Having good things to sell at school can be a great way to earn extra money.
If you’re a student, it’s also a good way to develop your entrepreneurial skills.
But with so many options, it can be tough to decide what to sell at school to make money.
Aside from finding out what the students need and like, you also have to think about what things to sell at school that would be profitable for you but affordable for them.
Luckily, I can save you some time because, in this article, I’ve come up with 37 good things to sell at school to make money.
Whether you’re selling things at a school charity event or setting up a small business, read on to find out some ways to make money at school and ideas for things to sell at school.
37 Good Things To Sell At School
1. Sandwiches
2. Fruits
3. Trail mix
4. Baked Goods
5. Candy
6. Ice Cream
7. Jellies
8. Cup Noodles
9. Chips
10. Juice boxes
11. Energy drinks
12. Coffee
13. Soda
14. Smoothies
15. Milkshakes
16. School supplies
17. Books
18. Printables
19. Stickers
20. Photo Printing
21. Toys & Gadgets
22. Video Games
23. Tech Accessories
24. Jewellery
25. Handmade craft
26. Printed T-shirts/ Hoodies
27. Sneakers
28. Preloved clothing
29. Water bottles
30. Sanitary Pads/ Tampons
31. Tutoring
32. Study Notes
33. Homework Service
34. Test Prep
35. Proofreading service
36. Shoe Cleaning
37. Phone charging service
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Why Is Selling In School A Good Idea?
Schools are a great place to set up a business to sell things. There’s usually little competition, but the big student body creates a lot of demand.
Whether you’re looking for things to sell at a school fair, things to sell at college, or setting up a proper business on school grounds, selling things that are popular with students can be an easy way to make money.
Things To Consider Before Selling
In addition to finding the best things to sell at school, take some time to think about these questions.
Type Of School
- Are you selling at an elementary school, high school, or college?
- Is it a public or private school?
- How many students attend the school?
The answer to these questions will give you ideas to sell at school because they determine what students need, what they like, and what things you can sell at school that will sell fast.
Cost
- How much does it take to set up a stall in the school?
- How much will it cost you to buy the things and/or make them?
After deciding your target audience, list the things that are high in demand but low in cost. These will be the best stuff to sell at school.
Schedule/Time
- What are the school hours like?
- When do the students come out for recess, home time, etc.?
You’ll most likely have customers only when school is in session, so it will be helpful to find out the dates of holidays as well.
Interest
Take some time to survey what students are interested in nowadays. The most popular items vary between schools and locations and will determine the good products to sell at school.
37 Good Things To Sell At School
Here is a list of the things you can sell at school.
1. Sandwiches
Sandwiches are a quick and healthy meal that busy students can grab and go with them. This makes it an easy food to sell at school.
To make your sandwich stand out from the existing school cafeteria offer, pair them with a drink or some chips and put them in a cute wrapper.
2. Fruits
Fruits are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
They’re a better alternative to candy when you’re craving something sweet because they’re lower in calories. All this makes it a good snack to sell at school.
3. Trail mix
Another healthy snack to sell at school is a trail mix, where you combine nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and sometimes granola.
To lower costs, you can purchase each item in bulk and come up with unique combinations. Pack them in resealable bags so they are convenient to grab and go.
4. Baked Goods
If you like to bake and have a couple of good recipes up your sleeve, why not diy things to sell at school?
Home-baked goodies like muffins and cookies are always a delight to have as a snack.
Just remember to prepare something that will hold its shape and does not require refrigeration.
5. Candy
Candy is easily some of the best sweets to sell at school and the one with the biggest variety. The good sweets to sell at school are the ones most in demand.
Keep in mind that some of these might melt over the day, especially chocolate. So you will have to know how to sell candy at school fast.
6. Ice Cream
Ice cream is another easy thing to sell at school, especially during the hot summer months. Children and adults love it, and the flavor options are practically endless.
The only drawback is that you need to keep the ice cream chilled while in storage, so an electricity supply is a must.
7. Jellies
What to sell at school during the hot summer months? Fruit jellies!
You can buy them ready-made in bulk or make a big batch at home with some gelatin. One is never enough, so sell them in packs to increase sales.
8. Cup Noodles
Cup noodles are convenient and quick for hungry students who don’t have much time to spare. They’re not very healthy, but they sure are tasty.
Prepare some hot water and offer additional toppings like eggs, dried seaweed, and cheese to make it more appealing.
9. Chips
Chips are an all-time favorite snack for students and come in a range of shapes and flavors.
Small bags are easier to sell than bigger bags as they’re cheaper and faster to eat.
10. Juice boxes
Students looking for a healthier alternative to sodas will find a sweet juice box hard to resist. It’s lightweight and easy to stuff into a bag for later. Store them in a chiller to make them nice and cold for your customers.
