I need help on making money!

monksman

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Hey everyone, so I'm trying to make money to build a gaming pc for the summer. I'm currently selling some stuff on ebay, but if I'm lucky that will maybe only bring in about $120. I'm 15, and I've tried looking for a job with no luck. I've put up flyers asking people for random odd jobs, like cleaning and stuff, and haven't gotten a respond. I really want to get a computer before the summer, because the computer I'm on right now is issued by the school, and they take it when the year is up. Any ideas?
 
[quote name='monksman']Hey everyone, so I'm trying to make money to build a gaming pc for the summer. I'm currently selling some stuff on ebay, but if I'm lucky that will maybe only bring in about $120. I'm 15, and I've tried looking for a job with no luck. I've put up flyers asking people for random odd jobs, like cleaning and stuff, and haven't gotten a respond. I really want to get a computer before the summer, because the computer I'm on right now is issued by the school, and they take it when the year is up. Any ideas?[/QUOTE]

Check your state laws regarding employment for those under 18. Being 15, you're probably extremely limited in the type of work you can do as well as hours you're able to work by law. You could probably work at a supermarket or YMCA.
 
I live in a small town, to the point where it's considered a village. There's not many places here I can work, and I'm able to work 20 hours a week and nothing past 8 pm. I've asked around and no one has anything. I really want this computer, but I have like no opportunities to get money. I guess some skills I have is that I'm bilingual, and I'm pretty good with computers. The problem is no one here really cares for that stuff.
 
If you have to do this much crap to get a pc then maybe you don't really need one.

Anyways, mow yards, do yard work, wash cars, walk dogs, etc.
 
Try to find some stuff in stores (any store) that you can flip for profit. Research the items on eBay; Search by "Completed Listings" to see what these particular items you're scouting sell for. If you can double your money, there you go. You won the Internets.
 
[quote name='Malik112099']If you have to do this much crap to get a pc then maybe you don't really need one.

Anyways, mow yards, do yard work, wash cars, walk dogs, etc.[/QUOTE]
I'll try walking dogs and see how that goes, thanks for your help. I don't necessarily the computer, it's just something I really want.


[quote name='Brak']Try to find some stuff in stores (any store) that you can flip for profit. Research the items on eBay; Search by "Completed Listings" to see what these particular items you're scouting sell for. If you can double your money, there you go. You won the Internets.[/QUOTE]
I've heard of stuff like that before, and I'm going to try that out. Any ideas on what do sell?
 
Check out thrift shops and clearance items at big retail stores - along with non-retail items. Just try to find something that you can double (or, preferably, triple). If it's less than double, look for something else.

I typically buy all of my merchandise online, but it's out there - everywhere and anything.

It's all about creating a snowball effect with your money. Turn the money into more money over and over again. You can even accumulate free stuff for yourself if you start specializing in a particular item that suits your fancy (such as video games, collectibles, toys, etc.)

Just make sure you research everything on eBay - Search for current and completed listings so you don't screw yourself.

I should also note that if you do buy stuff from retail stores to flip, you can always return the item within 30 days with the receipt for a full refund. ;) It's called "eBay arbitration". Google that and you might find some more sites with free, helpful eBay master information. I think some people shun arbitration, but if you have the actual item you're selling on eBay in your possession, I don't see anything wrong with it - I think people shun it when it involves running to the store and buying the item you just sold on eBay, as it was never in your possession. Dunno.

Since you're young, start now - you'll be a master at dealing by the time you're an adult.
 
When I was 15 I mowed lawns, shoveled driveways/roofs, and had sex on craigslist.

Well I didn't shovel snow because I was busy playing basketball in the winter.
 
[quote name='Brak']Check out thrift shops and clearance items at big retail stores - along with non-retail items. Just try to find something that you can double (or, preferably, triple). If it's less than double, look for something else.

I typically buy all of my merchandise online, but it's out there - everywhere and anything.

It's all about creating a snowball effect with your money. Turn the money into more money over and over again. You can even accumulate free stuff for yourself if you start specializing in a particular item that suits your fancy (such as video games, collectibles, toys, etc.)

Just make sure you research everything on eBay - Search for current and completed listings so you don't screw yourself.

I should also note that if you do buy stuff from retail stores to flip, you can always return the item within 30 days with the receipt for a full refund. ;) It's called "eBay arbitration". Google that and you might find some more sites with free, helpful eBay master information. I think some people shun arbitration, but if you have the actual item you're selling on eBay in your possession, I don't see anything wrong with it - I think people shun it when it involves running to the store and buying the item you just sold on eBay, as it was never in your possession. Dunno.

