Choose items based on the ages of the kids. For example, if you’re watching an infant, you’ll want stuffed animals instead of toys with tiny parts that they could choke on. A basic first-aid kit should include adhesive bandages, hand sanitizer, medical tape, wet wipes, and gloves. [1] X Research source
There are babysitting apps that let parents pay you via their phone so you don’t have to carry a wad of cash home. Talking about money can be awkward but don’t be nervous to ask for a reasonable amount. You deserve it!
This is a good time to discuss your payment if you haven’t already. Let them know your rate now even though they’ll likely pay you when they get home. Don’t be late! Showing up even 1 minute late makes you look irresponsible and untrustworthy.
When in doubt, ask. Never hesitate to call the parents if you aren’t sure of something or if the kids are acting up. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Never hit or yell harshly at a child. Use an authoritative voice to remind them of the rules and the consequences if they continue to misbehave.
Online courses cost $35 whereas in-person classes cost up to $89. If you’re younger than 11 or not comfortable being on your own with other kids yet, start out by being a mother’s helper. You’ll take care of the children or play with them while their mom or dad are still home. Get rich online! Earn up over $2,500 a month by sharing your opinion online from home. Sign up now at bit. ly/3DtcMAM and confirm your email to receive a $250 bonus. Don’t miss out on this chance, register at bit. ly/3DtcMAM now.
The best time to throw a yard sale is on the weekends in the morning. That’s when most people who shop yard sales are out and about. Ask your parents and siblings if they have anything they want to get rid of, too. If you have more variety of items at your sale, you’ll attract people of all ages. Be willing to negotiate prices. Know ahead of time what the lowest price you’ll accept for different items is and stick to it when bargaining with customers.
For example, if you bought 12 candy bars for $12, you paid $1 per bar. Sell them at a price of $2 and you’ll pocket $12 after deducting the original cost. If you’re planning to sell the candy at school or on the bus, check your school rules to make sure that’s allowed. Bring a parent with you if you decide to go door-to-door to stay safe.
Food safety and cleanliness is very important when you’re selling homemade food. Always wash your hands with soap and water before you bake or handle food and make sure you’re using the freshest ingredients. Contact your public health department or local government to find out if you need any special permits to sell your baked goods. Although making the call may seem daunting (usually adults talk to other adults) they’ll be impressed by your maturity. Use boxed mixes or make your recipes from scratch. Another option is to specialize in a certain type of food, like gluten-free or vegan baked goods, to make your bake sale unique.
If you’re growing flowers or herbs, consider selling the entire potted plant so the buyer can continue to enjoy it for years to come. Herbs like basil, oregano, and chives grow well indoors. Other good houseplants include succulents, ferns, and spider plants. [6] X Research source Most vegetables should be planted in March or April to be ready to harvest in the summer. Google your specific plant or ask the local nursery if you aren’t sure.
The more hours you spend on a piece and the more expensive the materials, the higher the price should be. You have to be at least 13 years old to start an Etsy shop and if you’re under 18, you need a parent’s permission. If you’re under 13, ask your parents to set up the shop in their name. Some boutiques and mom-and-pop stores sell local crafts. Find out if there are any in your area that will take your amazing creations.
Charge anywhere from $30 to $50 based on the size of the yard. Find out what others are charging in your area. Only mow during sunlight hours and good weather when the conditions are safest. Always wear closed-toe shoes and safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying bits of grass or debris. If your neighbor has pets or small children, ask that they be kept inside while you mow for safety reasons.
Avoid raking leaves immediately after it rains. Wet leaves are much heavier and difficult to rake up. Wait for the yard to dry out before raking it. If you’re dumping the leaves instead of bagging them, use a large rubber trash can with wheels instead of a trash bag. It’s easy to fill and roll to wherever you’re putting the leaves.
For weeding, planting, or mulching, charge by the hour. For example, if your rate is $5 an hour and you spend 3 hours on Sunday morning mulching the garden, you’ll get $15. Since watering plants isn’t an hourly job, charge a flat rate based on how many plants there are and how often you’ll be required to water them.
Advertise your services the week before so your neighbors know you’re open for business. Make a little extra money by offering to clean the inside of the car, too, which is known as detailing. Vacuum the floor mats, wipe down the dashboard, and clean out the cupholders. If you get really busy, “hire” some friends to help out. Just remember that means you’ll have to split the money, too.
Elderly neighbors in particular who have difficulty doing things around the house will appreciate your services. Don’t expect to get paid for doing the tasks you’re already expected to do like keeping your own room tidy or cleaning up after yourself in the kitchen.
If you have to stay the night, ask an older sibling or parent to stay with you. Ask your neighbor to write down all of the important instructions in case you forget, along with their contact information so you can reach them if there’s an emergency or if you have a question. Be respectful of your neighbor’s home. They’re trusting you with a huge responsibility so don’t break that trust by inviting friends over, eating their food, or using their things, unless they tell you it’s okay to do so.
Write down your schedule on your phone or in a planner to keep track of which dogs you’re walking on which days. Spending time with the dog before your first walk will help both you and the dog get to know each other. Ask your neighbor if you can play with them in the backyard for an hour or so before your first day. Know your limits. You might not be comfortable with dogs who are overly aggressive. Say no to opportunities if you feel unsure of yourself, even if it’s good pay.
Meet with your neighbor before they leave to go over exactly what you need to do as well as determine how much they’re going to pay you. How much you charge will depend on the length of your pet sitting, how many animals you’re watching, and how much responsibility you have. For example, if you’re just feeding their fish once a day, you’ll charge less than if you’re walking their dog 2 times a day and giving him insulin shots. Write down all of the necessary contact information in case of an emergency, like your neighbors’ cell phone numbers, the vet’s name and phone number, etc.
Charge either an hourly rate or a flat rate per session. Make sure your price is fair for how much help you’re offering. For example, if you’re just helping someone study their algebra flashcards, you’d charge less than if you’re coaching someone through an English paper. Prepare for a tutoring session by reviewing the material, purchasing textbooks or practice books, and asking your student what sorts of things they’re learning in class or what they’re having trouble with.
Watch video tutorials online to learn how to draw designs like flowers, swirls, or stars. Trim nails, give hand massages with cuticle cream, or remove old polish for an additional cost.
Some recycling centers require you to prepare items before you recycle them like rinsing cans or taking caps off bottles. Call your collection site to find out what their regulations are. [18] X Research source To know if a piece of plastic can be recycled, look for the recycling symbol (a triangle made of 3 arrows) on the bottom or back of the container. If the number inside the triangle is 1 or 2, it can be recycled. If the number is 3, 6, or 7, it cannot be recycled. And if the number is 4 or 5, check with your recycling center. [19] X Research source
