13 Best Things to Sell to Make Money in 2024

Selling is one of human society’s oldest and most fundamental activities, regardless of whether you sell a product, service, or time. From selling your skills to starting an online store, there are plenty of opportunities for businesses of all sizes. 

But it doesn’t have to be a new business venture. It can just be a lucrative side hustle that doesn’t take too much time! Whether you’re looking for quick ideas to sell online and make some extra cash, or you’re exploring opportunities for potential growth, we’ve picked out 13 different things you can try out to earn a bit of extra income on the side. 

Best Things to Sell to Make Money

There are many things you can sell to make money. There will always be a market for an item, skill, or service you can provide. Starting a business providing one or more of these things is the basis on which commerce stands. Let’s take a look at some ideas for what to sell to make money. 

1. Digital Products and Services

YouTube has become the go-to platform for quick fixes and how-to’s. And while it’s an invaluable source of information for virtually anything you can think of, other means of self-education and learning are emerging as well – digital e-books, guides, and much more. 

If you’re looking for ways to sell online and make money, why not leverage the knowledge and experience you already have? Whether it’s sharing industry insights, in-depth walk-throughs or creating planners and well-laid-out notes can be an amazing opportunity to monetize.Or, if you’re a closeted writer, why not try writing something and start publishing online?

Recommended platforms: 

• Etsy is a popular online marketplace for opening web stores quickly and easily. You can make money by selling anything you want, and selling digital products like planners or templates for note applications is extremely simple. One seller has reported making around USD 95K per year selling planners on Etsy, so yes, it’s possible. 
• Udemy or Teachable are both great places to share your knowledge and help someone else grow and learn something new. Literally anyone can create a free course on Udemy, or become a premium instructor and start charging minimal fees for lessons. 
• Amazon Kindle and Audible are super convenient platforms for self-published e-books and audiobooks. The best part? You can publish on Amazon a paperback or online book for free. It’s a great way to make extra money on the side.
  

2. Home Items

As we highlighted above, household electronics are in high demand. So, if you’ve gone through extensive home renovations or gardening projects and still have the items left forgotten in your garage, list them! 

It’s a great option for first-time DIY’ers as it requires less investment and helps to learn the ropes of whatever project they’re working on. The items could range from various tools, floor polishes, buffers, brushes, sprayers, rollers, gardening tools and much more. 

Tips & tricks: 

• Clean and inspect all items you want to sell. Before going online and listing anything, make sure to first check the condition of the item you want to sell, its functionality and any damage they may have.
• Take high-quality and clear photos in good lightning. When creating a listing, include a bunch of photos which showcase the item you want to sell from all angles, including any signs of wear and tear. 
• Write clear, concise and transparent listing descriptions. While it may take some time, it will definitely attract more attention as these listings seem more trustworthy. Including details like when the item was bought, whether or not it still has a warranty, and how it’s used will make those interested buyers reach out to you faster. 

3. Customized and Personalized Goods

This is an extremely popular niche for starting a unique small business in a creative way.  Personalization is an important strategy that all major retailers and eCommerce stores are implementing to increase sales and attract more customers.

Small businesses, artisans, and local makers are becoming more popular among consumers, partly driven by a desire to support sustainable practices. But besides that, people also appreciate custom items because they’re handcrafted and have an artisanal quality that mass-produced items often lack.

That’s also the reason why the online marketplace Etsy has become so popular in recent years, being valued at almost USD 55 billion. So, if you ever wanted to make candles or carpets, create unique prints, sew wallets or clothing, and make money, now’s the time!

Tips & tricks:

• Advertise on popular social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest. It’s thanks to these platforms that selling handmade crafts become so popular, so make sure to utilize them well. 
• Create a strong brand with a consistent story behind it. It doesn’t have to be grandiose, but whoever is looking to buy something personal is looking, well, to buy from a real person. 
• Choose sustainable materials. Handmade and personalized items walk hand in hand with sustainability efforts, so take extra care when sourcing materials for your crafts. 
• Decide how and where you want to sell your goods. Etsy is a great place to start as the community is filled with artists and craft lovers, but you could also consider entering a consignment agreement with a local shop and showcase your products there.

4. Pet Supplies

Do you love pets? Selling supplies for them is an excellent way to make money. You can sell pet food, treats, toys, and bedding accessories. Homemade items and foods are on the rise, especially puppuccinos and puppy cakes!

Another option is to hold pet-related events. This idea can include dog and cat races, obedience shows, or pet-themed birthday parties. You can also offer pet sitting services or dog walking services.

