16 Profitable Things to Make and Sell Online Today

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Crafting and selling things online is a great way to make extra money or even turn it into a full-time business. But where do you start? What are some things that are popular to sell online? And how do you get your items in front of potential customers?

Thanks to services like Etsy or Shopify, you no longer need to be tech-savvy to either market or create your online store. Whatever route you choose, there are endless possibilities for things to make and sell online, as it’s become one of the most popular side hustles today.

What are the benefits of looking for things to make and sell online?

There are so many reasons why people love making things to sell online (outside of being passionate about what they’re making!). Here are a few great reasons:

• Flexible Schedule– No need to clock in and out. You can be as busy or as slow as you want to be.
• Work from Home– No need to commute. This is great for stay-at-home parents or those who want to avoid wasting time in a vehicle.
• Global Audience– Instead of selling at your local farmers market with limited reach, you have the world at your fingertips.
• Potential to Make a Lot of Money- With no overhead costs like warehouses or employees, there’s a potential to bring in high-profit margins. Just be sure to price your items accordingly and research what’s popular or selling well.

If you’re already sold that finding things to make and sell online is the way to go, you’re likely wondering what it is you could sell that would make a steady stream of income. Your imagination is the limit on what you can create, but certain products have historically sold better.

To compile a list of the best things to sell online, here are a few factors to be considered:

• Ease of Creation: These are items that you can make with little to no prior experience. Yes, you’ll need to hone in on your craft, but any beginner can learn the trade and master it over time.
• Upfront Production Costs: The cost to make these items should be low enough that you won’t need tens of thousands worth of equipment to get started.
• High-Profit Margins: These are items that have the potential to sell for top dollar without too high of a production cost.
• Creativity: I also wanted to include unique items that would stand out from the rest. We all know the “basics” you can buy or sell, but I wanted this list to inspire you to think outside the box.

16 Things To Make and Sell Online

With that said, here are sixteen unique ideas that you can start making and selling online today.

1. Jewelry

Humanity has shared a love for jewelry for thousands of years, and this love affair isn’t going away anytime soon. However, what we have seen is an industry that’s evolved over time — many people now are looking for more personalized, customized, timeless pieces. Twenty years ago, an independent jeweler would have likely struggled to compete with the major name brands. Now, they’re flourishing.

Many jewelry makers have found success with new product ideas. Some great examples to check out are Mama’s Liquid Love or these custom birthday pieces. As you can tell, thanks to the endless amount of possibilities, jewelry makes the top of the list of things to make and sell online.

2. Holiday Cheer

Let’s be honest. Nothing can compete with the money-making retail machine during the holiday season. And while all e-commerce businesses are using this season to make a killing, very few do it as well as the holiday-centric businesses.

If you’re a fan of Shark Tank, then you may be surprised to know that one of their top five most profitable deals has been Tipsy Elves. That’s right, a company selling Christmas holiday sweaters. There are so many holiday ideas, from ornaments to decor and everything in between, that people are looking to buy during this time of year.

If you decide to pursue this route, make sure to start early. The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year, and you’ll want plenty of time to promote your business and build up a following before it arrives.

3. Baked Goods

One of the most classic things to make and sell online is, of course, baked goods. From cakes and cookies to pies and bread, if you have a knack for baking delicious treats, you can easily sell these online.

The most profitable home businesses are those that have a specialized segment in this competitive market. Think gluten-free baked goods or customized cookies for Teacher Appreciation Week or birthday parties.

While baking your product may be the easy part for you, things to keep in mind are state regulations like obtaining your food handler’s cards and any other requirements needed. Not to mention, you must also take into close consideration the packaging and preservation of your baked product.

4. Pet Products

If you’re an animal lover, then you already know that people love anything that can comfort or accessorize their furry best friend. Some popular items being sold are custom leashes and collars or even baked homemade dog treats. You don’t even have to limit yourself to products for the pet as owners love dog memorabilia as well — custom dog mugs, sweatshirts, socks, or even matching outfits for the pair sell really well.

