Delve starts new studies every day, screening its database of about 400,000 consumers for individuals with the demographics needed for the client. It takes about 10 minutes to fill out the sign-up form on Delve.com.
There are plenty of opportunities to take part in market research, but be wary of scams. Legitimate firms will not charge a sign-up fee or require you to pay for shipping the products to be tested or rewards you earn.
Get some seasonal work
Even with the unemployment rate stuck at 9 percent and many who are working looking for more hours or higher pay, it’s still possible to get temporary work.
The usual suspects are retailers and the hospitality industry. With extra-long store hours and fierce competition for holiday dollars, retailers are still advertising for staffers.
Restaurants, catering companies, event planners, and hotels also frequently add staff to handle holiday parties and events. Challenger said the travel industry also often adds workers. And both United Parcel Service Inc. and FedEx are hiring thousands to handle the holiday shipping crunch.
It’s not just holiday-related jobs that open up at year end. Keith Fairchild, owner of a TRC Staffing Services franchise in Jacksonville, Fla., noted that companies with December or January deadlines for filing annual reports or completing other year-end projects often need professional help like accountants and data processors.
Positions may be found advertised on job boards like Monster.com and Indeed.com - use the keyword “seasonal’’ in your search - or try the hourly job site Snagajob.com. And don’t overlook local newspaper ads or news websites, Craigslist.com, or specific company sites.
Sell your stuff
Tristen and Amy O’Brien started earning money on eBay by selling an old television set and other household items. They have since ramped up their selling into a business that brings in about $3,000 per month.
That effort requires nearly 40 hours of work per week between them. But it enables Amy to be a stay-at-home mom. And Tristen writes a blog at Theebayentrepreneur.com that offers tips and tricks.
His blog and others like it can help new users quickly learn what eBay customers are looking for - and what they’re not.
Amy O’Brien also sells some items on Etsy.com, a site where users can advertise vintage and handmade items and supplies. Spokesman Adam Brown said the site, which has more than 11 million vendors and customers worldwide, also provides resources for sellers.
Another option is selling through a consignment shop or resale chain.
