21 Things To Sell To Make Money As A Teenager (That Actually Work)

Look, I get it. You’re a teenager. You want money.

But you’re probably sick of hearing the same tired old advice: “Get a part-time job!” “Mow lawns!” “Babysit!”

Those are fine, but they’re not exactly exciting, are they? And let’s be honest, they don’t always pay that well.

So, what if I told you there were way more interesting and lucrative ways to make money as a teenager? Ways that could actually spark your entrepreneurial spirit and set you up for success later in life?

That’s what this article is all about. I’m going to give you 21 unique and proven ideas to make money as a teenager.

1. Flip Sneakers

21 Things to Sell to Make Money as a Teenager (That Actually Work)

Love shoes? Turn that passion into profit. Sneaker flipping is hot. Limited-edition releases and rare finds can sell for insane markups.

Here’s the play:

Know your kicks: Research popular brands, styles, and release dates.
Hunt for deals: Check online marketplaces, consignment stores, and even your own closet.
Build your brand: Create a presence on social media or sneaker forums to showcase your inventory.
Price it right: Research recent sales to gauge market value.
Authenticity is key: Only sell authentic shoes. Scammers get squashed fast in this game.

Top Tools:

StockX: A popular platform for buying and selling sneakers.
GOAT: Another reputable marketplace for authentic sneakers.
eBay: A classic option with a wide audience.

2. Become a Social Media Guru

You practically live on social media anyway, right? Why not get paid for it?

Businesses are desperate for help with their social media. They need engaging content, they need to grow their followers, and they need someone who understands the platforms.

That someone could be you.

Here’s how:

Pick your niche: Focus on a specific platform or industry you know well.
Build your portfolio: Create awesome content for your own accounts to showcase your skills.
Offer your services: Reach out to local businesses or offer your services on freelance platforms.

Top Tools:

Canva: For creating stunning graphics.
Later: For scheduling social media posts.
Hootsuite: For managing multiple social media accounts.

3. Start a Niche Blog

Got a passion? Share it with the world and make money while you’re at it.

Blogging isn’t dead. It’s just evolved. Find a niche you’re passionate about and become an authority on it.

Here’s the blueprint:

Choose your niche: What are you knowledgeable and passionate about?
Build a website: Platforms like WordPress make it easy.
Create valuable content: Write in-depth articles, reviews, and tutorials.
Monetize your blog: Through ads, affiliate marketing, or selling your own products/services.

Top Tools:

WordPress: The most popular blogging platform.
Google Analytics: To track your website traffic.
SEMrush: For keyword research and SEO optimization.

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4. Craft and Sell Handmade Goods

Creative? Crafty? Turn your skills into cold hard cash.

People love unique, handmade items. Whether it’s jewelry, art, candles, or soap, there’s a market for your creations.

Here’s the deal:

Find your niche: What are you good at making?
Source quality materials: Don’t skimp on quality.
Perfect your craft: Practice makes perfect.
Showcase your work: Online marketplaces, craft fairs, and social media are your friends.

Top Tools:

Etsy: The go-to platform for selling handmade goods.

Shopify: To create your own online store.

Pinterest: A visual platform perfect for showcasing your creations.

5. Offer Tutoring Services

Good at school? Help others and get paid for your knowledge.

Tutoring is a classic way for teenagers to make money. You can tutor younger students in subjects you excel at.

Here’s the game plan:

Identify your strengths: What subjects are you a whiz at?
Set your rates: Research what other tutors in your area charge.
Find clients: Spread the word at school, through community centers, or online platforms.
Be patient and encouraging: A good tutor is supportive and helps students build confidence.

Top Tools:

Chegg Tutors: A popular online tutoring platform.
Skooli: Another online platform connecting tutors with students.
Wyzant: A platform offering both online and in-person tutoring.

6. Become a Virtual Assistant

Organized and tech-savvy? Virtual assistants are in high demand.

Businesses and entrepreneurs need help with a variety of tasks, from email management to social media scheduling.

Here’s the scoop:

Develop essential skills: Strong communication, organization, and time management are key.
Build your portfolio: Highlight your skills and experience.
Find clients: Online job boards, freelance platforms, and networking are your best bets.

Top Tools:

Upwork: A popular platform for finding freelance work.
Fiverr: Another freelance platform with a wide range of services.
Google Workspace: Essential tools for virtual assistants.

