Top 21 Things To Sell To Make Money + How To Start Guide

Looking for the best ways to boost your income in 2024? Wondering what things to sell to make money in today’s market?

This article uncovers the top 21 items you can sell to make serious cash.

From childhood toys to customized gifts, discover lucrative opportunities and practical tips to turn your clutter into cash.

Ready to unlock your earning potential? Dive in and explore the possibilities!

Top 21 Things To Sell To Make Money Today

1. Sell Your Childhood Toys

Selling childhood toys can be a surprisingly profitable venture. To start, I can rummage through my old toy chest and find those vintage action figures, dolls, or board games that are in good condition.

For instance, eBay is a fantastic platform for this, as it’s widely known for collectible items.

Alternatively, I can use Facebook Marketplace to connect with local buyers, reducing shipping hassles. I can expect to make anywhere from $10 to $500 per toy depending on its rarity and condition.

Personally, I sold an old Lego set on eBay for $150, which was just gathering dust in my attic.

2. Sell Your Old Clothes

If my closet is bursting with clothes I no longer wear, I can turn them into cash. So, it is one of the things to sell to make money.

Hence, platforms like Poshmark, Depop, and ThredUp are excellent for selling gently used clothing.

Thus, by taking clear, well-lit photos and providing detailed descriptions, you can attract more buyers.

Also, depending on the brand and condition, profits can range from $5 to $100 per item. I’ve had success with Poshmark, where I sold a branded jacket for $80 that I hadn’t worn in years.

3. Sell Gift Cards

Unused gift cards can also be sold online. Thus, websites like Raise and CardCash make this process easy.

So, listing the gift card on these platforms at a slight discount can attract buyers quickly. You can typically earn around 85-90% of the card’s value.

Once, I sold a $50 gift card for $45 on Raise, which was better than letting it go unused.

4. Design And Offer Coat Hangers

It might sound odd, but coat hangers, especially wooden or designer ones, can be sold online. Plus, if you are good at woodworking, this one is for you!

Also, if you want to sell your work online, platforms like eBay and Etsy can be used for this purpose.

In my opinion, selling in bulk or as a lot can fetch better prices, and I can expect to make $10 to $50 per set.

I personally decluttered my wardrobe and sold a set of 20 wooden hangers for $25 on eBay.

5. Rent Your Car

If I have a car that I don’t use all the time, renting it out can be a great way to earn extra income. Turo is a popular platform where I can list my car and rent it out to others.

By ensuring my car is clean and well-maintained, I can charge a premium. Depending on the car model and location, you can earn between $30 to $100 per day.

I personally tried  Turo with my sedan and made $60 for a one-day rental.

Moreover, based on Google Trends there is increased interest in car rental, especially peer-to-peer options like Turo. Thus, people look for affordable and convenient transportation alternatives.

👉  Check out the Top 15 Car Accessories Suppliers for Dropshipping & Hot Selling Car Parts Products.

6. Sell An Advertising Space on Your Blog

If you run a blog, monetizing it through advertising can be one of the things to sell to make money. So, by joining ad networks like Google AdSense, you can place ads on my blog.

The earnings depend on your blog’s traffic and niche, but you can earn anywhere from $0.10 to $2 per click.

 Personally, I added Google AdSense to my blog about travel tips and started making an extra $100 a month.

💡 Tip: Read about Google Ads for Dropshipping Stores: A Beginners Guide In 2024.

7. Sell Your Old Mobile Phone

Selling an old mobile phone is straightforward and profitable. Platforms like Gazelle, Swappa, and even eBay are perfect for this.

Ensuring the phone is in good working condition and including accessories like chargers can increase its value.

Depending on the model and condition, I can earn between $50 to $500. For example, I sold my old iPhone 8 on Swappa for $200, which was quick and easy.

💡 Tip: Read about Dropshipping Phone Cases & Accessories: 12 Items To Sell Now.

8. Sell Your Knowledge By Selling Courses

If I have expertise in a particular field, creating and selling online courses can be highly lucrative.

Also, platforms like Udemy, Teachable, and Coursera are great places to start. By creating comprehensive, engaging, and valuable content, I can attract students.

