21 Lucrative Things to Sell to Make Money

In an era of financial versatility, selling various items to earn extra income has gained significant popularity. From electronics to handmade crafts, many overlooked possessions can be converted into revenue streams if you tap into the right markets.

This comprehensive guide delves into 21 profitable things you can sell to make money, whether online or locally. By understanding the potential value and most effective selling platforms for each item, you can transform your belongings into thriving sources of supplementary income.

1. Used Electronics and Gadgets

The exponential growth of the electronics industry means that even slightly outdated gadgets can still carry substantial value in the second-hand marketplace. Smartphones, tablets, laptops, cameras, gaming consoles and other electronics that are in good working condition tend to have high demand and sell quickly.

Key selling tips:

• Thoroughly clean and test each electronic to ensure full functionality
• Note any defects aesthetically or performance-wise
• List major features and specifications like storage capacity, software version, camera resolution etc.
• Compare prices on eBay and gadget trade-in sites to determine optimal listing price

Best platforms to sell:

• eBay
• Craigslist
• Gazelle
• decluttr

2. Clothing and Accessories

Given the transient nature of fashion trends, quality second-hand apparel and accessories always appeal to buyers interested in discounted prices. The key is curating well-maintained items from brands that retain resale value.

Key selling tips:

• Inspect for stains/tears and mend if possible
• Note accurate sizing/measurements
• Steam/iron garments to look crisp in photos
• Model items when possible to showcase best fit

Best platforms to sell:

• thredUP
• Poshmark
• Depop
• Local consignment stores

3. Old Books and Textbooks

Avid readers always appreciate adding to their libraries without paying full price. Sourcing books through second-hand sellers allows access to valuable texts that may be out of print. Check older textbooks as newer editions can render them obsolete on campuses but still useful for self-learners.

Key selling tips:

• Inspect pages and binding for damage
• Note any marks/highlights/missing pages
• Find each book‘s ISBN to list accurately
• Research online prices for same edition and condition

Best platforms to sell:

• Amazon marketplace
• Abebooks
• Local used bookstores

4. Used Furniture and Home Goods

Quality furnishings and home goods tend to hold value, especially if a particular style or piece is no longer in production. Vintage or handmade items also appeal to buyers wanting to decorate with unique designs not found in major retailers.

Key selling tips:

• Clean/repair any noticeable flaws
• Note measurements, materials, style names if applicable
• Style furniture in natural lighting for photographs
• Compare local resale value vs. shipping costs if selling online

Best platforms to sell:

• Facebook Marketplace
• OfferUp
• Chairish
• Local consignment shops

5. Unwanted Gift Cards

Instead of letting gift cards from unshopped retailers or restaurants sit unused, convert them into cash. Various online exchanges enable users to sell or trade gift cards at a discounted rate to willing buyers. Though you may not recoup the full amount, recovering 70-90% is better than nothing.

Key selling tips:

• Verify exact balance to provide buyers
• Check if any fees apply
• Note expiration dates if applicable
• Compare rates across popular gift card reseller sites

Best platforms to sell:

• CardCash
• Raise
• GiftCardSpread
• Cardpool

6. Handmade Crafts and Artwork

Crafters and artists can monetize their creativity by directly selling specialized products made in-house. Customized, one-of-a-kind pieces tend to attract buyers valuing the uniqueness and homemade quality.

Key selling tips:

• Showcase your unique creative style/process
• Photograph items in use/worn when possible
• Create social media devoted to your handmade business
• Offer made-to-order services

Best platforms to sell:

• Etsy
• Local craft fairs and markets
• Your own ecommerce store

7. Vintage and Collectible Treasures

Certain collectors are always hunting for unique vintage items, memorabilia associated with cultural icons or rare collectibles to complete their assortments. The wider the appeal and harder an item is to find, the higher the resale value.

Key selling tips:

• Research how sought-after and rare each item is
• Note relevant details like edition numbers, player names etc.
• Get professional appraisals for exceptionally valuable items
• Set fixed-price or start auctions high for one-of-a-kind pieces

Best platforms to sell:

• eBay
• Etsy Vintage
• Local antique dealers or collectors

8. Gently Used Toys and Games

Quality toys, games and puzzles that are still in playable condition have an eager secondary market of parents and gift buyers not wanting to pay full retail price. Iconic toys with cultural nostalgia also appeal to kidults wanting to revisit childhood favorites.

