A side hustle is a great way to make multiple streams of income. Let’s look at these side hustles below from a different perspective so it doesn’t feel like doing extra work, most people have to shop or run errands weekly, think of these side hustles like hitting two birds with one stone. For example, If grocery shopping is already on your to-do list, schedule an extra hour or so to shop for a person(s) who needs help and deliver it in your neighbourhood. Mystery shopping is another option just shop and send a report about your experience and get paid no delivery is required it is a win-win! Below is a list of side hustles.
1. Mystery Shopper
A mystery shopper goes undercover as a customer evaluates a company’s service and/or product and gives a report based on their experience. Working as a mystery shopper is a way to earn money while shopping. This is a legitimate job; people get paid to go undercover and shop, this job has existed for decades, but fraudulent job ads/companies are advertising this job like other jobs be aware. A mystery shopper’s earning varies based on the company you work with and how much work is available in your area. Once signed on with a company, the opportunity is available with most companies you choose which jobs to do or refuse.
Some Signs a Company is Fraudulent:
- Asking for money to start work
- Ask for payment for training
- Their email contact is questionable
- When in doubt, opt out and sign up with a legitimate company go to the Mystery Shopper Providers Association (MSPA). The MSPA website is WWW.mspa-na.org.
Here are some reputable Mystery Shopping Companies:
- Intelli Shop
- Premier Service
- We Check
- Shoppers Confidence
- Field Agent
- Lanla
- Performa Logics
- Market force
2. Instacart Shopper
An Instacart shopper goes to the grocery store and buys groceries based on the customer’s order, which will show on a phone app once signed up and then it is delivered to their home. The tab is on the customer, LOL. When signed up with Instacart, you can choose when, where and what orders you want to fulfill it’s all up to the shopper. An instacart shopper picks their schedule. The pay varies based on the orders the shopper decides to fulfill please visit the website there is an example that explains the pay. Instacart shoppers keep 100% of customer tips; earnings can be cashed out in as little as two hours.
Steps to start working as an Instacart Shopper:
- Create an account
- Set up an account app
- Start earning money (once your account is approved, orders will come to your account)
3. Lyft Driver
A Lyft driver picks up and drops off passengers at their requested destination. An Uber driver uses their resources to provide this service, such as their vehicle and gas and can work part-time to supplement their income. If this sounds like something you would do, getting started is as easy as 123!
How to get started:
- Sign up online and create a profile about you and your vehicle change to Lyft-starred
- Upload documents like a valid driver’s license, etc
- When documents are approved, download the app and start earning!
Estimated Pay Rate: $15 – $25/hr

3. Independent Food Delivery Contractor
An independent food delivery person delivers orders from restaurants, grocery stores, and flower shops to customers. If you’re looking to work for food delivery apps in Canada or the United States, several well-known platforms offer opportunities for delivery drivers or couriers.
Here’s a list of some of the top food delivery apps you might want to consider:
- Door dash
- Skip the dishes
- Gub hub
How to get started:
- Sign up online
- Must be 18 years or older to start
- A Vehicle such as a bicycle, scooter or car with valid documents.
- Smartphone – An Android or ios
- Valid ID/document to work in the country from where you are applying
PERKS:
- Tips
- Choose your schedule when you want to work
- Instant Pay via your bank account
- No experience is required
4. Mystery Shopper
A mystery shopper goes undercover as a customer evaluates a company’s service and/or product and gives a report based on their experience. Working as a mystery shopper is a way to earn money while shopping. This is a legitimate job; people get paid to do this. Mystery shopping has existed for decades, but fraudulent companies are making false advertisements for this job like other jobs. A mystery shopper’s earnings vary based on the company you work with and how much work is available in your area. Once signed on with a company, the opportunity is available with most companies to choose which jobs to do or refuse.
Some signs a company is Fraudulent:
- Asking for money to start work
- Ask for payment for training
- Their email contact is questionable
- When in doubt, opt-out and sign up with a legitimate company go to Go the Mystery Shopper Providers Association (MSPA) the MSPA website is WWW.mspa-na.org
Mystery shopping companies:
- Intelli Shop
- Premier Service
- We Check
- Shoppers Confidence
- Field Agent
- Lanla
- Market Force
- Performa Logics
How to become a Mystery shopper:
- Sign up with a reputable Mystery Shopping company
- Need access to a smartphone and the internet
- Must be able to send feedback about each job via a written report
- A Mystery shopper should be able to pay attention to details, but no qualifications are usually required.
Steps to start working as a Mystery shopper:
- Create an account
- Set up an account app
- Start earning money (once your account is approved, orders will come to your account)
Things to Consider Before Starting a Side Hustle
- Earnings Potential: Pay rates can vary by city, peak time of day or season, and demand. Some apps, like DoorDash, offer bonuses or surge pricing during peak hours.
- Availability: Most apps offer flexible working hours, but some apps may have more consistent work and require you to schedule shifts in advance.
- Insurance and Documents: Check if the app offers insurance coverage otherwise, you’ll need your own. Valid driver’s license and a bank account to get paid.
- Vehicle Requirements: Some apps allow you to deliver on foot, by bike, scooter, or by car, depending on the city/country, which provides flexibility for method of transportation.
- Tips and Bonuses: Most apps allow you to earn tips and keep 100%, but the tipping culture can vary from city to city, so research how it works in your area.
Choosing the best side hustle for your life depends on location, transportation options, and personal preferences. The side hustles listed above are available in Canada and the U.S., but each platform has it’s custom benefits.