Sites for Earning Extra Cash or Merchandise

Christine Durst and Michael Haaren
Wed, 22 May 2013 21:00:00 -0700
Lifestyle

Many folks, regardless of whether they have a job, would like to earn some extra cash or merchandise in their spare time. Fortunately, the online world offers increasing and legitimate opportunities for extra funds and "swag."

Here are just a few of the many options to choose from.

—Get paid to take surveys: A number of sites let you earn a few dollars taking surveys. In the same vein, participating in focus groups can permit you to earn even more. Examples include American Consumer Opinion at http://www.acop.com/, focusgroup.com and Opinionoutpost, at https://www.opinionoutpost.com/.
Updated: Wed Feb 11, 2015

Many folks, regardless of whether they have a job, would like to earn some extra cash or merchandise in their spare time. Fortunately, the online world offers increasing and legitimate opportunities for extra funds and "swag."

Here are just a few of the many options to choose from.

—Get paid to take surveys: A number of sites let you earn a few dollars taking surveys. In the same vein, participating in focus groups can permit you to earn even more. Examples include American Consumer Opinion at http://www.acop.com/, focusgroup.com and Opinionoutpost, at https://www.opinionoutpost.com/.

However, as you search for survey sites, be sure to keep your scam radar on. The survey arena is popular with scammers who try to lure consumers with promises of high payouts for a few minutes' work. Many also demand a "registration fee."

—Get paid to buy tickets: In the old days, when people had to stand in line to buy tickets, folks could earn extra cash by "standing in" for the actual buyer. TicketPuller.com has moved that process online.

Per their site, "We will pay you up to $50 per successful session to help fans get the seats that they want. You never pay us a dime or give out your credit card information!" For more, see http://ticketpuller.com/.

—Get paid to go look at things: If you want to do something in a distant location — rent a beach house, or buy something pricey on eBay — how do you know you'll get what you pay for? WeGoLook solves that problem.

Per their site, "WeGoLook.com is an online service that sends someone to make a few basic observations about a product, place, or thing, for individuals and industries who are unavailable to do so for themselves." You don't need to be an expert, and you can choose the projects you prefer. "Most assignments pay a minimum of $25.00." For details, see http://www.wegolook.com.

—Earn merchandise by browsing: Perk is a browser that awards you redeemable points for searching and making purchases online.

Per their FAQs, "Perk Points are earned by shopping at our partners' stores and through web searches using Perk Search. You are then able to trade those points for things you love: Cash, Gift Cards, Airline Miles, Electronics, or make a Donation." For more, go to http://www.perk.com/.

—Get paid to review websites: Although you may have to get on a waiting list, several sites offer payments in exchange for brief website, mobile app or mobile site evaluations. Reviews may take 20 minutes or less, but pay $5 to $15 each.

Examples include UserTesting.com, Userlytics.com and StarUpLift.com.