Also, earnings can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars depending on the course’s popularity.

For instance, I created a course on digital marketing and earned $1,000 within the first month on Udemy.

Thus, I found inspiration from DSCOM courses, where you can learn everything about starting and running a dropshipping business. Also, there are lots of how-to guides about creating and managing a Shopify store, profitable niches to dive into, best dropshipping suppliers, and more.

9. Offer Personalised Gifts

Creating and selling personalized gifts is one of the top things to sell to make money.

In my opinion, Etsy and Not On The High Street are popular platforms for personalized items.

By offering unique, customized products like engraved jewelry, custom mugs, or tailored clothing, I can attract customers looking for special gifts.

Profits can range from $10 to $100 per item. I personally crafted personalized mugs and sold them on Etsy, making $30 each.

10. Provide A Food Delivery Service

Signing up for food delivery services like  DoorDash, GrubHub, or UberEats can provide flexible income. Plus, by delivering during peak hours and in busy areas, you can maximize your earnings.

Typically, I can earn between $10 to $25 per hour. I worked with DoorDash and averaged about $20 an hour, which was a great side income.

I’ve personally tried Instacart, and it’s a fantastic service for getting groceries delivered straight to your door or ready for pickup at your convenience.

The app is user-friendly and connects you with a wide range of local stores, providing real-time updates through a vast network of shoppers.

11. Rent Your House

If I have extra space, renting it out on Airbnb or Vrbo can be very profitable. By keeping the space clean and providing amenities, I can attract more guests.

Moreover, earnings can vary greatly, but I can make anywhere from $50 to $500 per night depending on the location and the quality of the property.

Thus, I listed a spare room on  Airbnb and made $150 per weekend rental.

What made me to this decision is that Google Trends indicates a noticeable increase in searches for vacation rentals and Airbnb over the past ten years, showing that more people are looking for short-term stays.

12. Domain Flipping

Buying and selling domain names, known as domain flipping, can be a lucrative business. Websites like Flippa and Sedo are great for this.

By researching and purchasing valuable domain names, I can sell them at a higher price. Profits can range from $50 to thousands of dollars.

Hence, I bought a domain for $10 and sold it for $500 on Flippa after a few months.

Plus, I recommend you to check on GoDaddy, which is a great web hosting site for finding affordable domains to sell and earn profits.

13. Resell Sneakers

Sneaker reselling is a booming market. Platforms like StockX and GOAT make it easy to sell limited edition and high-demand sneakers.

By staying updated with release dates and trends, I can buy low and sell high. Profits can range from $50 to $500 per pair.

I resold a pair of limited edition Nikes on StockX and made a $200 profit. Thus, as a beginner, you can start earning lower, like $80 per pair. But, later on, you can even earn more than $500 per pair.

14. Offer Graphic Design Services

If I have a knack for graphic design, offering my services on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or 99designs can be very rewarding.

By creating a portfolio and showcasing my work, I can attract clients.

Also, earnings can range from $10 to $100 per project. In fact, I did a little research on Upwork, and graphic designers mostly price their services between $20 to $150.

Plus, I started offering logo design services on Upwork and made an extra $500 in my first month.

15. Offer Pet Sitting Services

If I love animals, pet sitting can be a fun way to make money. Websites like Rover and Care.com can help me find pet-sitting gigs.

By providing excellent care and maintaining good communication with pet owners, you can build a solid reputation.

Typically, I can earn between $15 to $50 per day. I pet-sat a neighbor’s dog through Rover and made $30 a day.

👉  Read about Dog Niche Dropshipping: Top Dog Products & Suppliers for Sellers.

16. Conduct Online Surveys

Participating in online surveys is an easy way to earn extra cash. And, for me, it is one of the top things to sell to make money.

So, websites like Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, and InboxDollars offer paid surveys.

While it might not make me rich, it’s a good way to earn pocket money. I can expect to earn anywhere from $0.50 to $5 per survey.

Also, I joined Survey Junkie and earned around $50 in my spare time over a month.

