Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Sell Your Childhood Toys
- Sell Your Old Clothes
- Sell Gift Cards
- Design and Sell Coat Hangers
- Rent Your Car
- Sell Advertising Space on Your Blog
- Sell Your Old Mobile Phone
- Sell Knowledge by Creating Courses
- Offer Personalized Gifts
- Provide Food Delivery Services
- Rent Your House
- Domain Flipping
- Resell Sneakers
- Offer Graphic Design Services
- Offer Pet Sitting Services
- Conduct Online Surveys
- Sell Clothes Online
- Sell Custom Products
- Perform Virtual Assistant Tasks
- Write Blog Articles
- Sell Books Online
- How to Start Selling Things to Make Money
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
Are you looking for ways to boost your income in today's market? It's easier than you might think. From childhood toys to personalized gifts, countless opportunities exist to turn everyday items into significant cash. This blog post will guide you through the top 21 things you can sell to make money, complete with practical tips and insights. Ready to unlock your earning potential? Dive in and explore the possibilities!
Sell Your Childhood Toys
One often overlooked source of potential income is your old childhood toys. Vintage action figures, dolls, and board games can fetch surprisingly high prices today. Platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace are great for selling these items. For example, action figures from popular franchises can sell for $10 to $500, depending on their rarity and condition. I once sold an old Lego set for $150, simply taking advantage of the nostalgia factor among buyers.
Sell Your Old Clothes
Got a closet full of clothes you no longer wear? Turn them into cash! Platforms like Poshmark, Depop, and ThredUp make it easy to list your gently used clothing items. By providing detailed descriptions and clear, well-lit photos, you can attract more buyers. Depending on the brand and condition, you could make anywhere from $5 to $100 per item. For instance, I sold a branded jacket for $80 on Poshmark.
Sell Gift Cards
Unused gift cards can be easily converted into cash through websites like Raise and CardCash. Listing your gift cards at a slight discount can attract buyers quickly. Typically, you can earn around 85-90% of the card's value. I once sold a $50 gift card for $45, turning an otherwise unused piece of plastic into cash.
Design and Sell Coat Hangers
Believe it or not, there is a market for wooden or designer coat hangers. If you have skills in woodworking, this could be a lucrative niche. Platforms like eBay and Etsy are ideal for selling your creations. Selling in bulk can fetch better prices, ranging anywhere from $10 to $50 per set. I sold a set of 20 wooden hangers for $25 on eBay, which was quite a tidy sum for something just gathering dust.
Rent Your Car
Have a car you don't use all the time? Rent it out on platforms like Turo to make extra income. Keeping your car clean and well-maintained can allow you to charge premium rates, typically between $30 to $100 per day depending on the car model and location. I once rented my sedan for $60 a day and was pleasantly surprised by how easy the process was.
Sell Advertising Space on Your Blog
If you run a blog, monetizing through ad networks like Google AdSense can be a steady income stream. The amount you earn depends on your blog’s traffic and niche, but you could make anywhere from $0.10 to $2 per click. Personally, I added ads to my travel tips blog and started making an extra $100 a month.
Sell Your Old Mobile Phone
Old mobile phones can be sold on platforms like Gazelle, Swappa, and eBay. Ensuring the phone is in good condition and including accessories can increase its resale value. Depending on the model, you can earn between $50 to $500. For instance, I sold my old iPhone 8 for $200 on Swappa, which provided a quick turnover.
Sell Knowledge by Creating Courses
If you have expertise in a specific field, creating and selling online courses on platforms like Udemy, Teachable, or Coursera can be very lucrative. Earnings can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars depending on course popularity. I created a digital marketing course and earned $1,000 in the first month.
Offer Personalized Gifts
Personalized gifts are always in demand, particularly on platforms like Etsy and Not On The High Street. Unique, customized products like engraved jewelry or custom mugs can attract customers looking for special gifts. Profits can range from $10 to $100 per item. For example, I crafted personalized mugs and sold them for $30 each on Etsy.
Provide Food Delivery Services
Signing up for food delivery services like DoorDash, GrubHub, or UberEats is a flexible way to earn income. By delivering during peak hours, you can maximize your earnings, typically ranging from $10 to $25 per hour. I once worked with DoorDash and averaged about $20 an hour, which was a great side income.
Rent Your House
If you have extra space, renting it out on Airbnb or Vrbo can be highly profitable. Keeping the space clean and providing amenities can attract more guests, with earnings ranging from $50 to $500 per night depending on location and quality. I listed a spare room on Airbnb and made $150 per weekend rental.
Domain Flipping
Buying and selling domain names—known as domain flipping—can be surprisingly lucrative. Websites like Flippa and Sedo are platforms where you can buy and sell domains. By researching and purchasing valuable domain names, you can sell them for a profit, ranging from $50 to thousands of dollars. I once bought a domain for $10 and sold it for $500.
