What to sell to make money: 40 ideas for extra income in 2026

Deciding what to sell to make money is the first step for anyone who wants some extra cash or is starting a new business.

This decision matters because it will guide your entire strategic planning and needs to align your personal taste and skills with market demand and the initial investment required.

Below, we gathered 40 ideas organized by business model, with a table to compare investment and scale, and the criteria to choose yours with more confidence.

What are the types of things you can sell to make money?

Choosing what to sell means defining which offer, whether a physical product, a digital product or a service, meets real demand and leaves a profit after all costs.

This is very different from jumping on the trend of the moment: without steady, scalable demand, selling a lot can even lead to a loss.

In practice, business ideas fall into four models, and each one has a main type of cost. If you want to go deeper into the first one, see our guide on the types of digital products.

What to sell to make money: 40 ideas compared by investment, inventory and scale

The table below summarizes the 40 ideas for what to sell to make money, with the typical initial investment, whether you need inventory and the possibility of creating a digital version of each one.

Investment levels are an editorial estimate and vary by region and by the size of the operation.

Digital products to sell with a low investment

Digital products are content delivered over the internet, such as online courses, ebooks and templates, that you create once and can sell many times with no inventory or shipping. That is why they tend to be the cheapest entry point for anyone who wants to turn knowledge into income.

If you want to see what already sells well, take a look at the best-selling products and get inspired.

1. Online courses

An online course is a set of structured lessons, recorded or live, that teaches a skill from start to finish. It works for almost any topic: languages, baking, spreadsheets, photography, personal finance.

The starting point is a problem you already solve well and that someone would pay to learn. Start with a short, focused course and improve it based on feedback from your first students. This guide shows how to sell online courses step by step.

2. Ebooks

An ebook is a digital book, usually a PDF, with practical, straightforward content. It is one of the simplest formats to produce: you can start with a text editor and a well-thought-out table of contents.

It works well for guides, recipes, travel itineraries and manuals. If you already share tips on social media, you probably have a good part of the material ready. Learn how to create an ebook from scratch.

3. Mentoring and consulting

Mentoring and consulting are ways to sell what you know with close support. That is why the price tends to be higher than that of an online course.

In consulting, you analyze the client’s case and deliver a diagnosis or an action plan. In mentoring, you support the person over a period, in one-on-one or group sessions, while they apply what they learned.

You can offer both formats online in practically any niche.

4. Training and personal development

Personal development programs help people change habits, organize their routine, communicate better or grow in their careers. It is an area with constant demand among digital products.

You can deliver this content in courses, challenges lasting a few weeks or group mentoring, using free content on social media to attract students.

An important caution: mental health topics are the responsibility of qualified professionals, such as psychologists registered with their professional board. If that is not your case, focus on productivity, careers and communication.

5. Communities and content subscriptions

Paid communities are private spaces where members pay a monthly fee to receive new content, exchange experiences and have more contact with you. The advantage is recurring revenue: instead of selling once, you get paid every month. Read more about subscription products.

Study groups for exams, book clubs and running communities are examples. Paid podcasts and newsletters follow the same logic.

6. Spreadsheets, planners and checklists

Ready-made spreadsheets and digital planners solve everyday tasks, such as expense tracking, weekly organization or wedding planning. They are affordable products and easy to update.

If you master spreadsheets or have your own organization method, you can package it into a ready-to-use file, with a short video explaining how to fill it in.

This format also works as a bonus for a course or as a first product to test demand in a niche.

7. Templates and presets

Templates are editable models, such as social media graphics, presentations, resumes and menus. Presets are ready-made color adjustments to edit photos on your phone or computer.

If you have an eye for design, you can create themed collections, for example graphics for beauty salons or business proposal templates. The buyer saves time and you sell the same file many times.

Before publishing, check that the fonts, images and icons you use are licensed for commercial use.

8. Study guides and exam prep materials

Digital study guides, summaries, mind maps and question banks serve people studying for civil service exams, entrance exams and certifications. It is an audience that buys often and values organized material.

Teachers and people who have already passed these selections have an advantage here, because they know the content required and the study methods that work.

A variation with good demand is printable activities for children, such as handwriting workbooks and literacy games, sought after by parents and educators.

9. Photos and digital art

Photographs and illustrations can be sold on stock image sites, which pay you a share of each download, or directly as digital art to print and decorate.

If you take photos, you can start with the collection you already have, organized by theme. Illustrators can sell posters, wallpapers and art for children’s rooms.

