What Can You Sell That Makes Money? If you’re looking for ways to boost your income and achieve financial freedom, money-central.com offers a comprehensive guide to various income-generating opportunities. From digital products like printables and online courses to reselling items and leveraging your skills, there are numerous options to explore for a solid financial foundation. Let’s dive into the possibilities and discover how you can start maximizing your earning potential today and achieve financial stability, build wealth, and secure your future.
1. Selling Digital Products
Selling digital products is a fantastic way to make money online. Digital products are intangible goods that you can sell repeatedly without needing to replenish inventory. They offer high-profit margins and can be distributed easily via the internet.
1.1. Printables
Printables are digital files that customers can download and print at home. They include items like planners, checklists, calendars, and templates.
How to Get Started:
- Identify a Niche: Determine what type of printables are in demand. Consider personal finance, home organization, or educational materials.
- Create High-Quality Designs: Use graphic design software like Canva or Adobe Illustrator to create visually appealing and useful printables.
- Set Up an Online Store: Platforms like Shopify or Etsy are great for selling digital products.
- Market Your Products: Use social media, email marketing, and SEO to drive traffic to your store.
Example: Creating a set of budget templates for personal finance management that customers can download and use to track their expenses, savings, and debt.
1.2. Online Courses
Online courses allow you to share your expertise and knowledge with a global audience. You can create courses on various topics, from cooking and photography to web development and business skills.
How to Get Started:
- Choose a Topic: Select a subject you’re knowledgeable and passionate about.
- Create Engaging Content: Develop a curriculum that includes video lectures, downloadable resources, and interactive assignments.
- Select a Platform: Use platforms like Teachable, Kajabi, or Udemy to host and sell your courses.
- Promote Your Course: Use social media, email marketing, and collaborations to reach potential students.
According to research from New York University’s Stern School of Business, in July 2025, online education provides flexibility, accessibility, and a wide range of subjects, making it an appealing option for lifelong learners.
Example: Developing a course on personal finance for young adults, covering topics like budgeting, saving, investing, and debt management.
2. Reselling Items
Reselling involves buying products at a lower price and selling them at a higher price. This can be done with various items, including clothing, electronics, and household goods.
2.1. Kids’ Old Toys and Clothes
Children outgrow toys and clothes quickly, making reselling these items a profitable venture.
How to Get Started:
- Gather Items: Collect gently used toys, clothes, and shoes that your children no longer use.
- Clean and Organize: Ensure items are clean and in good condition.
- Take Quality Photos: Use clear, well-lit photos to showcase the items.
- List on Marketplaces: Use platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay to list your items.
Example: Selling a bundle of outgrown baby clothes on Facebook Marketplace, priced at a discount compared to buying new.
2.2. Unwanted Household Items
Many homes have items that are no longer needed. Selling these can declutter your space and earn you money.
How to Get Started:
- Declutter: Go through each room and identify items you no longer use or need.
- Assess Value: Determine the market value of each item.
- List Items: Use online marketplaces, garage sales, or consignment shops to sell your items.
Example: Selling a used coffee maker on Craigslist for a fraction of its original price.
2.3. Books, DVDs, and Blu-rays
Media items like books, DVDs, and Blu-rays can be resold for a profit, especially if they are in good condition or are rare collectibles.
How to Get Started:
- Gather Media: Collect books, DVDs, and Blu-rays you no longer use.
- Assess Condition: Check the condition of each item.
- List Online: Use platforms like Amazon, eBay, or Decluttr to sell your media items.
Example: Selling a collection of Disney Blu-rays on eBay, taking advantage of their high demand among collectors.
2.4. Old Phones and Electronics
Upgrading to new devices is common, leaving old phones and electronics unused. These can be resold or recycled for cash.
How to Get Started:
- Collect Devices: Gather old phones, tablets, and other electronics.
- Assess Value: Determine the resale value of each device.
- Sell or Recycle: Use online platforms like Swappa or Gazelle to sell your devices, or recycle them at designated centers.
Example: Selling an old iPhone on Swappa after upgrading to the latest model.
3. Leveraging Your Skills
Your skills and talents can be monetized in various ways. Offering services like babysitting, lawn mowing, or cleaning can provide a steady income.
