From food and drinks to apparel and tech gadgets, the range of items that can be sold every day is almost endless. In times of economic uncertainty or boom, people are eager to buy goods and services from small businesses, entrepreneurs, and side hustles.
This article will explore a variety of things that can be sold each and every day, no matter the condition of the economy.
Antiques and Collectibles
There is money to be made in the buying, storing, and and reselling of antiques and collectibles. For those who are knowledgeable in the area of antiques and collectibles, their unique item stock can be quite profitable.
For example, vintage clothes, coins, stamps, rare books, and household items can all be sold in online auctions. In addition, popular vintage sports memorabilia can have a high resale value, although there will be some competition here. For those who are new to the world of antiques and collectibles, one way to start is by sourcing items from local yardsales, antique stores, and flea markets.
Once purchased, you can research the item on sites such as eBay and Etsy to see what similar items have sold for. Many collectors will also suggest joining course or bookreads to build knowledge and expertise.
Finally, joining forums and social media groups of like-minded collectors is a great way to build a network of contacts and gain tips and advice on the best selling items.
Food and Beverages
The food and beverage industry has been around for centuries and is one of the few industries that continues to be going strong, even during tough economic times. In 2021, the home food delivery industry is booming – and it offers tremendous opportunities for entrepreneurs. For those eager to launch a food production business, there are opportunities in home-prepared meals, meal kits, and specialty food products, such as spices, condiments, and artisan breads.
Individuals or groups who have access to a kitchen or food prep area may consider launching a meal delivery business. This business involves sourcing ingredients, creating menu items, and packaging and delivering food items to customers.
Additionally, many cities and states allow for the sale of pre-made food items at local farmer’s markets. Lastly, entrepreneurs can also explore emerging beverage trends by offering ready-made kombucha, craft beers and ales, flavored waters, and other specialty drink products.
In order to market these items, entrepreneurs can look to food festivals and trade shows, online stores, and delivery services to get the word out.
Health and Beauty Products
The health and beauty products industry is an ever-growing sector, with people of all demographics increasingly investing in natural and organic cosmetics, skin care products, and beauty enhancements. For those launching a beauty business, there are many opportunities to sell products in brick and mortar stores, home parties, and online. To achieve success in this area, entrepreneurs should develop relationships with potential clients and decide which types of products would best suits their target market.
Self-care related items such as organic soaps, lotions, and body oils are all popular items on the market. Additionally, natural products are highly sought after, as more consumers are beginning to pay close attention to the ingredients that beauty products contain.
It can be helpful to research the latest trends in natural beauty items and find which ingredients are the most popular among customers.
Clothing, Accessories, and Jewelry
In the fashion industry, traditional apparel stores actually saw an increase in sales during the pandemic as people treated themselves to flights of fancy in the comfort of their home. Other options include selling vintage apparel, locally-made items, sustainable fabrics, eco-friendly items, and designer items.
Entrepreneurs may consider setting up an online store, opening a physical shop, or selling items on consignment. Business owners can also open a modern menswear line, offer made-to-measure items, or rent formalwear. In addition to clothing items, many entrepreneurs choose to sell accessories like jewelry and sunglasses.
To do this, you may want to start by attending trade shows, local flea markets, and networking events. Additionally, it may be beneficial to reach out to clothing stores and boutiques to offer items on consignment or as part of a partnership.
Online stores such as Etsy offer additional exposure to potential customers.
Gift Items and Home Decor
The demand for gift items, home decor, and personalized items remains high, as many people are now regularly giving gifts for special occasions such as birthdays, holidays, and weddings. Gift items and home decor entrepreneurs can offer decorations, holiday items, wall art, personalized items such as mugs and t-shirts, and other novelties.
Starting a home decor business is relatively easy and relatively inexpensive. A great way to start gaining exposure is to attend craft fairs and home shows. Additionally, many entrepreneurs choose to open an online store that specializes in gift items and home decor.
It’s best to focus on a particular niche when opening an online store, as this allows an entrepreneur to develop a unique brand identity and gain a following of loyal customers.
Tech Products
One industry that continues to thrive during hard times is technology. From games and programming to mobile phones and computers, tech entrepreneurs can find great success in the digital world.
Those interested in launching a tech product business may want to consider building websites with templates, offering niche services, designing apps, creating products for sale in the App Store, or crafting coding tutorials for beginners. Additionally, entrepreneurs can look to investing in domains, virtual private servers, and web hosting services to ultimately start a profitable hosting and web design business. Furthermore, tech entrepreneurs can also look to selling helpful products or accessories such as phone cases and keyboards, as well as tech related apparel.
Sports and Fitness Services
With an increasing number of people focusing on their physical health and wellness, the market for fitness related products and services is also expanding. For entrepreneurs looking to tap into this area, consider offering specialized services such as one-on-one personal training, small group classes, health coaching, and nutritional consultations. For those who are well-versed in physical activities, there are opportunities in running camps and bootcamps, as well as special programs for sports teams, athletes, and older adults.
In addition, it can be quite lucrative to become a reseller of sports products, such as branded apparel, biking accessories, golf carts, and camping gear. Sports retailers should consider selling products online, participating in trade shows and exhibitions, or hosting sporting events.
Arts and Entertainment
From professional photography to stand up comedy to music composition, the arts and entertainment industry has a wide range of opportunities for entrepreneurs. For starters, entrepreneurs can offer online classes and services such as photography instruction, acting lessons, magic lessons, and music lessons. For those with a specific interest, they could explore the idea of operating a studio or school where students can pursue their passions.
In the world of entertainment, there are opportunities in the form of launch parties, movie premieres, nightlife events, and celebrity book signings. Additionally, those with a knack for creative design can find success in organized crafts and art classes.
Virtual Services and Products
In 2021, there is great potential to find success in the offering of virtual services and products. Examples include consulting, web design and hosting services, social media services, website design, and graphic design. Additionally, virtual assistances and digital marketing services are in high demand.
To launch a virtual services business, entrepreneurs should focus on those skills that they have some experience in. By researching the online needs of businesses and leveraging the free resources available, entrepreneurs can develop products that address the challenges they’ve identified.
These products can include ebooks and online courses, membership sites, and webinars.
Conclusion
No matter where you are in your entrepreneurial journey, there are countless products and services that can be sold every day. Before jumping in, it’s important to research the market and competition, gain experience in the chosen field, develop relationships with potential customers, and refine your product or service offering. With hard work, dedication, and some luck, the opportunities to earn a living through selling items and services are endless.