Looking to earn extra money by selling items people love? Plenty of profitable options are out there, from popular everyday finds to unique handmade products.
In this article, we’ll cover creative ways to make money fast. Whether you’re aiming to start a business or just a side hustle, these ideas can help you transform products into profit.
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Physical products to sell
If you’re asking yourself, “What can I sell to make more money?” exploring physical product categories is an excellent option. While it does involve managing inventory, selling physical items – from clothing to tech gadgets – presents numerous quick and profitable opportunities.
1. Clothing and accessories
There’s a growing demand for second-hand and vintage clothes, especially as more people embrace sustainable fashion.
Items like used shoes, handbags, jackets, and accessories can be worth more than anticipated. Branded or designer pieces usually hold their value well, making them easier to sell at a good price and earn decent money.
Sell your items on popular online marketplaces like eBay, Poshmark, and Depop, which specialize in fashion. These platforms simplify connecting with buyers looking for quality second-hand clothes.
In addition to individual sales, bundling similar items, such as matching accessories or seasonal items, can attract more buyers and help reduce shipping costs.
2. Handmade crafts and jewelry
Handmade things, like jewelry, personalized gifts, and home decor, are creative items to sell to make money. It can appeal to buyers looking for personalized or custom-made everyday items.
As the arts and crafts market grows steadily, keep an eye on market demand and trends, such as eco-friendly materials or personalized options. Selling handmade items works well both at local markets and through online marketplaces like Etsy and Amazon Handmade.
3. Tech gadgets and electronics
Sell old tech gadgets and electronics that may be collecting dust or are simply unused, especially if you want to flip items for a profit. Smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles, or tablets often retain significant value, even after a few years of use.
Famous models, mainly from brands like Apple or Samsung, sell quickly and at competitive prices.
Make good money online by choosing the right platforms, such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Swappa, and setting the right prices for used tech gadgets.
If possible, include the original packaging, chargers, or accessories, as these can increase the resale value.
4. Furniture and home goods
Selling second-hand furniture, vintage decor, or refurbished pieces is a good idea, whether decluttering your home or turning it into a business. You can flip these items by purchasing them cheaply, freshening them up, and reselling them for a profit.
Items like well-maintained chairs, tables, or unique decor often attract buyers looking for quality at a lower price. Platforms like OfferUp and social media groups make it easy to connect with buyers and sell locally.
5. Books, DVDs, and collectibles
Comic books, vinyl records, and vintage DVDs target niche collectible markets and often have passionate buyers willing to pay.
Platforms like Amazon and eBay are ideal for reaching a global audience, while local shops or online collector communities can help you find specific buyers looking for rare finds – perfect opportunities to earn extra cash.
Digital products and services to sell for passive income
The high demand for digital products and services makes them an ideal business model for generating passive income without the limits of physical inventory.
1. eBooks and online courses
If you have expertise in a specific area, creating and selling eBooks and online courses allows you to monetize your unique skills.
Once created, eBooks and online courses generate passive income with minimal ongoing effort, making them excellent options for those wanting to build a sustainable income stream.
Sell eBooks on platforms like Amazon Kindle, reaching a global audience. Online courses offer even more potential for entrepreneurs looking to scale, as they can be hosted on platforms like Udemy or Teachable.
2. Stock photos and digital art
Selling stock photos, graphics, or digital art is one of the best ways for artists to make money in today’s digital marketplace.
If you’re a photographer, graphic designer, or illustrator, platforms like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock offer a great opportunity to make extra cash by selling your work to businesses, marketers, and content creators worldwide.
For artists interested in creating digital printables – such as posters, planners, or wall art – Etsy is a popular platform where customers seek unique, downloadable designs.
By diversifying your work across various platforms, you can maximize your exposure and increase your chances of earning a steady income from your artistic skills.
3. Print-On-Demand (POD) products
POD platforms like Printify allow creators to upload digital designs and print them on items like custom t-shirts, personalized mugs, and other print-on-demand products.
While you sell online through the most popular sales channels, Printify handles the inventory, production, and shipping.
It doesn’t require significant financial investment, as your products are produced and shipped after customers order and pay in your online store.
4. Website templates and design elements
Offering versatile media items, like website templates, logos, or graphic elements, allows designers to showcase their creativity while serving the needs of a wide range of clients. Monetize your design skills without needing physical inventory or shipping logistics.
Platforms like Etsy and Creative Market make it easy to sell icons, fonts, and branding kits to a global audience.
Services you can offer to make money online
If you’re exploring what to sell to start a business, offering online services is a low-cost and flexible option to make quick money.
1. Freelance writing or copywriting
Offering freelance writing or copywriting services is an effective way to grow your income by creating content for blogs, websites, or marketing materials. Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork allow writers to connect with clients from around the world.
Whether you’re writing articles, sales copy, or marketing content, these platforms make it easy to receive payment for work sold online, transferring earnings directly to your bank account.
2. Social media management or consulting
As a manager or consultant, you can help companies grow their audience, engage with customers, and promote their products or services across social media platforms.
Offering content creation, posting schedules, and ad management services can significantly benefit small businesses looking to improve their marketing efforts.
Find clients by reaching out to businesses in your area or through platforms like LinkedIn, where business owners often seek help with social media strategies.
Offering tailored packages based on the business’s needs can make your services more appealing and help you secure long-term clients.
3. Virtual assistance
Becoming a virtual assistant is a flexible and profitable way to offer administrative support to busy professionals and entrepreneurs. Handle tasks like scheduling, managing emails, data entry, and customer service remotely.
