There are numerous opportunities to earn money both online and offline in Canada, whether you’re freelancing, selling unused items, house-sitting, and more. The sting of inflation may have you pondering how to make some extra income. If you have the time and energy, you can put your skills and passions to work with a side hustle.
18. Sell Collectibles
Platforms like Kijiji, eBay, and Facebook allow you to sell collectibles for free. Your success depends on the condition, rarity, and demand of your items. Research the market before listing to set competitive prices and cover shipping costs to broaden your reach.
- Age Requirement: 16+ (Kijiji), 18+ (eBay, Facebook Marketplace)
- Setup Time: Approximately 24 hours
- Starting Cost: Free to open accounts; fees may apply for additional listings.
17. Recycle Your Clothes
Earn money by selling gently used clothing through online consignment and resale platforms like Poshmark and Depop. You’ll typically earn a commission on each item sold.
- Age Requirement: 18+ (some platforms may allow younger sellers with parental consent)
- Setup Time: A day or two to create and list items
- Starting Cost: Free to create accounts
16. Offer a Room on Airbnb or VRBO
List a room or property on sites like Airbnb for short-term rentals. Consider costs like utilities, maintenance, and insurance when setting your rates.
- Age Requirement: 18+
- Setup Time: 1-2 hours to create listings
- Starting Cost: Little to none if you already have access to a property
15. Pick Up Freelance Work
Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.ca offer freelance opportunities in writing, design, coding, and more. Create a profile, bid on projects, and start earning.
- Age Requirement: Typically 16-18 years old, depending on the platform
- Setup Time: A day or two to set up your profile
- Starting Cost: Free to create accounts and bid on jobs
14. Become a Dropshipper
Partner with wholesalers to sell products online without handling inventory. This requires strategic planning and understanding of your market.
- Age Requirement: 18+
- Setup Time: Several weeks to research products and set up partnerships
- Starting Cost: Initial investment required
13. Become a Virtual Assistant
Assist clients remotely with tasks ranging from administrative duties to customer service through platforms like Upwork and Virtual Gurus.
- Age Requirement: Typically 16-18 years old
- Setup Time: A day or two to create a profile
- Starting Cost: Free to create accounts
12. Open an Etsy Store
Sell handmade or vintage items on Etsy, catering to a niche market of craft enthusiasts.
- Age Requirement: 18+
- Setup Time: Varies; from minutes to weeks depending on inventory
- Starting Cost: Free to open a shop; costs incurred in creating items
11. Become a Translator
Utilize language skills by offering translation services through platforms like Upwork and Gengo.
- Age Requirement: Typically 18+
- Setup Time: One to two days to set up profile and qualifications
- Starting Cost: Free to create accounts
10. Sell Artwork Using Print-On-Demand Sites
Turn artwork into profit by selling designs on products like t-shirts and posters through sites like RedBubble and Printful.
- Age Requirement: 18+
- Setup Time: 1-2 hours
- Starting Cost: Free to open accounts
9. Tutor via Webcam
Offer tutoring services in subjects like math and languages through platforms like VIPKid and Preply.
- Age Requirement: Typically 13-18 years old
- Setup Time: About a week to create a profile and possibly undergo an interview
- Starting Cost: Free to create accounts
8. Take Online Surveys
Earn money by sharing opinions on survey sites like Survey Junkie and Swagbucks.
- Age Requirement: 13+
- Setup Time: Few minutes to set up profile
- Starting Cost: Free to join
7. Sell Photos to Stock Image Services
Monetize photography skills by selling images through platforms like Adobe Stock and Dreamstime.
- Age Requirement: 18+ (some platforms may allow younger users with parental consent)
- Setup Time: 1-2 hours to upload photos
- Starting Cost: Free to create accounts
6. House-sit
Earn money by watching homes or pets while owners are away.
- Age Requirement: Any age
- Setup Time: Minimal
- Starting Cost: None
5. Walk Dogs
Offer dog-walking services to pet owners for exercise and companionship.
- Age Requirement: Any age
- Setup Time: None
- Starting Cost: None
4. Clean Houses
Provide cleaning services to homeowners for a tidy profit.
- Age Requirement: Any age
- Setup Time: Depends on gathering supplies
- Starting Cost: None, if you have supplies
3. Offer Landscaping Services
From mowing lawns to seasonal yard work, there’s demand for landscaping services.
- Age Requirement: Any age
- Setup Time: None, if you have tools
- Starting Cost: None, if you have tools
2. Provide Handy Work
Earn money by offering handyman services like repairs and maintenance.
- Age Requirement: Any age
- Setup Time: None, if you have tools
- Starting Cost: None, if you have tools
1. Hold a Garage Sale
Sell unwanted items in person without the hassle of online selling.
- Age Requirement: Any age
- Setup Time: A few days to organize
- Starting Cost: None, if space is available
Conclusion
These methods provide practical ways to generate passive income, boost savings, or pursue self-employment. Whether you’re looking to make money online or offline, in Canada or abroad, these options cater to different age groups and preferences.
