Looking for things to sell to make money? Whether you’re hustling for extra cash or dreaming of quitting your 9-to-5, finding the right stuff to sell can be a game-changer. The cool part? You don’t need to be a business guru to start. You just need to know what sells, where to sell it, and how to catch people's attention. Let's dive into the best ideas to help you start making money today!
Table of Contents
- Physical Products to Sell for Quick Cash
- Digital Products That Are Easy to Sell
- The Most Profitable Services You Can Offer
- Unique and Interesting Things to Sell for Extra Income
- Best Online Platforms to Sell Your Products
- Important Tips for Selling Successfully
- Free Tools to Help You Sell More Effectively
Physical Products to Sell for Quick Cash
If you're on the lookout for things to sell to make money quickly, physical products are a fantastic option. You don’t need to invent the next big thing—sometimes, everyday items lying around your house can turn into quick cash. Let’s break down some of the easiest and most profitable physical products you can sell, whether you’re decluttering, flipping items, or starting a small side hustle.
Secondhand Items One of the easiest ways to make fast money is by selling secondhand items. Think of all the stuff sitting in your closet or garage gathering dust—old clothes, electronics, books, and even furniture. Vintage jeans, designer bags, or old gaming consoles can fetch surprising prices online. Platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Poshmark make it simple to list and sell these items. The key here is to present them well: clean them up, take clear photos, and write honest descriptions. You’d be amazed at how quickly things can sell with the right approach.
Handmade Crafts and DIY Products If you’ve got a creative streak, handmade crafts can be a goldmine. Think candles, jewelry, custom artwork, knitted scarves, or even personalized mugs. Sites like Etsy are designed for selling unique, handcrafted items, and buyers love products with a personal touch. The best part? You can start small with minimal investment. Just focus on quality and add your own flair to stand out in the crowded marketplace.
Collectibles and Antiques Got old coins, vintage toys, comic books, or rare vinyl records? These items can be worth a lot, especially if they’re well-preserved. Collectors are always on the hunt for rare finds, and niche markets can offer impressive profits. Even items that seem mundane to you might be valuable to someone else. Do some research to find out what similar items are selling for, and consider using auction sites where bidders can drive up the price.
Unused Tech Gadgets Tech gadgets depreciate quickly, but they still hold value if they’re in good condition. Old smartphones, tablets, laptops, cameras, and smartwatches can sell for decent money. Even if a device isn’t working perfectly, people buy them for parts. Just make sure to factory reset your devices and wipe personal data before selling.
Fitness Equipment With health and fitness trends booming, there’s always a demand for workout gear. Dumbbells, yoga mats, treadmills, and bikes often sell fast, especially if they’re lightly used. List them locally to avoid shipping hassles, and emphasize their good condition to attract buyers.
Seasonal Items Timing matters when it comes to selling seasonal products. Holiday decorations, winter coats, summer camping gear—these items sell best when people need them the most. For example, selling Halloween costumes in October or snow gear right before winter hits can bring in quick profits.
Baby and Kids’ Items Parents are always looking for affordable baby gear, toys, clothes, and furniture. Kids outgrow things so fast that gently used items often still look new. Cribs, strollers, high chairs, and even trendy toys can find buyers quickly, especially if you offer them at reasonable prices.
When it comes to finding the best things to sell to make money, the possibilities are endless. The trick is to recognize the value in items you already own or can source cheaply, present them attractively, and choose the right platforms to reach buyers. Whether you're flipping thrift store finds or clearing out your attic, there's always someone out there looking to buy what you've got.
Digital Products That Are Easy to Sell
When it comes to things to sell to make money, digital products are a total game-changer. Unlike physical goods, you don’t have to worry about inventory, shipping, or storage. You create a product once, and you can sell it over and over again without any extra effort. Sounds like a dream, right? Here’s a breakdown of some of the easiest digital products you can start selling today.
E-books If you’ve got knowledge or a story to share, writing an e-book is a fantastic way to make money. You don’t need to be the next bestselling author—just focus on a niche topic people care about. It could be anything from a guide on photography tips, fitness routines, personal finance hacks, or even a collection of short stories. Once you’ve written and formatted it, platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing can help you reach a global audience.
