25 weird ways to make money (that actually work)

When it comes to making money, some people think outside the box, beyond the 9-to-5. If you're looking for unconventional ways to earn extra cash, here are 25 unconventional—yet surprisingly profitable—ways.

1. Sell your hair

You might be sitting on a valuable asset if you have long, healthy hair. Companies that make wigs, extensions, and hairpieces will pay good money for real human hair. Sites like HairSellon and BuyandSellHair let you list your hair for sale, and certain types—like untreated hair—fetch even higher prices. Before chopping it off, check the site's length and quality requirements to maximize your earnings.

2. Become a professional sleeper

Yes, you can get paid to sleep! Sleep studies conducted by hospitals, universities, and research labs compensate participants to test mattresses, sleep patterns, or even new medical treatments. NASA, for example, has paid over $18,000 for participants to stay in bed for months to study how space travel affects the human body. This could be a dream job if you don’t mind staying horizontal for science – literally.

3. Sell wedding dresses from thrift stores

Wedding wear is a $65+ billion business, so it’s no wonder many people search for affordable wedding dresses. Thrift stores often carry hidden gems. Buying secondhand dresses and reselling them on platforms like Stillwhite or Poshmark can be a surprisingly profitable business.

4. Flip domain names

Think of domain names as online real estate. If you have a knack for predicting future trends or spotting underpriced website names, you can buy domains cheaply and sell them later at a premium. Sites like Flippa and Sedo allow you to list domain names for sale; some have sold for tens of thousands of dollars. It takes patience and research but can be a lucrative side hustle.

5. Sell bizarre art

Not all art belongs in a museum. From potato paintings to sculptures made of junk, people love collecting quirky, one-of-a-kind pieces. Online marketplaces like Etsy and eBay have sections dedicated entirely to "weird art." Why not get paid if you have a creative side and a unique artistic vision?

6. Test food flavors

Before new flavors hit the grocery store, companies need authentic feedback. As a taste tester, you’ll sample snacks, drinks, or even fast food items before they launch. Brands use this feedback to adjust recipes and decide what makes the cut. Check sites like Survey Junkie or UserTesting to find opportunities, and be prepared for some unusual flavors along the way.

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7. Become a simulated patient

Medical schools train future doctors using "standardized patients" who act out symptoms of various conditions. This helps students practice diagnosis and bedside manner. This gig pays well if you can memorize symptoms and don’t mind being poked and prodded.

8. Participate in medical trials

Medical research facilities constantly look for participants to test new treatments or medications. Some trials pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on the level of involvement. You’ll typically have to pass a health screening. 

Note: Some trials require overnight stays. Always research the risks, consult your doctor, and ensure the study is reputable before signing up.

9. Sell your plasma

Plasma donation is a relatively easy way to make extra cash while helping others. Unlike blood donation, plasma centers like CSL Plasma and BioLife pay donors, and you can donate up to twice a week. Check reputable, accredited, licensed outfits for nearby donation centers and eligibility requirements. 

Note: Always check with your healthcare provider to confirm you’re OK to donate blood, as it’s not advisable for some conditions, such as pregnancy. The process takes about an hour, and some centers offer bonuses for first-time donors.

10. Become a human billboard

If you don’t mind being a walking advertisement, some companies pay people to wear branded clothing, place stickers on your car, or even temporarily tattoo their logo on your body. Some people have made thousands by auctioning off ad space on their skin or agreeing to wear certain outfits in public.

11. Find and sell rare items

Thrift stores, garage sales, and flea markets are gold mines for rare and valuable items. Vintage T-shirts, collectible toys, and first-edition books often resell for much more than their purchase price. Platforms like eBay and Depop make flipping unique finds for a profit easy.

12. Hunt for meteorites

If you have a metal detector and a good eye, you might strike gold—literally. Meteorite hunters search for fallen space rocks, for which collectors and scientists may pay thousands of dollars. Desert regions and open landscapes are the best places to search.

13. Collect and sell driftwood

Driftwood is in high demand for home decor, crafts, and furniture-making. Collecting and selling unique pieces on Etsy or eBay can become a steady income stream if you live near a beach or river.