11. Energy drinks
High school and college students who are in need of an energy boost after a session of late-night studying will look forward to this sugary, caffeinated drink as it’s proven to reduce mental fatigue and improve certain brain functions.
12. Coffee
Coffee is also targeted toward college students who need that boost of caffeine, with all the time spent on exams and partying into the wee hours of the night.
If you can’t afford to set up a coffee machine to brew fresh coffee, offer to do a coffee run in the mornings and afternoons instead. This way, the students would also have to pay you a delivery fee.
13. Soda
Another popular thing to sell at school is canned soda. Most students find the sweet, carbonated drink irresistible, especially on a hot day.
The good thing about canned soda is that they have a long shelf life, so if you can’t sell them off in a day, you can still keep them for weeks.
14. Smoothies
There’s an endless variation of smoothies that you can come up with since it consists mostly of fruits, so get creative!
Keep in mind that you’ll need a fridge to store all the fruits and a high-powered blender to whip up a smoothie quickly for your customers.
15. Milkshakes
Milkshakes are a slightly more indulgent alternative to smoothies. The traditional version uses milk and ice cream, but for a less sweet option, you can substitute the ice cream for ice cubes, frozen fruit, avocado, or yogurt.
Similar to smoothies, the equipment you will need on hand is a freezer and a high-powered blender to store the ingredients.
16. School supplies
With so many students relying on technology these days, many of them tend to forget to bring the necessary supplies to school, like:
- Pens
- Pencils
- Erasers
- Paper
- Highlighter
- Staplers & staples
- Files & folders
- Notebooks
- Calculator
- Art material
School supplies are cheap things to sell at school and will always be in demand.
17. Books
A lot of students love to read. But don’t just sell new books as they can be expensive for some students.
Ask to purchase used textbooks and novels from the older students in school and sell them at a profit to other students.
18. Printables
If graphic design is something you’re good at, then why not create some printables to sell to students?
They are cheap things to make and sell at school because they cost nothing except your time and effort. Once you have it, you can sell endless copies of it!
Here are some printables that students will love:
- Weekly & monthly planners
- Calendars
- Study & revision planners
- Budget tracker
- Coloring pages
19. Stickers
If you are already creating printables, design cute things to sell at school, like stickers.
You can sell your stickers individually or in packs. Find out what designs are popular with the students and expand on those. Have an assortment of cute, funny, and trendy designs, as well as cool catchphrases.
20. Photo Printing
Nowadays, a lot of students like taking selfies and group photos. But it’s still inconvenient for them to print photos, so most don’t do it.
Make it a fun thing to sell at school by offering students a chance to remember their best school memories with friends.
21. Toys & Gadgets
Small toys and gadgets are still a favorite among younger children and students.
Things like fidget toys, stress balls, squishy toys, slime, and Rubik’s cubes are very popular, making them good things to sell as a kid to make money.
22. Video Games
How to make money in middle school? Some students may not be able to afford the latest games and consoles. This makes video games good stuff to sell at school.
Students would be happy to pay for lightly used gaming consoles from PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo and the video games for them.
23. Tech Accessories
This can be a cool thing to sell at school as you can cash in on the growing love for technology.
You can sell:
- Headphones
- Earbuds
- Mouse
- Keyboard
- Cables & chargers
24. Jewelry
For those into fashion, offer a selection of accessories to pair with their outfits. If you are into crafting, designing your own jewelry can be a unique thing to sell at school.
25. Handmade craft
Finding things to sell at school DIY is a good idea, as students love to stand out and showcase their individuality.
Some crafts to make and sell at school are:
- Candles
- Soaps
- Bath bombs
- Bags
- Wall art
If you need more ideas, I have a list of 48 craft hobbies that can make you money.
26. Printed T-shirts/ Hoodies
Customized clothing is a cool thing to make and sell at school as they help make a statement. Provide templates of the most sought-after designs, patterns, and quotes for students to mix and match.
Roll out the T-shirts for summer and hoodies for winter. Printing them out doesn’t cost much; you can do it online or at a local shop nearby.
27. Sneakers
Sneakers are a must-have in every student’s wardrobe. Survey the students in your area to see what designs are in demand.
You can start with a smaller selection, then expand on it as you gather more feedback from your customers.
28. Preloved clothing
Most students in school don’t have the budget for the latest designer wear, so offer them preloved ones at a discounted price.
Many fashionistas who follow trends change their wardrobe every season and will gladly unload their clothes for you.
29. Water bottles
Water bottles are a healthier and safer way for students to stay hydrated. Whether it’s a lightweight plastic one or an insulated one to store cold drinks, students will be thrilled to choose from a variety of designs, colors, and sizes.
30. Sanitary Pads/ Tampons
These are small things to sell at school but essential for girls as they all have their monthly periods. You can be a lifesaver on the days when they forgot to bring one or ran out. Keep in mind that some girls will be sensitive about it, so be discreet.
