Need ways to make money for processor

[computerman1234]

Schools out for summer, and with it comes opportunity. Endeavours to make some cash money and buy that cool new processor I've been eyeing for long enough to become a sales leader at Intel. But when it comes down to the details, you don't want to be out all day every day earning minimum wage mowing lawns, but neither is it fun to sit and complete lengthy surveys for a few pounds at most. Amazon's Mechanical Turk initiative intrigued me, but I managed not to be eligible to do their work. I'm stuck here thinking about what to do to make money and I think that may be affecting my profits. I need money fast.

I ideally want £280-310 to get a new CPU, motherboard and RAM and hop on board the DDR4 train leaving September, just a month and a bit away.

One way I can think of right now is selling things. My current CPU, motherboard and RAM combo, which consists of a FX 6300, Asus M5A78L-M LX3 and whopping 8GB of RAM may yield a decent £100, already around a third of the way towards my goal. This leaves £180-210 to make before the holidays end. It would be better, though, if I could make £310 and still be able to use my computer and then make £100 afterwards from the sale of my old parts.

Another thing I can think of is to offer my expertise in computers to others and make some cash, but where do you start? First of all, you need to pay to post an ad in the services section of Gumtree.

I am open to suggestions you may have to offer, specifically advice on how to eligibly enter Amazon Machanical Turk. Do you have to be in Turkey? Are there any survey sites that give a reasonable amount of money for your time?

Thank you for any advice.

 

[Ralston18]

I know you do not want to do so but go mow lawns. Pretty good chance you will pick up other chores via your customers. Trimming, digging, clearing brush. Once people get to know you might even be able to provide some computer services. Be very sure that you can do that and not cause any harm.

Mowing and outside work is very good exercise - never hurts to add some muscle and endurance. Plus you will have more control of your time and probably make more money.

All that is needed is the ability to work hard, be reliable, polite, and things will come your way. No judgement here but you should also be generally presentable. Many people react to appearance so keep that in mind.

 

[computerman1234]

I know you do not want to do so but go mow lawns. Pretty good chance you will pick up other chores via your customers. Trimming, digging, clearing brush. Once people get to know you might even be able to provide some computer services. Be very sure that you can do that and not cause any harm.

Mowing and outside work is very good exercise - never hurts to add some muscle and endurance. Plus you will have more control of your time and probably make more money.

All that is needed is the ability to work hard, be reliable, polite, and things will come your way. No judgement here but you should also be generally presentable. Many people react to appearance so keep that in mind.

Ok, I see. I was thinking about mowing a friend of my family's lawn. She is pretty rich and old so hopefully she doesn't already have a gardener. Most of my neighbours are elderly too, so I suppose that might be a good place to start.

 

[Ralston18]

Lots of opportunities then. But, with no offense intended, be fair and honest and do not take advantage. You will enjoy the work all the more....

 

[computerman1234]

Lots of opportunities then. But, with no offense intended, be fair and honest and do not take advantage. You will enjoy the work all the more....

Of course, I am not that kind of person. What is the going rate for a lawn mowing anyway?

 

[Ralston18]

Good to know that.

As for going rate: welcome to the world of small business 🙂

Depends quite a bit on where you live and what "minimum wage" may be.

If you mow grass now you probably have a good idea of how much you can cut in an hour. Then you need to consider extras such as trimming, edging, raking the clipping if you do those things. Plus expenses: fuel, oil, glooves, tools, bug spray, safety googles (a must), bags for yard waste. (Tip: learn how to safely sharpen the mower blade and change the oil. Both make a big difference.)

Then the yard itself: size, shape, trees, hilly, fences, lawn ornaments, pets? Rain/wet grass will make mowing harder. You may need to scoop up doggy droppings.... After you have mowed any given yard a few times you will be more efficient at that lawn. Springtime cutting is harder. Grass grows faster and thicker. More cutting needed. Summer not so much maybe. Fall you deal with leaves. Winter you shovel snow off of their walks maybe...

Most people will want a flat rate. Be sure everyone is clear on the expectations and work to be done.

You might be able to estimate an hour's work at 2 or 3 times minimum wage. Look at a few yards and pretend you will be mowing them. See what your friends charge if any of them do mowing. Find out what professional services are charging - that could be a clue.

You will win some and lose some. Hopefully more of the former.