Ready to turn your clutter, creations, or savvy finds into a steady stream of income? This guide cuts straight to the chase, showing you exactly where and how to sell things to make money online. Whether you're a student looking to cover textbook costs or an aspiring entrepreneur testing the waters, finding the right platform is the first, most crucial step. We've compiled a definitive list of the top websites for selling everything from used electronics and vintage clothes to custom-designed merchandise, eliminating the guesswork so you can start earning faster.
Each entry in this roundup provides actionable details to get you started. You’ll find a clear breakdown of what sells best on each platform, potential profit margins, and the level of effort required. To make it even easier, we've included screenshots to help you navigate these sites and direct links to get you selling immediately. Before you dive in, knowing which products are in high demand is key. For a deep dive into sourcing inventory, this guide on the best items to resell for profit offers a fantastic starting point for identifying what's currently trending. This article, however, focuses on the "where" and "how," equipping you with the practical knowledge to choose the perfect marketplace for your specific goals.
1. eBay
eBay stands as a foundational marketplace for anyone looking to sell items online, moving beyond a simple auction site into a global e-commerce powerhouse. For students, it represents a prime opportunity to practice retail arbitrage, which is the art of buying undervalued products and reselling them for a profit. The platform’s vast audience and diverse categories make it one of the best places to list unique things to sell to make money, from vintage clothing found at a thrift store to last semester's graphing calculator.
Its dual listing format, offering both Auctions and fixed-price "Buy It Now" options, provides flexibility. Auctions can create bidding wars for in-demand items, while "Buy It Now" is ideal for sellers who know the exact value of their product.
Why eBay is a Top Choice for Reselling
eBay’s key advantage is its robust infrastructure built to protect both buyers and sellers. Features like the eBay Money Back Guarantee and the Authenticity Guarantee for high-value categories (sneakers, watches, handbags) build consumer trust and reduce the risk of dealing with counterfeit goods. This makes it a safer environment for flipping expensive items compared to less regulated peer-to-peer marketplaces.
The platform's advanced search filters are a powerful tool for market research. You can filter by "Sold Items" to see what similar products have actually sold for, giving you a realistic pricing benchmark before you list.
| Feature Highlights | Description |
|---|---|
| Seller Protection | Policies that protect sellers from fraudulent buyers and unfair claims. |
| Global Shipping Program | Simplifies international sales by handling customs and logistics for you. |
| Authenticity Guarantee | Third-party verification for select high-value categories, boosting buyer confidence. |
Maximizing Your eBay Success
- Factor in Fees: eBay charges an insertion fee (often waived for the first 250 listings per month) and a final value fee, which is a percentage of the total sale price, including shipping. These fees vary by category, so check the current rates before pricing your item.
- Master Photography: Clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles are non-negotiable. Use a neutral background to make your product stand out.
- Write Detailed Descriptions: Be honest about any flaws or wear. Include keywords in your title and description that buyers are likely to search for to improve visibility.
Website: https://www.ebay.com
2. Mercari
Mercari has carved out a niche as the go-to mobile marketplace for decluttering and reselling everyday items. It’s particularly popular for apparel, small electronics, and collectibles, making it a fantastic platform for students looking to sell things to make money quickly. The app-centric design and streamlined listing process lower the barrier to entry, allowing you to list an item in just a few minutes from your phone.
The platform simplifies the entire sales cycle, from listing to shipping. Mercari’s user-friendly interface is less intimidating than more complex marketplaces, making it ideal for those new to online selling. It thrives on impulse buys and items that are easy to ship, such as video games, Funko Pops, or last season’s trendy jacket.
Why Mercari is a Top Choice for Reselling
Mercari’s key advantage is its simplicity and transparent fee structure. Unlike other platforms with variable category-based fees, Mercari offers predictable pricing. The platform also provides integrated, prepaid shipping labels, which takes the guesswork out of calculating postage costs and protects sellers with included shipping insurance.