Offer your services on platforms like Zirtual or Fancy Hands, which connect virtual assistants with clients.
Alternatively, pitching directly to entrepreneurs or small business owners looking for help with daily tasks can lead to ongoing, higher-paying work.
Specializing in a niche, such as real estate or eCommerce, can help you stand out and attract clients who need specific administrative support.
4. Graphic design services
Whether it’s designing logos, infographics, marketing materials, or website elements, there’s always demand for quality design work.
Many businesses need unique visual content to stand out in competitive markets, making freelance graphic designers a perfect choice. Platforms like Behance, Fiverr, and Upwork provide excellent opportunities to showcase your portfolio and connect with clients looking for design work.
Where to sell these items
When considering how to sell things online and make money, knowing where to find potential clients is essential. From online sales platforms to local markets, there are many opportunities to sell your items online and increase profits.
1. Online marketplaces and platforms
- eBay
eBay is an excellent online marketplace for selling various items, like clothing, accessories, books, and collectibles. It’s especially popular for vintage or branded clothing and rare collectibles.
To start selling, create an eBay account and list your items. The platform makes connecting with buyers looking for unique and quality products worldwide easy.
- Etsy
Etsy is a popular marketplace for creatives, known for its unique and personalized products. It’s an ideal platform for selling handmade crafts, website templates, photos, and digital art.
Create an Etsy account and sell your one-of-a-kind items to a worldwide audience of handicraft buyers. It’s an excellent way to make money by tapping into a community that values originality and craftsmanship.
- Amazon
Amazon is perfect for selling various products, from digital eBooks to handcrafted goods. As a leading eCommerce marketplace, it provides sellers access to millions of potential buyers globally.
Amazon Kindle offers authors a seamless platform for publishing and selling eBooks. For artisans, Amazon Handmade is a space within the marketplace where you can sell unique, handcrafted items.
- Shopify
Shopify is an eCommerce platform that allows users to create their own online stores for selling customized products like handmade crafts, clothing, and print-on-demand items.
To get started, create a Shopify account and set up your store. Focus on marketing to connect with customers globally while managing all aspects of your business.
- Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is perfect for selling second-hand goods, furniture, and other locally sourced, large, hard-to-ship items.
The social marketplace allows you to connect with buyers in your community. You can list items quickly and easily, and with Facebook’s integrated social network, selling is simple.
- Poshmark and Depop
Create a Poshmark account to sell trendy, gently used fashion, accessories, beauty products, and natural cosmetics, especially for the US market.
Use Depop if you’re looking for a social marketplace perfect for selling unique, vintage, or streetwear items, particularly to younger, fashion-forward buyers.
- Udemy and Teachable
These online platforms are ideal for entrepreneurs looking to monetize their skills by selling online courses and educational content.
With Udemy, easily upload and sell pre-recorded courses to a large student base, benefiting from existing marketing reach. On the other hand, Teachable offers more control over branding and pricing.
- Shutterstock and Adobe Stock
If you’d like to sell stock photos, digital art, and videos, choose Shutterstock and Adobe Stock.
These online platforms allow photographers and graphic designers to reach a global audience and license their work to businesses and individuals.
- Creative Market
Creative Market is a marketplace selling digital products like website templates, fonts, graphics, and design elements.
It’s a match for designers, photographers, and creatives looking to reach a global audience. Showcase and sell your digital media assets to businesses and individuals.
- Fiverr and Upwork
These leading online freelancer platforms are perfect for offering writing, graphic design, and web development services.
If you’re looking for quick, project-based gigs, create a Fiverr account. Both platforms connect freelancers with clients globally, but Upwork is more suited for long-term projects and contracts.
2. Local markets, garage sales, and pop-ups
Selling at local markets, garage sales, or pop-ups is an excellent way to earn quick cash while avoiding the hassle and cost of shipping.
These venues also offer great opportunities for entrepreneurs to test their products, build brand awareness, and engage directly with customers.
Whether you’re selling locally or participating in special occasions and holidays, these events provide a personal touch and a quick way to earn and save money. Here are some places to look for local markets and pop-up opportunities:
- Community centers
Check bulletin boards or websites for upcoming seasonal markets or fairs. These centers are often hubs for local events and can provide opportunities to connect with your community while selling your products.
- Social media groups
Local Facebook groups frequently share information about garage sales or pop-up events. Joining these groups can keep you updated on upcoming opportunities, and it’s a great way to network with potential buyers and sellers in your area.
Some groups even have designated days for promoting your products or services.
- Local business associations
Many host special events or pop-up markets throughout the year, often targeting special occasions or holidays.
- Farmers’ markets
These markets feature local artisans, especially during special occasions or seasonal events. Farmers’ markets are perfect for selling handmade crafts, home goods, or eco-friendly products, as they attract customers who value locally made, sustainable items.
FAQ
Tech gadgets, fashion items, and unique handmade goods are in high demand. Products that align with seasonal trends or solve specific problems generate the highest profits. Use Google Trends to research the demand for your chosen product.
The easiest things to sell to make money include POD and digital products like eBooks, printables, or online courses. These require minimal upfront investment and no inventory. Depending on your skills and audience, you can also sell handmade crafts or simple products.
Conclusion
Whether you’re selling physical items, digital products, or services, there are countless opportunities available both online and locally. Explore various market avenues to increase your income, from flipping tech gadgets to offering digital designs and making money online.
If you’re ready to get started, consider launching your own print-on-demandstore with Printify. Create a free account and earn money from your first sale with no upfront investment required.
