Money Backed by Gold

In the early days of bartering and trading, people used commodities as money. This system survived until around 600 BCE, with the first recorded use of gold as money in Lydia in Asia Minor. For the next several hundred years, gold and silver were used as money throughout the world.

During most of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the “gold standard” was the monetary system. In this system, the value of a country’s currency was closely linked to a specified amount of gold. Paper money and coins in circulation were convertible into a fixed amount of gold, providing a sense of stability and confidence in the currency.

The gold standard provided several advantages. Firstly, it limited the ability of governments to print excessive amounts of money, thereby curbing inflationary pressures. Since the money supply was tied to the amount of gold reserves held by a country’s central bank, the currency’s value remained relatively stable over time. This stability encouraged investment, lending, and economic growth.

However, the gold standard also had its drawbacks. The amount of gold available limited the growth of the money supply, potentially restraining economic expansion during times of increased productivity and demand. Additionally, countries had to maintain large gold reserves to back their currencies, which could be challenging and expensive, especially during times of economic uncertainty.

The system began to face increasing challenges during the early 20th century, particularly after World War I, when many countries suspended the convertibility of their currencies into gold to finance the war effort. The Great Depression of the 1930s further strained the gold standard, leading to its eventual collapse.

In 1971, the United States officially abandoned the gold standard, severing the last ties between major world currencies and gold. Since then, most countries have adopted fiat money, where the value of a currency is determined by government decree and is not backed by a physical commodity like gold.

The Federal Reserve and Monetary Policy

Most countries with fiat systems have a central bank that regulates the money supply. The U.S. Federal Reserve, for example, is a central bank. The actions of the central banks influence the amount of money in circulation, as well as inflation and interest rates.

The Federal Reserve controls America’s money policy using a method called “open market operations.” This means they buy and sell government securities in the marketplace.

When the Federal Reserve buys these securities, it puts more money into the economy, making it easier for people and businesses to borrow and spend. This is called “expansionary monetary policy” because it expands or increases the money supply.

On the other hand, when the Federal Reserve sells securities, it takes money out of circulation, making it harder for people and businesses to borrow and spend. This is known as “contractionary monetary policy” because it contracts or reduces the money supply.

The goals of monetary policies are to promote maximum employment and stable prices (low inflation). Stable prices are important because they allow businesses to make sound investment decisions and consumers to accurately plan for the future.

Commercial Banks and the Fractional Reserve System

Most of our money is created not by the government or by banks but by private businesses through what’s called the “fractional reserve” system.

The fractional reserve system is the basis of the modern banking system. Under this system, commercial banks are required to hold a certain percentage of their deposits in reserve, usually around 10%. This means that if a bank has $100 in deposits, it can lend out $90.

The fractional reserve system enables banks to lend and engage in economic activities more extensively than if they were required to keep all customer deposits in their vaults. However, it comes with a certain level of risk because if too many customers try to withdraw their money all at once, the bank may not have enough cash on hand to meet those demands. In such a situation, the bank could become insolvent, meaning it won’t have enough money to cover its debts and obligations. 

Here’s how it works: When a business makes a loan, it doesn’t just create new money out of thin air. Instead, it creates new deposits in the borrower’s account equal to the amount of the loan. This new money didn’t exist before, so it has effectively been created by the act of lending.

The business can then lend out these new deposits, creating even more new money. This process of “money creation” through loans is what underpins our entire financial system. It’s also why debt is such an important part of our economy – without it, there would be much less money in circulation.

Electronic Money

Now that you understand where your money comes from and how it is regulated, let’s take a quick look at electronic money. The days of counting dollar bills and keeping a pocketful of change are almost obsolete. E-money includes credit and debit card payments, mobile wallets, cryptocurrencies, and online banking. This form of money offers unparalleled convenience and accessibility.

E-money is a form of currency created through technology and governed by regulatory frameworks. The creation of e-money relies on secure databases, encryption, and sophisticated algorithms that financial institutions employ to process and protect transactions. This technology enables quick and convenient payments, transfers, and purchases.

However, e-money’s reliability also depends on government oversight. Governments and central banks establish rules and guidelines to ensure proper issuance and usage of e-money. They aim to safeguard consumers, maintain financial stability, and prevent illicit activities like money laundering.

The majority of electronic money is backed by cash. However, decentralized e-money, like cryptocurrency, is not backed by physical cash or any central authority. Instead, its value is determined by market demand and supply dynamics, and it operates based on underlying blockchain technology.

The Future of Money

The future of currency lies in the realm of e-money, where digital transactions are poised to revolutionize the way we conduct financial exchanges. As technological advancements continue to accelerate, traditional cash and physical transactions are gradually giving way to electronic forms of payment. 

E-money, in its various forms, is set to dominate the financial landscape, making transactions more efficient, convenient, and secure. It holds immense potential to redefine the way we interact with money. Embracing this digital revolution responsibly will undoubtedly shape a more connected, accessible, and innovative financial ecosystem for years to come.

Closing Thoughts

Money has been around for thousands of years, but its creation and management have changed dramatically over time. From commodities to gold to paper bills to debit cards and cryptocurrencies, money has come a long way. Governments play an important role in creating a safe and secure financial system, while businesses create wealth by producing goods or services that people are willing to buy with their money. Knowing how our money is created and regulated can help us make better decisions on how we manage our finances, whether it’s saving for retirement or making a smart investment decision. So next time you glance at a nickel or penny, you will know a bit about where it came from and where’s it going.

The post Where Does Your Money Come From? Understanding the Creation and Source of Money appeared first on The Branded Daily Digest.

In today’s article, we will look at some innovative and popular ways to protect and grow your money beyond the confines of traditional banking.

Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency offers an innovative way to protect and grow your money beyond the confines of traditional banking. It has become of the most popular ways to save, invest, and grow your money beyond the confines of conventional banking. Bitcoin and Ethereum, for example, enable you to purchase and trade goods in a virtual environment utterly unrelated to governments or banks. As a result, Crypto has become increasingly prevalent and provides a unique opportunity to diversify your portfolio and benefit from potential long-term gains.

Crypto is a digital currency. It serves as a means of exchange and can be used to speculate, hedge against inflation, or simply as a payment method. It has several advantages, including the ability to be transacted and stored securely, instantly, and anonymously. In addition, transactions are secure and are protected with cryptographic algorithms. And because it is not regulated by a central bank, the fees are usually lower, and transactions are generally faster to complete than with traditional banking.

Cryptocurrency also offers greater control to individuals who are investing or managing their funds. All transactions are recorded on a public ledger, and individuals can transfer their funds with little to no friction or restrictions.