17. Sell Clothes Online

Selling clothes online can be a continuous source of income. Platforms like eBay, Poshmark, and Depop are ideal for this.

By listing items with detailed descriptions and good photos, I can attract buyers quickly. Profits can range from $5 to $100 per item.

For example, I sold a designer dress on Poshmark for $75, which was a great way to clear out my closet.

Hence, I personally work with BrandsGateway as my no.1 designer clothing supplier. Their platform seamlessly integrates with Shopify, so I easily add products to my store and sell them.

Plus, they work with over 100 famous brands like Gucci, Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabanna, Christian Dior, etc.

18. Sell Custom Products

Creating and selling custom products can cater to niche markets.

So, websites like Apliiq, Printful, and Teespring allow me to design custom t-shirts, mugs, or phone cases.

For instance, I personally sell custom t-shirts. I use a Printful mockup generator where I can customize my design by adding graphics, text, quotes, colors, and more to personalize the product.

Moreover, by promoting my products through social media and SEO, I can reach a wider audience.

Also, earnings can range from $10 to $50 per item. I designed custom t-shirts and sold them on Teespring, making a nice profit each month.

19. Perform Virtual Assistant Tasks

Doing virtual assistant work is one of the top things to sell to make money.

In my experience, this role can vary widely based on what the client needs, but it always offers a unique opportunity to help businesses run smoothly.

For instance, I work with a small e-commerce business where I manage their customer support emails. By keeping their inbox organized and responding to customer inquiries promptly, I help maintain their excellent customer service reputation.

Another example is managing social media accounts. I’ve assisted a client by scheduling posts, creating content, and engaging with their audience on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. This not only frees up their time but also helps grow their online presence effectively.

Finding virtual assistant jobs can be straightforward. For instance, websites like Upwork and Freelancer are excellent starting points.

By creating a detailed profile highlighting your skills and experience, you can attract potential clients.

Also, on Upwork, the pay for virtual assistant jobs can range from $10 to $30 per hour depending on your experience and the tasks involved.

20. Write Blog Articles

Writing articles is a lucrative way when it comes to things to sell to make money, and it offers a lot of flexibility.

For instance, I’ve found work by reaching out to bloggers and businesses through various Facebook groups dedicated to writers and freelancers. In fact, I am doing this right at this moment.

This method has allowed me to connect with clients who need regular content, and I typically charge $50 to $75 per article.

I remember one of my early gigs where I wrote articles on personal finance. A friend who ran a finance blog needed content, and I stepped in to help.

We agreed on $50 per article, which included research and SEO optimization to ensure the content ranked well on search engines. This experience not only boosted my income but also helped me improve my writing skills.

To find these writing opportunities, you can visit platforms like Upwork and Freelancer. So, creating a detailed profile and showcasing my best writing samples has helped attract potential clients.

Additionally, I leverage LinkedIn to connect with editors and content managers who might need freelance writers.

💡  Tip: Check out the 15 Best Shopify Blog Examples To Double Your Organic Traffic.

21. Sell Books Online

Selling eBooks is one of the best things to sell to make money and generate passive income online. If you have expertise in a particular area or a passion for writing, creating and selling eBooks can be both rewarding and profitable.

Also, platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and Gumroad make it easy to publish and distribute your eBooks to a wide audience.

Plus, pricing your eBook correctly is also important. Hence, I’ve found that pricing between $2.99 and $9.99 works well, as it’s affordable for readers but still offers a decent profit margin.

Also, running promotions, such as limited-time discounts or free download days, can help increase visibility and drive sales.

For example, I ran a promotion where I offered my eBook for free for 48 hours, resulting in a spike in downloads and positive reviews, which later translated into increased sales.

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How To Start Selling Things To Make Money?

Here I will guide you through my personal approach of starting to sell things online. Hence, this is how I started making money online.

So, let’s dive in.

Step 1 – Consider Your Passions

Start by jotting down your hobbies, interests, and what you like doing when you have some free time. This way, you will come up with ideas for the things to sell to make money.

Whether it’s photography, crafting, gardening, or reading, these are great clues to what might make a successful business for you.

