income). While you can find clients online, one good tip with this is to get out into your local area and try and find clients who don't already have a web presence. Try looking at Google Maps and finding local businesses that are listed without a website. Approach them directly (in person if you can).
These businesses will probably already know they should have a website, but haven't been completely convinced yet. They also might not have been approached by someone local in person (that's why this method works so well). You can also be competitive on price – you aren't trying to compete with big design firms offering a bespoke, high-end site. You could throw something up in a day or two on WordPress that some local businesses would be more than happy with paying around $200 for. You only need 10 local clients like that to make your money, and if it goes well, it could be a sustainable income for you.
Start a Cleaning Business
Again, there's normally always someone in the local area that needs some cleaning doing. If you're willing to put the work in, you can do this sort of job yourself without a huge barrier to entry. You only need yourself and a few basic cleaning products. The main limit to making some quick money doing this is down to how quickly you can get clients. Try asking around and offering some reduced prices to get people interested.
Start a Removal Business
This is another one that works well if you've got your own van or truck. Moving is expensive, and some people get to the point where they're desperate for help because they've left arranging this to the last minute. Again, making money helping people move comes down to getting clients quickly and easily – so if you don't want to advertise extensively (this can work well in the local area), try this simple tip: Go to people who either have “for sale” or “sold” signs in their front lawn (or at the front of their property).
These are people who could very much need your services. Make sure you've got a business card or professional leaflet and you could drum up a fair amount of business this way (if you're willing to put the legwork in). You could make that $2,000 with just four or five good clients.
Start a DIY Business
Again, ask around the local area to see if people need jobs done. This is another simple side earner that can fit around other jobs and be done in the weekends or evenings. It also has a low barrier to entry and is a simple cash-in-hand business. Try local advert boards or simply asking around if people need any work done.
Start an Amazon FBA Business
Another business angle to consider is Amazon FBA. This is a program designed to support people who are selling products on Amazon. Basically, Amazon FBA allows you to streamline your approach and take advantage of Amazon’s various processes, as well as their warehouse space.
There are many tutorials and videos about how to get started with Amazon FBA and we’ve even covered it on this blog as well. The process is also straightforward enough that you could figure it out by reading the information that Amazon provides.
But, being successful with Amazon FBA involves some planning. You need to figure out types of products that you can sell and actually turn a profit on. In many ways, this is the hardest part. You need products that will reliably sell and ones where the competition isn’t too fierce. If you get it right, Amazon FBA can be a very effective tool.
Become a Network Marketer
Network marketing companies are another way to earn (like Avon, Amway and the like). There are many different examples of these now, including areas like jewelry and cosmetics. To earn $2,000 (or more) with a company like this, you’d need to make substantial sales regularly and/or build a successful team.
Both angles are possible and some people are very successful in the network marketing field. This can also be a good option if you want something flexible, especially if you have a large social network.
But, it’s critical that you choose the company carefully and research well. Some companies have high ongoing requirements, while others promote products that simply don’t sell well. In fact, some people even end up in debt with such companies, as there is often pressure to buy more products than you are selling.
Start an Etsy Business
Etsy is more than just a way to make a little bit of money on the side. The website can also be a tool for developing a successful long-term business, selling products that you make yourself.
To do this successfully, you need to approach the idea like a business. This includes taking the time to research your competition and plan strategies. For example, you’re not going to get far if you’re selling the same basic products that a hundred other people are selling. Instead, you need something unique or an unusual way of marketing.
One potential approach is to create something very specialized. This may mean that you’re targeting a narrower audience – but one that relatively few other sellers focus on. You can also take advantage of tools like social media and your own website to market your products effectively. As with any business, earning $2,000 on Etsy is going to take a bit of time but it is achievable.
Start a Street Food Business
While this one is slightly harder to set up, it could be a great choice for someone who's passionate about food and has a good idea. There are tons of different successful food vans these days, so try thinking outside the box a bit. Make sure you've got local food safety regulations sorted (and any other licences you need).
This can be done at the weekend alongside other work, but the main factor in determining how easily you can make the money is the sort of pitches you get. Some food vans stick to one busy area – which is what you'll be looking for. Somewhere with a lot of foot traffic. You could also try weekend events like festivals and other food markets (farmers markets, etc).
Borrowing
If none of these other ideas work for you, you could simply borrow the money.
Re-Mortgage Your House
You should be able to free up $2,000 worth of equity in your home relatively easily, but it's still a big decision to take. If none of these other ideas work for you – then it might be the only option.
Get a Bank Loan
Bank loans are still relatively easy ways to get some money, and get that money quickly. You will have to meet a few financial checks t0 make sure you can be leant to, but this is still a good option. Just make sure you know how much you've got to pay back, and when you've got to do it by.
Get a Pay-Day Loan
Pay-day loans have become more and more popular in recent years. The best thing about these is that you normally get the money straight away, so they're a good option for those who need the money quickly. However, the interest rates with these is even higher than with bank loans, so make sure you've checked all the small print and that you pay back on time. Missing deadlines with this could see you get into even more debt.
Nathaniell
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