I. Introduction
Are you strapped for cash? Need some extra income to make ends meet or save up for something special? Whatever your motivation may be, there are plenty of things you can sell to earn some money on the side. From online marketplaces to handmade crafts, there is no shortage of opportunities for enterprising individuals looking to make a buck. In this article, we will explore 23 different ideas for making money through selling, freelancing, crafting, and more.
II. 7 In-Demand Items to Sell Online and Make Money Fast
The easiest way to sell items online is to leverage the power of existing marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy. If you have items lying around your house that you don’t use, including smartphones, laptops, and other electronics, these sites can be a great place to sell them. Beyond that, there are other popular items that are always in demand, including clothing, collectibles, and more. Here are seven categories of in-demand items that can help you make money fast:
Electronics
Electronics are always in high demand. Smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other gadgets are expensive to purchase new, so many people turn to the used or refurbished market. If you have a gently used device lying around, you can sell it on eBay or Craigslist and pocket some cash. Make sure to wipe all of your personal data from the device before selling it.
Clothing
Another item that is always in demand is clothing. This is especially true if you have designer clothing or specialty items such as athletic wear or costumes. You can sell gently used clothing on sites like Poshmark or ThredUp, or you can even start your own online store using Shopify or BigCommerce.
Collectibles
If you have a collection of something, whether it’s stamps, comic books, or figurines, you can sell them online to collectors. eBay or Etsy are great places to start, or you can check out specialty marketplaces such as Reverb for musicians or TCGplayer for gamers.
Household Items
Many people are looking for bargain deals on items they need for their house such as bedding, kitchenware, and furniture. You can use Facebook Marketplace to sell these gently used items or take advantage of the new feature by Facebook checkout to sell directly from your Facebook business page.
Books
Used books are still popular, and many people will pay a reasonable price for them online rather than paying full price at a bookstore. You can sell your old textbooks on Amazon or search Bookscouter for a buyer near you.
Jewelry
Jewelry is always in demand, whether it is costume jewelry or high-end pieces. If you make jewelry, Etsy can be a great place to sell it. If the jewelry is made of precious metals and stones, consider selling it to a jeweler or through a site like Worthy.
Toys and Games
With the pandemic keeping everyone at home, many parents are looking for new toys and games to keep their children entertained. You can sell used toys and games on Amazon or eBay, or you can create your own online store with WooCommerce or SquareOnlineStore.
III. 5 Creative Ways to Turn Your Skills Into Cash
If you have a particular skill or talent, such as writing or photography, you can turn that into cash too. Freelancing your skills, selling digital products, or offering your services on niche sites can be a profitable way to earn money. Here are five monetizable skills:
Writing
If you are a good writer, you can make money through freelance writing for blogs, websites, and other media outlets. You can pitch story ideas to editors or sign up for writing jobs on sites like Upwork or Freelancer. For creative writing endeavors, you can self-publish and sell digitally on Kindle or other book marketplaces.
Photography
If you have a good eye for photography you can create a portfolio and make money selling your images to media outlets, websites, and stock photo sites. You could also sell your photography prints using a website such as SmugMug.
Graphic Design
If you are a skilled graphic designer, you can design logos and other digital graphics for websites and social media outlets and make money online. You can also sell your graphic templates on sites like Creative Market or Sellfy.
Translation/Transcription
If you are multi-lingual and fluent in a language in high demand, such as Mandarin or Spanish, you could offer your translation services to businesses or government agencies. Similarly, offering transcription services as a freelancer can be a way to earn money on the side.
Web Development
If you are skilled in web design and development, you can offer your services to local businesses or individuals looking to build their online presence. You can also sell web templates or provide training on building websites on platforms like Squarespace.
IV. 3 Surprising Things You Can Sell Around Your House for Quick Cash
You don’t have to sell just what’s in high demand to make some extra money. Sometimes, you can find quick cash in unexpected places, selling items you no longer need or want. Here are three surprising things you can sell around your house for quick cash:
Unused Gift Cards
If you have gift cards lying around you are unlikely to use, you can sell them on sites like Cardpool or Raise. These sites have a network of buyers looking for discounted gift cards and will pay you cash for them.
Old Magazines
If you have a stack of old magazines taking up space, consider selling them on eBay or to specialty magazine stores. You can often sell your old magazines for several dollars each, and some collectors are willing to pay more depending on the title and condition.
Vintage Tech
Old technology can be worth more than you expect. Vintage gadgets like Walkmen, polaroid cameras, and even cassette tapes can sell for significant prices on sites like eBay. Check your attic or basement for anything old and tech-related before you throw it away!