3.1. Babysitting
Babysitting is a reliable way to earn money, especially if you enjoy spending time with children.
How to Get Started:
- Advertise Your Services: Let friends, family, and neighbors know you’re available for babysitting.
- Set Your Rates: Research local babysitting rates and set your own accordingly.
- Obtain Certifications: Consider getting CPR and first aid certifications to enhance your credibility.
Example: Offering babysitting services to parents in your neighborhood, providing a safe and fun environment for their children.
3.2. Lawn Mowing
Lawn mowing is a seasonal but consistent way to earn money, especially during the spring and summer months.
How to Get Started:
- Offer Your Services: Put up flyers in your neighborhood or use social media to advertise your lawn mowing services.
- Set Competitive Rates: Research local lawn mowing rates and offer competitive pricing.
- Invest in Equipment: Ensure you have the necessary equipment, such as a lawn mower, edger, and trimmer.
Example: Mowing lawns for neighbors on a weekly basis, providing a reliable and affordable service.
3.3. Dog Walking
Dog walking is a great way to earn money if you love animals. Many pet owners need help exercising their dogs, especially if they have busy schedules.
How to Get Started:
- Advertise Your Services: Use social media, local bulletin boards, or pet-sitting websites to advertise your dog walking services.
- Set Your Rates: Research local dog walking rates and set your own accordingly.
- Obtain Insurance: Consider getting pet-sitting insurance to protect yourself in case of accidents.
Example: Walking dogs for neighbors who work long hours, providing exercise and companionship for their pets.
3.4. House Cleaning
House cleaning is a service that is always in demand. Many people are willing to pay for help keeping their homes clean and organized.
How to Get Started:
- Advertise Your Services: Use social media, local bulletin boards, or cleaning service websites to advertise your house cleaning services.
- Set Your Rates: Research local house cleaning rates and set your own accordingly.
- Gather Supplies: Ensure you have the necessary cleaning supplies and equipment.
Example: Cleaning houses for busy professionals in your area, providing a thorough and reliable service.
4. Creative Endeavors
If you enjoy crafting, writing, or photography, you can monetize these talents through various platforms and services.
4.1. Selling Crafts
Selling crafts is a fulfilling way to earn money if you enjoy making things by hand.
How to Get Started:
- Create Unique Items: Design and create crafts that are unique and appealing.
- Set Up an Online Store: Use platforms like Etsy or Shopify to sell your crafts online.
- Attend Craft Fairs: Participate in local craft fairs and bazaars to showcase and sell your items.
Example: Creating and selling handmade jewelry on Etsy, catering to customers looking for unique and personalized pieces.
4.2. Selling Photos
If you have a talent for photography, you can sell your photos on stock photo websites or through your own online store.
How to Get Started:
- Build a Portfolio: Create a collection of high-quality photos.
- Choose a Platform: Use stock photo websites like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock to sell your photos.
- Market Your Work: Use social media and photography communities to promote your photos.
Example: Selling landscape photos on Shutterstock, earning royalties each time someone downloads and uses your images.
4.3. Writing Articles
Writing articles for blogs and websites can be a lucrative way to earn money if you have strong writing skills.
How to Get Started:
- Build a Portfolio: Create a collection of writing samples.
- Find Opportunities: Look for writing jobs on freelance platforms like Upwork or ProBlogger.
- Network: Connect with bloggers and website owners who may need your writing services.
Example: Writing articles on personal finance for money-central.com, providing valuable information and advice to readers.
5. Other Unique Opportunities
There are many other unique opportunities to make money, from tutoring and virtual assistant work to recycling and selling unwanted gifts.
5.1. Tutoring
Tutoring is a rewarding way to earn money if you have expertise in a particular subject.
How to Get Started:
- Identify Your Expertise: Determine the subjects you are knowledgeable and comfortable tutoring.
- Advertise Your Services: Use social media, local schools, or tutoring websites to advertise your services.
- Set Your Rates: Research local tutoring rates and set your own accordingly.
Example: Tutoring high school students in math and science, helping them improve their grades and understanding of the subjects.
