Side Hustle Watch is always on the lookout for platforms/apps that offer flexible gigs. Wonolo claims to offer “the freedom to choose where, when, and how you work.” Sounds good, but what the heck is a ‘Wonolo’, anyway? Apparently, it is short for Work Now, Locally. Again, this sounds appealing, so I’m all ears. I guess it is time to bust out the ole magnifying glass to see what they have to offer. I would’ve said “closer look”, but the phrase has been beaten like a dead horse. Same with “deeper dive.” You get the idea.
What is Wonolo?
Wonolo (Work Now, Locally) is a marketplace for on-demand jobs in areas like:
- Warehouse work
- Merchandising
- Event staffing
- General labor
- Delivery support
- Fulfillment and inventory
Companies post short-term gigs and workers claim them through the app. There are no resumes, interviews, or long onboarding processes for most jobs. If you show up on time, and do the work, things should go well for the most part.
How You Get Paid
- Most gigs pay $14–$22/hr, depending on your market
- Payment is processed through Stripe
- You’re classified as a 1099 independent contractor
- Many workers receive funds within 2–3 business days
You can also earn Wonoloer badges for good performance, which unlock access to more jobs and higher-rated companies.
What Makes Wonolo Worth Trying
Pros
- Work only when you want, zero schedule commitments
- Fast payouts, great for bridging income gaps
- No interviews or resumes, low barrier to entry
- Plenty of warehouse and labor shifts in mid-to-large cities
- Flexible stepping stone, try different industries before committing
Cons
- Work isn’t guaranteed, some cities have more gigs than others
- Physically demanding jobs make this tougher than laptop side hustles
- Companies can rate you, no-shows or lateness could reduce job access
- 1099 taxes, you must handle your own withholding
Where Wonolo Works Best
Wonolo is strongest in medium and large metro areas such as:
- Atlanta
- Dallas
- Chicago
- Phoenix
- Los Angeles
- Philadelphia
If you’re in a smaller town, the app might be hit or miss. It’s worth downloading to check your local volume before getting excited.
Tips to Succeed on Wonolo
Here’s how to stand out and earn more:
- Claim jobs early in the morning, listings often drop overnight
- Show up 15 minutes early, reliability gets you favorited by companies
- Complete the shift as described, no corner-cutting
- Grab repeat gigs, they’re easier and often pay better
- Track your mileage and expenses for tax write-offs
Who Wonolo Is Best For
This platform is a good fit if you:
- Want fast, predictable hourly pay
- Don’t mind physical work
- Need a flexible way to fill income gaps (especially between jobs)
- Prefer gig work over a traditional part-time schedule
Final Thoughts
Wonolo is worth trying, but your success will depend on your location. Like other gig apps, Wonolo is probably hit-or-miss. Interested in other gig platforms? Check out our article on Velocity REOs.