You do not need cold calls to earn. These nine gigs rely on clear rules, simple gear, and tasks people pay for again and again. Each one notes what makes it legal, any permits or training to check, and basics on pricing so you can quote without guesswork. Keep receipts for taxes, use written agreements, and carry basic liability coverage once work becomes regular. Start small, document before and after results, and schedule repeat clients. Reliable service beats hype, and steady records protect you if questions come up later.
1. Curb Address Painting
Cities often allow curb numbers if you stay on private property and follow sign codes. Use reflective house numbers at least 3 inches tall so emergency crews can read them. Ask the owner in writing and photograph the curb before work. Painters charge per house and offer free touch ups within 30 days. Avoid utility boxes and sidewalks, and pull a simple permit where required. A stencil set, exterior paint, tape, and drop cloths fit in a backpack, and the job takes under an hour.
2. Pet Waste Removal
EPA guidance treats pet waste as a pollutant, which is why many owners hire weekly cleanup. Bring nitrile gloves, a scoop, heavy bags, and a lidded bin. Put waste in household trash unless local rules require a transfer station. Offer one time deep cleans and discounted weekly routes. Log date, yard size, and bag count so renewals are simple. Do not enter when dogs are loose unless the owner is present. Clear terms on gates, weather delays, and missed visits keep the service smooth.
3. Parking Lot Litter Cleanup
Property managers pay for early morning litter patrols because clean lots cut complaints and slip risks. Work happens before stores open, so you avoid traffic. A grabber, broom, rolling bin, and safety vest cover most sites. Quote a monthly rate per property instead of hourly; managers prefer predictable invoices. Photograph start and finish the first week to set expectations. Stay off landscaped beds unless asked, and report hazards like broken glass or oil spills so maintenance can respond. Simple gear, steady routes, zero pitching.
4. Youth Sports Refereeing
Local leagues need certified refs for soccer, basketball, and baseball. U.S. Soccer Grassroots, NFHS, or state bodies run short courses and background checks. Pay is per game, often with higher rates for centers and older age groups. Bring a whistle, a uniform, and basic first aid. Post-game reports matter for standings and disputes, so turn them in on time. Refs do not sell anything; they enforce rules and keep games safe. Clear availability and fast communication with assignors lead to steady weekend schedules.
5. House Sitting and Pet Sitting
Overnights and drop-ins are in demand when families travel. Set rules in writing: visit times, walk lengths, litter box care, and emergency vets. Ask for proof of vaccines and a lockbox code rather than loose keys. Carry pet safe cleaners and a safety toolbox with flashlight, spare leashes, and baggies. Many homeowners’ insurance policies allow sitters; your own liability coverage adds protection. Send time-stamped updates with photos so clients can relax. Repeat bookings come from clean kitchens and on-time meds.
6. Line Sitting and Ticket Pickups
It is legal to wait in line for someone else unless a venue bans proxies; always read the event rules. Clients hire sitters for product drops, court filings, and limited ticket releases. Quote an hourly rate with a two hour minimum and charge separately for overnight spots. Bring a chair, battery pack, and a weather layer. Keep a numbered wristband if the line uses one, and hand off at the checkpoint with ID if required. No selling, just time traded for convenience.
7. Website and App User Testing
Companies pay for timed tasks while you record your screen and talk through what confuses you. Sessions follow NDAs and require quiet audio, so a headset and a stable connection are musts. Age minimums are common, usually 18. Expect short pre-screen surveys to match you with tests. Notes after the session help you improve and qualify for more invites. This is legal contract work: you accept a task, deliver feedback, and get paid per session, not for selling subscriptions or leads.
8. VHS to Digital Transfers
Families still need tapes converted before they degrade. A USB capture device, VCR, and free editing software are enough to start. Copy only tapes clients own or filmed; duplicating commercial movies violates copyright. Set clear deliverables: MP4 on a labeled USB, basic trimming, and a storage tip sheet. Transfers run in real time, so schedule multiple decks if volume grows. Keep a check in log with tape count and condition notes, and return originals with the drive. Clean, legal, helpful.
9. Window Screen Repair
Torn screens are cheap to fix and expensive to ignore. A spline roller, replacement mesh, and spline cord fit in a small toolbox. Work on a flat surface, label each frame by room, and measure twice before cutting. Quote per screen and offer a discount for batches. Some HOAs require neutral mesh colors, so confirm before ordering. Screens improve airflow and keep pests out, which landlords value at move out checks. Repairs take minutes once practiced, and no sales pitch is involved.
Note
Laws and rules vary by city and state. Before you start, confirm permits, insurance, and tax reporting (1099-NEC, sales tax) with local agencies. Follow venue policies, HOA rules, and copyright limits. This guide is informational, not legal or tax advice.
