School isn’t just about books and homework—it’s a goldmine for making some extra cash! Whether you’re saving up for the latest gadget, a fun trip, or just want to show off your business skills, selling the right stuff can bring in serious dough.
Let’s dive into these 7 best things to sell in school ideas and why they’re total money-makers! 💰
1. Your Time
What Can You Offer?
- Proofreading essays
- Editing videos for class projects or social media
- Tutoring in subjects like math, science, or even art
Why It Works
Everyone’s busy, and not all students are good at everything. You can step in and save the day! Charge a small fee for your help, and you’ll be stacking cash in no time.
Bonus: you’re building skills you can use later in life too!
How to Promote It
- Drop a message in your class group chat: “Need your essay proofread? I’ll make it A+ ready for just $5!”
- Start by helping a few friends for free—they’ll brag about your skills and bring you more business!
2. Phone Cases and Accessories
What to Sell
- Cool phone cases
- Pop sockets
- Earbuds and cable organizers
Why It Works
Everyone loves personalizing their phones, and trendy accessories are a hit. So, if you’re wondering about what kind of things to sell in school, phone cases are an absolute no-brainer my friend!
You can even buy cases in bulk online and sell them for double or triple the price.
Tips for Success:
- Keep your stock fresh with seasonal designs (think holiday themes or trending memes).
- Offer to customize cases with stickers or paint for an extra fee. Boom, instant business genius!
3. Stationery Items
What to Stock
- Cute pens and pencils
- Highlighters in funky colors
- Notebooks with cool covers
Why It Works
School supplies run out fast, and students always want something fun to use. A colorful pen is way more exciting than the boring ones from home.
Pro Tip:
Bundle items together (e.g., a “study pack” with pens, sticky notes, and a small notebook) and charge a little more for the convenience.
4. Fidget Spinners and Stress Balls
Other Stress Relief Gadgets to Sell:
- Finger Fidget Rings
- Aromatherapy Bracelets
- Magnetic Balls or Beads
- Stress Putty or Slime
Why They’re Popular
School can be stressful, and these items are perfect for keeping hands busy and minds focused. Plus, they’re small, cheap to buy in bulk, and super easy to carry around.
How to Sell
- Show off their “cool factor” during recess or study breaks.
- Offer a mini demo: “Try it out before you buy!”
5. Fun Gadgets
What to Sell
- Pop-Its
- Mini Rubik’s Cubes
- Keychain gadgets (mini flashlights, fidget cubes)
- Slap bracelets
- Sticky hand toys
- Mini Phone fans
Why It Works
Let’s face it—school can get boring, and stress levels run high, especially during exams. These gadgets offer students a quick escape while also helping them stay calm and focused.
Plus, they’re fun, trendy, and easy to carry around! They’re perfect things to sell at school for gadget-loving classmates.
How to Maximize Your Sales
- Stock up on different colors, shapes, and designs to fit everyone’s style.
- Offer deals like “Buy 2, Get 1 Free” to keep sales rolling.
- Tell people they’re great for both fun and staying focused.
- Show how they work during lunch/breaks – nothing beats a live demo to get kids hyped!
Be the go-to for stress relief and fun, and your classmates will keep coming back for more.
6. Snacks: The Goldmine of School Sales
What to Sell
- Chips
- Energy drinks and soft drinks (filling the gap left by banned vending machines!)
- Protein bars
- Cup noodles and jerky
Why Snacks Rule
Everyone loves snacks, and let’s face it—cafeteria food just doesn’t cut it. That’s where your snack shop comes in! Buy in bulk, sell for more, and watch the cash roll in. Seriously, some students make up to $2K a month just selling snacks and drinks! It’s seriously not that hard to achieve.
Of course, location matters. If there’s a 7-Eleven nearby, competition might be tough. But if your schools in a small town or students can’t leave during the day, you’re golden.
Plan it out, and if the setup’s right, you could be swimming in profits – and maybe a bit of Dorito crumbs too.
Pro Tips:
- Sell during prime snack times, like lunch breaks or right after school.
- Switch up your stock often and keep it fresh so your “customers” always find something new to grab!
- Candy bars and gummy snacks are classic things to sell at school because everyone loves a sweet pick-me-up.
