Are you looking for ways to generate extra income or even start a full-fledged business from home? You're in luck! There are numerous easy things to sell and make that require minimal investment, skills, or time. This guide will walk you through some of the best options, categorized for your convenience.
Digital Products
Digital products are a great starting point as they have low production costs and can be sold repeatedly with no additional expenses.
Printables
Printables are physical products that customers download and print at home. They can range from planners, calendars, and checklists to art prints and recipes. You can use tools like Canva or Adobe to create these and sell them on platforms like Etsy.
eBooks
If you have expertise in a particular area, consider writing an eBook. It could be a guide, a collection of short stories, or a cookbook. Once written, you can sell it on platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or your own website.
Online Courses
If you're knowledgeable about a specific topic, you can create and sell online courses. Platforms like Udemy and Teachable make it easy to host and sell your courses. You can create video lessons, include quizzes, and even offer certificates of completion.
Handmade Products
If you're crafty, there's a market for your handmade products. Here are some ideas:
Jewelry
Beads, charms, and other materials can be used to create unique jewelry pieces. You can sell them on Etsy, at craft fairs, or even on social media platforms like Instagram.
Artwork
Paintings, drawings, digital art, and more can be sold as prints, originals, or even as NFTs (non-fungible tokens). Websites like Society6 and DeviantArt can help you reach a wider audience.
Candles
Candles are always in demand, and they're easy to make with just a few ingredients. You can experiment with different scents, colors, and container types to create unique products.
Services
If you have a particular skill, you can offer your services for a fee. Here are some ideas:
Freelance Work
Websites like Upwork and Fiverr connect freelancers with clients who need services like writing, graphic design, programming, and more.
Consulting
If you have expertise in a particular field, you can offer consulting services. This could involve one-on-one coaching, group workshops, or even creating a membership community.
Virtual Assistant
Many businesses hire virtual assistants to help with tasks like email management, scheduling, customer service, and more. You can find these opportunities on job boards or by networking on platforms like LinkedIn.
Reselling
Reselling involves buying products at a low price and selling them at a higher price for profit. This can be done online or in person. Here are a few ideas:
- Thrift Store Finds: You can buy items from thrift stores, fix them up if needed, and sell them for a profit on platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace.
- Dropshipping: This involves selling products online without having to manage inventory or shipping. You partner with a supplier who ships products directly to your customers.
- Wholesale: You can buy products in bulk from wholesalers and sell them individually for a profit. This works well for products like clothing, electronics, or food.
Selling Online
If you have a product to sell, there are numerous platforms where you can reach customers worldwide. Here are a few:
| Platform | Best For | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Etsy | Handmade products, digital downloads, vintage items | Listing fee ($0.20), transaction fee (5%) |
| eBay | New and used items | Insertion fee (up to 1,000 listings per month), final value fee (10%) |
| Amazon | New and used items | Individual plan ($0.99 per sale), Professional plan ($39.99 per month) |
Remember, the key to successful selling is understanding your audience, providing quality products or services, and excellent customer service. With the right strategy and a bit of effort, you can turn these easy things to sell and make into a profitable venture.