Be aware that cryptocurrency can be highly volatile and carries risk. Before investing in cryptocurrency, it is critical to conduct research and comprehend the benefits as well as the risks involved. Remember that investment and speculation in crypto should be done with caution and with money you can afford to lose.

Real Estate

Putting your money into real estate is an extremely popular investment choice. This is because it provides the possibility for long-term returns. These can come in the form of rental income or property appreciation. Investing in real estate can offer several other advantages too! 

For one, it is a physical asset that can appreciate over time. Additionally, rental income from investment properties can provide a steady stream of income to help grow your savings. Finally, investing in real estate also allows you to earn a high return on your investment.

We must mention that there are also risks associated with investing in real estate. Real estate values can fall as well as rise, so there is always the risk of loss. However, if you do your homework and invest wisely, real estate investing can be an excellent way to grow your money beyond the confines of traditional banking. And for those with a higher appetite for risk, several innovative property investment companies, such as Fundrise and LendingHome, offer more convenient access to real estate.

Peer-to-Peer Lending

Peer-to-peer lending is a new approach to safeguarding and developing your money outside of traditional banking. It is a method of borrowing and lending money between individuals, typically in small amounts. Peer-to-peer lending can be done online or through an app and offers a variety of benefits.

Peer-to-peer lending generally offers lower interest rates than traditional banks and a fast and easy application process. Borrowers can quickly and easily apply for loans, while lenders can earn higher returns than conventional investments without the risk and hassle.

Another benefit is the low minimum loan amounts. Many peer-to-peer lending platforms allow you to start with as little as $25. In addition, the ability to dollar-cost average investments can help spread the risk, making it an attractive option for those who want to get started with investing.

Lastly, peer-to-peer lending is an appealing choice for people seeking a solid return on their investment. Many platforms offer higher interest rates, allowing lenders to earn higher returns and borrowers to get lower rates. Peer-to-peer lending is a great way to protect and grow your money beyond the confines of traditional banking.

Gold

Gold remains one of the most popular sources of protecting and growing one’s wealth. It appeals to investors because it is relatively stable and protected from inflation. Gold has also evolved from being a physical asset to a digital asset backed by fractional-reserve banking and blockchain technology.

Investors can purchase gold in physical form or through digital accounts that store ownership of gold. However, storage brings additional expenses to investors, whereas digital gold accounts do not have storage costs. In some cases, holding gold on a digital asset platform can also be cheaper than buying physical gold, as platforms lower the fixed costs of gold through fractional-reserve banking.

Gold, as a digital asset, can also be traded without any restrictions and is one of the safest investments due to its limited risk and status as a reserve asset. Digital gold is also easily divisible, making it an ideal asset for fractional trading and investment portfolios.

Gold remains a timeless asset, with its increasing use in digital currencies and blockchain technology. It is a reliable form of storing wealth for the future and is growing in popularity as a digital asset. As such, gold can be a great way to store and protect wealth beyond the confines of traditional banking.

Closing Thoughts

There are some really great ways to save, invest, and grow your money beyond the confines of traditional banking. From cryptocurrencies and real estate to Internet savings accounts and peer-to-peer lending. And by combining the ones that work for you, you can build an excellent portfolio to help you accomplish your financial goals.

Before we close, here are a few more things to look into when considering where to store, save, protect, and grow your money. All of these methods allow you to avoid traditional banking while still investing your extra money wisely. 

• Purchase art or collectibles that may increase in value over time.
• Participate in crowdfunding campaigns for startups or other ventures.
• Buy and hold physical commodities, such as oil or agricultural products.
• Invest in mutual funds or hedge funds.
• Purchase annuities or structured settlements for a steady income stream.
• Invest in foreign currency through a forex trading platform.
• Buy and hold municipal bonds or other fixed-income securities.
• Purchase domain names or websites that may have future value.
• Invest in fine wine or other luxury goods that may increase in value over time.
• Purchase land or timber investments that can appreciate over time.
• Invest in collectible cars or other vehicles that may increase in value over time.
• Participate in alternative investments such as private equity or venture capital funds.

The post How to Protect and Grow Your Money Beyond the Confines of Traditional Banking appeared first on The Branded Daily Digest.

If you’re considering joining an MLM or pyramid scheme, knowing the facts is essential. In this post, we will look at MLMs and pyramid schemes and how to avoid falling victim to financial fraud.

What are MLMs and Pyramid Schemes?

MLMs (Multi-level Marketing companies) and pyramid schemes are two different types of business models, but they often get confused with each other.

An MLM is a legitimate business model where a company compensates its members for selling its products or services. MLMs typically operate with multiple levels, where members at the lowest level recruit other members and are paid a portion of their sales. They also earn commissions from the sales of their recruits. This can create a pyramidal hierarchy, which is where the confusion comes in.

Pyramid schemes are illegal and commonly masked as MLMs. They involve recruiting members with the promise of making money solely through those recruits, without actually selling any products or services. Unfortunately, this often leads to financially devastating losses and people being left empty-handed.

Learning to recognize the differences between MLMs and pyramid schemes is critical to avoid being taken advantage of. 

How Do MLMs and Pyramid Schemes Work?

MLMs depend on recruiting new members, and they typically involve selling a product or service. Once a member has been recruited, they become eligible to receive a percentage of their new recruits’ sales commission as well as commissions from their own sales. For example, a successful MLM participant may recruit a certain number of members who make several sales. As a result, the recruiter earns a portion of the revenue.

On the other hand, Pyramid Schemes don’t involve selling a product or service. Instead, they rely on recruiting new members who pay money to join the scheme. The money is then used to compensate those at the top of the pyramid, and the process is repeated until no new members can be added. So ultimately, those at the bottom of the pyramid typically get nothing.

The promise of financial gain and fast wealth is almost always involved in pyramid schemes. Still, it’s important to be aware of the signs of financial fraud and always do your due diligence when considering any business opportunity.

Signs That an MLM or Pyramid Scheme Is a Scam

It is easy to see how MLM and pyramid schemes can be attractive opportunities to make money quickly. However, there are several signs that something is not right with an MLM or pyramid scheme. Here are some of the biggest indicators that someone is trying to recruit you for a scam. 

Unrealistic Promises – If the opportunity seems too good to be true, then it probably is. Be wary of any business opportunity that promises quick wealth or offers returns that seem suspiciously high.

Strong Push for Recruiting – If an MLM or pyramid scheme is pushing for you to recruit more members without explaining the details about its products or services, then you should be wary.

High-Pressure Sales Tactics – Whenever a corporation uses high-pressure sales methods to get members to buy more items or services, it’s a tell-tale sign that they may be attempting to defraud people.