The "Offer to Likers" and "Promote" features are powerful tools to engage potential buyers who have shown interest in your items. Sending a private discount or bumping your listing to the top of search results can quickly turn a "like" into a sale, making it an active and dynamic selling experience.
| Feature Highlights | Description |
|---|---|
| Simple Fee Structure | A flat 10% seller fee plus a payment processing fee makes it easy to calculate your net profit. |
| Integrated Shipping | Offers prepaid and insured shipping labels from major carriers, simplifying the fulfillment process. |
| Buyer & Seller Ratings | A mutual rating system builds trust and encourages transparent, positive transactions for both parties. |
Maximizing Your Mercari Success
- Understand the Fee Update: Mercari recently updated its fee policy. While sellers are no longer charged payment processing fees, buyers now pay a service fee. This may influence how buyers perceive your pricing, so keep your total cost competitive.
- List Consistently: The Mercari algorithm favors active sellers. Listing new items regularly can boost the visibility of your entire closet, not just the new additions.
- Utilize Smart Pricing: Turn on the Smart Pricing feature, which automatically lowers your price over time until it hits a floor you set. This keeps your listing competitive without constant manual adjustments.
Website: https://www.mercari.com
3. Amazon Warehouse / Amazon Outlet
Amazon Warehouse and Amazon Outlet are two of Amazon's best-kept secrets for sourcing inventory. These sections offer a gateway for students to engage in retail arbitrage by purchasing discounted items directly from one of the world's largest retailers. The Warehouse sells open-box, renewed, and used goods, while the Outlet is for brand-new overstock merchandise. Both are excellent places to find things to sell to make money, from discounted electronics and home goods to clearance apparel.
The primary appeal is leveraging Amazon's own logistics. You can buy a discounted product, often with Prime shipping, and then resell it on another platform like eBay or Facebook Marketplace. The constant flow of returned and overstocked items creates a consistent sourcing channel for resellers.
Why Amazon Warehouse/Outlet is a Top Choice for Reselling
The main advantage of sourcing from Amazon is the trust and efficiency built into its ecosystem. Unlike sourcing from unknown sellers, Warehouse deals come with clear condition descriptions ("Like New," "Very Good," etc.) and are backed by Amazon's standard return policy. This significantly lowers the risk of acquiring unsellable inventory.
Furthermore, many of these items are fulfilled by Amazon, meaning they ship quickly and reliably. This speed allows resellers to acquire, list, and sell products faster. Students with an Amazon Prime Student membership can particularly benefit from the free, fast shipping, reducing overhead costs. You can find out more about student discounts and perks on Amazon to further maximize your margins.
| Feature Highlights | Description |
|---|---|
| Trusted Condition Grading | Provides clear descriptions of used or open-box item conditions to manage expectations. |
| Standard Amazon Returns | Most items are covered by Amazon's A-to-z Guarantee and 30-day return policy. |
| Prime Eligibility | Many deals are eligible for Prime shipping, enabling fast and free delivery for sourcing. |
Maximizing Your Amazon Sourcing Success
- Understand Condition Notes: For Warehouse deals, read the specific notes on an item's condition. It might say "small scratch on the front," which could be a minor cosmetic flaw that doesn't affect function but allows for a deep discount.
- Act Quickly on Deals: The best discounts, especially on popular electronics or brand-name goods, sell out fast. Regularly check the "Today's Deals" section within the Warehouse and Outlet stores.
- Cross-Reference Prices: Before buying, check the going rate for the same item on other marketplaces (like eBay's sold listings). This ensures there's enough of a price gap to make a profit after fees and shipping.
Website: https://www.amazon.com/warehouse
4. ShopGoodwill
ShopGoodwill is the official online auction platform for Goodwill stores across the United States, essentially serving as a digital treasure chest for savvy resellers. It consolidates unique, donated items from various regional locations into a single marketplace, making it an ideal hunting ground for students looking for undervalued things to sell to make money. The site is particularly rich in vintage apparel, rare books, collectibles, and small electronics that often start with very low bids.
Unlike a typical e-commerce site, every item on ShopGoodwill is part of an auction, which creates opportunities to acquire goods well below their market value. This makes it a prime sourcing destination for those with a keen eye for items that can be flipped on other platforms like eBay or Poshmark for a significant profit.
Why ShopGoodwill is a Top Choice for Reselling
ShopGoodwill’s main advantage is its direct access to a constant stream of one-of-a-kind, donated inventory that you won't find in bulk elsewhere. While major marketplaces are saturated with common products, this platform offers the chance to discover rare and collectible items. Sourcing from a charity-affiliated platform also adds a layer of social good to your business.
