Even though I’m now self-employed, I’m always trying to earn extra money on the side.
I’ve been working on and off as a brand ambassador for the past few years and it’s one of the easiest and most flexible jobs I’ve ever done.
A brand ambassador is generally someone who represents the brand in a positive light by interacting with consumers to tell them about products and service. Most of the time, brand ambassadors provide samples of products or host live giveaways to spark interest in the brand they are representing.
The fact that almost all brand ambassadors earn more than minimum wage and there is no degree or certification required to land jobs is just the icing on the cake.
How I Got Started
Back in college, I did in-store food demonstrations at local grocery stores for about $11/hr. I liked the job and it provided security since I worked in the same store each weekend and had a manager on-site.
However, I noticed other people hired by third-party companies were in the store as well promoting different products and doing alcohol tastings. Once I found the people who were working independently were earning anywhere from $16-$25 per hour, I decided to sign up and chose to start doing alcohol tastings.
I worked 4-hour shifts and earned $20/hour so it was definitely easy money. The job was also low sales pressure so while I was encouraged to be friendly and ask people who liked the product if they wanted to take it home, I wasn’t penalized in any way it I didn’t sell anything.
Most times, brand ambassadors are supposed to promote brand awareness which should convert to sales but sometimes it doesn’t.
I was expected to take a few photos during my event and submit a short report a few days later.
When it comes to compensation, some companies don’t take taxes out of the checks they send out because they hire independent contractors so this is something to think about since you will have to report your earnings and pay taxes if you earned more than $600 for the year.
Income may not always be consistent with this type of job, but it’s a great side hustle opportunity whether you need to earn extra income for the holidays, throw extra money toward your debt, or contribute to your children’s college funds.
If you’re interested in working as a brand ambassador, here are a few companies you should consider working with.
Top 7 Companies That Hire Brand Ambassadors
1. Big Orange Productions
Big Orange Productions is an event staffing firm that provides brand ambassadors with opportunities to perform in-store demonstrations for a variety of products including food items. Ambassadors must log into a talent portal to sign up for gigs and work as contractors and not employees of the company.
Payment is sent via check 30 days after an event has been completed.
2. Across the Nation
Across the Nation is a national event staffing and promotional marketing company providing flexible jobs for people wishing to work street events, festivals, trade shows, PR stunts and more. Compensation is paid out two weeks after the event.
3. Victory Marketing Agency
Victory Marketing Agency is another event staffing agency headquartered in Florida that allows brand ambassadors to participate in promotional marketing campaigns, demos and road shows, trade shows, corporate events and more.
4. Fusion Event Staffing
Fusion Event Staffing provides a variety of event opportunities from conducting surveys and handing out samples, to outdoor promotional events. Work is available throughout the U.S.
5. One The Rocks Models
On the Rocks Models strictly provides wine and alcohol tasting gigs for popular grocery stores, beverage outlets like Binny’s, and local liquor stores. Don’t let the name of the company fool you. Men are more than welcome to apply and land gigs and jobs are not limited to a specific age bracket.
6. Advantage Solutions
Advantage Solutions (formerly known as Advantage Sales and Marketing) hires brand ambassadors to encourage sales through live in-store demonstrations. Ambassadors cover a territory of stores in their area and become experts at promoting the products they represent.
7. First Step Beverage
First Step Beverage is another alcohol tasting company that also provides training to brand ambassadors so they can properly convey brand attributes, and key selling points to promote sales.
A Final Word
Not all brand ambassador jobs are the same. Some may appeal to you more than others based on your interests. Some companies prefer you have experience, but it’s not hard to land jobs even if you don’t. You just need a positive attitude, a warm personality, and the ability to follow directions and engage people in conversation in order to do well on the job.
Training is almost always provided and you should never be expected to pay out of pocket for it and the company should provide funds to purchase products and some supplies as well. Don’t forget to write off any extra expenses you have to cover on your taxes either.
For example, some companies expect you to have your own fold-up table since you’ll be setting up and tearing down your own station.
Brand ambassadors may travel quite a bit as well if they are expected to work at different stores in the area. On the bright side, you’re in control of which jobs you decide to take and have the potential to earn as little or as much as you want.
Have you ever worked as a brand ambassador or would you consider it? What’s your favorite way to earn extra money?
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While the pay isn’t huge, it’s also pretty good money, especially for someone young. I wished I earned this type of money back when I was 20.
Awesome advice and ideas, Chonce, as usual 🙂
Thanks Ramona!
I haven’t tried this type of brand ambassador position. I have only worked with brands to promote their products on my parenting blog. However, I think this would be a fun side gig and I’m surprised that it can pay so well!
It’s an interesting way to earn money by representing brands away from the computer that’s for sure!