14. Sell "haunted" items

People love a good ghost story, and selling supposedly haunted objects online can be surprisingly lucrative. Attaching a spooky backstory can drive up the price on platforms like eBay, whether it's an antique doll or a creepy painting.

15. Review bizarre or unusual products

YouTube and TikTok are full of influencers who make money reviewing strange gadgets, odd snacks, or offbeat beauty products. If you can create engaging content around unique or unusual finds, this could be a fun way to earn.

16. Lend your voice

From audiobooks to video game characters, voice-over work is in high demand. All you need is a good microphone, a quiet space, and the ability to bring scripts to life. Platforms like Voices.com, Fiverr, and Upwork connect voice actors with clients looking for everything from commercial narrations to character voices for animations and video games.

17. Rent out your voice for wake-up calls

You can also get paid to record personalized wake-up calls for people who need an extra push to start their day. People will pay for custom motivational messages, funny alarms, or even reminders to take medication. Platforms like Fiverr and Cameo allow you to sell your voice services to a global audience, and you can tailor your offerings to different preferences, from celebrity impressions to ASMR-style wake-up calls.

18. Share your time

Not everyone is looking for romance—some people just need company. RentAFriend lets you get paid to attend events, have friendly conversations, or provide companionship. No, it's not dating—just being a pal to someone who might be new in town, shy, or looking for a social connection. This can be a fun gig if you're outgoing and enjoy meeting new people. 

Important: Safety first! Make sure it’s a vetted, reputable service with strict safety guidelines and protections. Always meet in public, make sure friends and loved ones know your location and don’t share personal data or information.

19. Train AI

Artificial intelligence systems need human input to learn. Companies hire people to label images, test chatbots, and transcribe speech to improve AI accuracy. This type of work is often remote and flexible.

20. Sell your toenail clippings

Believe it or not, some collectors and artists pay for human toenail clippings. Whether for crafting, personal collections, or even science experiments, selling nail clippings on eBay or Etsy can actually bring in some cash. Just make sure to check platform guidelines before listing.

21. Become a line sitter

Hate waiting in long lines? Some people will pay good money to have someone else do it. Whether waiting for concert tickets, a new sneaker release, or even standing in line at the DMV, line sitting can be a surprisingly lucrative gig. Check out TaskRabbit or Craigslist for job postings.

22. Milk ants for venom

Ant venom is used in medical research and cosmetics; some labs or companies pay individuals to extract it carefully. This process typically requires specialized equipment, such as fine-tipped forceps, microcapillary tubes, and controlled environments to safely collect venom without harming the ants. 

If you're interested in this unusual side hustle, protect yourself and work with a vetted, professional agency! Research scientific extraction methods and seek guidance from entomologists or research institutions first. 

23. Rent your backyard to campers

If you have a large yard or scenic property, platforms like Hipcamp let you rent it to travelers looking for unique camping experiences. It’s like Airbnb but for tents and RVs. As always, prioritize safety. Follow all platform safety (and common sense) guidelines. 

24. Rent out your yard for dog parties

Dog owners are always looking for safe, enclosed spaces where their pets can run and play. If you have a large backyard, you can rent it out as an off-leash play area for dogs. Platforms like Sniffspot allow homeowners to list their yards for dog lovers needing a private play space. Setting up a few agility toys or water stations can make your yard even more attractive to potential renters.

25. Offer pet taxi services

Pet owners with busy schedules often need help transporting their furry friends to vet appointments, groomers, or doggy daycare. If you have a reliable vehicle and love animals, offering a pet taxi service through local pet groups or platforms like Rover can be a great way to make money.

Creative ways to make money

While some of these weird ways to make money might surprise you, they show that creativity and resourcefulness can turn anything into a profitable opportunity. If you're looking for more ways to boost your income, check out:

Ways to earn extra money on weekends

Quick ways to make money in one day

How to make money reading books

20 ideas for teens to start making money

Whether testing a unique hustle or sticking to something more traditional, there’s always a way to earn!

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This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.

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