17 Easy Ways to Make Money with Your Car

I’ve always believed that your car can be more than just a way to get from point A to point B—it can be a source of income too. Finding innovative ways to make extra money is crucial, and if you own a car, you’re sitting on a potential goldmine. From ride-sharing to delivering food, there are countless unique ideas out there to help you monetize your vehicle.

In this article, I’ll share 15 creative ways to make money with your car, providing estimated earnings, explaining how each option works, and giving you the inside scoop on how to get started. So, let’s rev up those engines and explore the exciting world of car-based income opportunities!

1. Ride-Sharing Services:

Driving for ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft can be a flexible and profitable way to use your car. You get to be your boss and work whenever it suits you. Your potential earnings can range from $10 to $25 per hour, depending on factors like location and demand.

How It Works:

• Sign up as a driver with Uber, Lyft, or a similar platform.
• Undergo a background check and vehicle inspection.
• Once approved, download the app and start accepting ride requests.
• Earn money based on the distance and time of each trip, plus any tips you receive.

2. Food Delivery:

Food delivery services like DoorDash, UberEats, and Grubhub are all the rage nowadays. You can use your car to pick up and deliver delicious meals to hungry customers. Earnings typically range from $10 to $20 per hour, with the potential for higher earnings during peak times.

How It Works:

• Sign up as a driver with a food delivery platform.
• Use the app to accept delivery requests from local restaurants.
• Pick up food orders and deliver them to customers.
• Your earnings consist of base pay, tips, and bonuses for completing multiple deliveries.

3. Grocery Delivery:

Online grocery shopping is on the rise, and that’s where you can come in. Platforms like Instacart and Shipt allow you to shop for groceries and deliver them to customers’ doorsteps. You can make anywhere from $15 to $25 per hour, depending on location and order size.

How It Works:

• Sign up as a shopper/driver with a grocery delivery platform.
• Receive grocery orders through the app.
• Head to the designated store, pick up the items and check out.
• Deliver the groceries to the customer’s specified address and earn money based on the order’s complexity.

4. Courier Services:

Courier services involve delivering various items, from documents to packages. You can choose to join an established courier network or go independent. Earnings can vary widely based on the nature and urgency of deliveries.

How It Works:

• Establish your courier service or join a local network.
• Advertise your services to potential clients, which could include businesses or individuals.
• Pick up and deliver packages promptly, charging clients based on factors like distance and delivery urgency.

5. Car Advertising:

If you don’t mind your car turning into a moving billboard, car advertising is an intriguing option. Companies will pay you to wrap your car with their advertisements. You can earn anywhere from $100 to $400 per month.

How It Works:

• Sign up with a car advertising agency or platform.
• Agree to their terms and requirements for displaying ads on your car.
• Advertisers will provide and install decals or displays on your car.
• Earn a monthly fee for displaying the ads as you go about your daily routine.

6. Car Rentals:

If you have a spare car or one that you don’t use frequently, consider renting it out to others through platforms like Turo or Getaround. This peer-to-peer car rental model can earn you around $50 to $200 per day.

How It Works:

• List your car on a car-sharing platform, providing details, availability, and rental rates.
• Renters book your car for a specified period.
• Your earnings come from the rental fees, minus a percentage that goes to the platform.

7. Medical Transport:

Transporting patients to medical appointments can be both rewarding and profitable. However, you may need specific certifications and a suitable vehicle. Earnings typically range from $15 to $50 per hour.

How It Works:

• Obtain any necessary certifications or licenses required for medical transport.
• Build relationships with healthcare providers who might need your services.
• Pick up patients and safely transport them to their scheduled medical appointments.
• Charge clients based on the distance traveled and wait time.

8. Event Shuttle Service:

If you live in an area with frequent events like concerts, sports games, or weddings, offering shuttle services can be a great opportunity. Earnings can vary depending on the demand and event type.

How It Works:

• Promote your shuttle service for specific events in your area.
• Set up pick-up and drop-off locations and schedules.
• Charge attendees a per-person or per-trip fee for convenient transportation to and from the event.

9. Mobile Car Wash:

Offering mobile car washing services is an excellent way to combine your love for cars with making money. Depending on the services offered and the market demand, you can earn between $50 to $150 per day.