No Transparency – If a company is not open about its operations or how it makes money, it is most likely a hoax.

If any of these things seem true of an MLM or pyramid scheme you are considering joining or investing in, it is best to stay away. Remember that before investing in any business opportunity, you should conduct your own investigation to guarantee that it is authentic.

How To Avoid Falling Victim to an MLM or Pyramid Scheme

Like any investment, you must understand the business before putting money into an MLM-based opportunity. Here are some tips to help you ensure you are making an intelligent decision:

Do Your Research

Don’t fall for high-pressure sales tactics. Instead, take the time to investigate the company and learn how it operates. Make sure that you are fully aware of all the risks.

Check Reviews

Look for independent reviews from people who have tried the MLM or pyramid scheme. See what kind of feedback they have and if it seems genuine or just fake reviews written by the company.

Talk to People Already in the Scheme

Talk to people already in the scheme to understand their experience and if they have been able to make money from it. Try not to take the word of promoters or those who could profit from your membership.

Ask Questions

Make sure to get answers to any questions you have about the MLM or pyramid scheme. This could include questions about the product, how the scheme works, and the costs associated with participating. 

Test it Out

Finally, try it out first before investing your money into it. This way, you can test the scheme without risking any money.

Examples of Real Pyramid Schemes

Pyramid schemes and Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) companies that engage in deceptive practices are illegal in many countries. Once discovered, they are typically shut down by regulatory authorities. Here are some examples:

TelexFree: This $3 billion Ponzi scheme operated in Brazil and the US until 2016, when the company was shut down, and its founders were arrested and charged with fraud.

Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing (FHTM): FHTM was a Kentucky-based MLM company that was shut down by the US FTC in 2013 for operating a pyramid scheme that deceived its distributors.

Vemma: In 2015, the US FTC shut down Vemma, a health and wellness MLM company, for operating a pyramid scheme that promised its distributors high earnings but in reality, almost all of them lost money.

Closing Thoughts

While some legit MLM opportunities exist, many are simply unwise investments. Therefore, it is best to be aware and protect yourself and your loved ones from scammers. Remember that pyramid schemes are designed to take your money and leave you without knowing what you have invested in and without any returns. To ensure you are not the victim of financial fraud, do your research, check reviews, talk to people in the scheme, ask questions, and try it out before investing your money.

The post The Shocking Truth About MLMs and Pyramid Schemes: Avoid Falling Victim to Financial Fraud! appeared first on The Branded Daily Digest.

Etsy is an online platform that allows you to sell your handmade items. With an online Etsy shop, you can reach a global market of customers and turn your creative ideas into income. In addition, Etsy’s admin tools make it easy to track order activity and manage payments, making selling printables a fun way to make some extra money.

What Are Printables?

Printables are digital documents that can be printed out and used in a variety of contexts. These range from teacher resources such as worksheets and lesson plan ideas to home decor, coloring pages, journals, birthday cards, and more. The possibilities for printables are nearly endless. And you are really only limited by your own imagination. Printables are also used to make those awesome planners you see posted on Pinterest. And there are even printable craft projects for kids and adults.

Regardless of your ability level, you can make unlimited printables using the vast amount of graphic design tools accessible. In addition, printables can be personalized using software such as Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop. Once you choose the right niche for you, making printables is a breeze.

What Is My Niche?

Choosing a niche for your printables is vital to success in selling them on Etsy. A good place to start is by focusing on your own skills, interests, and hobbies. Once you know what you are passionate about and want to create, you can narrow down your options and identify the target markets for your designs. 

The first step in choosing a niche is to identify the types of products or services that you particularly enjoy. This can include areas of interest like cooking, gardening, crafting, health, beauty, nature, and more. Again, there are limitless possibilities for printables. Think about what you know and what has inspired you in the past. Sketch out rough ideas and designs that you think would make interesting and unique printables. Once you have a good idea of the types of products you would like to design and sell, you can start researching potential topics and markets to target. 

The next step in finding your niche is to research potential target markets. This includes determining who will likely buy your designs and what content and topics resonate with them. This also involves finding out who your competitors are. Check out the trends on Etsy to see what is selling right now. This will help you discover if there is a market for your product and if you can sell it at a competitive price.

When you know your niche, it’s easier to focus on marketing your business and creating products people want to buy. This will save you a lot of time, energy, and money. After you get going and have an established customer base, you can expand your printable designs by adding more niches. But for now, stick to one niche. Once you have it nailed down, it’s time to start selling your printables on Etsy.

How Do I Get Started On Etsy?

To get started selling printables on Etsy, you need to sign up for an account. It’s completely free. Simply provide basic information such as your name, address, and email, and create a username and password that you can use to log in to your shop. 

After you create your Etsy account, it’s time to build your printables shop. You should customize the look and feel of your shop based on your branding and goals. Think of everything you want your customers to find when visiting your shop. This includes product photos, descriptions, shop policies, shipping information, and more. Then add your products to the shop, ensuring each item you list is carefully described and photographed. The quality of your photos and grammar can make or break a sale. Take your time and make it look appealing and professional.

How Can I Advertise My Etsy Printable Shop?

Once your shop is ready to go, it’s time to promote it and start bringing in some customers. You want to make your Etsy shop stand out. And there are plenty of ways to do so. You can list your shop in directories, join relevant Facebook groups, and work on building relationships with other Etsy sellers. You can also leverage search engine optimization to get your shop into top listings on Google. Here are three excellent ways to advertise your Etsy printables shop.

Other platforms – A powerful way to promote your printables is through other social media platforms. These can include Facebook, Pinterest, TikTok, and Instagram. These platforms have millions of users interested in various things, and they’re easy to reach through targeted advertising campaigns.

Video – While photos on your Etsy shop are essential, the key to making your products stand out is with videos. Creating short 15-second videos showing how to use your printables can bump up your reach. In addition, it can help improve your ranking on search engines. Videos are a terrific way to get noticed.

Keywords – Search engine optimization (SEO) is all about keywords. Choosing the right keywords is also essential for getting your printables seen by potential customers. To find the best keywords for your designs, you’ll need to do research. Look for popular keywords and search trends in your niche. 

Email – Encouraging your customers to sign up for weekly emails is an excellent way to boost sales. Send emails including reduced prices, new products, and blogs. This will keep your shop in the mind of your customers. 

How Can I Get More Customers To Buy My Etsy Printables?

Advertising is vital to selling printables on Etsy, but there are other ways to grow your printable business and make even more money. The most successful online shops are those that provide high-quality customer service. For example, providing a money-back guarantee and a return policy can make your buyers feel secure in purchasing your items. It can also bring in buyers that would have otherwise not been interested.