Resell Sneakers
The sneaker reselling market is booming, with platforms like StockX and GOAT making it easy to sell high-demand sneakers. By staying updated with release dates and market trends, you can buy low and sell high, with profits ranging from $50 to $500 per pair. I once resold a pair of limited-edition Nikes and made a $200 profit.
Offer Graphic Design Services
If you have graphic design skills, offering your services on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or 99designs can be rewarding. Creating a portfolio showcasing your work can attract clients, with earnings ranging from $10 to $100 per project. I started offering logo design services on Upwork and made an extra $500 in my first month.
Offer Pet Sitting Services
Love animals? Pet sitting can be a fun and lucrative side gig. Websites like Rover and Care.com can help you find pet-sitting jobs. By providing excellent care and communication, you can build a solid reputation, typically earning between $15 and $50 per day. I once pet-sat a neighbor's dog for $30 a day and enjoyed every moment of it.
Conduct Online Surveys
Participating in online surveys is an easy way to earn extra cash. Websites like Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, and InboxDollars offer paid surveys, typically paying between $0.50 and $5 per survey. I joined Survey Junkie and earned around $50 in a month in my spare time.
Sell Clothes Online
Selling clothes online can be a continuous source of income. Platforms like eBay, Poshmark, and Depop are ideal for this purpose. By listing items with detailed descriptions and good photos, you can attract buyers quickly, with profits ranging from $5 to $100 per item. I sold a designer dress for $75 on Poshmark, clearing out my closet and making money.
Sell Custom Products
Creating and selling custom products can cater to niche markets. Websites like Printful and Teespring allow you to design custom t-shirts, mugs, or phone cases. By promoting your products through social media and SEO, you can reach a wider audience, earning from $10 to $50 per item. I designed custom t-shirts and sold them, making a nice profit each month.
Perform Virtual Assistant Tasks
Virtual assistant tasks can vary widely and offer a relatively straightforward way to earn. Websites like Upwork and Freelancer are excellent starting points. By creating a detailed profile highlighting your skills, you can attract potential clients. Pay for virtual assistant jobs can range from $10 to $30 per hour.
Write Blog Articles
Writing blog articles is a flexible and lucrative way to make money, with platforms like Upwork and Freelancer offering numerous opportunities. Creating engaging, well-researched content can earn you $50 to $75 per article. Reaching out to bloggers and businesses directly can also yield steady work.
Sell Books Online
Selling eBooks is a great way to generate passive income. Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and Gumroad make publishing and distribution easy. Pricing your eBooks between $2.99 and $9.99 can offer a decent profit margin. Running promotions, such as limited-time discounts, can also help increase visibility and sales.
How to Start Selling Things to Make Money
Consider Your Passions
Begin by listing your hobbies and interests to brainstorm potential business ideas. Your passions can guide you to a business concept that is both enjoyable and profitable.
Identify Your Skills
Think about what you’re good at from past jobs, education, or hobbies. Use these skills as a foundation for your business.
Define Your Purpose
Clearly define why you want to start a business. Is it for financial freedom, a flexible lifestyle, or to make a positive impact? Knowing your motivation helps in creating a focused business plan.
Spot Customer Problems & Offer Solutions
Identify everyday issues people face and think about how your business can solve them. This ensures your business idea has a real market need, increasing its chances for success.
Create a Business Plan
A business plan includes your business’s purpose, goals, market research, sales strategies, and financial analysis. It serves as a roadmap for your business, guiding you through the initial stages to growth.
Choose Your Selling Channel
Decide where you want to sell your products, whether on your own online store, marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, or local platforms like Facebook Marketplace.
Start Small
Starting small allows you to test your business ideas without a significant investment. This minimizes risk and gives you the flexibility to adapt based on feedback and market demand.
Conclusion
Selling items you already own or creating custom products can be a fantastic way to make extra money. The most important takeaway is to research your chosen platform and understand the potential earnings for each item. Start small, learn from each sale, and scale up as you gain experience. Happy selling!
FAQ
Q: What are the best platforms to sell childhood toys? A: eBay and Facebook Marketplace are excellent for selling vintage and collectible items.
Q: How much can I earn from selling old clothes? A: Depending on the brand and condition, you can earn anywhere from $5 to $100 per item on platforms like Poshmark, Depop, and ThredUp.
Q: Are there any niche markets for custom products? A: Yes, platforms like Etsy and Printful cater to custom products, allowing you to reach niche markets effectively.
Q: What's the best way to start as a virtual assistant? A: Websites like Upwork and Freelancer offer numerous opportunities. Create a detailed profile to attract potential clients.
Q: How profitable is writing blog articles? A: Writing blog articles can be quite profitable, with earnings typically ranging from $50 to $75 per article on platforms like Upwork and Freelancer.