Key selling tips:

• Clean thoroughly with a gentle disinfectant
• Inspect pieces for completeness
• Replace any missing elements if possible
• Note relevant information like suitable age ranges

Best platforms to sell:

• Facebook Marketplace
• Mercari

9. Unused Beauty Products

Beauty products that did not suit your skin type or tone can find new homes with shoppers happy to buy them unopened and often at a discounted price. Some websites enable the resale of even lightly tested makeup, skincare and hair products.

Key selling tips:

• Check expiration dates to list items with longer shelf life
• Ensure unopened products are still sealed
• Be transparent about quantities remaining for opened items
• Provide shade numbers, undertones etc. to match buyers

Best platforms to sell:

• Mercari
• Poshmark
• r/makeupexchange
• local cosmetics Facebook groups

10. Outdoor/Sporting Supplies

Avid adventurers and athletes are always in the market for discounted pricing on quality gear, so items only used once or twice still appeal to these budget buyers. Recent innovations in sporting equipment materials and technology also help products retain decent value despite light use.

Key selling tips:

• Note any signs of wear, scratches etc.
• Provide dimensions/sizing especially for apparel
• Mention compatible activities/sports for each item
• Model gear whenever possible for fit pics

Best platforms to sell:

• Poshmark
• OfferUp
• GearTrade
• Local sporting consignment shops

11. Musical Instruments

Aspiring musicians often search for used instruments as cheaper alternatives to high-priced gear from retailers. Even your old band instruments collecting dust in storage could help equip students and beginners.

Key selling tips:

• Confirm everything is in good playing condition
• List instrument maker or brand
• Note any necessary repairs needed
• Include supplementary accessories like cases, stands etc.

Best platforms to sell:

• Reverb
• eBay
• Facebook Marketplace
• Local music stores consigning used instruments

12. Unused Electronics and Appliances

For avid DIYers or hobbyists, certain electronics components can be goldmines for tinkering even if obsolete for ordinary consumers. Retired appliances in flawless condition also appeal to buyers moving into new places wanting to save costs.

Key selling tips:

• Fully test electronics/appliances
• List compatibility specifications
• Highlight sought-after components
• Note dimensions and electrical requirements

Best platforms to sell:

• eBay
• Craigslist
• Facebook Marketplace

13. Antiques and Collectibles

One person‘s old furnishings, china sets and decorative items forgotten in the attic could be a coveted vintage addition to passionate antique collectors. Even small trinkets can command high prices in the right enthusiast circles.

Key selling tips:

• Ask collectors to appraise items you can‘t identify
• Verify authenticity to determine actual vs. perceived value
• Get professional appraisals for rare or exceptionally old items
• Consign truly valuable pieces to reputable auction houses or antique dealers to access serious buyers

Best platforms to sell:

• LiveAuctioneers – specialist auction marketplace
• 1stDibs – high-end online antique and vintage shop
• Ruby Lane – premium antique and vintage site

14. Scrapbooking and Craft Components

Crafters always appreciate adding to their stashes of materials without having to pay full price. Extra ribbons, buttons, resin, and textile scraps leftover from your own projects can become coveted inventory.

Key selling tips:

• Organize by color, type, theme etc.
• Note exact dimensions, yardage, quantities
• Highlight rare/specialty items hobbyists covet
• Repackage materials from used packaging into original bags

Best platforms to sell:

• Etsy
• Mercari
• Local Facebook craft groups

15. Vintage or Used Jewelry

Pre-owned jewelry and vintage pieces holding sentimental value for you can often fetch decent sums from collectors. Gold, silver or gemstone materials mean finer quality accessories retain intrinsic value too. Signed pieces by recognized designers have added appeal.

Key selling tips:

• Take clear photos capturing hallmarks inside rings, earring posts etc.
• List jewelry metal types and karats if solid gold/silver
• Provide detailed descriptions and dimensions
• Get valuable items appraised by a jeweler

Best platforms to sell:

• Worthy– online fine jewelry marketplace
• eBay
• Local jewelry buyers

16. Infant and Kids Items

Quality gear like strollers, toys and clothing used for a short baby phase find eager takers in parent groups and reseller sites. New and expectant moms appreciate the savings on costly big-ticket items that remain in great condition after just one child.

