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If you’re wondering what to sell to make money fast, the good news is — you probably already have something at home that could bring in quick cash today.
When you need money fast, you don’t always have time to start a side hustle or wait for payday. Sometimes the quickest fix is right in front of you — in your drawers, wardrobe, or garage.
This isn’t about starting a business or selling your soul. It’s just real, practical ideas for what to sell to make money fast — using stuff you probably already have lying around. Whether it’s old tech, clothes you never wear, or furniture gathering dust, there’s a good chance someone out there is ready to buy it today.
Let’s go through what sells quickly, where to list it, and how to turn your clutter into cash, fast.
Before you go buying anything to flip or create something from scratch, check what you’ve already got. Chances are, you’re sitting on a few hundred dollars’ worth of stuff without even realising it. Here’s what tends to sell quickly — and where to list it.
1. Clothes you never wear
That jacket you haven’t touched in two winters? Those shoes that looked good in the shop but hurt like hell? List them. Branded clothing, activewear, baby clothes, and anything seasonal (like coats or boots) tend to sell fast — especially on Facebook Marketplace or local buy/sell pages.
2. Old electronics and gadgets
Phones, laptops, tablets, headphones — even if they’re a few years old, there’s a market. Clean them up, factory reset them, and check completed listings on Trade Me to get a realistic price. Don’t forget accessories like chargers, cases, or smartwatches.
3. Furniture and homeware
Flat-pack shelves, bedside tables, mirrors, storage units — all of it can go. Small furniture items often move quickly if you offer delivery or live in a high-demand area. Just make sure you’ve taken clear photos in good lighting.
4. Books, games, and DVDs
It might feel like no one buys DVDs anymore, but collectors and bargain hunters do. Textbooks, cookbooks, or popular fiction also hold value. Bonus points if you sell them in bundles.
5. Baby gear and kids’ stuff
Prams, high chairs, baby monitors, toys, and clothes — parents are always hunting for second-hand deals. These sell best in local parenting groups or Marketplace, where people can pick up easily.
6. Pot plants and cuttings
Got a thriving monstera, snake plant, or pilea that’s getting out of control? People love buying established houseplants or healthy cuttings — especially if you pot them nicely. You don’t need to be a full-on plant person either. Even a few recycled pots with some decent soil can turn into quick cash. Local Facebook groups, Marketplace, or community plant swaps are great places to list them.
If you’re even a little bit crafty or creative, there’s money to be made in the stuff you can whip up yourself. It doesn’t need to be perfect — just useful, tasty, or thoughtful. People will pay for things that make their lives easier, prettier, or more fun.
1. Sell baked goods or meals locally
Got a go-to brownie recipe? Make a mean lasagne? Homemade food always has a market — especially in local Facebook groups or neighbourhood pages. Think school lunches, weekend meal prep, or treats for birthdays. Just be sure to check local food safety rules if you’re going big with it.
2. Try what worked for me: homemade dog treats
I made a batch of dog treats once, thinking it was just a fun weekend project — and ended up selling out. Turns out, people love buying for their pets, especially when it’s homemade, natural, and looks good. If you’ve got a dog and a few basic ingredients, you’re halfway there. Try a few flavours, pop them into simple packaging, and test them in local pet groups or markets.
3. Make and sell crafts or art
Whether you’re into candles, macramé, digital prints or painted pots, handmade items can move fast — especially if you tap into trends or holidays. Platforms like Felt, Etsy, and Instagram are perfect if you want to build a little brand around it. Or just start locally and build from there.
4. Offer digital items or services
You don’t have to sell physical things to make fast money. If you know your way around Canva, Word, or Google Docs, you can create things like résumé templates, planners, CV designs, or social media graphics and sell them on Fiverr, Creative Market, or even to people you know. It takes time to get rolling but it’s a great way to turn your skills into cash.
Flipping is all about spotting bargains and selling them on for a bit more. It takes a bit of hustle, but if you’ve got a good eye (or just enjoy browsing second-hand stuff), it can be a fast and fun way to make money.
1. Op shop flipping
Op shops are full of hidden gems, especially if you know what to look for. Branded clothing, vintage home décor, quality kitchenware, or old-school electronics can all sell for a decent profit. Check tags, look up prices while you shop, and don’t be afraid to take a punt on something quirky.
2. Garage sales and clearance deals
Spend a Saturday morning hitting local garage sales and community markets. You’ll often find bundles of books, toys, tools, or furniture at rock-bottom prices. You can resell these individually online or clean them up and bundle them into more appealing sets.
3. Trade Me flipping
Sometimes people list items cheaply just to get rid of them fast — especially under “$1 reserve” auctions. Look for underpriced tech, furniture, or bulk listings. You can win the auction, give the item a polish or better description, and relist it for more. Just don’t forget to factor in fees and time.
