There are some unusual ways to make money that are really outside the norm! Things unlike transcription, data entry, writing, etc.
So if you’ve ever wondered whether you could get paid to bring a dog to a wedding or run a game of Dungeons & Dragons, the answer is yes!
Below, I’ve put together a list of 10 unusual ideas with places you can go to learn more. Some can be done from home, while others depend on where you live, what you know, or the space you have available.
These are mostly side gigs, so don’t expect steady work from all of them.
Before we begin, you can sign up for my free work at home emails. I’ll also send you my free list of 43 Non-Phone Jobs!
10 Unusual Ways to Make Money
1 – Be a Dog’s Plus-One at a Wedding
Some couples want their dog included in the wedding, but they need someone else to handle the pet care. So you can be paid to help the dog get through photos, take potty breaks, and head home when its part in the day is done.
FairyTail Pet Care accepts applications for wedding pet attendants in select cities. You’ll need to be comfortable handling dogs around crowds, and transportation may be part of the work.
See FairyTail’s team openings here.
2 – Host Trivia or Music Bingo
If you enjoy trivia and don’t mind being the person with the microphone, you can get paid to host game nights at bars and restaurants.
Geeks Who Drink provides training and sound equipment, so you aren’t expected to put everything together yourself.
You must be at least 21 and have your own laptop and smartphone or tablet. Openings depend on your area, and pay varies by event.
Go here to learn about hosting with Geeks Who Drink.
3 – Be a Mock Juror
Attorneys sometimes pay ordinary people to review cases before they go to trial. You may be asked to read the facts, answer questions, and give your opinion on what happened.
OnlineVerdict offers online case reviews that generally take 30–60 minutes and pay $30–$60. It’s free to join, but you must be a U.S. citizen age 18 or older and qualify for a study in the area needed.
Invitations can be few and far between, and case details must be kept confidential.
Join OnlineVerdict’s juror database here.
4 – Get Paid to Visit Amusement Parks
Amusement Advantage offers mystery shopping assignments at amusement parks, museums, arcades, and other attractions. You’ll be asked to pay attention to things like service and cleanliness, then submit a detailed report afterward.
However, some assignments only reimburse expenses or provide tickets. So this may be a way to cover the cost of an outing rather than bring home extra cash. Read the payment and purchase requirements before accepting.
Go here to become an Amusement Advantage shopper, or read our Amusement Advantage review.
My Mystery Shopping Guide is a complete guide to how mystery shopping works, what to expect, and how to avoid common scams. It also includes 50 mystery shopping companies you can look into as you get started!
5 – Get Paid to Go Look at Things
With WeGoLook, you can be paid to visit a location and take photos, videos, or basic measurements for someone who can’t be there. This might involve a car, an RV, or a piece of equipment.
The work is done by independent contractors across the U.S., although available jobs depend on your location. Be sure to consider the driving involved, since mileage isn’t automatically reimbursed.
6 – Wait in Line for Someone Else
People will actually pay someone else to wait in line for them! This can include busy restaurants and other places where holding a spot is allowed.
I’m having flashbacks from our 2014 trip to Disney when we learned the wait time for the Snow White ride was 4 HOURS! I might have been willing to fork over some cash if I could have found someone to stand there for us if I’d known that was a thing.
However, Disney doesn’t allow saving places in line for others anymore, so always check the venue’s rules.
Taskrabbit offers line-waiting services in various cities, although demand changes of course and a $25 registration fee applies in some cities.
Go here to learn about becoming a Tasker.
7 – Rent Your Yard as a Private Dog Park
If you have a safe yard that isn’t being used all day, dog owners may pay to use it. This can be especially helpful for people whose dogs don’t do well around unfamiliar dogs.
Sniffspot lets you set your price and available hours, with one group booking the space at a time. It’s free to list, but fees are deducted from bookings.
You’ll need to keep the space safe and clean, keep your own pets separate, and check your property rules and insurance before hosting.
Go here to become a Sniffspot host.
8 – Let Your Home Be Used for Photo or Film Shoots
Your kitchen, garden, or living room could be used for a photo shoot!
Through Peerspace, homes and other spaces can be rented by the hour, so you don’t have to take in overnight guests.
You choose your price and which bookings to accept.
Listing is free, although a host fee is deducted when you get a booking.
Before listing, check your property rules and insurance, and think about the cleanup and possible wear from having a crew in your home.
Learn about listing your space here.
9 – Get Paid to Run Online Tabletop Games
If you’re already the person who runs Dungeons & Dragons games for your friends, you can offer that service to paying players online.
StartPlaying lets approved Game Masters set their own prices per player and session. There’s no signup fee, but the platform takes a 15% booking fee.
Keep in mind that your pay also needs to cover the time spent preparing, and filling a game with players isn’t guaranteed.
Go here to learn about becoming a paid Game Master.
10 – Sell Crossword Puzzles You Create
If you love crossword puzzles, you might enjoy making the puzzles instead of solving them. Some publishers buy original crosswords from independent creators.
Fireball Crosswords lists $451 for an accepted puzzle, paid when it’s published.
However, these are challenging puzzles, and only a small number are accepted. You’ll need to submit your theme idea first, and accepted puzzles are sold with all rights.
Sample puzzles are available on the Fireball Crosswords website if you’d like to see what they publish.
In Closing
I hope this list has given you a few new ideas for earning extra money! Whether it’s a hobby you enjoy or space you aren’t using, there may be a way for it to bring in a little extra cash.
Good luck if you give any of these a try!
Photo by X L
Anna Thurman is a work at home blogger and mom of two. She has been researching and reviewing remote jobs for over 15 years. Her findings are published weekly here at Real Ways to Earn.