Online Courses Got skills? Teach them! Online courses are booming because people love learning new things from the comfort of their homes. Whether it's coding, cooking, graphic design, or digital marketing, there’s always someone eager to learn. You can create video lessons, PDFs, quizzes, and more, then sell them on platforms like Udemy, Teachable, or Skillshare.
Stock Photos, Videos, and Music If you’re a photographer, videographer, or musician, your creative work can earn you passive income. High-quality photos, video clips, and royalty-free music are always in demand for websites, ads, YouTube channels, and social media content. Upload your work to stock platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or Pond5, and get paid every time someone downloads your content.
Graphic Design Templates Designers, this one’s for you! People are constantly looking for easy-to-edit templates for business cards, social media posts, resumes, presentations, and more. Create stunning designs using tools like Adobe Illustrator or Canva, then sell them on marketplaces like Etsy, Creative Market, or your own website.
Printables Printables are digital files people can print at home, like planners, calendars, worksheets, coloring pages, or even party decorations. They’re simple to create with basic design software and super popular because buyers can download them instantly. Plus, once you’ve designed a printable, it can sell forever without any extra work.
Software and Mobile Apps If you’re into coding, developing software or mobile apps can be incredibly lucrative. It doesn’t have to be the next big social media app; even simple tools like productivity apps, budgeting software, or browser extensions can attract loyal users willing to pay for premium features.
Website Themes and Plugins With so many people building websites these days, there’s a huge market for website themes and plugins. WordPress themes, Shopify templates, or custom plugins can help businesses create professional sites without hiring developers. Once you’ve created a solid theme or plugin, it can generate passive income with minimal updates.
Digital Art and NFTs For digital artists, selling artwork online opens up endless possibilities. You can sell digital prints, custom illustrations, or even explore the world of NFTs (non-fungible tokens) if you’re into blockchain technology. Platforms like OpenSea and Rarible make it easy to showcase and sell digital art to a global audience.
Audio Products (Podcasts, Audiobooks, Sound Effects) Audio content is in high demand right now. If you have a great voice or audio editing skills, consider creating audiobooks, podcasts, or even sound effects for games and videos. You can monetize through direct sales, ads, sponsorships, or subscriptions on platforms like Patreon.
Selling digital products is one of the smartest ways to make money in today’s world. The beauty of it? You don’t need to be a tech wizard to get started. Just focus on your strengths, create something valuable, and watch your digital products work for you 24/7.
The Most Profitable Services You Can Offer
When you're brainstorming things to sell to make money, don't overlook the power of services. Unlike physical or digital products, offering a service often requires minimal upfront costs, and you can start with skills you already have. Plus, the potential for high profits is huge, especially if you specialize in areas people are willing to pay top dollar for. Here are some of the most profitable services you can offer to kickstart your money-making journey.
Freelance Writing and Content Creation If you have a knack for words, freelance writing is a fantastic way to earn money. Businesses need content for blogs, websites, marketing materials, and more. You can specialize in areas like SEO writing, technical writing, copywriting, or even ghostwriting. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer can help you find clients, but having your own website can make you stand out even more.
Graphic Design Graphic design is in high demand across industries. From logos and branding materials to social media graphics and website designs, companies are always looking for fresh visuals. If you’re skilled with tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Canva, you can offer your services to startups, influencers, or large corporations. Custom projects often come with premium price tags.
Social Media Management In the digital age, businesses know the importance of having a strong social media presence, but not everyone has the time or expertise to manage it. That’s where you come in. As a social media manager, you can create content, schedule posts, engage with followers, and even run paid ads. This service is scalable—start with small businesses, then expand to larger clients as you build your portfolio.
Virtual Assistance Virtual assistants (VAs) handle administrative tasks remotely, making this one of the most flexible and in-demand services today. Tasks can range from managing emails and calendars to bookkeeping, data entry, and customer service. The more specialized your skills (like social media management or project coordination), the more you can charge.
