Helping a Novice Install ChatGPT Took 3 Hours, Earning $30 for a Solo Dev
yangyi · x · 2026-07-23
A developer shared their experience of helping a regular user install and configure ChatGPT and Codex offline. Because the user was a complete beginner on the Apple ecosystem with no VPN experience, the process was extremely tedious: setting up network proxies from scratch, registering a US Apple ID, solving OpenAI account risk control and SMS verification, and finally providing remote assistance for mobile network issues.
Although it took a whole afternoon and only earned 200 RMB (about $30), it highlights the massive barrier to entry for domestic users trying to use overseas AI tools. For indie developers looking for side hustles, offering "AI tool installation and configuration" services currently has clear market demand and monetization potential.
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