This knowledge can also become a course, such as smartphone photography or illustration for beginners.

10. Other creators’ products as an affiliate

If you do not have a product yet, you can sell other people’s digital products as an affiliate.

You get a unique link that takes people straight to the product page and identifies you as the source of the recommendation. When someone buys through that link, you earn a commission. See how it works in this guide to becoming an affiliate at Hotmart.

The commission is set by the creator who owns the product. In the Hotmart affiliate program, it can reach 80% of the sale value, according to the company.

What makes a difference is choosing products aligned with your audience and promoting them with useful content, not just the link. To get started, read how to make your first online sale.

VIDEO: FIRST SALE AS AN AFFILIATE: how can affiliates make their first sale on Hotmart?

Products you can make at home and sell

Your own products are items you make yourself, such as sweets, candles or jewelry, and sell under your brand.

Profit depends on cost control for raw materials, packaging and shipping, and the initial investment tends to be lower than that of a physical store.

All the ideas below can get a digital version: if you know how to make it, you know how to teach it.

11. Sweets and savory snacks

Homemade sweets and savory snacks are in demand all year, from birthday parties to office orders. Brigadeiros, cake jars, truffles, croquettes, small savory pies and artisanal popsicles all fit this list.

Before selling, study pricing so you cover ingredients, gas, packaging and your own time.

12. Frozen ready meals

Frozen ready meals solve the lack of time for people who want home-cooked food during the week. They can be prepared in advance, last longer and are sold individually or in kits.

Niches such as fitness meals, vegetarian meals and natural baby food help win loyal customers. Companies and work groups sometimes buy in bulk.

13. Gift kits and baskets

Breakfast baskets, charcuterie boards and themed boxes are ready-made gifts for special dates and for companies that want to please clients and teams. The cycle is short: the order arrives, you assemble it and deliver.

The differentiator is in the presentation and the choice of items. Promote with good photos and start offering a few days before holidays.

14. Handmade crafts

Handmade, original and personalized items stand out online because customers pay for exclusivity and for the story behind the piece. Ceramics, crochet, foam crafts, clay and embroidery are some examples.

Show the production process on social media to build interest, take part in local fairs and list your pieces on online sales channels.

15. Scented candles and handmade soaps

Scented candles and handmade soaps tap into the demand for self-care and decor. Wax, glycerin bases and fragrances are sold in specialty stores, and you can start with small quantities.

Take care with the packaging and include safe-use instructions for the candles. Soaps are cosmetics and follow health regulations, so it is worth getting informed before selling in larger volumes.

16. Original costume jewelry and jewelry

Costume jewelry, semi-precious pieces and original jewelry turn over well, because they follow trends and are easy gifts. You can make pieces with beads, resin or metals, or start by reselling and gradually build your own collection.

Personalization, such as initials and stones chosen by the customer, increases perceived value. Close-up photos make a difference at the moment of purchase.

17. Custom T-shirts and mugs

More and more people want products that reflect their own personality, something they do not always find in stores. Custom T-shirts, mugs and tote bags meet this desire and also orders from companies and events.

You can invest in a printing machine or outsource the printing and take care of the design and sales. Follow current topics to launch designs quickly.

18. Custom stationery

Invitations, cake toppers, labels, planners and custom notebooks are in demand for parties, weddings and personal organization. It is an area that calls for creativity and careful finishing.

Start with a niche, such as children’s parties, and build a catalog with clear production times.

19. Home decor pieces

Figurines, vases, pictures and small works of art are great gifts and good ways to personalize a home, especially if they belong to a specific niche, such as animation or abstract art.

Besides selling these items in an online store, whether you make them or resell them, you can use the interest in the theme to produce content. There is always someone who wants to make their home a little prettier.

20. Natural products

Natural products, such as teas, oils, vegan cosmetics and eco-friendly cleaning items, serve people who prefer to avoid synthetic ingredients. It is a niche with plenty of opportunities, especially if you know which audiences to target.

What to resell to make money?

Reselling means buying ready-made products from suppliers and selling them at a margin, without having to manufacture anything. It is a quick way to start, but it requires attention to inventory, delivery times and final price.

21. Clothes and accessories

Resell pieces from trusted suppliers and segment by niche: fitness wear, swimwear, plus size, lingerie or pajamas.

You can start offline and move online. With good photos, a size chart and a clear exchange policy, customers feel safe buying without trying things on.