Offering a money-back guarantee on your Etsy printable sales is an excellent way to increase sales and build trust with customers. Not only does it give your potential customers the peace of mind that they can return their purchase if they are not satisfied, but it also helps to remove any barriers that could have prevented them from purchasing in the first place.

Free shipping is also highly sought after by potential buyers. Even if you have to raise the price of your product a few dollars to cover it, customers love to see “free shipping” on an item. It’s a great way to attract customers who may have scrolled past your items otherwise.

Lastly, providing excellent customer service goes a long way. This includes fast responses to messages, friendly and professional communication, and putting the customer first. Remember that you literally cannot sell printables on Etsy without your customers.

Closing Thoughts on Selling Printables on Etsy

You can make money (and have fun) selling printables on Etsy if you know how to do it. Choosing a niche that interests you and appeals to the current market can be a game changer. This, along with good advertising, can bring you enough customers to make your Etsy shop thrive. Throw in excellent customer service, money-back guarantees, and free shipping, and you have a perfect side hustle. Remember, the more time you put into your new hobby, the more you get out of it. Want to sell stuff online but printables aren’t your thing? Check out Sell Your Stuff Online: Top 10 Sites To Make Money Selling Used Items!

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If you use the Internet to shop, pay bills, or manage your account, you must protect yourself from online scammers. There are a variety of ways to do this, including avoiding giving your social security number out over public Wi-Fi and keeping up with your credit and bank statements to identify suspicious behavior. You can also invest in a good identity theft protection service to protect yourself from fraud and other online threats. Let’s look at the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from online scammers.

Avoid Giving Out Your Social Security Number and Personal Information

Scammers often pose as legitimate government agencies and charities. They use official phone numbers and letterheads, as well as fake badges with the name of a social security official. Often, these phishing schemes are disguised as the real government and promise you financial help, investment opportunities, or business advice.

With your social security number, scammers can open new credit card accounts in your name or apply for loans. Their fraudulent actions can also ruin your credit score, causing you to have a difficult time obtaining loans and other services.

If you’re ever asked to give your social security number over the phone, you should stop the call immediately. Another type of scam is called “phishing.” Scammers often use a malicious link or email attachment to trick you into revealing confidential information. The phishing message may appear to be from a legitimate business, but in fact, it’s a scam.

It is vital to keep your Social Security card safely stored. Never enter it into websites without verifying their legitimacy. In addition, it’s a good idea to contact your financial institution to ensure the company asking for your social security number is secure.

Avoid Shopping on Public Wi-Fi

If you’re shopping on public Wi-Fi, you need to be extra cautious. Unless you have an encrypted connection, there’s a high chance your data will be compromised. Unfortunately, not all public Wi-Fi is created equal. Some free hotspot providers may have no encryption at all. 

To avoid giving up personal information when on a public connection, you should stay away from sites that require you to log in. Additionally, avoid sending sensitive information over an open hotspot. This includes your social security number, date of birth, and other information about your identity.

Use Anti-malware Programs and Security Software

Using an anti-malware program will help to protect your device. Fortunately, there are plenty of free web browsers that notify you of any malicious programs before you install them.

It’s also a good idea to keep your security software updated. For example, you can install the HTTPS-Everywhere Firefox add-on to ensure you’re using an encrypted network.

Another easy way to protect your identity is to use a VPN. VPN stands for “virtual private network.” Essentially, a VPN creates a secure tunnel between your computer and the server you’re connecting to. In addition, it makes it harder for other users to see what you’re doing. There are many free apps that can help you easily install a VPN on your device. While it’s not always necessary to use a VPN on your home network, it can add an additional layer of protection. And using a VPN is essential if you do need to make a financial transaction on public Wi-Fi. 

Avoid Sending Payments to People You Don’t Know Through Payment Apps

Using a peer-to-peer payment app is an efficient way to send and receive cash using your checking account without the hassle of writing out checks. However, despite the convenience of the medium, there are still a few scams to be wary of. 

One common scam is telling you that you’ve won money but need to send a fee to get it. This is a scam every time. The scammer will use your account to make purchases. It’s highly unlikely you will randomly win a monetary prize through a payment app, but you wouldn’t have to pay for it even if you did.

Thankfully, some apps offer robust fraud protection features to help keep your money in your pocket. When deciding which service to use, choose the one with the most powerful security features. Also, ensure the app includes features where you can set up alerts.

Monitor Your Credit and Bank Statements for Suspicious Behavior

Regularly monitor your credit and bank statements for suspicious behavior. Check your accounts to see if there are unusual or low balances. You should immediately report any unauthorized debit or credit card charges to your card provider.

It’s also a good idea to review your credit reports each year. Use a reputable credit monitoring service to check your credit reports for suspicious activity. Some of the best services include LifeLock, Aura, and Equifax.

Invest in Identity Theft Protection

Identity theft can occur in many forms. For example, scammers use stolen personal information to open bank accounts, make false health insurance claims, and apply for loans and credit cards. Investing in identity theft protection is a great way to protect yourself from scammers.

These services will provide multi-layered protection for your personal information and identity, beginning with credit monitoring. This service will alert you to instances where your data is used. Some services will even assist you in recovering any losses and often have insurance coverage of up to $1 million.

Many premium identity theft plans include safe web browsing tools. These tools protect you against malicious software and viruses. Some companies also provide VPNs. Many identity theft protection companies offer free trials, too. This will allow you to try out the features and see how well the company fits your needs.

Change Your Passwords Often

Another way to keep your data safe is to change your passwords often. You should also keep them secure in a safe place, and never share them with anyone. Use strong, complex passwords rather than generic ones. Also, try to avoid using the same password for more than one login. This way, if you do get hacked, you don’t have trouble with all your accounts at once.

Using password managers is an excellent way to keep your password updated and safe. Many of them generate, encrypt, store, and change your password for you. This way, you are always secure. Additionally, a password manager will keep you from forgetting your passwords and getting locked out of your accounts.

What To Do if You Suspect Fraudulent Activity

Hopefully, with these tips on protecting yourself and your loved ones from online (and telephone) scammers, you won’t ever have to deal with fraudulent activity. But what if you do?

If you suspect you’ve been the victim of identity theft or a scam, immediately contact your financial institution and the program or app it happened on. In the case of identity theft, you should always contact law enforcement. After reporting the scam, you should also contact the Federal Trade Commission. Depending on the type of fraud you suspect, you may need to ask your bank or credit card company for a new account number. 

Fraud is everywhere. However, protecting yourself from scammers is usually just a matter of making a few minor changes. Stay safe!