Web Development and Design If you know how to build and design websites, you’re sitting on a goldmine. Businesses of all sizes need attractive, functional websites to reach their audience. Whether it’s creating e-commerce sites, custom blogs, or corporate web pages, web development services command high fees. Learning popular platforms like WordPress, Shopify, and Wix can give you an edge.
Consulting and Coaching Are you an expert in a specific field? Consulting and coaching services can be incredibly profitable because you’re essentially selling your expertise. This could be business consulting, life coaching, fitness training, financial advising, or career coaching. The key is to identify a niche where people are willing to pay for guidance to achieve their goals.
Photography and Videography Visual content is king in today’s marketing world, making photography and videography highly valuable services. You can specialize in areas like weddings, portraits, real estate, product photography, or corporate videos. With the right equipment and editing skills, you can command premium rates, especially for commercial projects.
Digital Marketing Services Every business wants to grow its online presence, which creates a huge demand for digital marketing experts. Services can include SEO, pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, email marketing, influencer outreach, and content strategy. If you have a strong understanding of analytics and campaign management, digital marketing can be both profitable and rewarding.
Personal Fitness Training If health and fitness are your passions, consider becoming a personal trainer. You can offer one-on-one sessions, group classes, or even online coaching. Specializing in niches like weight loss, bodybuilding, yoga, or sports performance can help you attract dedicated clients willing to pay for personalized guidance.
Tech Support and IT Services With the world becoming increasingly tech-driven, IT services are more essential than ever. If you’re tech-savvy, you can offer services like troubleshooting, software installation, network setup, or cybersecurity consulting. Small businesses, in particular, often need affordable tech support, making this a lucrative niche.
The beauty of offering services is that you can start with little more than your skills and a willingness to hustle. Whether you're freelancing, consulting, or managing projects, focusing on high-demand, profitable services can help you build a sustainable income stream in no time.
Unique and Interesting Things to Sell for Extra Income
When you're looking for ways to make extra money, one of the easiest and most fun methods is to sell things you no longer need or things you can create yourself. But what if you’re looking for unique and interesting things to sell that could actually make you some serious cash? Here are some cool and creative ideas for things to sell to make money. Get ready to turn your clutter into cash with these options!
Handmade Crafts
If you're good with your hands, why not start making handmade items? Whether it’s jewelry, candles, or art, handmade crafts are always in demand. People love unique, one-of-a-kind pieces, so this is a great way to sell things that are not only fun to make but also have the potential to bring in a nice profit. You could even offer personalized items to make them extra special!Vintage Clothing
Vintage is in! If you have an eye for fashion and love hunting through thrift stores or your own closet, selling vintage clothing could be a great way to make extra money. Look for items that have a unique style, are well-made, or have a retro vibe. Many people are looking for that one-of-a-kind piece to add to their wardrobe, so this could be a perfect opportunity to sell things that have a bit of history and flair.Used Books
If you’re a book lover, don’t let your old collection gather dust. Used books can be sold for a pretty good profit, especially if you have rare or popular titles. There are many online platforms, like Amazon or eBay, where you can sell books easily. Plus, it’s a great way to declutter your space while sharing your love of reading with others.Tech Gadgets and Accessories
Tech items, especially accessories, are always in demand. From phone cases to wireless earbuds, there’s no shortage of cool gadgets people are willing to buy. If you have a stash of unused tech gear lying around, why not sell them? You could even consider dropshipping tech products that are trending, allowing you to sell without worrying about inventory.Furniture Flipping
Got old furniture that’s seen better days? Why not try flipping it for a profit? With a little DIY effort, you can refurbish old pieces, paint them, or add new hardware to make them look brand new. People love unique and upcycled furniture, and with the right touch, you can turn a cheap piece into something that sells for much more than you paid for it.Collectibles
If you’ve been collecting things like comic books, coins, or sports memorabilia, now might be the perfect time to sell. Collectibles can often fetch a high price, especially if they are rare or in excellent condition. Look up the value of your items online and see what you could potentially make by selling them to collectors.Digital Products
In the age of technology, digital products are one of the best things to sell to make money. Whether it's an eBook, a printable planner, or even digital artwork, people are always looking for products they can download instantly. This is a great option if you have a talent for writing, design, or even photography.Subscription Boxes
If you’re passionate about a specific niche, creating a subscription box can be a fun and profitable way to make extra money. Curate items around a theme you love—such as beauty products, snacks, or eco-friendly products—and sell them as a monthly subscription. People love the surprise of receiving new and interesting things delivered right to their door!Homegrown Produce or Plants
If you have a green thumb, selling homegrown plants or fresh produce could be a profitable venture. Whether you grow herbs, flowers, or vegetables, there’s always a market for fresh, local goods. You can sell them at farmers' markets or even through social media to get your products to a wider audience.Fitness Equipment
The fitness industry is booming, and selling lightly used fitness equipment can bring in some good cash. Whether it’s weights, yoga mats, or resistance bands, many people are looking to build their home gyms without paying full price for brand-new equipment. If you have extra gear lying around, consider selling it to people looking to get fit without breaking the bank.
