If you’re looking for a flexible, low-barrier way to make extra cash, selling things online is one of the easiest places to start. Whether you want to declutter your space or turn flipping into a side hustle, platforms like eBay, Poshmark, Mercari, and Facebook Marketplace make it simple to reach buyers without leaving your house.
Start With What You Already Own
The easiest way to get started is by selling things you already have. Clothes that don’t fit, electronics you’ve upgraded, home goods you’re not using, or books and toys collecting dust—all of these can turn into cash with a few well-lit photos and a short description. Take a quick inventory of your closets, cabinets, and storage bins. You might be surprised at how much money is tied up in stuff you’ve forgotten about.
These items don’t need to be new, just clean and in good condition. Buyers expect secondhand when shopping on resale platforms, and sometimes they’re looking for specific brands, discontinued items, or deals they can’t get in stores. Focus on honest descriptions, clear photos, and fast responses to questions. You don’t need a perfect setup to start—just a phone, internet connection, and the willingness to learn as you go.
Choose the Right Platform for What You’re Selling
Different platforms attract different types of buyers, so choosing the right one depends on what you’re selling. eBay is great for everything from collectibles and electronics to clothing and household goods. It’s searchable, has a wide reach, and allows for auction-style or fixed-price listings. Just be aware of seller fees and shipping costs when pricing your items.
Poshmark focuses on clothing, shoes, and accessories, with a built-in audience for fashion-focused buyers. If you have popular brands or trendy items, it’s a good fit. The app makes it easy to list and ship, and the social features can help boost visibility over time.
Mercari is a mix between eBay and Poshmark, with a clean interface and fast listing process. It’s especially good for small electronics, toys, home items, and casual clothing. It also provides prepaid shipping labels, which keeps things simple for new sellers.
Facebook Marketplace is best for larger items, furniture, or anything you want to sell locally. You can also avoid shipping altogether by meeting buyers in person. There are no platform fees for local sales, which helps you keep more of the profit.
Set Up a Simple, Repeatable Process
The more organized your selling process, the easier it becomes. Start by creating a clean, well-lit spot in your home to take photos. Natural light works best, and a plain background helps the item stand out. Take multiple angles and close-ups of any flaws so buyers know exactly what they’re getting.
Use clear, keyword-rich titles so your items are easy to find. Mention brand names, sizes, colors, and condition. In the description, be honest about any wear, and include details buyers commonly ask about. When setting your price, look up similar listings to see what they’re selling for—and be willing to adjust if you’re not getting bites.
Once your item sells, package it securely. For shipping platforms like eBay or Mercari, reuse boxes when you can to save money. Tape everything well and include a note if you want to add a personal touch. For local pickups through Facebook, always meet in a public place and use cash or digital payments for safety.
Keep It Safe, Smart, and Worth Your Time
Selling online doesn’t require much to get started, but it’s still worth protecting your time and money. Watch out for scams, especially on Facebook Marketplace, where fake buyers may offer to “overpay” or ask for unusual payment methods. If anything feels off, it probably is.
Keep track of your sales and expenses, especially if you start selling more than just once in a while. Apps like PayPal or Venmo can help you organize payments, and most platforms now send tax forms if you pass certain income thresholds. You don’t need to get overwhelmed—just stay aware of what you’re making and spending as things grow.
If you enjoy the process, you can scale up by sourcing inventory from thrift stores, clearance sales, or garage sales. Flipping items for profit takes practice, but it can turn into a fun and flexible side hustle over time.
Final Thoughts: Start Small, Learn Fast, Earn More
You don’t need a store, a big following, or a fancy camera to start making money online. All you need is a few things to sell, a free weekend afternoon, and the willingness to give it a try. Selling online can be as casual or serious as you want it to be—and every item you sell puts money back in your pocket while clearing out space you weren’t using anyway.
Start with what you have. Choose one platform. Learn as you go. You might be surprised at how quickly it adds up—and how easy it is to keep going once you start.