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Any debts you have incurred during the holidays can be paid down using a solid plan you set up with yourself. So if you have spent a bit too much this holiday season, keep reading!

Why Does Post-Holiday Debt Occur?

Post-holiday debt occurs when you spend more than you actually have during the holidays. Most of the time, post-holiday debt is on credit cards when you make purchases that you don’t have the money to pay off immediately. Not all post-holiday debt is detrimental–many people plan to have some post-holiday debt and then pay it off in the following few months. However, if your debt has spiraled out of control, it may be more difficult to manage than you initially thought. In this article, we’ll list some of the best tips to help you overcome this post-holiday debt and pay it off completely. 

Tips to Pay Off Debt

Now that we’ve talked about what post-holiday debt is and why it happens, we can talk about ways in which you can actually pay off this debt. There are many ways to pay off debt, but we’ve listed eight of the most popular and effective ways below. We will talk about completing each of these steps to help you reduce or pay off your debt fast. 

Don’t Spend More Than You Have

The first tip might be less helpful if you have already incurred a lot of debt, but it’s a good thing to keep in mind when holiday shopping in the future. Only spend what you currently have in cash or a bank account! As soon as you put more money on credit cards than you already have saved away, you have basically eliminated your opportunity to pay your credit card down to zero at that current moment. Once you pass that threshold, it makes it much easier to incur more debt that’s difficult to pay off. Therefore, keep track of how much you have in cash and try only to spend that amount. 

Pay Off Debt Early

This might seem obvious, but the sooner you can pay off your debt, the better! As debt accumulates and your credit card holds a high balance, interest charges on purchases can start racking up and place you into a vicious cycle of being unable to even get out of debt. So the quicker you can begin to make large payments against your debt and bring your credit card balance back down to zero, the better off you’ll be when trying to get rid of your post-holiday debt. 

Snowball Debt

The snowball method for paying off debt is a great way to go if you have many different smaller debts. In addition, the snowball method helps you get excited about paying off debts because the progress can be seen immediately. The process for the snowball method is this:

1. list out your debts in order from smallest to largest balance. 
2. Make the lowest possible payments on everything on the list except for the smallest balance; pay off as much as you can on that one. 
3. Once the smallest one is paid off, take that balance and start paying off the next smallest one, going down the list until everything is paid off in full!

New Year’s Resolutions

Use your New Year’s Resolutions to help you cut down on spending and pay down your debt to $0. Every year, we tend to make New Year’s Resolutions about how we can improve our financial lives and achieve more (“I’m going to buy a home,” “I’m going to make better investments,” etc.). However, you should try to use your 2023 resolutions to make better strides toward paying off your debt. For example, make one of your resolutions, “I will contribute an extra $100 (or whatever amount works for you) every month to paying down my debt,” or “In 2023, I will stop using my credit cards until my debt is paid off.” 

Budget Better, Cut Down Spending

Everyone knows that the primary purpose of a budget is to incur less unnecessary spending and save money for the things you need or want. However, there’s one surefire way your budget can work better for you in terms of cutting down and paying off your debt. You need to eliminate spending on things you don’t need and instead put that money toward your credit card payments. For example, if you’re used to going to Starbucks every morning, this is the kind of habit you need to cut back on. You’ll see substantial changes fast if you start contributing that $5 or $6 you usually spend on fancy coffee toward your credit card bill!

Consolidate Debt

Consolidating your debt can also be a good option for eliminating your post-holiday debt, as long as you follow the proper steps. For one, you could get a debt consolidation loan to have all your payments in one place and on one day of the month. Another option for consolidating your holiday debt is to transfer all the balances of your credit cards onto one card with a higher limit to reduce your overall credit utilization percentage and have an easier time paying it off. 

Leverage Your Tax Refund 

Tax season is coming! Pretty soon, you’ll be able to submit your 2022 taxes and see what kind of tax return you’ll be getting. If you’ve been keeping good track of your money, you might already have a rough estimate when it comes to that nice check you’ll be getting from the government. If you can afford to put your tax refund toward paying off your credit card debt, definitely choose to leverage that opportunity!

Paid Online Surveys 

One way to get some debt out of the way is to take online surveys for cash. Surveys have become an incredibly popular side hustle in recent years. This is primarily because they can help you earn money in small increments 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Sites like Branded Surveys connect you with institutions, brands, and researchers who want to hear your personal opinions and reviews. The way they accomplish this is to offer online surveys for money. 

For the most part, these surveys can earn you $.50 to $2 for every survey you complete, and every cent of that can help you contribute to and pay down your holiday debt. While there are plenty of other side hustles out there, you can get paid to take surveys whenever you have a few minutes to spare, making it a super-convenient way to earn some money. 

Don’t Want Holiday Debt? Try Not To Incur It

This is easier said than done, but the most essential thing to consider during the holiday season is this: don’t sacrifice your financial well-being for a few extra presents at Christmas. The best gift you can give is spending time with friends and family and showing love to those around you. Instead of incurring debt to make that tree feel fuller, focus on quality over quantity. 

The post Paying Off Post-Holiday Debt appeared first on The Branded Daily Digest.

While shopping online is highly convenient and helpful, it can also be deceptive and tricky. In this article, we’ll be discussing how online shopping can be dangerous, as well as the mistakes you must avoid when shopping online, especially during the holidays. 

Online Shopping Can Be Dangerous

Online shopping can be dangerous for many different reasons. While the internet has proven to be an incredible resource over the last couple of decades, it has also allowed scammers and cybercriminals to come out of the woodwork. Websites are constantly trying to buy and sell your data, and fraudulent websites or those without proper encryption can cause your data to fall into the wrong hands, leaving you the victim of identity theft and disrupting your entire life. 

Because of this, you must be careful when handing over your data online, specifically things like your name, credit card numbers, address, driver’s license, and other personal information. You want to be sure to protect yourself from identity theft. 

What Can Be Lost Through Reckless Online Shopping?

If you shop online recklessly or without paying attention to some online “red flags,” you could stand to lose a lot. For example, if you enter your credit card information into an untrustworthy site, it could be corrupted or sold off to a third party that could steal your credit card information. From there, hackers may be able to make purchases on your behalf without you even noticing. 

Additionally, you certainly wouldn’t want your address floating around on a sketchy site, having the potential to be sold to a third party. On a less serious level, entering your email into untrustworthy sites can leave you with years of annoying spam emails if your information gets sold.

Online Shopping Mistakes

We’ve discussed the dangers of online shopping and what can be lost through corrupted information from online retailers. Now it’s time to talk about the mistakes you can make when doing your online shopping. These mistakes can be detrimental to your credit score and compromise your personal information, so paying close attention is vital. 

