What Can I Sell From Home? Practical Ideas to Get Started

Getting started from home

Selling from home is more accessible than you might think. You can turn handmade skills, digital goods, or services into a side hustle or full-time business. Before you start, check local rules for home-based businesses, food safety if you plan to sell edibles, and any permits you may need. Start with a small catalog, set clear pricing, and photograph items well to attract buyers.

Physical goods you can make or resell

Handmade crafts and products

If you enjoy crafting, you can make items like jewelry, candles, soaps, knitwear, artwork, or custom accessories. Focus on quality, unique design, and reasonable production times. Start with a handful of items, test the market, and price to cover materials and your time.

Reselling thrifted items

Shop thrift stores, garage sales, or clearance racks. Clean, repair, and present items well, then resell online at a margin. This works for clothing, home goods, and small collectibles.

Vintage and collectibles

Antique or vintage pieces and collectibles can be profitable if you know the market and keep items in good condition.

Digital products you can sell

Printables, templates, and digital art

Create planners, calendars, worksheets, wedding invitations, or printable wall art. Digital items require no physical shipping and can scale with demand.

Stock photography and audio

If you shoot photos or record audio, you can sell stock photos, sound effects, or music tracks on stock sites.

Online courses and templates

Share knowledge through short courses, tutorials, or editable templates for common tools like spreadsheets, design software, or business planning.

Services you can offer from home

Virtual assistance and admin support

Offer email management, scheduling, data entry, or basic bookkeeping from a home office.

Freelance writing, design, and editing

Provide content writing, editing, graphic design, or proofreading for clients remotely.

Tutoring and coaching

Offer online tutoring or coaching in areas you know well, such as languages, math, or test prep.

Tech support and setup services

Help people with website setup, device troubleshooting, or software onboarding from your desk.

Practical tips to get started

• Pick a clear niche and test demand before expanding.
• Price items to cover materials, time, and platform fees.
• Create a simple brand, high-quality photos, and clear product descriptions.
• Start on a single platform and gradually expand to others.
• Keep communications prompt and set clear shipping, return, and policy guidelines.

Where to sell and price

Consider marketplaces that fit your products (for handmade goods, digital items, or services) and compare fees. Start with a few key platforms to build momentum.