For instance, if you’re passionate about photography, you could think about offering photo sessions, selling prints online, or even teaching photography classes.

Moreover, you can use AI technologies and the internet to start a blog, or an Instagram page, or give online tutorials.

As you can see, a single thought can lead to numerous business ideas.

Step 2 – Identify Your Skills

Take some time to think about what you’re really good at. These could be skills you’ve picked up through your job, education, or even hobbies.

Ask yourself how these skills could be used in a business setting. For example, if you’re skilled in writing, you might consider starting a business creating content for websites, offering freelance writing services, or even publishing eBooks.

This is a great way to turn a skill you love into a profitable venture. Moreover, there are POD services that can really help you deliver your designs worldwide.

Step 3 – Define Your Purpose for Starting Out

First, think about why you want to start a business. Are you aiming for financial independence and a flexible lifestyle, or do you want to make a positive impact in your community?

Understanding your motivation will help you focus and start a business that matches your goals and values.

Consider your strengths, interests, and the resources you have. Also, reflect on the lifestyle you desire.

For example, if family time is crucial, an online business or a model that generates passive income might be ideal. Reflecting on these questions will help you come up with new ideas or refine existing ones.

Once you have a direction, start brainstorming potential business concepts based on your interests, skills, and goals.

Step 4 – Spot Customer Problems & Offer Solution

 When thinking about starting a business but feeling stuck for ideas, look around and notice the everyday issues people face.

Think about how you could build a business that provides a solution to these problems. Start by considering the challenges you encounter daily, as well as those faced by your friends, family, or neighbors.

This can lead to a business that offers a new product or service or improves an existing one.

For example, if you notice that many people in your community struggle with finding pet care, you might think about starting a pet-sitting or dog-walking service.

Remember, the key is to keep an eye out for what could make life easier for people. This approach not only gives you a clear direction to pursue but also ensures your business idea is grounded in real needs, increasing its chances for success.

Step 5 – Create a Business Plan

Now that you have brainstormed and come up with a bunch of ideas, it’s time to do some planning. A business plan includes the purpose of your business, long-term goals, market research, sales and marketing strategies, logistics, financial analysis, and more.

For example, you can conduct thorough market research to outline the industry, target audience, and competitors. For example, I personally use product research tools like Minea to pinpoint what customers need.

Moreover, you can define your product positioning, pricing strategy, and sales approach.

For example, you can describe your focus on your marketing strategies like search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, email marketing, and paid ads.

Also, this is where you outline how you will manage the operational aspects of your business.

For instance, AutoDS can help you with automating order processing, price, and stock monitoring, providing a centralized platform for order fulfillment and inventory management.

👉 Learn How To Create Dropshipping Business Plan – 13 Tips for Creating Yours.

Step 6 – Choose Your Selling Channel

Selecting the right platform when it comes to things to sell online to make money is crucial.

You can build your own online store using website builders like Shopify, offering full control over your brand and customer experience.

Alternatively, selling on Facebook Marketplace allows you to reach local buyers easily, reducing shipping hassles.

Another popular option selling on popular marketplaces like Amazon, or eBay, where you can create a storefront to reach a global audience and tap into a well-established marketplace.

Each channel has its benefits, so choose the one that aligns best with your business model and target audience.

Step 7 – Start Small

If you’re not sure which business idea to go with, it’s smart to start small with the things to sell to make money. This approach lets you see if people are really interested in your product or service without a huge investment.

Testing your ideas on a smaller scale is a great way to check if your business could succeed.

For instance, instead of pouring lots of money into a physical storefront, why not launch an online store first?

This way, you can measure customer interest and get valuable feedback without high costs.

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Conclusion

Selling items you already own or creating custom products can be a fantastic way to make extra money. Whether it’s old toys, clothing, or personalized gifts, there’s a market for almost anything when it comes to things to sell to make money.

The most important takeaway is to research your chosen platform and understand the potential earnings for each item.

Before you start, consider the condition of the items you’re selling, the demand in the market, and the effort required to prepare and list them.

My advice? Start small, learn from each sale, and scale up as you gain experience.