Since you're young, start now - you'll be a master at dealing by the time you're an adult.[/QUOTE]
This seems like a pretty good idea, I'm already looking into some games that I could easily make a profit on. I just gotta get to my store now. The closest one is 30 miles :roll:. Thanks for your help!


[quote name='GBAstar']When I was 15 I mowed lawns, shoveled driveways/roofs, and had sex on craigslist.

Well I didn't shovel snow because I was busy playing basketball in the winter.[/QUOTE]
I can't mow lawns right now, but I'm planning on it for spring and stuff. You had sex on craigslist for money?! WTF
 
[quote name='monksman']This seems like a pretty good idea, I'm already looking into some games that I could easily make a profit on. I just gotta get to my store now. The closest one is 30 miles :roll:. Thanks for your help!



I can't mow lawns right now, but I'm planning on it for spring and stuff. You had sex on craigslist for money?! WTF[/QUOTE]

I'm just kidding. You could look for help wanted adds on craigslist but being that you're a young boy/man I would be careful.

Does Nebraska have a redemption tax on recyclables/bottles? In ME each can is worth a nickel so I know some kids collect/return cans or hold bottle drives.

You could do thinks like Paint houses in the spring/summer, or babysit, or house sit, or take care of peoples pets, or something like that.

I wouldn't really get too involved with eBay if you have limited funds to begin with. It would only take one problem to wipe everything out.
 
[quote name='GBAstar']I'm just kidding. You could look for help wanted adds on craigslist but being that you're a young boy/man I would be careful.

Does Nebraska have a redemption tax on recyclables/bottles? In ME each can is worth a nickel so I know some kids collect/return cans or hold bottle drives.

You could do thinks like Paint houses in the spring/summer, or babysit, or house sit, or take care of peoples pets, or something like that.

I wouldn't really get too involved with eBay if you have limited funds to begin with. It would only take one problem to wipe everything out.[/QUOTE]

That's something I'm worried about, one screw up, and BAM all my money is gone. I'm probably going to end up doing multiple things at once to make the money. Some labor stuff, and other selling stuff. I don't think I'm going to be able to make the money before the summer tho, but I'm going to try really hard.
 
[quote name='monksman']That's something I'm worried about, one screw up, and BAM all my money is gone. I'm probably going to end up doing multiple things at once to make the money. Some labor stuff, and other selling stuff. I don't think I'm going to be able to make the money before the summer tho, but I'm going to try really hard.[/QUOTE]

What is the population of your town/village?

Are you friendly with any old people? They typically don't pay well but could use the help with odd jobs and chores.

Do you have a local paper? If so you could put up a help wanted add in the marketplace. Or fliers at your community hub (super market, legion hall, etc.)

Do you have anything of value? If you're going to start selling on eBay I would suggest selling things you already own, of little value, until you get the hang of the mechanics involved.
 
[quote name='GBAstar']What is the population of your town/village?

Are you friendly with any old people? They typically don't pay well but could use the help with odd jobs and chores.

Do you have a local paper? If so you could put up a help wanted add in the marketplace. Or fliers at your community hub (super market, legion hall, etc.)

Do you have anything of value? If you're going to start selling on eBay I would suggest selling things you already own, of little value, until you get the hang of the mechanics involved.[/QUOTE]

The population is like 700. I'm not friends with old people right now, but there are a lot of elderly here and I have gone around with flyers and stuff, but with no luck. We have a local newspaper, and I might look into that when I start to make a little money. I have already listed 3 items on ebay. 2 Xbox 360 controllers, and an RC car I never used.
 
[quote name='monksman']The population is like 700. I'm not friends with old people right now, but there are a lot of elderly here and I have gone around with flyers and stuff, but with no luck. We have a local newspaper, and I might look into that when I start to make a little money. I have already listed 3 items on ebay. 2 Xbox 360 controllers, and an RC car I never used.[/QUOTE]

If you run into any problems with eBay there are some advice threads on CAG so just seek them out.
 
[quote name='GBAstar']If you run into any problems with eBay there are some advice threads on CAG so just seek them out.[/QUOTE]

Will do, I've had my items up for 2 days, and still no bids.:cry:
 
When I was 15, I got a job as a lifeguard. I was making $6/hour working about 20-30 hours a week. At that time, minimum wage was $5.15/hour so $6/hour was decent money for a 15 year old. Now, entry level lifeguards are making probably about $8/hour depending on where you live.