There are so many cool and unique things to sell to make money, whether you’re getting rid of things you don’t need or starting a small side business. Keep in mind that the most successful sellers often find a niche that they are passionate about, so think about what excites you, and get started on turning your extra stuff into a profit!
Best Online Platforms to Sell Your Products
When it comes to selling your products online, there’s no shortage of platforms that can help you reach a broad audience. But choosing the right one for your products is key to maximizing your sales and making your business thrive. Whether you're selling handmade items, vintage clothing, or digital products, here's a roundup of the best online platforms to sell your products.
Etsy
Etsy is the go-to platform for handmade, vintage, and unique goods. If you’re selling crafts, art, or custom items, Etsy is perfect for reaching an audience that values creativity and originality. The platform has a strong community of buyers looking for one-of-a-kind pieces, so if you’re making something special, this is the place to be.eBay
eBay has been around for years, and it’s still a solid platform for selling just about anything. Whether you're looking to auction off collectibles or sell used electronics, eBay gives you the flexibility to list products at fixed prices or in an auction format. It’s a great choice for reaching a wide audience, especially if you’re dealing with second-hand or rare items.Amazon
Amazon is the king of online marketplaces, and it's a great option for selling both new and used products. If you're looking to sell items in bulk or scale your business, Amazon’s extensive reach and fulfillment services (Fulfillment by Amazon or FBA) make it a top contender. Just keep in mind, there’s a lot of competition, so your product needs to stand out.Shopify
If you're looking to create a dedicated online store, Shopify is one of the best platforms to do so. With a range of customizable templates, an easy-to-use interface, and tools for marketing and managing inventory, Shopify helps you build and grow your brand. Plus, with its integrations with various payment gateways, it’s easy to handle transactions and shipping.Facebook Marketplace
For local selling, Facebook Marketplace is a great place to start. Whether you're selling furniture, electronics, or even handmade goods, Facebook’s huge user base gives you a direct line to potential buyers in your area. The platform allows you to list items for free and message buyers directly, making the selling process quick and simple.Instagram
Instagram isn’t just a photo-sharing platform—it’s also an excellent way to sell your products, especially if you have a visually appealing brand. Through Instagram Shopping, you can link your posts to your online store, allowing followers to purchase items directly through the app. It’s great for fashion, art, beauty products, and anything with a strong visual appeal.Depop
Depop is a popular platform for selling second-hand clothing, vintage items, and unique accessories. If you have a passion for fashion or thrifted finds, Depop is a great way to reach younger buyers who are looking for trendy, one-of-a-kind pieces. The app’s social features allow users to follow their favorite sellers, which can help build a loyal customer base.Big Cartel
Big Cartel is another excellent option for artists, makers, and small business owners looking to sell their products online. It’s simple to set up and offers low monthly fees, making it a cost-effective solution for those just starting out. While it may not have the same built-in traffic as other platforms, it gives you the freedom to customize your store and brand your products exactly how you want.Poshmark
Poshmark is a social commerce platform mainly focused on fashion, beauty, and home decor. It’s a great platform for selling new or gently used clothes and accessories, as well as for boutique owners. Poshmark’s community-based features allow you to follow other users, share listings, and interact with buyers, making it a great way to build relationships and grow your sales.Mercari
Mercari is another solid choice for selling used and new items. It’s user-friendly, and you can list products quickly with minimal hassle. Whether you're selling electronics, clothing, or toys, Mercari lets you set up listings for a wide range of products. It also offers a shipping option, which makes the transaction process smoother.