22. Thrift store and used items

An online thrift store sells selected second-hand clothes, shoes and accessories. You can start with what is sitting in your closet, with almost zero investment.

Curation is the differentiator: clean pieces, well photographed and with any flaws disclosed sell faster. Used books, furniture and electronics in good condition also sell.

23. Cosmetics and perfumes

Cosmetics are in demand at any time of year, from everyday makeup to skincare and perfumes. Because products run out, a satisfied customer buys again, creating repeat purchases.

Creating your own brand involves more robust logistics and health regulations, so reselling known brands is usually the entry point.

24. Bags and wallets

Bags, backpacks and wallets work as an accessory and as an everyday tool. And if it is something a person carries all the time, why not choose a nice-looking model?

You can offer well-known models or personalize them with embroidery, initials and sustainable materials.

25. Phone and electronics accessories

Cases, screen protectors, chargers, headphones and computer parts are among the items consumers look for most, because they are part of the routine and are replaced often.

26. Pet products

The Brazilian pet market is expected to move R$ 77.2 billion in 2025, according to a projection by Abinpet and Instituto Pet Brasil. Toys, treats, beds, collars, pet clothes and hygiene items are among the options.

Pet owners tend to be loyal to the brands they trust, so product quality and safety come before a low price.

27. Plants and gardening

You can sell succulents, seedlings, pots, soil and tools for people who grow plants. Plants are fragile: invest in safe packaging and share the ideal light and watering for each species.

28. New and used books

Used books, out-of-print editions and niche titles, such as technical and children’s books, have a loyal audience. An online used bookstore can start with the books you already have at home.

Organizing the collection by theme and describing the condition well helps you sell.

29. Imported products

Imported products, such as Korean cosmetics, Japanese stationery and gadgets, attract people looking for novelties that are hard to find locally.

Before starting, calculate the total cost with shipping, taxes and fees and choose reliable suppliers. Requirements change depending on the type of product, so check the rules of your country’s customs authority and regulatory bodies.

30. Home and organization items

Organizers, kitchen utensils, thermal bottles and home office items are part of the routine and are bought often.

To start, choose a focus, such as kitchen organization, and stay on it.

31. Sports and fitness items

Running accessories, home workout equipment and gym clothes serve people who want to keep an active routine.

Focus on a sport you practice so you can speak with authority about how to use each item.

32. Seasonal products

Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s Day and back-to-school items are seasonal products. They sell a lot in short periods, which boosts cash flow, but it is risky to depend only on them to earn all year.

Combine these items with products that always sell and keep ads and organic content running throughout the year. That way, people remember you when demand appears.

33. Dropshipping

Dropshipping is an online store format in which the supplier holds the inventory and ships the product directly to the end customer. You build the sales website, set prices with your margin and take care of promotion and customer service.

It is a way to start selling online without keeping products at home.

Local suppliers usually have shorter delivery times and make exchanges easier.

Services to sell with what you already know

Selling services means trading your skill and your time for money, with no inventory. The initial investment is low, but your income is limited by the hours available.

Turning part of what you know into a digital product is the way to grow without lengthening your workday.

34. Design

If you master design software, have an artistic eye or know layout, visual identity and web design, there is certainly demand for you. Small businesses and creators need logos, social media graphics and sales materials.

Start with freelance work and build a portfolio with your best projects.

35. Translation and proofreading

If you speak more than one language, you can translate texts, subtitles and materials for companies and creators who want to sell in other countries. Proofreading in your own language follows the same logic.

You can do this as extra income or turn it into your main source of income, working on freelance platforms or finding clients directly.

36. Social media management

Companies and professionals need to keep their profiles active, and many do not have time to plan and publish content. The social media manager takes care of this routine and tracks the results. Understanding how to sell on social media adds value to this service.

Create a professional profile showing your work and offer monthly packages, which make your income more predictable.

37. Video editing

Short videos dominate social media, and creators, brands and online course teachers need someone to edit with rhythm and captions. A computer with a good configuration and an editing program are enough to start.

Build a portfolio with edited clips and offer packages by number of videos.

38. Website and landing page creation

Small businesses and creators need websites and sales pages that work well on mobile. If you can code or use site builders, you can charge by project.

Understanding what makes a page sell, starting with what a landing page is, increases the value of your work.

39. Paid traffic management

A traffic manager plans and tracks paid ads on social networks and search engines to generate sales. Digital businesses and local stores hire this service, usually for a monthly fee. Learn how to invest in paid advertising to get started.