The platform's structure, where each listing is managed by a specific regional Goodwill, means policies can vary, but it also creates niche opportunities. New-bidder limits, which cap bids for accounts under 30 days old, can help prevent experienced resellers from being outbid by impulse buyers, creating a more strategic bidding environment.
| Feature Highlights | Description |
|---|---|
| Unique Inventory | Access to a vast, ever-changing selection of donated goods including vintage, collectibles, and electronics. |
| Auction-Only Format | Bidding system allows for the possibility of acquiring items far below their resale value. |
| Regional Store Listings | Items are listed by individual Goodwill locations, each with its own specific policies. |
Maximizing Your ShopGoodwill Success
- Mind the Shipping Costs: Since items ship from different Goodwill locations, shipping and handling fees vary significantly. Always factor these costs into your maximum bid to protect your profit margin. Some locations also offer local pickup.
- Read Descriptions Carefully: Listings are created by various employees and the quality can differ. Pay close attention to the seller’s notes on item condition, as return policies are often strict and vary by store.
- Look for Bundles ("Lots"): Keep an eye out for bulk lots of jewelry, video games, or books. Buying in bundles often provides the best value and a higher potential for finding a hidden gem to resell individually.
Website: https://shopgoodwill.com
5. Liquidation.com
For students ready to scale their reselling hustle from individual items to bulk inventory, Liquidation.com is a major next step. This auction marketplace specializes in customer returns, shelf-pulls, and overstock merchandise sold in lots ranging from small boxes to entire pallets. It provides access to a wide variety of things to sell to make money, including electronics, home goods, apparel, and tools, directly from major retailers. This model is ideal for building a serious inventory for platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace.
The platform operates on an auction-style bidding system, allowing you to acquire a large volume of products at a potentially steep discount. Most listings come with a manifest detailing the items, quantities, and their estimated retail value, which helps in assessing the potential profit before placing a bid.
Why Liquidation.com is a Top Choice for Reselling
Liquidation.com’s key advantage is providing a direct channel to source inventory that would otherwise be inaccessible to small-scale sellers. Instead of hunting for one-off deals at thrift stores, you can acquire dozens or hundreds of items in a single transaction. This efficiency is critical for anyone looking to turn a side hustle into a sustainable business.
The ability to pick up lots directly from their U.S. warehouse locations can significantly reduce freight costs, which are a major expense in liquidation. For students living near a facility, this presents a huge logistical and financial advantage.
| Feature Highlights | Description |
|---|---|
| Detailed Manifests | Most lots include a list of contents, condition, and MSRP to help you calculate potential profits. |
| Varied Lot Sizes | Options range from small boxes to full truckloads, catering to different budgets and storage capacities. |
| Flexible Shipping | Use their negotiated shipping rates or arrange your own freight carrier for potentially lower costs. |
Maximizing Your Liquidation.com Success
- Understand "As-Is" Conditions: Many lots are customer returns and are sold "as-is." Expect a certain percentage of items to be damaged or non-functional. Factor this potential loss into your bidding strategy.
- Calculate Total Costs: Your final price isn't just the winning bid. You must account for the buyer's premium (a percentage-based fee), shipping/freight costs, and any potential repair expenses.
- Start Small: Begin by bidding on smaller, case-packed lots to understand the process and product quality before committing to a high-value pallet. This minimizes risk while you learn the ropes.
Website: https://www.liquidation.com
6. AliExpress
AliExpress connects sellers directly with manufacturers, making it a powerful resource for sourcing low-cost inventory. For students, it's an ideal platform to test product ideas for dropshipping or small-batch reselling without a significant upfront investment. You can find unique things to sell to make money, from niche tech accessories and beauty tools to trendy, unbranded apparel, often with no minimum order quantity.
The platform functions as a massive B2C (Business-to-Consumer) marketplace where you can purchase single items or small quantities at near-wholesale prices. This is perfect for validating a product's marketability before committing to a larger, more expensive order from a site like Alibaba.
Why AliExpress is a Top Choice for Sourcing
AliExpress's key advantage is its incredibly low barrier to entry for e-commerce. You can source products to sell on other platforms like Shopify, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace with minimal financial risk. The Buyer Protection program offers a safety net, allowing you to open a dispute if an item is not as described or doesn't arrive, though resolution quality can vary.