Additionally, all these mistakes are easily avoidable once you become aware of them. Reading and following the tips below can be a great first step to avoiding missteps during online shopping. 

Online Shopping Mistake #1: Trusting Sketchy Retailers 

Trusting sketchy or suspicious online retailers might be the most dangerous thing to do during online shopping, but it is also very easily avoided. Sketchy retailers are websites that aren’t encrypted, aren’t trustworthy, won’t protect your personal information, or may not even send you the goods you’ve purchased. These are obviously crappy businesses to give your money to, as they may be fraudulent. 

To avoid sketchy websites, check their reviews and trust your gut. Look at authority sites like Trustpilot to see how other, real people have reviewed the business to be sure it’s legitimate. Also, if a website looks or feels fishy, it probably is. Trust your intuition!

Online Shopping Mistake #2: Clicking Unknown Links

Spam emails are prevalent in this day and age, but sometimes they are tough to spot. Spam emails could look like they’re from your coworkers, professors, trusted websites, favorite brands, or even your family members. However, they can contain unknown links that lead you to input your personal information into a highly insecure source. When you do this, hackers can obtain your information, use your credit cards, or even install malware onto your computer and corrupt it. 

To be safe, you should never click unknown links, whether they come from your email or on a website you see online. If you don’t know exactly where the link will lead, don’t click it!

Online Shopping Mistake #3: Not Checking A Site’s Security

You can do many little checks to ensure a site is secure. For starters, look at the URL. If it starts with HTTPS instead of HTTP, that additional “S” denotes another layer of site security.

Additionally, when you look at the URL, check for a small padlock icon next to the website address. This padlock ensures security and allows you to click on it and review the website’s security details and what kind of encryption they use to protect the data you enter. Many scammers and hackers will try to trick you by using names, URLs, and website addresses that are very similar to the ones you use all the time, so be sure to look carefully at each website address when shopping online. 

Online Shopping Mistake #4: Not Using Secure Payment Apps

Secure payment sites like Shop Pay or PayPal can absolutely save you when it comes to data breaches or other issues with website security. Secure payment sites like PayPal have been used for years, and not only do they have the highest level of security when protecting your cards, but they also make checking out easier. 

By entering and storing your card details in PayPal, you never have to enter them into the site you are purchasing from, which makes you more protected if that site were to have a data breach. 

Online Shopping Mistake #5: Using a Public Wifi Network

Public Wifi networks are great for surfing the web or using social media in a cafe or mall. However, they are not great when you want to use your personal data or card info at an online retailer. 

Public Wifi networks are typically not secure, meaning they are much easier for hackers to break into and gain access to any personal information you input into a retailer’s site. So try to do all your online shopping at home or a friend’s house, if possible.

Online Shopping Mistake #6: Not Using a Credit Card

Using a credit card to make your online purchases essentially makes every online transaction you make a bit more secure. If you charge your online purchase to your credit card, you can dispute the purchase and get your money back if the item doesn’t arrive as described or it doesn’t arrive at all. 

This is much more difficult to do if you use a debit card, as the money needs to be refunded to your account. With a credit card, the purchase can simply be canceled. 

How to Shop Online Safely and Confidently

Hopefully, the tips above have helped inform you how you can shop safely online without risking the privacy of your personal information. By avoiding the mistakes we outlined above, you should be able to save yourself from hackers and other untrustworthy users attempting to steal your data. No matter where you do your online shopping, be safe, use common sense, and trust your gut!

The post Online Shopping Mistakes You Must Avoid appeared first on The Branded Daily Digest.

Become an Amazon Prime Member

The first tip is to join Amazon Prime. As a Prime member, you can get significantly better deals all around. It costs $14.99 a month or $139 a year to become an Amazon Prime member, which seems like a lot at first glance. However, your Prime membership will easily pay for itself if you regularly shop online.

Benefits of Prime include free two-day shipping on any “prime” labeled items (which is almost anything), unlimited streaming of Amazon Prime Video titles, and more! It is undoubtedly worth it to become an Amazon Prime member, especially considering the savings in shipping costs. For example, if you order just once a month, you’ll often pay $14.99 just for shipping.

Plus, your membership entitles you to insider deals that can save money on everyday purchases.

Get Credit by Selecting Later Shipping Days

Even though you already get free two-day shipping with Amazon Prime, Prime members also have the option to select a later shipping day in exchange for Amazon credit. 

For example, while a Prime shipping option might get your items to you on Tuesday, Amazon will suggest Thursday instead. This is more convenient for them in terms of logistics. However, in exchange, they often offer $2 or $5 gift cards to use on your next purchase. So if you can deal with getting your items a couple of days later, this option can be a great way to save even more at checkout. 

Clip Amazon Coupons

You may have noticed the site sometimes offers additional coupons underneath the item’s list price. To get extra savings on Amazon, sometimes all you need to do is some virtual coupon clipping! When looking at the listing, look below the price to see if it says, “Save an additional _ _ (percentage or dollar amount) on this item.” Next to that, you will see a checkbox that you can click to add the coupon at checkout. Finally, you will see the savings on the payment page. Many people overlook this very simple way to save money on Amazon. 

Set Price Drop Alerts

Many different sites and browser extensions can do this for you, but perhaps the most popular is Honey. Honey is a browser extension that automatically checks for coupons on all the sites you shop at, manually applying each of them at checkout to give you the highest possible savings. 

Honey also allows you to track individual items on your wishlist, alerting you when they drop in price to give you the best deal. When Amazon reduces the cost of an item, apps like Honey will tell you that it’s the best time to make a purchase. 

Set Household Staples to Auto-Reorder

Every household has essentials they purchase regularly. These include toilet paper, cleaners, paper towels, skincare products, etc. But many people don’t know you can put these basics on an automatic reordering schedule. When you do this, you get automatic discounts on the individual item’s price. 

While it might not be much (only ten or 15 percent), it all adds up. After all, you need to purchase these things regularly anyhow. Auto-reorder also helps you stay organized. You won’t need to remember them each month, and it also prevents you from running out of something and wasting time. 

Wait For Prime Day

Prime Day is Amazon’s annual savings event exclusively for Prime members. During Prime Day, thousands of products will be on sale, many of them from large, big-name brands like Apple, Samsung, JBL, Breville, and more. 

You can get huge savings on everything from household items to toys to electronics. While it probably isn’t practical to get everything you need for the year on Prime Day, you can find major deals on things you wouldn’t usually see sales on, like laptops or kitchen appliances. 

Opt for Refurbished Items

For things like electronics or appliances, you can often get refurbished versions of the items on Amazon for a deeply discounted price. Refurbishing a piece of equipment involves taking a gently used item and sending it back to the manufacturer for an inspection and tune-up before reselling it. 

