How Can I Make Extra Money Fast In South Africa? 7 Ideas

Making extra money on the side is a dream for many South Africans.

After all, who wouldn’t want some additional income to help pay off debt, save up for something special or generally improve their finances?

The problem is figuring out legitimate and realistic ways to earn money quickly in your spare time.

Fortunately, there are proven side hustle opportunities that can help you achieve your goals if you put in consistent effort.

In this post, we will explore actionable ideas to start making R5000-R20,000 extra per month and get you closer to financial freedom one small step at a time.

Keep reading for practical tips and hacks to start your profitable side hustle today!

How can I make extra money fast in South Africa?

1. Sell unused items online on platforms like OLX, Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace.
2. Do freelance work like graphic design, writing, web development or virtual assistance.
3. Become a rideshare or delivery driver for companies like Uber, Bolt or Mr D Food.
4. Get a part-time job like bartending, waiting tables or retail work.
5. Start dropshipping products and sell them online.
6. Rent out a spare room, parking spot or storage space.
7. Participate in surveys, user testing or selling photos online.

Sell unused items online on platforms like OLX, Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace.

Selling unused or unwanted items is a great way to make quick extra money in South Africa.

With the rise of online platforms like OLX, Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace, it has become very easy to sell items locally.

Here are some tips to help you make money fast by selling online:

• Go through your home and make a list of items to sell – Clothes, books, electronics, furniture, kitchenware etc. Anything in good condition that you no longer need.
• Take good quality photos – Get clear, well-lit photos to show the items at their best. More appealing photos attract more buyers faster.
• Price items competitively – Research prices for similar pre-owned items so you can price competitively. Reasonable prices sell faster.
• List items on multiple platforms – Cross-list on OLX, Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace to reach the most buyers. More exposure means faster sales.
• Include complete item details – Mention brand, dimensions, age/condition, specifications etc so buyers know what they are getting.
• Refresh and share listings regularly – Bump your listings back to the top and share on social media so more buyers see them.
• Negotiate politely – Be open to reasonable offers and bargaining from buyers. Some money is better than no money.
• Meet buyers at a public place – For safety and social distancing, meet at places like shopping malls.

Selling even a few unused items each month could earn you a few hundred Rand quickly.

The money can add up with consistent listings and sales.

Do freelance work like graphic design, writing, web development or virtual assistance.

Doing freelance work in areas like graphic design, writing, programming and virtual assistance is a great way to make extra money in South Africa.

The internet has made it easy to find freelance jobs online.

Here are some tips to get started with freelancing:

• Pick your niche – Focus on your skills and experience. Build a portfolio highlighting your best work.
• Create an online presence – Have a website and profiles on freelancing platforms like Fiverr and Upwork.
• Use freelance job sites – Search for gigs on sites like Guru.com, Freelancer.com and PeoplePerHour.
• Tap your network – Let friends, family and colleagues know you are taking on freelance work. Ask for referrals.
• Set competitive rates – Research standard rates in your industry. Price competitively as you build your reputation.
• Communicate professionally – Be responsive, articulate and reliable with clients. Aim for 5-star reviews.
• Outline project deliverables – Have a contract detailing timelines, payment terms, scope of work and revisions.
• Build your portfolio – Do some jobs for low rates or free to get testimonials, reviews and portfolio samples.
• Manage your finances – Track income and expenses. Invoice clients promptly. Meet tax obligations.

With consistent effort, freelancing skills like graphic design, writing and web development can earn R10,000+ per month.

The flexibility makes it an ideal option for those wanting to make extra money fast.

Become a rideshare or delivery driver for companies like Uber, Bolt or Mr D Food.

Becoming a driver for ridesharing and delivery companies like Uber, Bolt and Mr D Food can be a quick and easy way to make extra money in South Africa.

The demand for these services is growing rapidly.

Here are some tips to get started rideshare or delivery driving:

• Check you meet requirements – You’ll need a suitable vehicle, driver’s license for at least 2 years, background check etc.
• Choose your service – Sign up with a rideshare platform like Uber or Bolt and/or a delivery one like Mr D Food.
• Get necessary approvals – Obtain any necessary permits, licenses, inspections and approvals from authorities.
• Learn the app – Familiarize yourself fully with the driver app and how jobs are assigned, accepted, etc.
• Maximize earnings – Work during peak times such as rush hour and weekends to get more jobs. Accept jobs strategically.
• Provide good service – Keep your vehicle clean. Be polite and patient with customers. Aim for 5-star ratings.
• Track income and costs – Note earnings, fuel, maintenance and other costs to calculate profitability.
• Work smart – Have phone mounts and chargers. Bring water and snacks. Take breaks to stay alert.
• Stay safe – Only accept safe jobs. Communicate with support if needed. Carry cleaning supplies.

Rideshare and delivery driving provides flexibility to work any time.

With smart scheduling, drivers can earn R500-R1000 extra daily.

Get a part-time job like bartending, waiting tables or retail work.

Taking on a part-time job is a straightforward way to earn extra money in South Africa.

Jobs in restaurants, bars, shops and malls provide opportunities to work evenings, weekends and flexible hours.