V. How to Start a Profitable Side Hustle Selling Crafts
Do you have a knack for crafting or creativity? You can profit from selling your handmade items, whether it’s jewelry, candles, or knitted goods. Here are some tips on how to start a profitable side hustle selling crafts:
Work on Commission
You could offer up your services to friends, family members, or acquaintances for custom-made crafts. You can start promoting your services via social media or at flea markets. Consider creating a website or starting an Etsy shop to attract customers.
Sell on Etsy
Etsy, is an online marketplace for handmade goods, vintage decor and craft supplies. It has grown into a large marketplace with lots going on. Do your homework before starting to sell on Etsy. Read about the costs involved and how search works on the site then list your item with carefully crafted titles and photos.
Focus on Marketable Goods
Some crafts may be more popular than others. Jewelry, knitted goods, handmade press-on nails, and soap products are among the most popular handmade goods. Check Pinterest to see more popular craft niche, this way you can identify markets that are in high demand and create products tailored to those market niches.
VI. 7 Services You Can Offer to Make Money from Home
With the rise of remote work and the gig economy, there are plenty of services you can offer from the comfort of your own home. These services include virtual assistant, social media management, online tutoring, and more. Here are seven services you can offer to make money from home:
Virtual Assistant
If you are competent in administrative tasks, you could offer your services as a virtual assistant. This could include responding to emails, writing blog posts, or organizing files. You can find virtual assistant jobs on platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr.
Social Media Management
If you are skilled in social media marketing, you can offer your services to small businesses or entrepreneurs looking to build their online presence. You can manage their social media accounts, run ads, or create content to engage their audience.
Online Tutoring
If you have a teaching or tutoring background, you could offer your services as an online tutor. There are many platforms like VIPKid and Chegg that hand out online tutoring jobs that require test prep, academic tutoring, or even teaching English to foreign students.
Copywriting
If you are skilled in writing promotional or marketing copy, you can offer your services as a copywriter. You can find freelance copywriting gigs on sites like Upwork and Freelancer. Some copywriting jobs may require some technical skills to go with.
Editing and Proofreading
If you have a good eye for detail, you can offer your services as an editor or proofreader. This could include checking grammar or spelling in blog posts, eBooks, or other documents. You can find editing and proofreading jobs on sites like Editorr, Fiverr, or even LinkedIn.
Translation or Interpretation
If you are fluent in another language, you could offer your services as a translator or interpreter. This could require some certification depending on the language and specialization you select. You can find translation or interpretation jobs on platforms such as Proz.com and TranslatorsCafe.
Website Design
If you have web design skills, you can design websites for individuals, small businesses or at scale for startups. You can also sell web templates and WordPress themes on marketplaces like ThemeForest or CreativeMarket. Platforms like WordPress or Wix are good for people who may not be as advanced in web design.
VII. The Insider’s Guide to Selling Your Old Electronics for Cash
As mentioned in the earlier section on in-demand items, electronics are always in high demand, but they require a bit of extra care to sell effectively. Here’s how you can go about selling your old electronics for the best possible price:
Wipe Your Device
Before selling devices like smartphones or laptops, make sure to wipe all of your personal data from them. A factory reset should do the trick. You don’t want to risk anyone accessing your personal information when they take control of your electronics.
Do Your Research
Before you sell your old electronics, do some research on their value. You can use sites like Gazelle or Decluttr to get a quick estimate of what your device is worth.
Sell on eBay or Craigslist
You can sell your electronics on sites like eBay or Craigslist, but be prepared to spend some time selling them. Typically, you will need to create listings and respond to questions or haggle with buyers. For higher-value items, consider using an eBay listing service that can handle the whole process for you.
Sell to Flipsy or BuyBackBoss
Flipsy and BuyBackBoss are companies that specialize in buying old electronics. You can use their sites to quickly get a quote for your device and sell it without having to deal with buyers directly. Be aware that their prices may not match what you could get from selling your device directly.
VIII. How to Monetize Your Social Media Presence and Make Money Online
If you already have a large following on social media, you can monetize that audience and turn it into a profitable venture. The key to making money through social media is building a loyal following and finding brand partnerships or paid gigs. Here are some tips on how to monetize your social media presence:
Build a Brand and Find Your Niche
If you want to make money through your social media presence, you need to build a cohesive brand and find your niche. This could include a particular type of content, a specific topic, or a particular style or concept.
Engage Your Audience
The key to building a loyal following is to engage your audience and create content they enjoy. Be active and responsive to comments, ask for feedback, and make sure you are staying up to date with trends in your niche.
Find Brand Partnerships
The most common way to make money through social media is through brand partnerships. Brands will pay to sponsor your content or mention their products in your posts.