Refurbished items have been used, but the manufacturer guarantees they are in working condition and have plenty of life left in them! So if you don’t mind buying a gently used item, buying refurbished items on Amazon is a great way to save money. 

Look at the “Today’s Deals” Page 

There is a page on Amazon specifically dedicated to deals of the day, called the “Today’s Deals” page. This page changes daily and allows you to find random deals at amazing discounts. Of course, these offers are limited-time only, which is part of what makes the prices so exclusive. If you see any of these daily deals on Amazon that appeal to you, you should snatch them up while you can, because they go fast. 

Earn Amazon Gift Cards

Another way to save on Amazon is with Amazon gift cards. And you can actually get them for free! There are many ways you can earn free gift cards, both online and physically. 

Gift cards will save you money since you can apply them at checkout to any order. Some popular ways are through coin exchanges, credit card rewards and points, or paid online surveys. Let’s talk about how you can score some for yourself. 

Coinstar Kiosks

With Coinstar kiosks and similar coin exchange machines, you can exchange your spare change for gift cards, including Amazon gift cards. Most people have jars of change hanging around. So the next time yours is full, take it to a Coinstar kiosk. Just pour out your change jar, and the machine will count your coins for you. Once it’s done counting, you can choose your payout. Most people pick cash, but you are also given the option of a gift card instead. 

Credit Card Rewards

Depending on your credit cards, all sorts of rewards and incentive options could be available to you. However, with most major credit cards, you earn some form of points or cash back on various types of purchases. For many credit card holders, there is a digital portal where you can decide what to do with that cash back or reward, with one option being to exchange it for a gift card. Often, you can exchange credit card rewards for Amazon gift cards. So, if you want to save more money on Amazon, this is a smart way to use up those rewards points! 

Branded Surveys 

Finally, websites like Branded Surveys let you earn free Amazon gift cards online by completing paid surveys. Branded Surveys connects its users with researchers and companies who will pay you for your opinions and reviews. Each paid online survey puts between $.50 and $2 or more in your pocket. Once you’ve accrued enough, you can opt to be paid in cash or select from a whole list of gift cards. And you guessed it—one of those options is Amazon!

Closing Thoughts

As you can see, there are many ways to save money on Amazon. Some are quite unusual! However, the big savings come from combining two or more of the methods above. By using these money-saving tips simultaneously, you can be a frugal Amazon shopper all year round. 

The post How to Save Money on Amazon appeared first on The Branded Daily Digest.

Using Personal Sales

The first method we will discuss for selling things online is personal retail sales. Personally selling items means that you are selling and sending them directly to the consumer through sites like eBay, Poshmark, Depop, Mercari, Facebook Marketplace, or others! In situations like these, you’ll make a listing, set a price for your item(s), and wait until someone purchases them. Below are some examples of unique and popular items to sell online. 

Used Textbooks/Comic Books

If you went to college, you probably invested a lot of money in textbooks. If you have any of them still lying around your house, you might be surprised to find out how much they’re actually worth. Many courses use the same textbooks for many years, so the books you used several years ago could still be worth hundreds of dollars in an online marketplace. 

Used Clothing/Shoes/Accessories

You might think that clothing you have already worn or shoes you’ve walked many miles in don’t have value anymore. But you would be completely wrong! Even if you don’t have designer or top-shelf items, used clothing can be worth quite a bit of money, especially if it’s vintage. As they say, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, and clothing that’s out of style for you might be perfectly trendy for someone else. 

Vintage Cameras/Audio Equipment 

Many people have tapes, chargers, and playback systems for old audio and video equipment they once used for home videos or personal projects. Most people assume the outdated digital camera they have lying in a junk drawer is useless. After all, the quality has been far surpassed by newer models. However, there is certainly a market for them. Buying old digital cameras or audio equipment for a vintage or nostalgic feel is only becoming increasingly popular. So brush off the dust and see if those old cameras are worth some cash!

Puzzles or Board Games

If you have kids, they likely grew out of many of the puzzles, board games, and toys you’ve bought over the years. If these playthings are in good condition, limited-edition, or vintage, they could be worth quite a bit of money. Collectors and game enthusiasts are always on the hunt for older toys, so clean them off and try listing them online. 

Baby Products 

Similar to the last category, if you have children, they have likely grown out of many of their baby items. Selling your used baby items can be the perfect way to earn extra money if you aren’t planning on having more children. Every new parent needs baby items. And since babies are so expensive, they are often hunting for a bargain. Sell your gently used baby items for cash. You will not only make a profit, but you’ll also be helping a family on a tight budget and keeping things out of the landfill simultaneously!

Home Decor

Redecorating happens at many points during your renting or homeowning cycle. You grow into different tastes, different styles, and different budgets. However, the old decor you are phasing out of your house doesn’t need to go into the trash. Many people turn to places like Facebook Marketplace or eBay to look for affordable, gently used furniture to furnish their own homes. Regardless of how worn your items are, someone else may get plenty of good use out of them.

Using Drop Shipping or a Private Label

Another way to sell things online is to use drop shipping. Drop shipping is the practice of selling items online without actual stock. Instead, the order goes directly to the supplier, who ships the item on your behalf. Drop shipping is a business model many people have been employing in recent years, and it can be incredibly profitable. Below are some of the many categories you can choose for drop shipping items. 

Fitness Products

Fitness products are all the rage right now, whether you opt to start selling workout leggings, innovative fitness products, or workout weights and accessories. In the wake of COVID-19, many people have opted for a home gym, so selling fitness products can be an incredibly profitable business venture.

Water Bottles 

Reusable water bottles are more in-demand than ever! In recent years, people have begun to realize the environmental impact of single-use plastic on our world. And these folks are now choosing reusable materials like metal or plastic water bottles for their everyday activities. Reusable water bottles need to be replaced every so often, however, so the need for reusable bottles will never truly be eliminated. 

Skincare Products 

More people than ever are choosing to learn more about their skin and how to best take care of it. As a result, products like moisturizers, toners, sunscreens, and even facial massagers are trending among both men and women right now. By 2028, the skincare market is expected to grow by around 5.52 percent, so skincare is definitely a profitable industry right now. 

Kitchen Products/Appliances 

Kitchen products are ever-evolving, and new small kitchen appliances are constantly entering the market. Whether it’s an air fryer, blender, food processor, or special chopper, there are endless possibilities when it comes to how people want to cook their food and take up space in their kitchen. 