5. Candles

This may seem like a basic option, but you would be surprised by how high the demand is for custom candles. Where people have found a ton of success has less to do with the candle and more to do with the candle label itself. Coming up with trade-specific statements (teachers, nursing, etc.) is a great market as they often make great gifts. Funny sayings also go a long way, so be sure to put as much thought into the presentation of your candle as much as the candle itself.

The best part about candles is if you’re looking for things to make and sell online, this may be one of the easier things on the list to learn how to create.

6. Bath Bombs

Everyone loves some time to decompress and relax- what better way to do this than with a nice bath? And, of course, you can’t just pour in any old bubble solution and need to add some pizzaz with a fun bath bomb. With customizable scents and colors, these are relaxing for adults and fun for kids.

7. Kitchenware

Studies show time and time again that the kitchen is where everyone tends to spend most of their time. From one to three meals a day, hosting, and snacks in between, the amount of kitchenware the average household utilizes is pretty astounding.

This is where the handmade seller’s market thrives. Custom engraved cutting boards, personalized coffee mugs, and even advanced charcuterie or butter boards are all the rage. Next time you’re in the kitchen, think about each product and how you could improve or personalize it. There are just so many things to make and sell online when it comes to kitchenware.

8. Party Personalization

Weddings? Bachelorette Parties? Retirement? The days of throwing up a few balloons for decoration are over, and themed parties and items are top sellers. Using a tool like a Cricut can help you create personalized items for sale such as:

• Invitations
• Decor
• Party Apparel
• Party favors
• Schedules
• Seating charts and placeholders

The great thing about personalization is that it can be applied to a wide range of products. This means you have a lot of room to be creative with your designs.

9. Home Decor

Home decor is always in style, and the style is always changing. This makes home decor a great online business opportunity. Some of the best-selling items in the home decor niche include wall decor, throw blankets, monogrammed signs, and customized furniture. Everyone is looking for a way to make their home look more unique and less cookie-cutter, making the home market a great option for things to make and sell online.

10. Fabrics, Clothes, and Yarn

Are you an avid crocheting, sewer, or knitter? If not, it’s easy to learn, and with a few bucks for tools and YouTube, anyone can do it. Some of the most popular items are personalized baby blankets, clothes, baby swaddles, or even stuffed animals.

Anyone can purchase a plain product online, but when they’re looking for something with their name or a particular design to match a room, boutique handmade items are a go-to.

11. Digital Templates

Do you have a knack for drawing or graphic design? The highest grossing margins come with digital products- think about it. No overhead, no materials, and no shipping costs. If you’re good at designing or drawing, this could be a great option. You can create digital templates for things like printable images, fonts, sayings, and sceneries.

The best part about selling digital templates is that they can be used repeatedly. This means you can continue to sell the same template again and again, which is a great way to make money on Etsy or online. Overall, digital products have some of the highest grossing margins on the list of things to make and sell online.

12. Baby Products

Baby bows, blankets, clothes, bibs- you name it. Parents love buying handmade and personalized items for their children. Some of the highest-selling items include things like personalized baby swaddles or matching labor robes for the delivery, frames to document their first year, custom toys, furniture like helpers, and climbing posts. Word of caution- if anything is being made for a child be sure that it meets all safety standards.

13. Books

Despite video streaming services, reading consumption remains steady in the United States. We’ve all read the stories of how J.K. Rowling was rejected over ten times by publishers, but fortunately, this just isn’t much of an issue anymore thanks to self-publishing. With platforms like Amazon, you can download and have your book published in just a few short hours. If you’re a natural born writer with a vivid imagination, writing novels may just be the perfect option of things to make and sell online for you.

The trick is in the marketing. With over 2,700 new novels being published every day, you will need some savvy skills to get your book circulated. Luckily, there are so many genres you can easily write about, from thrillers to children’s books. With AI writers, you can now write a book in no time at all.

14. Paper Products

Notebooks, planners, travel journals. These are all things that people use on a daily basis. If you’re good at bullet journaling or scrapbooking, this could be a great option for you. You can create a wide range of paper products, so you have a lot of room to be creative with your designs.

15. Personalized Photos

Are you a whiz when it comes to photoshop? There are a ton of ways that people are looking for photos to be edited. Here are just a few examples:

• Removing or adding a person to an image.
• Changing the background.
• Removing blemishes or other imperfections.

