How to Make Money Commuting to Work

How far is your daily commute? How long do you commute to and from work every day?

How would you like to make money for commuting?

That's right - you can earn money just because you commute to work.

How? Through the magic of advertising. While it's a challenge, it is easier than you think. It just takes a little sales ability and some hustle. Or, if you don't like selling (or aren't a natural at it), there are companies like CarWraps.com that can set the ads up for you (more on them toward the end of the article).

How much can you make? Depending on your pricing and how many ads you sell, it's reasonable to expect $20-$600 per month. Where you fall in that (admittedly) broad range depends largely on how much you hustle, your manner of commuting, as well as the distance and time of your commute.

How long and how far do you commute? Those are actually two separate questions, and both can help your bottom line. If, for instance, you travel 30 miles one way but it only takes you 20 minutes, sell based on the distance traveled. On the other hand, if you only travel five miles but it takes you 45 minutes, then you can sell your ads based on how long you're in commute.

How do you commute? Most people walk, bike, drive or use public transportation to get to work. All of those methods provide slightly different money making opportunities, but they have similarities as well. (While you can develop your own pricing structure based on the above criteria, for the sake of argument, let's say you sell all of your ads for just $20 a piece per month.) Take the following commuting methods, for instance:

Walking. If you live close enough to walk to work, you can sell two ads on your back, two on your front, one on your purse or briefcase, one on each arm (equaling two) and each leg (another two). Here, you have 9 ads, which will generate $180 per month.

Biking. If you decide to bike (powered either by your legs or a motor), you can sell two ads on your back, one on your front, one on your purse or briefcase, one on each arm (equaling two) and each leg (another two), one on a small sign in front and another in back, one on each side of your helmet, and - if you want to earn even more - two on either side of a tow-behind. Including the tow-behind, you'll have 14 ads for a total of $280 in your pocket.

Public transportation. Don't pass up making a buck while taking the bus or subway, either. Like walking and biking, you can sell two ads on your back, two on your front, one on your purse or briefcase, one on each arm (equaling two) and each leg (another two). For maximum ad impressions, remain standing during your commute. Like walking, you'll have 9 ads, generating $180 per month.

Driving. Live too far to walk or bike? Don't have public transportation in your town? Just like the convenience of driving? As mentioned above, you might consider signing up with a company like CarWraps.com, or sell the ads yourself. If you sell the ads yourself, you'll be able to sell an ad on every door (let's say you have a two-door), one on the back of your vehicle, one on every window (we'll assume 6 windows), and - if you wanted to create more space - one one either side of a strap-on car top. Through companies like CarWraps.com, you might earn anywhere from $50 to $600 per month if you're accepted into their program. On your own, with a car-top, you'll have 11 ads totaling $220 monthly for your efforts.

It will be a challenge, but it's not too difficult once you get your new money making source up and running. It's actually pretty fun. And it can put some extra cash in your pocket for doing what you'd be doing for free anyhow.