Smart Home Accessories 

In 2022, people are constantly trying to make their “smart” accessories work even smarter. There are many smart home products, including lights and lighting systems, power outlets, thermostats, security cameras, responsive speakers, and more. By 2026, the global smart lighting market is expected to rise to nearly 40 billion dollars, so get in while you can. 

Other Ways to Make Money Online

If you are interested in making money online, there are numerous ways to do so. One idea is to start a side hustle! A side hustle is an additional job, whether passive or active, that earns you some additional (however small) income. This extra cash can help you support yourself or your passions. Side hustles can include delivering food or groceries, taking on a part-time job, doing freelance, or doing paid online surveys.

Branded Surveys

Branded Surveys is one of the best and most popular sites for taking paid online surveys. Branded offers between $.50 and $2 or more per survey, which can be a great way to supplement your income over time. In addition, Branded Surveys uses high-level encryption to protect your data. This interesting side hustle connects you with institutions and researchers willing to pay for your opinions and reviews. 

The post The Weirdest Things You Can Sell Online For Money appeared first on The Branded Daily Digest.

You may have a side hobby painting calligraphy signs or constructing bird feeders. Maybe you knit baby items, or you’re a digital artist. But, no matter what you’re good at, it might be time to turn your talents into a real business. 

Luckily, with the help of the internet, it’s never been easier to make money online. And selling your projects is a great idea.  You don’t have to wait for a craft fair or church bizarre to display your wares. Instead, there are many websites where you can sell your handmade items online. 

In this article, we will be discussing how to sell your handmade items online. So if you have a craft of your own, keep reading!

Types of Items You Can Sell

Of course, some things are easier to sell online than others. In addition, things tend to go in and out of fashion in cycles. So you should keep an eye on what’s trending. This will give you an idea of which items are hot and how much they are selling for. 

You want your items to be popular and trending, but not a copy of what someone else is doing. Buyers appreciate unique handmade items. In the next section, we’ll discuss a few of the most popular categories of handmade items to sell online. 

Crafts

The category of crafts can encompass virtually any physical piece of art or craft that you put together. Perhaps you make seating charts for weddings, miniature items for collectors, or you paint portraits. You can usually find a market for your items online. 

You can either take orders for custom items or sell your crafts after making them. That choice is up to you, but evaluate the market and site you sell on to investigate what items interest customers the most. 

Clothing

Handmade or reworked clothing is a trendy category for online handmade items right now. This is due to the sustainable shopping and thrifting meta trend, which is growing quickly. 

If you are a clothing designer yourself, you can make custom, made-to-order pieces or sell clothing items you’ve already designed. People who market reworked items are those who sell clothing that has been altered or updated in any way that makes them more unique and interesting. 

Sustainable shopping is good for the environment, so this is a hobby you can genuinely feel good about.

Digital Products 

There are various digital products you can sell online. For example, you can sell customized portraits, cosmetic labels, digital planners, printable planners, custom logos, business cards, social media templates, and more! 

You can easily create these products ahead of time and set up a system where the product is automatically emailed to the customer upon purchase. With this method, you won’t need to do much to keep your shop running! You can also take orders for custom products, although this system will take a bit more effort to maintain. 

Creating A Profitable Side Hustle

The key to making a lot of money selling your handmade items online is finding the right market and selling the right things. Additionally, you need to be consistent. 

When you find people who want to buy your items, make sure you treat your customers right. Pack the items with tender loving care, and ship them on time. This will ensure nothing is damaged when it arrives at your customer’s residence. And always provide high-quality customer service. If you make a mistake or something happens that is out of your control, try your best to make it right!

The customer service tip is relevant to any side hustle you undertake, whether its delivering food or writing for the web. 

You may also like Ten Ways To Make Money as a Content Writer

Where Can I Sell My Arts and Crafts Online?

There are dozens of online sites for you to sell your handmade items, but some are better and often more successful than others. 

Of course, the most popular site by far is Etsy. But that doesn’t mean it’s the only site you can make a hefty profit on. Rather, some lesser-known sites also offer tremendous opportunities for sales. In the following section, we’ll be discussing six of the most popular sites for selling your handmade items. 

Etsy

Etsy is an e-commerce site focused on vintage, handmade, and crafting items. Items can fall under a wide range of categories, and more than seven million sellers made sales on Etsy in 2021. 

While Etsy has, so far, been one of the most successful and profitable marketplaces for handmade goods, many people opt not to sell on Etsy anymore because the market has become somewhat saturated. Etsy is a great place to start, but if you choose not to use it, here are a few more options.

Amazon Handmade

Amazon Handmade is a separate site from the central Amazon marketplace. It was created to compete with Etsy. Amazon Handmade is not thought to change its algorithm as often as Etsy, which can be great for sellers. Amazon is also the largest online marketplace globally, so the site itself gets quite a bit of traffic. 

You need to go through an application process to sell on Amazon handmade, but the site (luckily) does not charge any listing fees. Instead, they take a 15-percent commission on any purchase made. 

Indiecart

Indiecart is a community of independent online shops and an e-commerce site that focuses on handcrafted items for your family and home. There are just over 17,000 Indiecart shoppers registered on the site, so the market is much smaller than other similar sites, but it also means you may be able to find a niche easier. 

You pay a monthly selling fee of $7.50 to sell on Indiecart, and there are no per-listing fees or commissions. 

eBay

eBay might not be the first website you think of when it comes to selling handmade items, but since it is one of the internet’s most prominent marketplaces, eBay certainly has a niche for handmade items. Since there is high traffic and a high sales volume on the site, it might be challenging to find your market. But there is undoubtedly an opportunity to make sales on eBay, regardless of what you are trying to sell. 

The site takes a 12.9 percent commission on every item sold for most categories, but some categories can vary. The site has an excellent craft selling guide you can access at no charge. 

RedBubble

RedBubble is a great sire for selling your digital art. One of the unique aspects of RedBubble is that you can upload your art to the site and then choose which products you want to create. The list includes mugs, phone cases, t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc. From there, RedBubble will put your art on the item and ship it to the customer, eliminating a lot of the work for you. 

Since RedBubble handles a lot of the production, they give sellers something called an “artist margin” as profit, which varies quite a bit depending on the item’s price. For more information, check their FAQ.

Finding the Right Target Market

Selling handmade items online can prove challenging, but it can result in handsome profits if you dedicate time and effort to the process. Finding the right market to purchase your products is the key to making a lot of money, but figuring out the appropriate niche can take some time. The most important thing is having fun while learning how to sell. And if one site doesn’t work for you, don’t give up. You might need to try multiple methods before finding a profitable way to sell your creations. 

The post Can You Make Money Online Selling Your Handmade Items? appeared first on The Branded Daily Digest.