It’s very possible to be a “brand ambassador” or “food-beverage tasting assistant” and bring home good pay. Some of the commission based work in wine can provide a very healthy salary. Having this as a part time job is a good start towards developing multiple income streams. Thanks for this post!
I’m not a huge fan on commission based jobs because I don’t consider myself a good salesperson, haha. I like earning an hourly rate but I once worked with a company that offered both so it was nice to have an incentive to sell more but still earn my base pay regardless.
Chonce :
Thank you for the information. Would you say that this is only for the younger crowd? I am in my 50s and find these jobs on Craigslist sometimes but they always want model looks and bodies.
What have you seen as far as age limitations?
Thanks again for the info.
Judy – I’m not sure what it’s like in the rest of the country – but in NYC, the ambassadors in bars and stores were definitely younger and attractive. But I went to plenty of media events for my job and there were tons of ambassadors of all ages representing everything from tennis to gadget stores. I would assume it would depend on the target market of the company trying to promote the brand. I read a story about 50+ year old brand ambassadors for a charity who gave out shoes. They got to travel across the country!
Judy ,
Did you ever find a good side hustle ? Curious because I too am your age but I am sure like you full of spunk and young spirited !!
Let me know if you have found anything I need something quick and this was two years ago since your post. Thank you so much.
Jan
I agree that the ones who do the bar promos are often younger, but I usually stick to in-store events and there are people of all ages doing that type of work. At one of my jobs, retirees made up a majority of the employees.
It depends on the company. Look for words like, “fit, energetic, etc”. That usually means they want young. If they insist on several pictures of you that usually means they’re looking for young also. If they’re selling alcohol they usually want under 35 but not always. Just start applying. You never know.
Where and how do we apply?
Chonce – this was such a fun guest post! I love it when entrepreneurship is presented in a creative way. I really find nothing more creative than figuring out new income streams. 🙂
Thanks Susan!
Hi my name is Marcus Robinson I am a Disabled man I am trying to make some extra money. My wife works for the School District in Coatesville, Pa I am trying to make some extra money to help my wife out. We have three Daughters and are staying in My mother inlaws House. She had died about two years ago and we now have the house I wanted to know how I can make some extra money on the side to help my family out. Please let me know ASAP. I would like to earn some extra money to help support my family out I am seriously interested.
One more thing to note. You always need to report any income, even if it’s below $600. Technically, the IRS wants to know if you made $1 and wants to tax you on it 🙂
However, the employees don’t have to send you a tax form if they paid you under $600. Chances are if they’re not sending you a form, then they’re not reporting it. But you never know! I report everything just in case. The tax I end up paying is marginal in comparison to the potential penalty.
Definitely a nice change to see some solid tips on how to make some solid side income without having to work for free for 18 months. There’s a time for developing a passive income stream, but also a time to make some side income ASAP! Great post!
SUPER interesting! I had never heard of such a thing, though I have seen people doing wine tasting and such. Figured that they were store employees. It’s so hard to find jobs that don’t require you to have some kind of a degree. We will keep this in mind for future lists.
Thank you for the insight!
You will need to find out the requirements for your state such as a liquor certification.
My 44 year old husband has had several strokes recently and cannot walk or talk and requires 24 hour care. I’m unable to work due to taking care of him. Do you know of any type of work I could do at home?
Check out this post: https://singlemomsincome.com/50-legitimate-work-home-job-opportunities/
Unfortunately I haven’t seen such rates in Europe for the same job. Or maybe I wasn’t looking. $20/hr for such job definitely is easy money. Thanks for sharing, Chonce.
Please tell me something which work in asia . As i live in Pakistan most of ur suggested websites do not allow this region to get hired plz tell me something which is easily i xan do with my 1n half year kid … I really want to earn something plz help me
This is a super neat way for people to make money.
Shari’s comment struck me on a personal note because I have an uncle that often struggles to hold down work because of a physical injury and this seems like something that could be right up his alley.
Thanks for the story!
I work for Advantage Solutions! While the pay is on the lower end compared to these other companies (I get paid $10.20 and hour) it’s still one of the higher paying jobs in my area, especially for a college kid! I highly recommend Advantage Solutions – they are consistent with their pay and you typically only work weekends for part time.
Thanks for the tip!
I have years of experience as a ambassador demonstrator . Please send me information of all companies to apply to and instructions on how to apply to them. Thank you
The companies are linked. Click on the links for further instructions.
Thanks for sharing. This is a fascinating story to me of how the nature of the work is set up. It seems like you’re given a lot of flexibility to create, schedule, and document your events and efforts. You likely buy, provide, and are then reimbursed for any supplies that you use. Which I assume is a necessary component of paying brand ambassadors as 1099/independent contractors and establishing the fact that the ambassador controls the nature of the work. Which all makes sense on the one hand. But on the other hand, it’s crazy to think that companies hire “ambassadors for their brand” without being interested in controlling the nature of the work that’s done.