How It Works:

• Invest in the necessary cleaning equipment and supplies.
• Promote your mobile car wash service online and through local advertising.
• Schedule appointments with customers, either at their homes or workplaces.
• Charge varying rates based on the level of service provided, such as basic wash, waxing, or interior detailing.

10. Airport Shuttle Service:

Airports are hubs of activity with travelers constantly in need of transportation. Running an airport shuttle service can be profitable, particularly if you live near a major airport. Earnings can vary based on location and demand.

How It Works:

• Promote your airport shuttle service to travelers, hotels, and travel agencies.
• Set up pick-up and drop-off locations at the airport and surrounding areas.
• Charge passengers based on factors such as distance and the number of travelers in the group.

11. Pet Taxi and Sitting:

For animal lovers, offering pet taxis and sitting services can be a delightful way to earn money. You can help pet owners by transporting their furry friends to vet appointments or providing pet-sitting services in your car. Earnings typically range from $15 to $30 per hour.

How It Works:

• Advertise your services to pet owners through local pet-related communities or websites.
• Pick up and drop off pets as needed, ensuring their safety and comfort during transportation.
• Provide pet-sitting services in your car for clients who require short-term care.
• Charge clients based on the time spent and distance traveled.

12. Tour Guide:

If you live in a tourist-friendly area, becoming a tour guide can be both enjoyable and profitable. You can offer guided tours of your city or region, sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm with visitors.

How It Works:

• Create interesting and informative tour itineraries that showcase the best of your area.
• Promote your tour guide services to tourists through local tourism offices, websites, or social media.
• Charge a fee per person or per tour, considering the duration and scope of the tour.
• Ensure a memorable and educational experience for your tour participants.

13. Car Photography:

If you have photography skills and the right equipment, offering car photography services can be a rewarding venture. Car owners often seek high-quality photos for selling or showcasing their vehicles. Earnings range from $50 to $200 per job, depending on the complexity of the project.

How It Works:

• Promote your car photography services online, especially on car enthusiast forums and social media.
• Schedule photoshoots with clients, either at your studio or a location of their choice.
• Charge a fee per photoshoot or per image, with additional charges for editing and special requests.
• Deliver professionally edited photos that showcase the vehicles in their best light.

14. Personal Shopper:

Becoming a personal shopper can be a convenient way to use your car to help others. You can assist busy individuals or seniors by shopping for groceries, clothing, or other essentials on their behalf. Earnings typically range from $15 to $25 per hour.

How It Works:

• Advertise your personal shopping services through local ads, online platforms, or word of mouth.
• Accept shopping requests from clients, including specific items and preferences.
• Efficiently shop for the requested items, ensuring quality and accuracy.
• Charge clients based on the time spent and distance traveled for the shopping trip.

15. Carpooling:

Carpooling is a fantastic way to make money while reducing traffic congestion and helping the environment. You can organize a carpooling service in your community or workplace, charging passengers based on distance and expenses.

How It Works:

• Promote your carpooling service among colleagues, neighbors, or other potential carpoolers.
• Set up convenient pick-up and drop-off locations and times that suit the participants’ schedules.
• Collect a fee from passengers to cover your expenses and time spent on the commute.
• Ensure a comfortable and reliable carpool experience for all participants.

16. Mobile Pop-Up Shop:

Transform your car into a mobile pop-up shop, selling various products directly to customers. This approach is especially suitable for artisans, crafters, or individuals with unique products to offer. You can take your shop on the road to farmers’ markets, festivals, or even busy street corners.

How It Works:

• Prepare your car for mobile retail by organizing and displaying your products neatly inside.
• Choose strategic locations to park your mobile shop, considering foot traffic and potential customers.
• Promote your mobile pop-up shop on social media and local event listings to attract customers to your location.
• Interact with customers, provide information about your products, and complete sales transactions directly from your car.

17. Outdoor Movie Screenings:

Transform your car into a mobile movie theater and host outdoor movie screenings in your local community. This can be a fun and unique way to make money, especially during warm summer nights or special events.

How It Works:

• Invest in a portable projector, a screen, and a sound system for your car.
• Secure the necessary permits and permissions to host outdoor screenings in public or private locations.
• Promote your movie nights through local advertising and social media.
• Charge an admission fee or sell concessions to generate revenue during the screenings.

Conclusion