Tips & tricks:

• Research what kinds of ingredients to use for dogs or dog breeds. Read up on veterinarian recommendations and try out different recipes on the internet and let your dog or friends’ dog try it out.
• Source natural and high-quality ingredients only. This doesn’t just sound nice on social media, this is also important for creating good quality treats and foods, making sure all pups stay healthy and enjoy your products. 
• Brand your little business by simply… Sharing photos on Instagram with your products. Pet influencers are among the highest paid profiles which don’t require a huge investment from your side. Catch the best pet moments on your camera, preferably with your products, and start posting. 
• Organize events and invite others, preferably nearby living pet owners to join. Create silly, yet fun occasions for all dogs where they can play and enjoy your treats or toys.

5. Jewelry

Do you have old and unused jewelry? It’s another great way to make money. While of course some pieces might have sentimental value, but if you have quite a bit of them, perhaps it’s time to review which pieces hold the most value to you, and which pieces could go to another person who’d appreciate the jewelry and let it shine. 

You can sell yours in dedicated online marketplaces, in brick-and-mortar stores, or at your local flea markets and craft shows. If you have special and more valuable jewelry, you can consider selling those pieces through online auctions and even online stores.

Or, you can always try handcrafted jewelry! It’s on the rise, so much so that the Custom Market Insights projects the global handcraft jewelry market to reach USD 482.5 Billion by 2033.

Tips & tricks:

• If you want to sell old jewelry – go to a professional and get your jewelry appraised. This will help with understanding the background and value of your jewelry. Besides, the more information you can provide about your unique pieces will also attract more attention.
• If you want to sell handcrafted jewelry – start by choosing a method and style you like. This will make the entire process way more enjoyable. Once your pieces are ready, you can open an Etsy shop and start attending craft fairs to showcase your creations. Oh, and don’t forget to foster an online presence, and once again, Instagram is a great place. 

6. Niche Market Products

There’s a lot of different niche things to sell to make money, but one of the most popular niches you can consider is the vintage/retro market. The reason is quite simple: classics never die. That’s why there’s a repeating interest in all things vintage like clothing, retro home decor or old classic vinyl records. 

Choosing a niche market like vintage will quickly help you create a brand and stand out. After all, that’s what happens when you choose a niche product or service! Besides, there’s also the nostalgia factor we all know all-too-well.

Tips & tricks:

• Quality over quantity. If you choose to sell vintage items, make sure to focus on quality. Customers will pay a premium for truly vintage and retro items that are in good condition and are well-preserved. Source high-quality, authentic items.
• Offer various price points. Have a range of products at different price points to attract both budget-conscious customers and serious collectors willing to pay more.
• Utilize the most popular platforms. Etsy, eBay, Instagram, Depop and Poshmark are all great platforms to market your vintage pieces or decor. Research them individually and make sure the platform you choose has the features you need. 

7. Health and Fitness Products

If you’re looking to make money and improve your health simultaneously, you can sell plenty of health and fitness products. And once again, the most popular way to do that is via Instagram. Share the highlights from your fitness journey and acquaint yourself with affiliate marketing. Don’t forget to review local laws and policies for selling health and fitness products.  

Tips & tricks:

• Health supplements. Whether it’s vitamins, minerals, herbs, or amino acids, a wide range of supplements can help improve your overall health and well-being. If you have a specific supplement recommendation, be sure to highlight that in your product listings or stories.
• Exercise equipment. Various exercise equipment can help people stay fit and healthy, from treadmills to stair climbers. Be sure to emphasize the product’s features (like how many calories it burns) in your listings.
• Diet books and meal plans. If you know about healthy eating that you can share, consider writing diet books or creating meal plans for sale online. Doing this will earn you some extra cash and help people with weight issues or dietary restrictions find ways to eat healthier without too much fuss. 

8. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Products

This is a rapidly growing market, and it’s driven by increasing consumer awareness of environmental issues and a desire to reduce their ecological footprint. You can choose from a variety of things to sell, from reusable household items like straws, beeswax food wraps, silicone storage bags, or eco-friendly personal care products like shampoo bars, bamboo toothbrushes – the choice is yours. 

Tips & tricks:

• Choose truly sustainable and long-lasting products. Eco-conscious consumers are often willing to pay more for items that are durable and well-made. Emphasize the longevity of your products as a sustainable choice.
• Packaging matters. Use packaging made from recycled or biodegradable materials, and keep it minimal to reduce waste. Highlight this in your product descriptions to attract environmentally conscious buyers.
• Engage and educate. Encourage customers to share their eco-friendly practices and experiences with your products on social media, creating a community around sustainability. And don’t forget to educate your audience when posting about your products as well!

9. Garden Items and Plants

You can earn extra money by helping others eliminate excess vegetation at their place or with their landscaping. This can also include your love for plants – you can share it with others. This little side hustle can become a legitimate business idea if you start specializing in selling specific plants.