The vast selection allows you to identify and capitalize on emerging trends before they hit mainstream retail. Many listings now offer U.S. warehouse shipping, significantly reducing the long delivery times historically associated with the platform and improving the customer experience for your future buyers.
| Feature Highlights | Description |
|---|---|
| Low Minimum Orders | Most products can be purchased as single units, ideal for testing and dropshipping. |
| Buyer Protection | A system for mediating disputes if products are defective, not as described, or not delivered. |
| U.S. Warehouse Options | Select sellers offer shipping from U.S.-based warehouses for faster delivery. |
Maximizing Your AliExpress Success
- Vet Your Suppliers: Pay close attention to a seller's store rating, number of orders, and customer reviews with photos. Avoid brand-new stores or those with consistently poor feedback.
- Order Samples First: Before listing an item for sale, order a sample for yourself. This allows you to check the quality, take your own photos, and verify that the product matches its description.
- Understand Shipping: Standard shipping can take weeks. If you plan to resell, communicate realistic delivery timelines to your customers or use sellers that offer premium shipping or U.S. fulfillment. To save on your initial test orders, you can look for an AliExpress student discount code.
Website: https://www.aliexpress.com
7. Printful
Printful provides a gateway into e-commerce for creatives by handling all the logistics of a print-on-demand business. This model is perfect for students who want to sell custom-designed apparel, accessories, or homeware without the upfront cost or risk of holding inventory. You can launch a brand for a campus club, create niche meme-based merchandise, or sell your own art on t-shirts, and you only pay for the product after a customer makes a purchase.
As a fulfillment partner, Printful integrates directly with major e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Etsy, or WooCommerce. When an order is placed on your store, it's automatically sent to Printful, which then prints, packs, and ships the item directly to your customer under your brand.
Why Printful is a Top Choice for E-commerce
Printful’s key advantage is its zero-inventory-risk model, which is a game-changer for anyone on a tight budget. You can experiment with hundreds of designs and products without spending a dime until you’ve secured a sale. This makes it one of the most accessible things to sell to make money for aspiring entrepreneurs. Unlike some competitors, its clear base pricing and built-in shipping calculator help you set profitable retail prices from the start.
The platform's global network of fulfillment centers also means faster and cheaper shipping for customers, as orders are routed to the nearest facility. This level of logistical sophistication is rare for a free-to-start service and gives small sellers a competitive edge.
| Feature Highlights | Description |
|---|---|
| No Upfront Costs | Free to sign up and design products. You only pay the base cost after a customer buys. |
| Automated Fulfillment | Integrates with storefronts to automatically process and ship orders. |
| Global Fulfillment | Multiple facilities across the world reduce shipping times and costs. |
Maximizing Your Printful Success
- Order Samples: Always order samples of your products at a discount before listing them. This allows you to check the print quality, material feel, and overall appearance to ensure it meets your standards.
- Price for Profit: Your retail price must cover Printful's base product cost, shipping, any platform fees (like from Etsy or Shopify), and your desired profit margin. Use their profit calculator to find the sweet spot.
- Leverage Mockups: Use Printful’s high-quality mockup generator to create professional-looking product images for your store. This is crucial for attracting buyers without needing your own photography setup. If you are interested in similar platforms that focus on artist-driven designs, you can explore student savings on Redbubble and other creative marketplaces.