Each of these platforms offers its own benefits, depending on the type of products you’re selling and your business goals. Some are better for handmade goods, while others are perfect for second-hand or bulk items. Whatever your niche, there’s a platform here that can help you turn your products into profit.
Important Tips for Selling Successfully
When it comes to selling your products online, there’s no shortage of platforms that can help you reach a broad audience. But choosing the right one for your products is key to maximizing your sales and making your business thrive. Whether you're selling handmade items, vintage clothing, or digital products, here's a roundup of the best online platforms to sell your products.
Etsy
Etsy is the go-to platform for handmade, vintage, and unique goods. If you’re selling crafts, art, or custom items, Etsy is perfect for reaching an audience that values creativity and originality. The platform has a strong community of buyers looking for one-of-a-kind pieces, so if you’re making something special, this is the place to be.eBay
eBay has been around for years, and it’s still a solid platform for selling just about anything. Whether you're looking to auction off collectibles or sell used electronics, eBay gives you the flexibility to list products at fixed prices or in an auction format. It’s a great choice for reaching a wide audience, especially if you’re dealing with second-hand or rare items.Amazon
Amazon is the king of online marketplaces, and it's a great option for selling both new and used products. If you're looking to sell items in bulk or scale your business, Amazon’s extensive reach and fulfillment services (Fulfillment by Amazon or FBA) make it a top contender. Just keep in mind, there’s a lot of competition, so your product needs to stand out.Shopify
If you're looking to create a dedicated online store, Shopify is one of the best platforms to do so. With a range of customizable templates, an easy-to-use interface, and tools for marketing and managing inventory, Shopify helps you build and grow your brand. Plus, with its integrations with various payment gateways, it’s easy to handle transactions and shipping.Facebook Marketplace
For local selling, Facebook Marketplace is a great place to start. Whether you're selling furniture, electronics, or even handmade goods, Facebook’s huge user base gives you a direct line to potential buyers in your area. The platform allows you to list items for free and message buyers directly, making the selling process quick and simple.Instagram
Instagram isn’t just a photo-sharing platform—it’s also an excellent way to sell your products, especially if you have a visually appealing brand. Through Instagram Shopping, you can link your posts to your online store, allowing followers to purchase items directly through the app. It’s great for fashion, art, beauty products, and anything with a strong visual appeal.Depop
Depop is a popular platform for selling second-hand clothing, vintage items, and unique accessories. If you have a passion for fashion or thrifted finds, Depop is a great way to reach younger buyers who are looking for trendy, one-of-a-kind pieces. The app’s social features allow users to follow their favorite sellers, which can help build a loyal customer base.Big Cartel
Big Cartel is another excellent option for artists, makers, and small business owners looking to sell their products online. It’s simple to set up and offers low monthly fees, making it a cost-effective solution for those just starting out. While it may not have the same built-in traffic as other platforms, it gives you the freedom to customize your store and brand your products exactly how you want.Poshmark
Poshmark is a social commerce platform mainly focused on fashion, beauty, and home decor. It’s a great platform for selling new or gently used clothes and accessories, as well as for boutique owners. Poshmark’s community-based features allow you to follow other users, share listings, and interact with buyers, making it a great way to build relationships and grow your sales.Mercari
Mercari is another solid choice for selling used and new items. It’s user-friendly, and you can list products quickly with minimal hassle. Whether you're selling electronics, clothing, or toys, Mercari lets you set up listings for a wide range of products. It also offers a shipping option, which makes the transaction process smoother.