Can you swim decently well? If so, I would definitely recommend trying to get certified in lifeguarding. It's one of the best jobs you can get as a teenager.
 
PM me your listings and I'll see if I can offer you any advice.
 
I sold newspapers on Sundays back then and then when I was 16, I got a job as a cashier/gas pumper at a gas station after school on top of it.
 
[quote name='elgato10x']When I was 15, I got a job as a lifeguard. I was making $6/hour working about 20-30 hours a week. At that time, minimum wage was $5.15/hour so $6/hour was decent money for a 15 year old. Now, entry level lifeguards are making probably about $8/hour depending on where you live.

Can you swim decently well? If so, I would definitely recommend trying to get certified in lifeguarding. It's one of the best jobs you can get as a teenager.[/QUOTE]
I use to be able to swim really well, but two years ago I broke my femur and now it hurts to even run. That's a whole different story tho.
[quote name='Brak']PM me your listings and I'll see if I can offer you any advice.[/QUOTE]
I've pmed you, and I got my first bid :D
[quote name='mitch079']I sold newspapers on Sundays back then and then when I was 16, I got a job as a cashier/gas pumper at a gas station after school on top of it.[/QUOTE]
There's not enough people here to sell newspapers to as everyone here already gets one, but if I could I would! I'm still looking for a job tho, that's not out of the question.
 
[quote name='monksman']I use to be able to swim really well, but two years ago I broke my femur and now it hurts to even run. That's a whole different story tho.

I've pmed you, and I got my first bid :D

There's not enough people here to sell newspapers to as everyone here already gets one, but if I could I would! I'm still looking for a job tho, that's not out of the question.[/QUOTE]

Maybe a paper route? Sorry, that's all I can really think of.
 
[quote name='Vap']Maybe a paper route? Sorry, that's all I can really think of.[/QUOTE]

I'll look into it and see if I can find one. I use to have on in my old town, but we moved and I lost it.
 
Do people need their lawns mowed? Or snow shoveled? Wood chopped? Cars washed? Might be able to make a few bucks doing that.
 
[quote name='kodave']Do people need their lawns mowed? Or snow shoveled? Wood chopped? Cars washed? Might be able to make a few bucks doing that.[/QUOTE]

Right now, there's still some snow on the ground, but not enough to shovel. I'll try asking on the others. I'm super money motivated right now. :bouncy:
 
[quote name='monksman']I'm not friends with old people right now, but there are a lot of elderly here[/QUOTE]

There's your money pool right there. Aside from the manual labor jobs other posters have mentioned, old people always have a need for someone to fix their "durn broken computers." Not sure how much computer experience you have, but elderly are afraid to even install software (insert disc, hit "Next" when prompted somehow eludes them).

Some would simply like one-on-one lessons on how to do stuff, like use eBay (I used to do large classes for how to use eBay back in their heyday for $75 a pop), how to use MS Office products (again, speaking as a certified MS trainer in those). If you have experience with PhotoShop Essentials (an old person favorite), they love being tutored in that stuff because they're always playing around with photos. Another huge thing with elderly is genealogy stuff, and some of them need help in how to use the internet for their research. Doing computer stuff for the elderly will at least keep you out of the cold.

Only word of advice: a lot of elderly still judge books by their covers. You may be the nicest/smartest kid in the world at age 15, but if you show up dressed slovenly or full of facial piercings or "weird hair" you probably won't get taken seriously.
 
I forgot to add, you must exercise patience with them if you're going to help with computer stuff. Assume they know nothing at all so that whatever they do know will be a surprise and speed things along.

Some like to take copious detailed notes when you show them something so they can replicate the procedure later on their own without your intervention.

Try to use normal words and not a bunch of techspeak or lingo. And talk a little more slowly than you would with your friends. Maybe a little louder too if they say "huh?" a lot.

Remember they were once at the cutting edge of technology when they were your age, stuff like radio, black-and-white television and electric typewriters. You've grown up with high-def flat panel screens, blazing fast computers, the internet, iPods, cell phones and other things you take for granted that are still quite novel to some of the elderly.
 
Are you good with computers? You can help people that don't know how to fix them or help get their porn spam off. Lot of people also don't know how to set up their wi-fi to be more secure. My little brother did this when he was in high school and earn enough $$$ to help pay for college.
 
