Kathryn Finney has been blogging about being fashionable on a budget since 2003, and I recently reread her popular book How to Be a Budget Fashionista. In the second chapter of the book, Finney gives ten examples of how to infuse your wallet with some extra cash so you can build up your wardrobe. Since these ideas work beyond a budget wardrobe, I'm reposting them here as a reminder that there are lots of ways to make a little extra cash, even in this rough economy.
1. Host a clothing-swap party. I've always wanted to participate in one of these, but I've never known anyone who's hosted one. Maybe I should just do that myself! It's a great way to score some new clothes and accessories (or kitchen appliances, toys) with nothing leaving your pocktbook.
2. Have a garage sale. Between my two sales this month (I had one and then was able to put my leftovers in another sale), I made an extra $325. Not too shabby.
3. Sell designer clothes to a consignment shop. While designer clothes are obviously the most profitable, brand name clothes like Gap or Old Navy are accepted at most consignment shops. I've netted about $100 from the consignment shop over the last few months, just for cleaning out my closet.
4. Sell your clothes in an online auction. Or anything else in your home, for that matter. I've made quite a bit of extra dough lately selling things on craigslist. There's always ebay, plus newer sites like bonanzle. Plus, your home will be less cluttered. :)
5. Get a part-time job at a clothing store. Or, if you don't care about the discount for building up your wardrobe, get a part-time job at a small grocery store, a home store, etc. If you're in need of something, there's probably a store where you can work and get it with a discount.
6. Sell items at a flea market. My parents did this when I was a kid--my dad did woodwork on the side (he made a lot of our toys) and sold his wares at the local flea market on the weekends.
7. Donate your old clothes to get a tax break. 'Nuff said.
8. Do it yourself: sell craft projects. With the popularity of etsy, this is easier than ever now. I have no talent to speak of, but I love browsing others' homemade wares. If I was good at making anything, I would definitely go this route for a little side cash.
9. Mystery shopping. Another hustle I've never tried. I did sign up with a few companies, but the assignments in my area are usually very inconvenient or very pricey. But other bloggers have had success wih mystery shopping, so it's something to look into.
10. Become a personal shopper. Know a busy professional who doesn't have time to pick out clothing or shop for groceries? Offer your shopping services.
There are so many different avenues to take in order to make a little extra cash. Good luck with any of your ventures this summer!
2 comments:
I went to a 'swishing' party - ie clothes swap - and got some nice free stuff - and got rid of a whole load more. a while a go me and my friends used to host regular clothes sales and sell stuff to each other - not for very much, but like £25 for a Whistles dress and £2 for a tee shirt. which meant you got a bit of dosh for your old stuff - and generally spent it on others clothes so it may as well have been a swap!
it was easy to set up. what girlfriend doesn't want to hang out, dress up and drink wine and talk about clothes!
I would love to sell stuff on etsy too! I'm not so crafty though, but maybe I could learn.
You are good at making over furniture though. You could maybe figure out a way to make that work with etsy- maybe cute kids furniture or something!
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