5.2. Virtual Assistant Work
Virtual assistant work involves providing administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients from a remote location.
How to Get Started:
- Identify Your Skills: Determine the services you can offer, such as data entry, social media management, or customer service.
- Create a Profile: Use freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to create a profile and showcase your skills.
- Network: Connect with potential clients through social media and professional networks.
Example: Providing social media management services to small business owners, helping them grow their online presence and engage with their customers.
5.3. Recycling
Recycling scrap metal, appliances, and cans can be a simple way to earn extra money.
How to Get Started:
- Collect Recyclables: Gather scrap metal, appliances, and cans from your home and neighborhood.
- Find Recycling Centers: Locate local recycling centers that pay for these items.
- Transport and Sell: Transport the recyclables to the centers and sell them for cash.
Example: Collecting aluminum cans and scrap metal from your neighborhood and selling them to a recycling center for a small profit.
5.4. Selling Unwanted Gifts
Selling unwanted gifts can be a practical way to declutter and earn money.
How to Get Started:
- Gather Gifts: Collect any unwanted gifts you’ve received.
- Assess Value: Determine the market value of each item.
- Sell Online: Use online marketplaces like eBay or Facebook Marketplace to sell your gifts.
Example: Selling a new, unwanted gadget on eBay, recouping some of the item’s original cost.
6. Maximizing Profits: Long-Term Strategies
For those looking to create a more sustainable and substantial income, focusing on long-term strategies is essential. These require more initial effort but can yield significant returns.
6.1. Building a Brand with Printables
Creating and selling printables can be super lucrative. It’s something that I stumbled upon many, many years ago and do really well in my Shopify store. The point is to build a newsletter list where you give something new and free each and every month (something really good). This keeps people on your email list and then you can sell them other things (think: courses, affiliate links, etc.) When you offer them something free, they also poke around in the shop and buy other things. They leave reviews and this helps other people buy who are coming directly to you store (from say Google or something). It’s a fantastic way to earn money. Definitely one of my favs!
6.2. Creating and Selling Online Courses
Everyone can start up a course and sell it. This is the digital age and everyone wants to learn something. I’d be willing to bet you know something that someone is willing to pay to learn. All you have to do is start creating your own courses site.
6.3. Offering Virtual Assistant Services
Lots of bloggers need help running their blogs. We can’t do EVERYTHING, there’s just so many things to attend to. You can work for a blogger and gain experience and income! The best way to get involved is looking on Facebook groups and following your favorite bloggers. They sometimes will run an open call looking for help in their newsletters!
6.4. Writing Articles for Blogs and Websites
Facebook groups are great to find bloggers to write articles for. This is a good thing to get into if you love to write. Bloggers can pay anywhere from 3¢-8¢ per WORD. Imagine a 2,000 word post! You could make $60-$160! Imagine writing 15 posts a month! Now you’re talking $2,400!
6.5. Reselling Domain Names and Websites
Blogging is not the easiest thing to start up, especially if you’re not technical. There are some good places you can go to create a website, set it all up, and resell it. This is something I’ve thought of doing because selling them, you can get like $30,000 believe it or not. Depending how much time you’ve put into it and how much traffic/stats/income it has. One of my friends sold her blog years ago for over $100,000! It’s a lot of work, for sure, but it’s not chump change. Here’s a couple places you can sell (and buy if you’re interested) a blog already set up: Niche Investor, Flippa, and Empire Flippers.
7. Quick and Easy Ways to Earn Extra Cash
For those needing money quickly, there are several straightforward options to consider.
7.1. Taking Online Surveys
Taking surveys for extra cash? It’s something I did very successfully after I got out of the homeless shelter and really helped me get free stuff and make some side money. Here’s the top 25 best survey companies (that are LEGIT and won’t scam you!)
7.2. Recycling Cans and Glass Bottles
Recycling your cans and glass offers an easy way to generate income while being environmentally responsible.
7.3. Selling Clothes You Can’t Fit Into Anymore
Try to sell them in lots (making outfits is best) but individual lots too like 10 shirts and 10 pants types of things. People dig that! You can sell them on ebay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, consignment shops, Poshmark, Tradesy, or ThredUP.