It requires constant study, because ad platforms change often.

40. Online tutoring

Private lessons over video call serve students looking for school support, languages, music and exam preparation, with no geographic limit.

Define the length and price of each lesson, offer packages and ask for testimonials to attract new students.

What is the most profitable thing to sell?

Digital products tend to have the highest profit margin because each copy sold costs almost nothing to produce: there are no raw materials, inventory or per-unit shipping.

Physical products and resale deduct those costs from every sale, and services are limited to the hours you can work.

But note: a high margin does not mean guaranteed profit. In any model, profit is what is left after paying all costs, including ads and fees.

In practice, many creators combine models: they sell a service or a physical product and create a digital product with what they learned.

If the priority is the first sale, short-cycle ideas, such as sweets made to order and thrift selling, usually pay off faster.

How to choose what to sell? 10 criteria before you invest

To choose what to sell, cross-check what you know how to do with market demand and confirm the numbers add up before you invest.

The 10 criteria below help you take the idea off paper with more confidence.

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1. Identify your niche

The first step is to know which market niche you want to work in. If you have no idea, start from the topics you master: your profession, your education, the subjects people ask your opinion on or what you enjoy most.

2. Do market research

With the niche defined, it is time to research the market.

See who the main companies and creators on the topic are, look up research about your audience and find the most active communities on social media.

With this data in hand, you start with more confidence.

3. Analyze demand and competition

Alongside market research comes the analysis of demand and competition.

Understand who the competitors are, which creators are a reference in the niche and how the audience interacts with them.

If the niche is very crowded, do not be intimidated. Focus on what only you have: the way you explain a subject, your curation of information or a more specific audience segment.

4. Validate the idea before investing

Validating the idea means testing whether people would pay for your product before spending on inventory or production. A pre-sale, a poll with your followers or a small batch of products already show whether there is real interest.

If demand shows up, you invest with more confidence. If not, you adjust the offer without having lost money.

5. Evaluate the profit margin

Here we are talking about pricing and investment. Check how to approach pricing a digital product.

Many entrepreneurs share their revenue, but that figure is not profit: you need to subtract what was spent on ads, materials, fees and every other cost.

Consider all of this when defining the business model, the offer and the sales projection and, from the start, keep business money separate from personal accounts.

6. Consider logistics

For physical products, consider the shipping cost, product preservation, inventory management and even the unboxing experience, which also delights the customer.

For digital products, this is the time to choose a platform with a reliable checkout, tools to sell more and a members area to deliver the content.

At Hotmart, these steps are in the same place and there is no monthly fee for the creator: you pay a fee on each approved sale. See the current pricing.

7. Analyze seasonality

Depending on what you choose, there are better times to launch and promote your business.

In your market research, notice when competitors and creators talk most about the topic. With that, you plan actions for each period and keep results steady throughout the year.

8. Evaluate perceived value

Perceived value is what makes a price look fair to the buyer. Price is the number and value is the transformation your product delivers.

List everything the customer gets when buying and show it in content and ads. To test it, ask people similar to your ideal customer to evaluate the offer and adjust what is needed.

9. Check formalization and health regulation rules

To sell regularly, formalizing your business is the recommended path, and in Brazil the MEI (individual microentrepreneur) status is the simplest option for many activities.

In 2026, the MEI revenue limit remains at R$ 81,000 per year, and only people who work in one of the occupations allowed on the official list can register. If you are in another country, check the equivalent rules for small businesses where you live.

Anyone selling food, cosmetics or natural products must also follow health regulations. In Brazil, Anvisa has specific rules for the regularization of individual microentrepreneurs, and your local authority can guide you on your case.

10. Focus on quality

The key to success in sales is to have a good product, whether physical, digital or a service. It is about solving a real problem with a useful offer that is updated over time.

Before thinking about high revenue, focus on delivering a good product and quality customer service.

Where to sell each type of product?

The best sales channel is the one where your customer already is and that fits the type of product. Many businesses start in one channel and expand gradually.

Choose what to sell and take the first step

There is no one right product for everyone. The choice that tends to work is the one with proven demand that leaves a margin after costs.

If you have knowledge that solves someone’s problem, you already have the raw material for a digital product. And if you prefer to start with other people’s products, affiliate marketing is a path that does not require creating anything. You can also explore the Hotmart affiliate program.

Do you know what you understand well? Turn it into a digital product. Create your free account on Hotmart: no monthly fee, you only pay a fee when you sell. Sign up for free