Think of an idea or a need and if there isn’t an App for it, there soon will be; and there are many to choose from in reducing expenses - from finding the cheapest petrol to digital supermarket coupons. But what about Apps that help you make money?
Absolutely! Financial experts say that if a smart phone app can help you make an extra $100 a month, invested at even just 4% return, this reaps around $47,000 in 25 years that you wouldn’t otherwise have.
Here are five top cash generating Apps to get you on your way.
1. eBay Mobile
Now you can sell your kids' outgrown clothing and discarded toys as you organise. The easy-to-use interface imports images and descriptions automatically, but also lets you attach your own smart phone pictures with a single click. Gone are the days of hooking up a digital camera to your computer, transferring pictures, and uploading. eBay Mobile will have you think twice before you toss old books, magazines and clothing into the garbage, proving (once again) that one man's trash is another's treasure.
If you'd rather sell to friends and neighbours, than strangers, or you have larger items that are cost-prohibitive to ship, consider the new Facebook trend: Facebook Yard Sale. Using Facebook's mobile app, create a group with your community name in it and invite your local friends. Using your phone, you can take pictures and post items for sale. Watch as your group grows and more items are posted by other group members.
If you sell items in the real world (craft fairs, garage sales etc), you can grow your revenue by processing credit card payments on the go. Numerous studies show that people spend more money when paying with a credit card. For around $12.95/month (plus transaction fees), you can purchase a device that enables your smart phone to swipe credit cards.
4. Etsy
Etsy is the place where crafty artisans can start their own businesses with little risk or technological know-how. The new Etsy mobile app allows you to manage your listings and sales from your mobile phone, making it easier to engage with your customers anytime, anywhere.
5. Proven
Looking for a job? Proven helps job seekers apply to jobs instantly from their phones, after receiving alerts that match their search criteria. Once you've set up your profile and imported cover letters and resumes, Proven allows you to respond to job postings at breakneck speed. Proven integrates with Craigslist and Indeed to help savvy job seekers get to the front of the applicant line.