7. Provide Pet Care Services

Love animals? Turn your passion into a profitable side hustle.

Pet owners are always looking for reliable people to care for their furry friends.

Here’s how to do it:

Offer a variety of services: Dog walking, pet sitting, grooming, etc.
Set your rates: Research what other pet sitters in your area charge.
Market your services: Spread the word in your neighborhood, online, and through social media.
Be responsible and reliable: Pet owners trust you with their beloved companions.

Top Tools:

Rover: A popular platform for finding pet sitting gigs.
Wag!: Another platform connecting pet sitters with pet owners.
Care.com: A general platform for finding caregiving jobs, including pet care.

8. Start a Car Washing Business

Got a bucket and a sponge? You’re in business.

Car washing is a classic way for teenagers to make money. It’s simple, it’s physical, and it’s always in demand.

Here’s the lowdown:

Offer different packages: Basic wash, deluxe wash, interior cleaning, etc.
Set your prices: Research what other car washes in your area charge.
Market your services: Flyers, social media, and word-of-mouth are your friends.
Provide excellent service: A happy customer is a repeat customer.

Top Tools:

High-quality car wash supplies: Invest in good soap, wax, and microfiber towels.
Portable car vacuum: For interior cleaning.
Pressure washer: For a more efficient and thorough clean (if you’re serious about scaling).

9. Offer Yard Work Services

Got a green thumb? (Or at least a willingness to get your hands dirty?)

People are always looking for help with their yards. Mowing lawns, raking leaves, weeding gardens – the possibilities are endless.

Here’s the plan:

Offer a variety of services: Mowing, weeding, trimming, leaf removal, etc.
Set your rates: Research what other lawn care services in your area charge.
Market your services: Flyers, online classifieds, and word-of-mouth are effective.
Be reliable and efficient: Show up on time and do a good job.

Top Tools:

Reliable lawnmower: Invest in a good quality mower.
Weed whacker: For trimming edges and hard-to-reach areas.
Leaf blower: For quick and easy leaf removal.

10. Sell Your Old Stuff

Got a closet full of clothes you never wear? Turn that clutter into cash.

Selling your old clothes, electronics, and other items is a great way to declutter and make some extra money.

Here’s how:

Gather your items: Go through your closet, attic, and garage.
Price them to sell: Be realistic about your pricing.
Choose your platform: Online marketplaces, consignment shops, and garage sales are all options.
Take good photos: Clear, well-lit photos will attract buyers.

Top Tools:

eBay: A classic option for selling used goods.
Facebook Marketplace: A

Top Tools:

eBay: A classic option for selling used goods.
Facebook Marketplace: A great way to reach local buyers.
Poshmark: Specifically for selling clothes and accessories.
Decluttr: For selling electronics and tech gadgets.

11. Become a Delivery Driver

Got a car (or even a bike)? Delivery driving is booming.

With the rise of online shopping and food delivery apps, there’s a huge demand for drivers.

Here’s the deal:

Choose your platform: DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, Instacart, etc.
Set your own hours: Work when you want, as much as you want.
Know your area: The better you know your city, the more efficient you’ll be.
Provide excellent service: Be friendly, punctual, and handle deliveries with care.

Top Tools:

Smartphone with GPS: Essential for navigation.
Insulated bag: To keep food deliveries hot or cold.
Reliable vehicle: A car is ideal, but a bike can work for shorter distances.

12. Offer Photography Services

Got an eye for photography? Turn your passion into a paycheck.

People need photos for everything from events to portraits to products.

Here’s the game plan:

Build your portfolio: Practice your skills and showcase your best work.
Find your niche: Weddings, portraits, landscapes, etc.
Market your services: Social media, online portfolios, and local networking are key.
Invest in quality equipment: A good camera and editing software are essential.

Top Tools:

DSLR camera: For high-quality images.
Adobe Lightroom: For professional photo editing.
Instagram: A great platform for showcasing your work.

13. Design and Sell T-shirts

Got a knack for design? Create your own T-shirt empire.

T-shirts are always in demand, and with online platforms, it’s easier than ever to design and sell your own.

Here’s the blueprint:

Find your niche: What kind of designs will resonate with your audience?
Create unique designs: Use your creativity to stand out.
Choose a platform: Print-on-demand services make it easy to get started.
Market your shirts: Social media, online marketplaces, and your own website are all options.