Each of these platforms offers its own benefits, depending on the type of products you’re selling and your business goals. Some are better for handmade goods, while others are perfect for second-hand or bulk items. Whatever your niche, there’s a platform here that can help you turn your products into profit.
Free Tools to Help You Sell More Effectively
If you're looking to boost your online sales but don’t want to break the bank on fancy tools, you’re in luck! There are plenty of free tools available that can help you sell more effectively and streamline your business. Here’s a list of some of the best free tools to help you get the job done.
Canva
Canva is a fantastic free tool for creating eye-catching product images, banners, social media posts, and promotional graphics. With its drag-and-drop interface and a library full of templates, fonts, and stock photos, you can design professional-looking visuals without needing a graphic design background. A solid visual can make a huge difference in attracting potential buyers, so Canva is a must-have tool for your marketing efforts.Google Analytics
Google Analytics is a free tool that provides in-depth data on your website traffic, user behavior, and conversion rates. By understanding how people are finding and interacting with your site, you can optimize your listings, improve your customer experience, and increase your sales. The data can also help you pinpoint which marketing channels are working best, so you can focus your efforts accordingly.Mailchimp
Email marketing is one of the best ways to engage with your audience and increase sales, and Mailchimp offers a free plan to get you started. You can send up to 500 emails per month to 500 subscribers, which is perfect for small businesses or those just starting out. With Mailchimp, you can create automated email campaigns, design newsletters, and track how well your emails are performing to fine-tune your marketing strategy.Google Keyword Planner
If you want to improve your search engine visibility, Google Keyword Planner is a great free tool to help you find the right keywords to target. By entering relevant search terms, you can see how often people are searching for them and get suggestions for other related keywords. This can help you optimize your product listings or blog content to attract more organic traffic to your site.Hootsuite
Managing your social media presence can be time-consuming, but Hootsuite makes it easy. With the free version of Hootsuite, you can schedule posts for up to three social media profiles, track engagement, and analyze performance. This is great for businesses that want to maintain a consistent posting schedule but don’t have the time to post manually. It’s a simple way to stay on top of your social media marketing and increase your visibility.Trello
If you’re juggling multiple tasks, Trello is a great tool to keep everything organized. It’s a project management app that uses boards, lists, and cards to help you prioritize tasks, set deadlines, and track progress. You can create boards for inventory, sales goals, content planning, and anything else that’s important to your business. Trello’s free plan is perfect for solo entrepreneurs or small teams who need a simple, visual way to stay on track.SurveyMonkey
Customer feedback is essential for improving your products and understanding what your audience wants. SurveyMonkey offers a free version where you can create surveys to gather feedback from your customers. You can use this tool to ask your customers about their experiences, what they’d like to see more of, or how you can improve your offerings. The feedback you gather can guide your business decisions and help you sell more effectively.Bitly
Shortening links can make your posts look cleaner and more professional, and Bitly is one of the best free tools for the job. By using Bitly, you can create custom short links that are easy to share on social media, in emails, or anywhere else. Plus, you can track how many people click on your links, giving you insight into which posts or campaigns are driving the most traffic.Shopify’s Free Tools
Shopify offers several free tools even if you’re not using their platform for your online store. For example, you can access their free logo maker, which can help you create a simple yet professional logo for your brand. They also provide various marketing resources, like an email signature generator, to help you promote your store effectively.Google Drive
For storage and collaboration, Google Drive is a lifesaver. You can keep track of important documents, inventory lists, sales reports, and product photos all in one place. You can also share files with team members, track revisions, and even collaborate on projects in real-time. It’s free and accessible anywhere, making it a great option for managing your business documents.
Using these free tools can significantly improve your selling process, from creating engaging visuals to understanding your audience and managing your time more effectively. By combining these tools, you’ll be able to sell more effectively, streamline your operations, and boost your sales without spending a dime.
At the end of the day, success comes down to picking the right things to sell to make money and putting in the effort to market them well. Start small, learn as you go, and watch your hustle grow!