Here are some tips for finding a good part-time job:

• Find openings nearby – Browse job boards or check with nearby restaurants, bars, stores and malls directly about vacancies.
• Cater to your schedule – Look for opportunities that accommodate your availability – evenings, weekends, a few days a week etc.
• Weigh the pros and cons – Consider the pay rate, average tips, perks, commute and working conditions before applying.
• Highlight relevant skills – Tailor your application and interview to the role. Mention any prior retail, food service or people skills.
• Ask about extra shifts – Offer to cover busy times or fill in for others. More hours means more earnings.
• Provide excellent service – Make a good impression on customers and managers to get more shifts.
• Manage tax compliance – Declare your income and tips. Keep receipts if you need to claim expenses.
• Watch your spending – Avoid wasting your extra earnings. Budget carefully and save a portion.

With 10-15 hours per week in a customer service job, you can earn an extra R3000-R5000 monthly.

The social nature also makes it a fun option.

Start dropshipping products and sell them online.

Dropshipping is an online retail model where you sell products without keeping stock.

The supplier ships items directly to customers.

This is gaining popularity in South Africa for its low startup costs.

Here are some tips for dropshipping success:

• Choose a niche – Focus on a specific product category based on existing demand and passion. Examples are fashion, gadgets, hobbies.
• Set up your store – Create a Shopify or WooCommerce storefront to showcase and sell your products.
• Find reliable suppliers – Search platforms like SaleHoo and Oberlo for suppliers who ship fast to South Africa at wholesale rates.
• List quality products – Curate excellent products customers will love. Include detailed descriptions, specs and images.
• Market aggressively – Run targeted ads on Google and social media. Retarget visitors. Write SEO-optimized content.
• Provide good service – Reply to buyer queries promptly. Process and fulfill orders quickly and accurately.
• Automate order processing – Use apps to sync product listings, inventory, and orders between your store and suppliers.
• Learn as you go – Keep testing products and marketing channels. Adapt your approach based on data.

With an optimized dropshipping store, you can pocket R15,000-R20,000 in monthly profits once you start scaling up.

The income potential is huge.

Rent out a spare room, parking spot or storage space.

Renting out unused spaces in and around your home is an easy way to generate regular rental income.

Options like spare rooms, parking spots, driveways and storage spaces are in steady demand in South Africa.

Here are some tips for successfully renting out spaces:

• Check local regulations – Ensure short-term rentals are allowed. Obtain any required licenses or permits.
• Set a competitive rate – Research prices for similar spaces in your area listed on platforms like Airbnb and Gumtree.
• List the space – Create posts on listing sites with attractive photos, availability details and house rules.
• Screen tenants carefully – Ask for references. Get all needed documentation. Use rental agreements.
• Set expectations – Be clear about access to shared amenities, notice period, security deposit, payment terms etc.
• Collect payments on time – Set a consistent payment date. Send polite reminders to collect rent owed.
• Maintain the property – Keep the rented spaces and common areas clean, safe and comfortable for tenants.

Renting out a room or parking consistently can generate R3000-R5000 in extra income monthly with little effort.

The key is to manage tenants and payments effectively.

Participate in surveys, user testing or selling photos online.

Completing online surveys, product testing and selling stock photos in your free time can be an easy way to make extra money in South Africa.

Many websites let you earn cash for these micro tasks.

Here are some tips to earn successfully:

• Find legitimate websites – Stick to established survey panels like Ipsos, Nielsen and Toluna with verified payment practices.
• Provide accurate information – Take surveys seriously so you qualify for more. Use real demographics.
• Cash out promptly – Redeem points or earnings as soon as you meet the minimum threshold to withdraw funds.
• Check for product tests – Companies like UserTesting.com pay people to test and review new apps, websites and other products.
• Sell your photos – Upload your high-quality photos of nature, travel, lifestyle, textures, etc on stock sites like iStock and Shutterstock.
• Refer friends – Get more points when friends join survey panels after your referral.
• Take well-paying surveys first – Browse for surveys with the highest incentive and commission to maximize earnings.
• Contact support – Follow up if you encounter issues with missing payments, points etc.

With steady participation, you can earn R500-R1000 monthly in your downtime by taking surveys and selling photos – 100% online!

Key Takeaways

• Sell unused items online via platforms like OLX, Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace for quick sales.
• Freelance in areas like graphic design, writing and programming to earn good rates in a flexible way. Build a portfolio.
• Become a driver with ridesharing or delivery companies like Uber and Mr D Food using your own car and schedule.
• Consider part-time jobs in restaurants, bars, retail stores etc for evenings, weekends and flexible shifts.
• Try dropshipping products from suppliers to customers directly. Run ads and Optimization.
• Rent out unused spaces like spare rooms, parking spots, storage areas in your home to tenants.
• Take online surveys and sell stock photos in your free time for easy money. Cash out earnings promptly.

Read also:

• How Can I Make Money Online In South Africa? 10 Ideas
• How Can I Make Money Online In South Africa? 10 Ideas
• How Can I Make Money Online In South Africa? 10 Ideas
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• How Can I Make Money Online In South Africa? 10 Ideas
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