People are always looking for someone to edit their photos, so this is a great way to make money online. You can sell both physical and digital products, which gives you a lot of flexibility in selling.

16. Custom T-Shirts

Do you have a knack for design? Then printing custom t-shirts is a great way to make some side income. You can go after party themes like bachelorette parties or come up with fun family Disney shirts for their upcoming trip. Working with customers becomes very rewarding with this time of side business.

Pros and Cons of Selling Products Online

Pros:

1. Wide Range of Products: There is a diverse selection of products to make and sell from home, offering opportunities for various interests and skills.
2. Low Entry Barriers: Making and selling items online often requires minimal upfront investment, making it accessible to entrepreneurs with limited resources.
3. Handmade Products: The appeal of handmade products lies in their uniqueness, attracting customers looking for personalized and one-of-a-kind items.
4. Homemade Products to Sell from Home: Selling homemade products from home allows you to turn your crafting skills into a profitable venture without the need for a physical storefront.
5. Homemade Dog Treats: If you’re an animal lover, you can tap into the pet market by offering homemade dog treats that cater to pet owners seeking healthy and personalized options.
6. Crafts to Make and Sell Online: Crafting enthusiasts can turn their passion into profit by creating and selling their crafts online.
7. Etsy Seller Opportunities: Online marketplaces like Etsy offer a platform for Etsy sellers to showcase and sell their handmade and crafted goods.
8. Easy Things to Make and Sell: Many of the items listed are easy things to make and sell, making them ideal for beginners and those new to online business.
9. Best Things to Sell to Make Money Fast: With the right product and marketing strategy, you can generate income quickly, making it one of the best things to sell to make money fast.
10. DIY Crafts to Sell Online: Entrepreneurs can turn their DIY crafts into an online business, reaching a global customer base.
11. Sell Online for Free: Starting an online store can be cost-effective, as many platforms offer opportunities to sell online for free, reducing initial financial risk.
12. Craft Business Potential: The crafting industry has significant potential, allowing individuals to establish and grow a successful craft business.

Cons:

1. Regulatory Compliance: Some products, like homemade pet treats, may require compliance with specific regulations, including health and safety standards.
2. Marketing Challenges: Effective marketing is essential for success, and newcomers may need time to acquire the necessary Etsy seller and online marketing skills.
3. Initial Investment: While many products have low production costs, there may still be an initial investment in materials, tools, or digital resources.
4. Digital Products Complexity: Creating and selling digital products may require digital design skills, software, and marketing know-how.
5. Startup Time: Building a successful online business takes time and effort, and it’s essential to have realistic expectations when looking to start your own business.
6. Print on Demand Challenges: While print on demand businesses offer opportunities, they may involve managing partnerships with fulfillment companies and handling customer orders.

Things to Make and Sell Online Summary

So there you have it, sixteen different items to make and sell online. There are so many things to make and sell online, from crafts to clothes to furniture.

With a little creativity and effort, anyone can start an online business and make a profit. There are a few things to keep in mind when selling things online, such as shipping costs and marketing, but overall it is a relatively simple process. And with the right product, you can make a lot of money!

Things to Make and Sell Online – FAQs

What homemade products sell best online?

The best-selling homemade products to sell from home vary, but some popular options include jewelry, holiday-themed items, baked goods, and personalized pet products like homemade dog treats. Your success will depend on your unique offerings and target audience.

What is the easiest stuff to sell online?

Some of the easy things to make and sell online are digital products, such as digital templates and personalized photos. These items have low production costs, require no physical inventory, and can be sold repeatedly, making them accessible for beginners.

What can I make myself to sell online?

You can create a wide range of products to sell online, such as handmade jewelry, holiday-themed items, custom candles, kitchenware, and personalized baby products like homemade baby swaddles. Your creativity and crafting skills can lead to a successful online business.

What homemade item sells the most?

While it varies, handmade items like jewelry and home decor tend to be in high demand. Additionally, personalized products, such as custom t-shirts and digital templates, are among the best products to sell online, as they cater to a wide audience seeking unique and one-of-a-kind items.