How to Make Money Selling Things Online
Selling things you no longer need, or reselling finds, is one of the easiest ways to make extra money. Here's what sells, where to sell it, how to price and photograph items, ship safely, avoid scams, and handle taxes.
By Pond.com editors Updated 3 min read
Quick answer
- Start with things you already own, like clothes, electronics, furniture, tools and toys.
- Choose a marketplace that suits the item, such as local listings for furniture and national sites for small, valuable items.
- Use clear photos in daylight, an honest description, and prices based on recently sold listings.
- Watch for scams, use the platform's payment system and meet locals in public places.
- Selling personal items for less than you paid usually isn't taxable, but profits from reselling are.
Most homes have hundreds of dollars' worth of things nobody uses. Selling them clears space and puts cash in your pocket, and some people turn it into a steady side hustle by reselling thrift and yard sale finds.
This article is general information, not financial advice.
What to sell
- Clothing and shoes, especially popular brands in good condition
- Electronics: phones, game consoles, cameras, laptops
- Furniture and home decor
- Tools and outdoor gear, bikes, camping equipment
- Kids' items: strollers, car seats (check safety rules), toys and clothes
- Collectibles, vintage items, books and records
Where to sell
| Type of marketplace | Best for |
|---|---|
| Local listings and community groups | Furniture, large or heavy items, quick cash sales |
| National auction and fixed-price sites | Electronics, collectibles, small valuable items |
| Clothing resale apps | Fashion, shoes, accessories |
| Specialty sites | Books, music, crafts, sports gear |
Compare fees, which often run from free for local sales to a significant percentage on national platforms.
How to price
Search for sold listings of the same item, not just asking prices. Price competitively, leave a little room to negotiate, and drop the price if it doesn't sell in a week or two.
Listings that sell
- Clear photos in daylight against a plain background, from several angles, showing any flaws
- A specific title with brand, model, size and condition
- An honest description with measurements and details
- Quick replies to questions
Shipping
- Weigh and measure before listing so shipping prices are accurate.
- Use the platform's shipping labels, which are often discounted and include tracking.
- Pack well with padding, and reuse boxes.
- Ship promptly to earn good reviews.
Stay safe
- Keep payment on the platform or use cash for local sales.
- Don't accept overpayments, checks or requests to pay "shipping agents."
- Never share verification codes sent to your phone.
- Meet in public, ideally at a police station's safe exchange zone, and bring someone with you.
Taxes
- Personal items sold at a loss: usually no tax, but keep records of what you paid.
- Profits and reselling: taxable income. Track what you paid and your costs.
- Form 1099-K: marketplaces and payment apps report sales above a threshold, currently $20,000 and 200 transactions a year. You must report taxable income even without a form.
See side hustle taxes.
Common questions
Brand-name clothing and shoes, electronics, furniture, tools, outdoor gear, kids' items, collectibles and books in good condition often sell well. Check sold listings to see what similar items actually sell for.
If you sell personal items for less than you paid, there's usually no taxable gain. If you sell for a profit, or buy items to resell, the profit is taxable income. Marketplaces may send a Form 1099-K once your sales pass a reporting threshold.
Keep communication and payment on the platform, don't accept overpayments or checks, don't ship before payment clears, and never share verification codes. For local sales, meet in a public place, ideally a police station's safe exchange zone.