7.4. Selling Christmas Items You No Longer Need
7.5. Return Your Past Purchases That You Don’t Want That You Haven’t Used
8. Common Challenges and How money-central.com Can Help
Many individuals face challenges in understanding financial concepts, budgeting, investing, managing debt, and saving for financial goals. money-central.com provides resources and tools to address these challenges effectively.
8.1. Understanding Financial Concepts
Challenge: Many people find financial jargon and concepts confusing, making it difficult to make informed decisions.
Solution: money-central.com offers articles and guides that explain complex financial topics in simple, easy-to-understand language.
8.2. Budgeting and Tracking Expenses
Challenge: Creating and sticking to a budget can be challenging, leading to overspending and financial instability.
Solution: money-central.com provides budgeting templates, expense trackers, and tips for effective money management.
8.3. Finding Safe and Profitable Investments
Challenge: Identifying safe and profitable investment opportunities can be overwhelming, especially for beginners.
Solution: money-central.com offers expert advice and insights on various investment options, helping you make informed decisions based on your risk tolerance and financial goals.
8.4. Managing Debt and Improving Credit Score
Challenge: High debt levels and low credit scores can limit financial opportunities and increase borrowing costs.
Solution: money-central.com provides strategies for debt management, credit repair tips, and resources for improving your credit score.
8.5. Saving for Financial Goals
Challenge: Saving enough money for significant financial goals like buying a home or retirement can be daunting.
Solution: money-central.com offers tools and calculators to help you set realistic savings goals and track your progress.
9. Success Stories and Case Studies
Real-life success stories can inspire and motivate you to pursue your financial goals. Here are a few examples of people who have successfully monetized their skills and resources:
9.1. Sarah’s Journey from Homelessness to Online Success
Sarah overcame homelessness by leveraging her skills and determination to build a multi-7-figure online business. She started by selling printables and courses, gradually expanding her offerings and building a loyal customer base.
9.2. John’s Success with Virtual Assistant Work
John started as a virtual assistant, providing administrative and technical support to bloggers and small business owners. Through hard work and dedication, he built a successful virtual assistant business, earning a steady income and achieving financial independence.
9.3. Emily’s Crafting Empire on Etsy
Emily turned her passion for crafting into a thriving Etsy business. She creates and sells handmade jewelry, attracting customers with her unique designs and personalized service.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
10.1. What are the most profitable items to sell online?
Digital products like printables and online courses, as well as in-demand items like electronics and clothing, tend to be highly profitable.
10.2. How can I start selling items online with no money?
Start by selling items you already own, such as unwanted household goods, clothing, or electronics, on free platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.
10.3. What skills can I monetize to make money from home?
Skills such as writing, graphic design, web development, and virtual assistance are in high demand and can be monetized through freelancing platforms.
10.4. How can money-central.com help me manage my finances better?
money-central.com provides articles, guides, tools, and resources to help you understand financial concepts, create a budget, manage debt, and invest wisely.
10.5. What are the best platforms for selling digital products?
Platforms like Shopify, Etsy, Teachable, Kajabi, and Udemy are popular choices for selling digital products.
10.6. How can I improve my credit score quickly?
Pay your bills on time, reduce your debt levels, and check your credit report for errors to improve your credit score.
10.7. What are some safe investment options for beginners?
Low-risk investment options such as savings accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), and low-cost index funds are suitable for beginners.
10.8. How can I save money for retirement?
Contribute regularly to a 401(k) or IRA, take advantage of employer matching programs, and create a diversified investment portfolio to save for retirement.
10.9. What are the key steps to creating a successful online course?
Choose a topic you’re knowledgeable about, create engaging content, select a user-friendly platform, and promote your course to reach potential students.
10.10. How can I find legitimate work-from-home opportunities?
Research companies thoroughly, check reviews, and avoid opportunities that require upfront fees or promise unrealistic earnings to find legitimate work-from-home jobs.
Ready to take control of your finances and explore money-making opportunities? Visit money-central.com today for more articles, tools, and expert advice. Whether you’re looking to boost your income, manage your debt, or save for your future, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Start your journey towards financial freedom now!
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