7. Toiletries
What to Sell
- Deodorant
- Lip balm
- Body spray
- Gum, scrunchies, nail files, and even tampons
Why It Works
Imagine forgetting deodorant on gym day or needing a quick lip balm fix. That’s where you swoop in, the hero of hygiene.
These items are cheap to buy in packs and can be sold individually for a tidy profit.
Pro Tips:
- Set up an “emergency kit” with multiple items.
- Let people know you’ve got their back for last-minute needs.
8. Phone Charging Equipment
What to Sell
- Charging cables
- Portable chargers
- Wall plugs
Why It Works
Phones die. All. The. Time.
Students need their phones for everything from classwork to texting. Be the person who keeps everyone connected.
How to Maximize Your Sales
- Offer quick “charging rentals” for a fee during class or lunch.
- Keep your prices fair but profitable—everyone loves a deal!
How to Market Things to Sell in School
📢 Word of Mouth: The OG Marketing Tool
Let’s be real—nothing beats the power of good gossip. Tell your friends what you’re selling and let them do the talking. The more people know about your products, the faster your business will grow.
Bonus points if your friends hype you up like, “You have to try their snacks – they’re the best!”
If you’re not on Instagram, TikTok, or even Snapchat, what are you doing? Snap a quick pic or shoot a short video showing off your products.
Add a catchy caption. For example: “Snack time just got better! DM to order 🍫✨.”
Use fun hashtags to get noticed. Such as: #SchoolSnacks or #StudentSideHustle
Your classmates will be sliding into your DMs in no time.
🎁 Loyalty Program: Reward the Regulars
People love freebies—it’s a fact. Start a simple loyalty program: after every 5 purchases, give your customers something small for free, like a candy bar or discount on their next buy.
They’ll keep coming back, and you’ll lock in loyal customers faster than you can say “cha-ching!”
💡 Bonus Marketing Tips
- Flyers and Posters: Create cool, colorful flyers to hang around school.
- Pop-Up Sales: Surprise everyone with a “limited-time sale” during lunch.
- Referral Discounts: Offer a small discount to customers who bring in their friends.
Marketing is all about getting noticed and building trust. Mix and match these strategies to find what works best for you—and watch your sales soar! 🚀
7 Need-to-Know FAQ about Selling at School
1. What sells best at school fairs?
Fun but usable gadgets like fidget spinners and stress balls. Snacks like popcorn, cotton candy, and mini donuts also sell like crazy. If it’s fun or tasty, it’ll go fast!
2. What are the best products to sell as a student?
Snacks! Chips, candy, and energy drinks are a super easy sell! This makes them one of the best things to sell at school hands down. If you want something different, try cute stationery or trendy phone accessories. Pick what you know people want – that’s the secret.
3. What do students buy the most?
Snacks and drinks rule the school! Students also love fun stuff like fidget toys, lip balms, and trendy keychains. Keep an eye on what’s hot at your school.
4. What sells best at school bake sales?
Cookies, brownies, and cupcakes are bake sale classics. Unique treats like cake pops or chocolate-covered pretzels also do great. Bonus: offer gluten-free or vegan options to sell even more!
5. What is the best business to start in school?
A snack-selling business is super easy and profitable. You could also offer services like tutoring or proofreading. Another cool idea? Create “care kits” for exams or rainy days with snacks and useful items.
6. What are the easiest things to sell?
Candy, chips, gum, and small toys like stress balls are super easy to sell. They’re cheap to buy, easy to carry, and everyone wants them.
7. What products are most in demand in your school?
Snacks, for sure! Drinks, phone chargers, and cool accessories like stickers or scrunchies are also popular. During exams, study supplies like flashcards and highlighters are a win.
Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Sell in School
Selling at school isn’t just about trying to earn some extra cash – it’s an exciting adventure that builds real-life business skills and earns you major street cred.
Whether it’s trendy gadgets, tasty snacks, or the coolest things to sell in school, the possibilities are endless. Start small, stay consistent, and soon you’ll be the school’s business mogul, with classmates lining up to snag your latest offerings.
Start small with items like snacks or phone accessories and see how easy it is for side hustles to make money for teens to take off and grow. But seriously though, don’t sleep on #5—it could be your ticket to making some serious bank! 💥