4. Facebook Marketplace bargains
Some people just want things gone. That’s where you swoop in. If you’re quick to message and can pick up the same day, you’ll often score stuff you can flip the next day. Keep an eye on freebie listings too — they’re perfect for turning zero dollars into something real.
If you need some inspo, there are great Instagram and Tiktok accounts showing creative people flipping furniture as their full time jobs – some have even paid off a house with it!
Knowing what to sell is one thing, but knowing where to sell it can make all the difference when you need money fast. Here are the best platforms for getting your stuff in front of buyers quickly, especially here in New Zealand.
1. Facebook Marketplace
If speed is the goal, Marketplace is your best friend. It’s free, local, and people are used to messaging and picking things up on the same day. Great for furniture, clothing, electronics, plants — pretty much anything. Just be ready to reply quickly and deal with the odd time-waster.
2. Local buy/sell groups
Neighbourhood groups or niche pages (like “Baby Gear Buy/Sell Auckland” or “Indoor Plant Swaps NZ”) can be gold. These often have really engaged members who are actively looking to buy. A quick post with a photo and price can get you a buyer within hours.
3. Trade Me
A Kiwi classic. It’s a bit slower than Facebook but good if you’re selling something specific like electronics, tools, or collectibles. People trust the platform and you’re more likely to get a fair price — just keep an eye on fees and take advantage of their $1 listing fee specials.
4. Second-hand stores and pawn shops
If you need cash right now, take your items to a local second-hand shop or pawnbroker. You won’t get top dollar, but you’ll walk out with money in your hand. Great for jewellery, instruments, or small electronics.
5. Community markets or car boot sales
If you’ve got a bunch of stuff to move and a free weekend, set up at a local market or boot sale. It’s a great way to clear out fast, and the cash is in your pocket straight away. Plus, you get to talk directly to buyers and negotiate on the spot.
Selling stuff quickly isn’t just about what you list, it’s about how you list it. A few small tweaks can make the difference between something sitting for days and something selling within hours.
1. Take clear, bright photos
Natural light is your best friend. Clean the item, snap it from a few angles, and show any wear or damage honestly. People scroll fast — good photos stop them.
2. Write a short, honest description
No need to overthink it. Just include the basics: what it is, condition, size (if relevant), and how soon it’s available. Be upfront if there are any marks or issues — it builds trust and saves time.
3. Price to move, not to maximise
If your goal is fast cash, you might not get top dollar, and that’s okay. Look up what similar items are selling for and aim to be a little cheaper. You can always bump the price up later if it doesn’t sell.
4. Be responsive and friendly
Reply quickly, keep your messages short and clear, and confirm pick-up times fast. Buyers often go with whoever replies first. A bit of politeness goes a long way.
5. Offer delivery (if you can)
Even just offering to meet halfway can speed things up. For smaller items, you could offer local delivery for a couple of extra dollars — especially if someone can’t drive.
6. List in multiple places
Don’t just post in one spot. The same item can be on Marketplace, a local group, and Trade Me at once. Just make sure to take it down once it’s sold.
When you’re in a rush to make money, it’s really tempting to sell anything that’s not nailed down. But not everything is worth parting with, and some things could definitely cause headaches later.
1. Items with sentimental value
Before you sell something meaningful, like a gift from a loved one or a family keepsake, pause. If it’s something you might regret losing later, it’s probably not worth the quick cash now. Short-term relief isn’t always worth long-term regret.
2. Shared or borrowed items
If it’s not 100% yours, don’t sell it. Even things like shared tools, furniture you’re minding, or gear that technically belongs to a flatmate — best to leave them out. It’s just not worth the drama.
3. Anything unsafe or dodgy
Broken appliances, recalled baby gear, expired food or cosmetics — steer clear. You don’t want to put someone at risk or end up liable for selling something dangerous. Be especially careful with baby items, electricals, and bike or car parts.
4. Things you’ll need to replace soon
Selling your winter coat might give you $40 today, but if you have to buy another one in a few weeks, you’ve lost money. Think about whether it’s something you’ll miss once it’s gone — especially seasonal or practical stuff.
When you’re wondering what to sell to make money fast, the answer is usually closer than you think. Whether it’s old clothes, unused gadgets, or a tray of homemade dog treats — there’s always something you can turn into cash with a little effort.
Start with what you already have, use the platforms that make selling easy, and don’t overcomplicate it. You’re not trying to build an empire — just get some quick breathing room. And who knows? If it works well, you might even turn it into a regular side hustle.
The fastest way to make money is often the simplest: look around, snap a few photos, and get listing. Cash could be just a pick-up away.
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Hey, I’m Rachel! I started Side Hustles NZ in 2021 with the goal of helping Kiwi’s start and grow small businesses in New Zealand. During the week you’ll find me discussing side hustle ideas in our Facebook group, working in my website design business, or riding my horses.
