10 Crazy Ways to Earn $100

Need to make a quick $100 but tired of hearing the same old side hustle advice? Forget babysitting, freelancing, or selling off your dusty closet finds. There are plenty of offbeat, unexpected, and downright strange ways to pad your wallet—methods that prove making money doesn’t always have to be boring. Some of these ideas will make you laugh, others might make you raise an eyebrow, but all of them are real ways people have cashed in.

So if you’re ready to earn that crisp Benjamin in a way your friends definitely won’t expect, here are 10 wild, weird, and totally real money-making ideas. Just remember to bring your creativity—and a little caution—along for the ride

sell your hair

Got luscious, untreated locks? Hair buyers on sites like HairSellon or BuyandSellHair.com are willing to pay good money—sometimes over $100—for high-quality strands. Longer, virgin hair gets top dollar.

Be a professional line sitter

Yes, it’s a thing. People will pay you to stand in line for concert tickets, new iPhones, sneaker drops, or exclusive events. If you're patient (and can withstand boredom and bad weather), $20/hour can quickly add up

sell golf balls

Head to your nearest golf course (after hours, discreetly) and retrieve stray balls from the woods or water hazards. Clean them up and resell them to local golfers or online. It's surprisingly profitable—some go for $1-3 each.

be a billboard

Some companies will pay you to wear their T-shirts, hold a sign in a busy area, or even temporarily tattoo their logo on your body (seriously). It’s strange... but it’s money.

create a viral meme or challenge

If you’ve got meme skills or absurd creativity, you might create the next TikTok challenge or trend. Brands might pay for the content or sponsor your posts once it gains traction. Fast $100? Maybe not. But insane potential? Definitely.

Participate in a clinical trial

Universities and research centers often pay volunteers to test new medications, sleep patterns, or even taste tests. Some pay hundreds just to spend a night in a lab hooked to wires. Weird? Yes. Lucrative? Also yes.

Bet on losing weight

Sites like HealthyWage let you gamble on your own fitness goals. If you hit your target weight in a certain time frame, you get paid. It's the only time being called a "loser" will feel amazing.

break up with someone

People on platforms like Fiverr offer breakup services—writing breakup letters or sending the dreaded “it’s not you, it’s me” text. If you’ve got tact and a twisted sense of humor, it could be your calling.

sell odd items on ebay or marketplace

Ever heard of people selling air from concerts or haunted dolls? The weirder the item, the better the chance someone bites. Just make sure your description is convincing and your item is... ethically sourced.

join a local competition

Some towns host quirky contests—like fastest ice cream eater, longest burp, or best pet costume. Prizes often include cash. Not only could you walk away $100 richer, but you'll also earn bragging rights forever.