The internet is an incredible resource of many different sites, shops, and experiences. However, many people might not know that you can sell tons of random things online through a variety of methods. So, if you have been looking for ways to make some extra money and have run out of ideas, selling things online could be a great way to make a quick buck. To find out what you may be able to sell and how to do it, keep reading!
Using Personal Sales
The first method we will discuss for selling things online is personal retail sales. Personally selling items means that you are selling and sending them directly to the consumer through sites like eBay, Poshmark, Depop, Mercari, Facebook Marketplace, or others! In situations like these, you’ll make a listing, set a price for your item(s), and wait until someone purchases them. Below are some examples of unique and popular items to sell online.
Used Textbooks/Comic Books
If you went to college, you probably invested a lot of money in textbooks. If you have any of them still lying around your house, you might be surprised to find out how much they’re actually worth. Many courses use the same textbooks for many years, so the books you used several years ago could still be worth hundreds of dollars in an online marketplace.
Used Clothing/Shoes/Accessories
You might think that clothing you have already worn or shoes you’ve walked many miles in don’t have value anymore. But you would be completely wrong! Even if you don’t have designer or top-shelf items, used clothing can be worth quite a bit of money, especially if it’s vintage. As they say, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, and clothing that’s out of style for you might be perfectly trendy for someone else.
Vintage Cameras/Audio Equipment
Many people have tapes, chargers, and playback systems for old audio and video equipment they once used for home videos or personal projects. Most people assume the outdated digital camera they have lying in a junk drawer is useless. After all, the quality has been far surpassed by newer models. However, there is certainly a market for them. Buying old digital cameras or audio equipment for a vintage or nostalgic feel is only becoming increasingly popular. So brush off the dust and see if those old cameras are worth some cash!
Puzzles or Board Games
If you have kids, they likely grew out of many of the puzzles, board games, and toys you’ve bought over the years. If these playthings are in good condition, limited-edition, or vintage, they could be worth quite a bit of money. Collectors and game enthusiasts are always on the hunt for older toys, so clean them off and try listing them online.
Baby Products
Similar to the last category, if you have children, they have likely grown out of many of their baby items. Selling your used baby items can be the perfect way to earn extra money if you aren’t planning on having more children. Every new parent needs baby items. And since babies are so expensive, they are often hunting for a bargain. Sell your gently used baby items for cash. You will not only make a profit, but you’ll also be helping a family on a tight budget and keeping things out of the landfill simultaneously!
Home Decor
Redecorating happens at many points during your renting or homeowning cycle. You grow into different tastes, different styles, and different budgets. However, the old decor you are phasing out of your house doesn’t need to go into the trash. Many people turn to places like Facebook Marketplace or eBay to look for affordable, gently used furniture to furnish their own homes. Regardless of how worn your items are, someone else may get plenty of good use out of them.
Using Drop Shipping or a Private Label
Another way to sell things online is to use drop shipping. Drop shipping is the practice of selling items online without actual stock. Instead, the order goes directly to the supplier, who ships the item on your behalf. Drop shipping is a business model many people have been employing in recent years, and it can be incredibly profitable. Below are some of the many categories you can choose for drop shipping items.
Fitness Products
Fitness products are all the rage right now, whether you opt to start selling workout leggings, innovative fitness products, or workout weights and accessories. In the wake of COVID-19, many people have opted for a home gym, so selling fitness products can be an incredibly profitable business venture.
Water Bottles
Reusable water bottles are more in-demand than ever! In recent years, people have begun to realize the environmental impact of single-use plastic on our world. And these folks are now choosing reusable materials like metal or plastic water bottles for their everyday activities. Reusable water bottles need to be replaced every so often, however, so the need for reusable bottles will never truly be eliminated.
Skincare Products
More people than ever are choosing to learn more about their skin and how to best take care of it. As a result, products like moisturizers, toners, sunscreens, and even facial massagers are trending among both men and women right now. By 2028, the skincare market is expected to grow by around 5.52 percent, so skincare is definitely a profitable industry right now.
Kitchen Products/Appliances
Kitchen products are ever-evolving, and new small kitchen appliances are constantly entering the market. Whether it’s an air fryer, blender, food processor, or special chopper, there are endless possibilities when it comes to how people want to cook their food and take up space in their kitchen.
Smart Home Accessories
In 2022, people are constantly trying to make their “smart” accessories work even smarter. There are many smart home products, including lights and lighting systems, power outlets, thermostats, security cameras, responsive speakers, and more. By 2026, the global smart lighting market is expected to rise to nearly 40 billion dollars, so get in while you can.
Other Ways to Make Money Online
If you are interested in making money online, there are numerous ways to do so. One idea is to start a side hustle! A side hustle is an additional job, whether passive or active, that earns you some additional (however small) income. This extra cash can help you support yourself or your passions. Side hustles can include delivering food or groceries, taking on a part-time job, doing freelance, or doing paid online surveys.
Branded Surveys
Branded Surveys is one of the best and most popular sites for taking paid online surveys. Branded offers between $.50 and $2 or more per survey, which can be a great way to supplement your income over time. In addition, Branded Surveys uses high-level encryption to protect your data. This interesting side hustle connects you with institutions and researchers willing to pay for your opinions and reviews.