Key selling tips:

• Clean all items thoroughly
• Note any scratches/stains/other aesthetic issues
• List child weight/height limits of furniture
• Take photos from multiple angles/close-ups

Best platforms to sell:

• Facebook parent groups
• Mercari
• Kidizen

17. Rare Coins or Paper Money

While ordinary pocket change holds little resale value, certain rare coins, misprinted bills and special edition currency appeal to collectors. The niche market means such finds can sell for well above face value. Two things that determine value prices are mintage rarity and condition grade.

Key selling tips:

• Confirm authenticity by consulting professional coin/paper money dealers
• Handle using gloves and store in proper containers
• Capture photos showing clear dates, mint marks, serial numbers etc.
• Have extremely valuable items professionally appraised

Best platforms to sell:

• eBay
• Heritage Auctions – paper money & coins category
• Local/online coin shops or shows

18. Domain Names

Owning a prime domain name in an on-trend industry or popular niche can be profitable. Domainers regularly buy then resell domains that could be valuable for targeting certain demographics and consumer interests.

Key selling tips:

• Focus on concise one-word/phrase dotcom domains
• Use domain name generators/suggestion tools
• Optimized hyphenated/combined words work too
• List at specialist marketplaces frequented by investors

Best platforms to sell:

• Sedo – domain only marketplace
• GoDaddy Auctions – popular domain auction site
• Afternic – domain name reselling platform

19. Trading Cards

From vintage baseball cards to gaming cards like Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering, unopened card packs and rare singles can sell for astounding prices to serious collectors. Iconic cards at high grades and limited edition sets command the most.

Key selling tips:

• Never handle rare cards without gloves/sleeves
• Carefully inspect condition and get valuable ones professionally graded
• Clearly photograph cards, noting identifiable details
• Have influential cards appraised by dealers

Best platforms to sell:

• eBay
• TrollAndToad – online collectibles store
• Local comic book or collectibles stores

20. Wine/Liquor

Stockpiles of wine or spirits exceeding reasonable home consumption allow you to essentially operate as a liquor store. Limited availability and small batch products command the best profits.

Key selling tips:

• Check unopened bottle dates
• Set competitive yet profitable margins
• Determine if seller’s permits/licenses needed in your state
• Use wine valuation/pricing tools

Best platforms to sell:

• WineCommune – online spirits marketplace
• WineBid – auction marketplace to sell collectible/rare wine

21. Designer Handbags

Gently used luxury handbags can net over half their original retail price due to durable leathers and enduring, iconic styles standing the test of fast fashion seasons. Big names like Chanel and Hermes retain value best, especially if limited edition.

Key selling tips:

• Inspect inside and out for stains/tears/signs of wear
• Clean interiors thoroughly
• Capture any serial numbers discreetly
• Take photos showcasing iconic details

Best platforms to sell:

• The RealReal – upscale consignment store
• Fashionphile – pre-owned luxury retailer
• Local consignment stores

Beyond knowing where to sell diverse items, certain best practices apply across categories to help you profit:

Photograph Well

Most buyer experiences begin with photos, so invest time into capturing your items sharply and clearly on neutral backdrops. Well-lit images allow scrutiny of details and colors.

Provide Measurements

Quantifying sizes, capacities etc. via metrics or household objects gives buyers crucial context to better assess items’ suitability for their needs.

List Any Defects

Transparency regarding any flaws, damage or missing elements allows buyers to make informed decisions and eliminates nasty surprises that can provoke returns.

Compare Market Rates

Checking ongoing sold prices for identical or equivalent items alerts you to reasonable ballpark pricing ranges so your items appear competitively priced rather than exorbitantly over market rates.

Offer Incentives

Entice buyers and encourage higher order values with bundled discounts or value adds like free shipping or gift wrapping.

Selling your unused possessions provides a lucrative avenue to clear clutter while earning extra income in the process. The sky is the limit when you know your niche, refine pricing strategies and select optimal platforms to connect with engaged buyers. With this definitive list of hot-selling categories, you can unlock profit potential from the comfort of home. Happy selling!