How to Make the Most Out of the Sharing Economy
You may have heard the term sharing economy. In recent years, there has been a surge of concepts created that utilise business transactions between individuals. Peer-to-peer exchanges, such as rideshare services and room stays have now become so popular that they are looking to usurp previous models of how we travel and shop.
Companies like Uber, Zipcar, Stashbee, and Airbnb have made it possible for people to earn income from their property, while concepts such as Fiverr have allowed individuals to sell their skills. Due to their simplicity and accessibility, these businesses have found great success and now, as they become more established, people are beginning to adapt their lives and homes to accommodate new ways of living.
If you haven’t already thought about how you can capitalise on these various services, it may be in your interest to consider your options. Here are a few basic ways that you can earn extra income, develop skills, and support your community, by offering services with your property.
Driving
Cars are a large expense. For many, it’s not a worthwhile investment. They might only require them for brief periods of time, opting for other services or rentals when they are needed. However, for those who already own cars, this overhead cost can be subsidised, even when you’re not using the vehicle itself.
Rideshares are one of the most common ways to earn a little extra money. If you have a car, during your free time you can opt to drive people around your area at your leisure. Or, if you’re a little more trusting, your car or parking space can be hired out during the times your not using them. Companies like JustPark have found huge success as many people are happy for their parking space to be used while they’re away.
Homes
Perhaps the most significant outcome of sharing economies is within the home. Spare rooms, apartments, log cabins, yurts, and camper vans, are just a few of the options available as rentals to people travelling.
Similar to how renting out a parking space make sense, for those with space or property within their homes, rentals can be a huge source of income. Interestingly, these sharing services aren’t focussed entirely on overnight stays either. Companies, such as Stashbee, have brought the sharing economy to storage facilities. Garages and lock-ups with free space can be offered as a temporary storage facility, allowing others to store items without the need for a long-term contract.
Businesses
Hot-desks and communal office spaces are excellent resources for start-ups and companies that only require short-term rentals. If you’re looking to start your business or have extra room within your own office space, concepts like Hubble have made great use of extra desk space and empty offices by allowing people to find and rent them locally.
There are so many options for services that can allow you to transform your life and supplement your income. Many of them utilise assets that won’t interfere with your schedule too. And, when thinking about what you can offer, you may even stumble upon a new idea. The sharing economy is growing every day and the next big thing could be around the corner.
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