If you choose this idea, don’t forget to include detailed information on what specific soils and fertilizers are needed, explain the growth and maintenance processes. This will help you establish yourself as an expert and make money easier.

Tips & tricks:

• Know your value. Before selling anything, knowing what your items are worth is essential. Use online resources or chat with friends to understand what the market is willing to pay. Set a fair and realistic price considering the wear and tear on the items.
• Display items for sale professionally. When displaying your garden items and plants for sale, put them in a well-lit area with clear signage that includes the item’s name, price, and other pertinent information. Doing this will help buyers find their wants and get the best deal possible.
• Start with local markets first. If you want to sell online or off-site, start selling at local markets first. This way, you can gauge interest in your products and see how much money you can make per sale. If things go well, then consider expanding into online sales later on down the line. 

10. Subscription-Based Products

The key to success is offering value customers are willing to pay for on a regular basis. Selling subscription-based products can be lucrative, providing a steady stream of recurring revenue. Forbes projects that the global subscription-based model market will grow to USD 1.5 trillion in 2025 – that’s just wild. 

Tips & tricks:

• Choose between a digital or physical product subscription model. You can either go with creating digital content like online courses, artwork, and software tools, or you can go with product subscription boxes for beauty, food, fitness or hobbies. 
• Curate and custom-tailor each model for a specific buyer in mind. While creating a custom subscription for every single buyer can be challenging, start off by creating different subscription choices, gather data on what sells most, and grow from there. 
• Set up a subscription platform. Utilize beginner-friendly platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce or Subbly to establish shipping and customer management. If you opt for a digital product subscription, consider Patreon, Teachable, or MemberPass to manage access and payments. 

11. Fun Gifts

As we already mentioned, personalization is a huge thing these days. And one of the most popular fields where you can let your creativity shine is selling fun and aesthetic gifts. You can find many unique items to sell online and at local markets. A great place to start selling your fun gifts could be either Etsy or Amazon – there are lots of different side hustle ideas. 

Tips & tricks:

• Custom photo books. Customized photo books are a great way to show your special ones how much they mean to you. Not only will they love receiving a personalized book, but they’ll also get some great memories included! Sell customized photo books online or at your local market.
• Personalized clothing. One of the coolest things about selling customizable clothing is that no two people are alike. With so many options available, there’s something for everyone to buy.
• Unique home decor. No home is complete without some unique decor. Selling customizable home decor allows you to put a personal stamp on any room in a house, making it unique and special to each buyer.

12. Share Your Internet

If you can’t decide what things to sell, you can share your internet and earn rewards. Apps like Pawns.app allow you to share your internet with friends and earn rewards. You can make money on how much others are using your bandwidth. So whether you’re looking for a quick way to reward friends or want to put your unused net to good use, Pawns.app will help you make extra money.

Tips & tricks:

• Do your research. Look through several apps that allow you to share your internet to earn consistent passive income. There are many providers out there, so make sure to understand the concept and choose the right app for you. 
• Consider the payout options. While there are a lot of apps that allow you to share your internet, not every app offers the same payment options. With Pawns.app, you can choose from multiple payment options, including PayPal, Bitcoin, and gift cards.
• Choose a simple and easy-to-use app. If it’s your first time, opt for a popular and beginner-friendly app that doesn’t have a learning curve. This will also help to understand the gist of how these apps work. 

13. Renting Items

It may sound vague and even random, but renting items can become a really nice way to utilize some items you already have but don’t use as often. Perhaps you hold family get-togethers often and prepare entire feasts with party decorations? You could easily list those party decorations for locals to rent and make money at the same time.

On the other hand if  you’re a car enthusiast and like to work on old models and bring them to life, this could be quite a huge opportunity as well. You can rent them out for different events like hen and bachelor parties, or birthdays. 

Another great option would be renting out equipment like car pressure cleaners, generators, ladders, drills – you name it. Many don’t think of these items as something that could be rented, but as DIY renovations and solutions are on the rise, household items like these are in high demand. 

Tips & tricks: 

• Draft a terms and conditions agreement before doing anything else. It should outline the rental period, pricing, late fees, security deposits, and of course, responsibilities for both parties. This step is crucial and will help save you time and unnecessary headaches. 
• Advertise locally. List your items for rent or services on popular platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist and make sure to set competitive prices after reviewing similar items/services.
• Give clear instructions on how to use the item. This could be an easy-to-follow guide printed out and given to every person that signs an agreement with you. It’s quick, and boosts confidence in you as you’ll seem more professional and accommodating. 

Wrapping up

If you’re looking for things to sell online and make money, this list has got you covered. Whether you’re interested in starting your own business or just finding ways to supplement your income, these ideas are sure to fit the bill. Something on this list will appeal to everyone, from home-based businesses to creative endeavors. So what are you waiting for? Get started today and find the best fit for you!

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