I got my first job when I was 15 at a local pizzeria as a dish washer. Try looking around your neighborhood to see if anyone needs help. They will probably pay you a little less than minimum wage, but its usually cash under the table which works well for your age.
 
[quote name='SilentBob50023']There's your money pool right there. Aside from the manual labor jobs other posters have mentioned, old people always have a need for someone to fix their "durn broken computers." Not sure how much computer experience you have, but elderly are afraid to even install software (insert disc, hit "Next" when prompted somehow eludes them).

Some would simply like one-on-one lessons on how to do stuff, like use eBay (I used to do large classes for how to use eBay back in their heyday for $75 a pop), how to use MS Office products (again, speaking as a certified MS trainer in those). If you have experience with PhotoShop Essentials (an old person favorite), they love being tutored in that stuff because they're always playing around with photos. Another huge thing with elderly is genealogy stuff, and some of them need help in how to use the internet for their research. Doing computer stuff for the elderly will at least keep you out of the cold.

Only word of advice: a lot of elderly still judge books by their covers. You may be the nicest/smartest kid in the world at age 15, but if you show up dressed slovenly or full of facial piercings or "weird hair" you probably won't get taken seriously.[/QUOTE]

[quote name='SilentBob50023']I forgot to add, you must exercise patience with them if you're going to help with computer stuff. Assume they know nothing at all so that whatever they do know will be a surprise and speed things along.

Some like to take copious detailed notes when you show them something so they can replicate the procedure later on their own without your intervention.

Try to use normal words and not a bunch of techspeak or lingo. And talk a little more slowly than you would with your friends. Maybe a little louder too if they say "huh?" a lot.

Remember they were once at the cutting edge of technology when they were your age, stuff like radio, black-and-white television and electric typewriters. You've grown up with high-def flat panel screens, blazing fast computers, the internet, iPods, cell phones and other things you take for granted that are still quite novel to some of the elderly.[/QUOTE]
I'll ask around to see if anyone needs help with this stuff, hopefully there's a few. Thanks for your idea!
[quote name='Methoes']Are you good with computers? You can help people that don't know how to fix them or help get their porn spam off. Lot of people also don't know how to set up their wi-fi to be more secure. My little brother did this when he was in high school and earn enough $$$ to help pay for college.[/QUOTE]
I'll look into that, I know there's some neighbors that don't even has passwords on their wi-fi.

[quote name='Manifest95']I got my first job when I was 15 at a local pizzeria as a dish washer. Try looking around your neighborhood to see if anyone needs help. They will probably pay you a little less than minimum wage, but its usually cash under the table which works well for your age.[/QUOTE]
I've been looking for a job, and won't stop looking until I find one, and I've been making calls and knocking on doors and still no luck.
 
Yeah setting up secure wifi could be a cash grab. I know my parents never secured their signal, and they didn't really have a need to. But then they saw a news segment on someone getting arrested because a neighbor or relative or someone in the community (I can't remember the exact story) was stealing their internet and doing illegal shit with it (child porn mostly) and they arrested the home owner in a case of mistaken identity.

At that point my parents had me buy a new router and make sure it was protected next time I came to visit.
 
[quote name='GBAstar']Yeah setting up secure wifi could be a cash grab. I know my parents never secured their signal, and they didn't really have a need to. But then they saw a news segment on someone getting arrested because a neighbor or relative or someone in the community (I can't remember the exact story) was stealing their internet and doing illegal shit with it (child porn mostly) and they arrested the home owner in a case of mistaken identity.

At that point my parents had me buy a new router and make sure it was protected next time I came to visit.[/QUOTE]

I'll try it out, thanks!
 
[quote name='monksman']Hey everyone, so I'm trying to make money to build a gaming pc for the summer. I'm currently selling some stuff on ebay, but if I'm lucky that will maybe only bring in about $120. I'm 15, and I've tried looking for a job with no luck. I've put up flyers asking people for random odd jobs, like cleaning and stuff, and haven't gotten a respond. I really want to get a computer before the summer, because the computer I'm on right now is issued by the school, and they take it when the year is up. Any ideas?[/QUOTE]

Join sites where you're paid to watch videos and stuff. You get vouchers which you can buy stuff with and then sell on ebay
 
What kind of gaming PC are you thinking of putting together? If you're buying more than you need for what you want to do, you might be able to trim some fat and lower the price.

