Web design, affiliates, digital products, and services are the most profitable ways for van lifers to make money. These methods are digital and can be done from anywhere in the world. You can make a lot of money with these methods if you put in the effort and learn how to market yourself.
Renting out your van
One of the most popular ways van lifers make money is by renting out their vans. This can be a great way to generate income, especially if you have a fully equipped van that’s ready to hit the road.
There are a few different ways you can go about renting out your van. The first is to list it on a peer-to-peer rental platform like RVShare or Outdoorsy. This will give you the opportunity to reach a wide audience of potential renters and set your own rental rates.
Another option is to work with a van rental company like Wicked Campers or Escape Campervans. These companies will usually provide you with a set rate for your rental, and they’ll handle all the details of the rental agreement and insurance. This can be a great option if you want to maximize your earnings without having to worry about marketing your van or dealing with customers directly.
Finally, you can also rent out your van through an online marketplace like Airbnb or Vrbo. This can be a great way to reach potential renters who are looking for unique accommodation options, but it’s important to remember that you’ll be competing with other traditional vacation rentals in terms of price and amenities.
Running a blog or YouTube channel
Many people who live in vans full-time or even part-time make money by running a blog or YouTube channel about their experiences. This can be a viable way to make money, but it is not always as profitable as some people think.
There are a few reasons for this. First, it takes a lot of time and effort to build up a following on either platform. It can take years to reach the point where you are making any significant amount of money from your blog or YouTube channel.
Second, even when you do have a large enough following to start making money, it is not always steady income. Your earnings will fluctuate depending on how well your videos or posts perform and whether or not you are able to secure sponsorships or other forms of advertising.
If you are thinking about making money from running a blog or YouTube channel about van life, it is important to be realistic about the time and effort required to make it successful. While it is possible to make good money from these platforms, it is not always easy or guaranteed.
Doing odd jobs
One of the most common ways that van lifers make money is by doing odd jobs. This can include anything from lawn care and tutoring to carpentry and dog walking. The great thing about odd jobs is that they are usually easy to find and can be done on a flexible schedule.
The downside of making money through odd jobs is that the pay is often very low. For example, a typical dog walking job might only pay $10 per hour. To make a decent income from odd jobs, van lifers often have to work long hours.
Another way van lifers make money is by providing services such as tours or workshops. This can be a great option if you have a particular skill or area of expertise that you can share with others. For example, many van lifers offer cooking classes or yoga instruction.
Making money by providing services often requires more advance planning than odd jobs, but it can be more lucrative. For example, a two-hour cooking class might cost $50 per person. If you can find just four students per month, you would bring in $200 per month from this single class—and that’s not counting any other classes or workshops you might offer!
How do van life people make money
One of the least profitable ways to make money while living in a van is to sell products out of your van. This is because the markup on products is usually pretty low, so you would have to sell a lot of products just to make a reasonable profit. Also, you would likely have to spend a lot of time driving around to different places trying to sell your products, which would take away from time that you could be spending doing other things (like working on your business).
Begging for money
Asking strangers for money is generally not a profitable endeavor. Yet, there are some van lifers who beg for money to support their travels. This is usually done by holding up signs at intersections or along highways. While it may be possible to make a few dollars this way, it is not a sustainable or reliable way to make money.
Busking
Busking, or playing music in public for tips, is a popular way for van lifers to make money. But it’s not always the most profitable. In fact, depending on where you set up shop, you could end up making very little.
Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re thinking of busking as a way to make money on the road:
1) Location matters. If you’re playing in a busy area with a lot of foot traffic, you’re more likely to make more money than if you’re playing in a less busy area.
2) The time of day matters.Playing during peak times (lunchtime and after work) will likely net you more tips than if you play during slow times (late at night or early in the morning).
3) The type of music you play matters. If you’re playing popular music that people know and love, you’re more likely to make more money than if you’re playing obscure or experimental music that not many people are familiar with.
4) Your stage presence matters. If you’re engaging and entertaining, people are more likely to stop and listen – and tip! – then if you’re standing there looking bored or uninterested in what you’re doing.