Top Tools:

Canva: For creating T-shirt designs.
Printful: A popular print-on-demand service.
Shopify: To create your own online T-shirt store.

14. Start a YouTube Channel

Love being in front of the camera? YouTube is your stage.

YouTube is a massive platform with endless possibilities. You can create videos about anything you’re passionate about.

Here’s the deal:

Find your niche: What kind of content will you create? Gaming, beauty, education, comedy?
Create high-quality videos: Invest in good equipment and editing software.
Be consistent: Upload regularly to keep your audience engaged.
Monetize your channel: Through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise.

Top Tools:

Good quality camera: For recording videos.
Video editing software: For editing your videos.
TubeBuddy: For optimizing your YouTube channel.

15. Write and Sell eBooks

Got a story to tell? Or knowledge to share? Write an eBook.

eBooks are a great way to reach a wide audience and generate passive income.

Here’s the game plan:

Choose your topic: What are you passionate about?
Write a compelling book: Focus on providing value to your readers.
Design a professional cover: First impressions matter.
Publish your eBook: Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing makes it easy.

Top Tools:

Microsoft Word or Google Docs: For writing your eBook.
Canva: For designing your eBook cover.
Amazon KDP: For publishing and selling your eBook.

16. Offer Freelance Writing Services

Good with words? Freelance writing is a lucrative field.

Businesses and websites need content, and they’re willing to pay for it.

Here’s the scoop:

Build your portfolio: Showcase your writing skills with samples.
Find your niche: Blog posts, articles, website copy, etc.
Market your services: Freelance platforms, online job boards, and networking are key.
Deliver high-quality work: Meet deadlines and exceed expectations.

Top Tools:

Grammarly: For error-free writing.
Hemingway Editor: For clear and concise writing.
Upwork and Fiverr: For finding freelance writing gigs.

17. Become a Graphic Designer

Got a knack for visual communication? Graphic design is in high demand.

Businesses need logos, brochures, websites, and all sorts of visual materials.

Here’s how to do it:

Learn the fundamentals: Master design principles and software.
Build your portfolio: Showcase your best design work.
Find your niche: Logo design, web design, illustration, etc.
Market your services: Online portfolios, freelance platforms, and networking are essential.

Top Tools:

Adobe Creative Suite: Industry-standard design software.
Canva: A user-friendly design tool.
Dribbble: A platform for showcasing your design work.

18. Teach Music Lessons

Play an instrument? Share your musical talents with others.

Music lessons are always in demand, and you can teach students of all ages.

Here’s the plan:

Choose your instrument: What are you proficient at?
Set your rates: Research what other music teachers in your area charge.
Find students: Spread the word at school, community centers, and online.
Be patient and encouraging: A good teacher inspires a love of music.

Top Tools:

Your instrument: Make sure it’s in good condition.
Sheet music and teaching materials: To guide your lessons.
Online scheduling tools: To manage your appointments.

19. Offer Language Tutoring

Bilingual or multilingual? Your language skills are valuable.

Many people are eager to learn new languages, and you can help them achieve their goals.

Here’s the deal:

Choose your language: What languages are you fluent in?
Set your rates: Research what other language tutors charge.
Find students: Online platforms, community centers, and language schools are good options.
Create engaging lessons: Make learning fun and interactive.

Top Tools:

Online language learning resources: Duolingo, Babbel, Rosetta Stone.

Video conferencing software: For online tutoring sessions.

Cultural materials: To enhance your lessons.

20. Start a Dropshipping Business

Want to be an entrepreneur without holding inventory? Dropshipping is your answer.

With dropshipping, you sell products online without having to store or ship them yourself.

Here’s the blueprint:

Choose a niche: What kind of products will you sell?
Find a supplier: Partner with a reliable dropshipping supplier.
Create an online store: Shopify is a popular platform for dropshipping.
Market your products: Social media, online ads, and SEO are key.

Top Tools:

Shopify: For creating your online store.
Spocket: For finding high-quality dropshipping suppliers.
Oberlo: Another popular dropshipping app for Shopify.

21. Offer Tech Support Services

Tech-savvy? Turn your skills into a profitable service.

Many people struggle with technology, and they’re willing to pay for help.