Also, if you do find it frustrating to find a job as a teenager, I hope that you keep that memory with you and research why this might be. Then when you turn 18 you can vote and make informed decisions about labor laws and their consequences and benefits.

My story is that I could not find a summer job when I was 17, and I went into the school's/county's ROP program, where I worked for free for Disneyland until they gave me an actual job. The ROP program is meant to counter the negative effects of the minimum wage, but if I could work at Disneyland for $0/hour until they offer me an $8/hour position (at the time CA min wage was $6.75 and Disneyland pays above minimum wage), why could I not work there for $3-$5/hour and then go from there?
 
One thing that I learned was that a lot of places won't hire people under 16. The problem that we had were the liabilities involved. People that age couldn't handle cash or do certain things. It was bizarre really.

Anyways we did odd jobs, cut grass, dig ditches, pick vegetables and stuff from farms/gardens. I did a lot of construction helping, which meant I got tools and supplies for the workers. The bricklayers were the best because they parked themselves and made me get the bricks, mortar, and everything else all day.

Other than that your options may be limited.
 
[quote name='granturismo']Join sites where you're paid to watch videos and stuff. You get vouchers which you can buy stuff with and then sell on ebay[/QUOTE]
Do you know any sites you've tried that work?
[quote name='Spokker']What kind of gaming PC are you thinking of putting together? If you're buying more than you need for what you want to do, you might be able to trim some fat and lower the price.

Also, if you do find it frustrating to find a job as a teenager, I hope that you keep that memory with you and research why this might be. Then when you turn 18 you can vote and make informed decisions about labor laws and their consequences and benefits.

My story is that I could not find a summer job when I was 17, and I went into the school's/county's ROP program, where I worked for free for Disneyland until they gave me an actual job. The ROP program is meant to counter the negative effects of the minimum wage, but if I could work at Disneyland for $0/hour until they offer me an $8/hour position (at the time CA min wage was $6.75 and Disneyland pays above minimum wage), why could I not work there for $3-$5/hour and then go from there?[/QUOTE]
This is the link to my build. I'm just trying to get a decent gaming pc for around that price. Something that will run modern games at a decent framerate. I'll be sure to remember my experiences for future references. Theres a lot of things I've seen that I would like to see changed, but for now I'm stuck just watching and hoping.
[quote name='burritoman']One thing that I learned was that a lot of places won't hire people under 16. The problem that we had were the liabilities involved. People that age couldn't handle cash or do certain things. It was bizarre really.

Anyways we did odd jobs, cut grass, dig ditches, pick vegetables and stuff from farms/gardens. I did a lot of construction helping, which meant I got tools and supplies for the workers. The bricklayers were the best because they parked themselves and made me get the bricks, mortar, and everything else all day.

Other than that your options may be limited.[/QUOTE]
Sounds like stuff to do during spring, which is coming up. I'll see if I can find something like that. Thanks!
 
[quote name='monksman']Hey everyone, so I'm trying to make money to build a gaming pc for the summer. I'm currently selling some stuff on ebay, but if I'm lucky that will maybe only bring in about $120. I'm 15, and I've tried looking for a job with no luck. I've put up flyers asking people for random odd jobs, like cleaning and stuff, and haven't gotten a respond. I really want to get a computer before the summer, because the computer I'm on right now is issued by the school, and they take it when the year is up. Any ideas?[/QUOTE]


jessepink.jpg


Wanna make some meth?
 
[quote name='slidecage']if they live in a city of 700 people i doubt they even have a local paper. (maybe they do)[/QUOTE]

I believe we do, but it's pretty small. My older brother had a paper route a while ago.
 
[quote name='monksman']Will do, I've had my items up for 2 days, and still no bids.:cry:[/QUOTE]

You really shouldn't see a lot of bids right away as most eBay users try to snipe at the end for the win and lowest price.Try getting a friend to bid on it and up the price. If he wins, cool, you just put the item right back up (but you have to pay eBay still) and if he doesn't, you sold your item. I do that all the time for my friend's comics.
 
[quote name='Predator21281']You really shouldn't see a lot of bids right away as most eBay users try to snipe at the end for the win and lowest price.Try getting a friend to bid on it and up the price. If he wins, cool, you just put the item right back up (but you have to pay eBay still) and if he doesn't, you sold your item. I do that all the time for my friend's comics.[/QUOTE]

I hope someone snipes high.:D and the thing with your friend is against the rules on Ebay. I don't want to break any rules and get in trouble.
 
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