31. Tutoring
Were you a good student in one subject or in general? Hone your teaching skills and help those who are struggling in school.
You can advertise your services on the school notice board or social media. The school’s library is a great place for tutoring, or you can visit their home.
32. Study Notes
If you are good at taking notes, put your skills to good use by selling class notes, flashcards, mind maps, and some extra reading material. They will sell like hotcakes at high schools and colleges.
33. Homework Service
This is another option for you if you are a good student. Writing essays or solving math problems are some stuff to sell at school that will always have demand.
34. Test Prep
If you scored well in standardized tests, why not write down a list of tips and tricks and teach them to students? Many will gladly pay for your valuable skill and experience.
35. Proofreading service
Are you a grammar nazi? Do you love reading through other people’s writing and correcting all the mistakes you see?
Then this is the perfect job for you. Offer to proofread and edit students’ essays, papers and theses for a fee and earn as much as your time will allow you.
You can even do it online from the comfort of your home.
36. Shoe Cleaning
Everyone loves a pair of clean sneakers. You can charge a few dollars to clean a basic pair of sneakers. Don’t be afraid to charge more for additional services like a deep clean or removing scratches.
37. Phone charging service
Many students desperate to charge their phone batteries won’t mind paying for the convenience. All you need is a large power bank with a fast charge feature and several charging slots.
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Things You Shouldn’t Sell At School
Schools should be safe places for learning, and selling the following harmful and inappropriate things should be avoided:
- Illegal drugs
- Tobacco products
- Alcoholic beverages
- Weapons or other dangerous items
- Pornographic or obscene material
- Cheating materials (such as test answers or plagiarized papers)
- Any item that promotes hate or violence
How To Sell Things At School
1. Determine what you want to sell: Survey students and teachers to find out what is popular and in demand. Then come up with a simple list of products to sell. You can always expand and include more items later.
2. Get permission: Get approval from the school before selling. This might involve filling in some forms or submitting a proposal telling them about your plans.
3. Price your items: Determine how much you’re going to charge for each item you’re selling. Take all your material and overhead costs into account, but ensure it’s still affordable for the students.
4. Promote your sales: When you’ve completed the steps above, it’s time to learn how to market to schools. Create flyers on the school notice boards or social media to get the word out.
5. Set up your shop/ booth: If you have a designated location to set up a shop, spend some time arranging your items and making them look welcoming to students. If you are selling at the fair instead, reserve a good spot in advance.
6. Set up your payment system: Decide how you will accept payment for your items. You may want to accept cash, digital wallets, or even credit cards (if you have a way to process them).
7. Start selling: Once everything is set up, it’s time to start selling! Be friendly and helpful to customers so that they’ll keep coming back.
FAQs On Good Things To Sell At School
What Is The Easiest Thing To Sell?
The easiest things to sell are:
1. Soap
2. Bath bombs
3. Candles
4. Jewelry
5. Candy
6. Natural cosmetics
7. Essential oil blends
8. Curated gift boxes
9. Personalized gifts
10. T-shirts
11. Tote bags
12. Digital prints
13. Art prints
14. Magnets
15. Keychains
16. Resin art
17. Stickers
18. Enamel pins
19. Pet accessories
20. Pet treats
21. Baked goods
22. Stock photos
23. Coasters
24. Holiday decorations
25. Online courses
What Can I Sell To Make Money Fast?
What can you sell to make money fast? Here are some valuable things that you can sell off after Marie Kondo-ing your home to earn a little bit of money:
- Clothes
- Your wedding dress
- Baby items
- Jewelry
- Watches
- Toys & action figures
- Collectibles
- Furniture
- Books
- Electronics & appliances
List them on websites like eBay, Amazon, and Craigslist.
What Are Some Cool Things To Sell?
Some cool things to sell include:
1. Jewelry
2. Personalized gifts
3. Subscription boxes
4. Digital prints
5. Wall art
6. Phone cases
7. Enamel pins
8. T-shirts
9. Tote bags
10. Stickers
11. Perfume
12. Candles
13. Planters
14. Holiday decorations
15. Wedding decorations
16. Slime
17. Stuffed toys
18. Music
19. Photos
20. Greeting cards
21. Pottery
How Can I Make Money From School?
You can make money from school if you “mortgage” your future earnings to get money now, in an arrangement called an income share agreement (ISA). If you are motivated, work part-time jobs like tutoring and running errands. You can even start small businesses selling in-demand stuff to other students, like food and drinks.
I hope this list of good things to sell at school has inspired you to set up shop and start making money.
Some of the items mentioned above are easy to come by, while others need resourcing. Whatever they may be, it is always good to start with a few, become aware of their demand, and then expand your inventory.
But remember to always stay ethical and transparent when dealing with school-related items. Moreover, make sure that the environment is safe for kids.
If you have more great ideas about things that you think are worth selling at school, feel free to share them in the comments below!
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