Here’s the game plan:

Identify your strengths: What tech issues can you solve?
Set your rates: Research what other tech support services charge.
Find clients: Offer your services to family, friends, and neighbors.
Be patient and helpful: Explain things clearly and simply.

Top Tools:

Remote access software: To troubleshoot problems remotely.
Antivirus and malware removal tools: To keep computers safe.
Online resources: To stay up-to-date on the latest tech issues.

Here’s Your Step-by-Step Guide To Start Making Money As a Teenager

Alright, you’ve got the ideas. Now it’s time to turn those ideas into action.

No more wishy-washy “I’ll do it someday” nonsense.

Here’s a breakdown of how to implement any of these money-making ideas and actually start seeing results.

Step 1: Pick Your Hustle

Don’t overthink this. What excites you? What are you good at? What do you already spend time doing?

Choose one idea to start with. Focus is key. You can always add more hustles later.

Step 2: Market Research – Know Your Enemy (and Your Customer)

Before you launch, do your homework.

Who are your competitors? What are they doing well? Where can you beat them?
Who are your ideal customers? What are their needs and wants? Where do they hang out online?

Step 3: Set Your Price

Don’t undervalue yourself, but don’t price yourself out of the market either. Research what others are charging and find a sweet spot.

Remember, you can always adjust your prices later.

Step 4: Build Your Brand (Even if It’s Just You)

You need a presence, even if it’s just a simple one.

Create a social media profile: Use it to showcase your work, connect with potential customers, and build credibility.
Develop a basic website: This could be a simple one-pager with your services and contact information.

Step 5: Spread the Word Like Wildfire

No one will buy from you if they don’t know you exist.

Tell everyone you know: Friends, family, neighbors, teachers – everyone.
Leverage social media: Post engaging content, run contests, and use relevant hashtags.
Create flyers and posters: Put them up in local businesses and community centers.
Offer discounts and promotions: To attract your first customers.

Step 6: Deliver an Unforgettable Experience

This is where you separate yourself from the amateurs.

Overdeliver: Go above and beyond what’s expected.
Be professional: Show up on time, be polite, and communicate clearly.
Get feedback: Ask your customers how you can improve.

Step 7: Scale Your Hustle

Once you’ve got a steady stream of customers, it’s time to think about growth.

Raise your prices: As you gain experience and build a reputation, you can charge more.
Hire help: If you’re getting overwhelmed, bring on some extra hands.
Expand your offerings: Add new products or services to your repertoire.

Examples: Putting the Steps to Work

Let’s take a couple of the ideas from this article and apply these steps:

Example 1: Sneaker Flipping

Pick Your Hustle: You’ve chosen sneaker flipping.
Market Research: You research popular sneaker brands, identify trending styles, and analyze competitor pricing on platforms like StockX and GOAT.
Set Your Price: You price your sneakers competitively, factoring in condition, rarity, and market demand.
Build Your Brand: You create an Instagram account showcasing your sneaker collection and knowledge.
Spread the Word: You promote your sneakers on Instagram, sneaker forums, and to friends at school.
Deliver an Unforgettable Experience: You provide quick responses, secure packaging, and authentic products.
Scale Your Hustle: You reinvest profits to acquire more inventory, expand to other platforms, and potentially create a website.

Example 2: Social Media Guru

Pick Your Hustle: You choose to be a social media guru specializing in TikTok for local businesses.
Market Research: You analyze successful TikTok accounts in your area, identify gaps in the market, and research local businesses needing social media help.
Set Your Price: You research industry standards and create packages for different services (content creation, account management, etc.).
Build Your Brand: You create a professional-looking website with your portfolio and testimonials.
Spread the Word: You reach out to local businesses, attend networking events, and promote your services on social media.
Deliver an Unforgettable Experience: You create engaging content, provide detailed reports, and exceed client expectations.
Scale Your Hustle: You hire assistants to handle growing demand, offer workshops, and expand to other social media platforms.

No More Excuses

You now have the roadmap. You have the tools. You have the knowledge.

It’s time to execute.

Don’t let fear or procrastination hold you back. Start today. Even small steps will move you closer to your goals.

The world is waiting. Go out there and make some money!

The Bottom Line

There you have it – 21 proven ways to make money as a teenager.

No more excuses. No more waiting for “someday.”

The best time to start is now. Pick an idea, take action, and start building your