Where & How to Sell (Lightweight)
If you decide to dip your toe into earning money, keep it simple and local first. This minimizes complexity and costs, especially shipping. The easiest place to start is with people you know or people in your immediate community. Think neighbors, friends from church or a club, or a posting on the bulletin board at the local grocery store or community center.
Online marketplaces can be a great next step, but go in with your eyes open. Major sites give you access to a huge audience, but they come with costs. You’ll encounter platform fees, which are percentages of your sale price that the website takes as a commission (often 5-15%). You may also pay listing fees and payment processing fees. These costs eat directly into your net margin.
Shipping is the biggest hurdle for many small sellers. You need to accurately weigh your item, buy packaging, and calculate postage. It’s often more expensive than people think. For this reason, start with products that are small and light (like knitted hats) or focus on local-only sales where the customer picks up the item from you.
Prioritize safety and clear boundaries. Use porch pickup for local sales where customers pay you electronically beforehand. If you must ship, consider getting a Post Office box instead of using your home address on labels. Have a simple, one-sentence returns policy, even if it’s just “All sales are final.” Being clear upfront prevents headaches later. And remember, you have the right to refuse a sale or a project if it feels wrong. You are in control.