Website: https://www.printful.com
Top 7 Selling Platforms Comparison
| Platform | Implementation complexity 🔄 | Resource requirements ⚡ | Expected outcomes & impact ⭐📊 | Ideal use cases 💡 | Key advantages ⭐ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| eBay | 🔄 Medium — auctions + BIN listings; some learning curve | ⚡ Low–Medium — sourcing time, listing fees, shipping | ⭐⭐⭐ — good margins possible; 📊 high buyer demand in niches | Sell/refurbish collectibles, fashion, tech; auction sourcing | Trusted marketplace; strong protections; authentication service |
| Mercari | 🔄 Low — mobile-first, simple listing flow | ⚡ Low — flat 10% fee; predictable costs | ⭐⭐ — steady turnover; 📊 best for casual volumes | Quick apparel, small electronics, casual resellers | Simple fees; fast mobile audience; easy listing |
| Amazon Warehouse / Outlet | 🔄 Medium — browse sections or integrate with FBA | ⚡ Medium — variable fees; Prime speeds when using FBA | ⭐⭐⭐ — consistent sourcing; 📊 fast sell-through when Prime-eligible | Flip open-box/overstock for Amazon resellers; test SKUs | Prime logistics; frequent replenishment; trusted returns |
| ShopGoodwill | 🔄 Low–Medium — regional auctions, variable rules | ⚡ Low — low starting bids but variable shipping/time | ⭐⭐ — high upside on uniques; 📊 uneven volume | Sourcing one-off vintage, collectibles, books | Unique inventory; charity-affiliated auctions; low starting cost |
| Liquidation.com | 🔄 High — lot bidding, manifests, freight coordination | ⚡ High — capital, warehousing, shipping logistics needed | ⭐⭐ — scalable but margin-sensitive; 📊 volume-driven ROI | Bulk sourcing, pallet resale, scaling inventory businesses | Access to large lots; pickup options; wholesale pricing |
| AliExpress | 🔄 Low — direct supplier orders; vetting required | ⚡ Low — very low MOQs; long shipping and import risk | ⭐⭐ — good for testing trends; 📊 slower turnover due to shipping | Product testing, small-batch dropshipping, accessories | Huge SKU variety; minimal MOQ; good for trend tests |
| Printful | 🔄 Low — setup + storefront integrations | ⚡ Low — no inventory; per-order costs; fulfillment delay | ⭐⭐⭐ — predictable, scalable revenue; 📊 lower margins per item | Branded merch, campus/community stores, POD designs | Zero inventory risk; easy integrations; predictable fulfillment |
From Side Hustle to Sustainable Income
You’ve explored a powerful arsenal of platforms and strategies designed to turn everyday items and creative ideas into a reliable source of income. From the vast auction house of eBay to the streamlined simplicity of Mercari, and the wholesale potential of Liquidation.com, the opportunities to sell and profit are more accessible than ever. We've seen how tools like Printful can transform your creativity into a hands-off business and how platforms like ShopGoodwill and Amazon Warehouse offer unique avenues for finding undervalued goods to flip. The key takeaway is that you don't need a massive upfront investment or a revolutionary product to start making money.
The most successful sellers are those who find a niche that aligns with their interests and resources. This journey showed you a diverse list of things to sell to make money, from flipping liquidated electronics to designing custom t-shirts. Your next step is to choose the path that resonates most with you and your current situation.
Choosing Your Platform and Getting Started
Making the right choice depends on what you plan to sell and how much time you can commit. To put this article into action, consider these final points:
- For Quick Flips and Decluttering: Platforms like Mercari are ideal. Their simple listing process and straightforward shipping options make it easy to sell clothes, electronics, and household items you no longer need.
- For Niche Items and Collectibles: eBay remains the undisputed king. Its massive audience and auction-style format are perfect for unique finds, vintage goods, and collectibles that attract dedicated buyers.
- For Bulk Sourcing: If you're ready to scale up and treat this as a serious business, Liquidation.com is your gateway to wholesale pallets and customer returns, offering high potential profit margins.
- For Creative Entrepreneurs: Don't have physical inventory? Use Printful to launch a print-on-demand store with zero upfront cost. Focus on great designs and marketing, and let them handle the rest.
As you begin, remember to start small. Test one or two platforms, list a few items, and learn the process. Pay close attention to taking high-quality photos, writing clear and honest descriptions, and providing excellent customer service. These small details are what build a trustworthy reputation and encourage repeat business, transforming a simple side hustle into a sustainable income stream.
For those looking to expand beyond selling specific items and cultivate a broader range of earning opportunities, exploring various side hustles can be beneficial. Dive into these 10 Profitable Side Hustle Ideas from Home for even more inspiration on building your financial independence.
Maximizing your profits from selling also means saving money on your everyday expenses. Join Student Wow Deals to access exclusive discounts on everything from tech and fashion to food and textbooks, freeing up more cash to reinvest in your selling ventures. Check out the latest offers on Student Wow Deals and make your money work harder for you.
