Are you looking for the best places to sell used baby items?

As parents, we all know how quickly baby items pile up. One moment you’re buying newborn onesies, and the next, your toddler is running around the house.

The reality is that babies grow fast, and the items they need during those early years – like clothes, toys, and gear – quickly become unnecessary.

Instead of letting those items collect dust, why not turn them into extra money?

Selling used baby items can help you declutter your home, put money back in your pocket, and even contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle by giving those items a second life.

You can sell baby items like clothing, bouncers, baby carriers, crib mattresses, toys, and anything else related to babies that you may have.

With my own 3-year-old daughter, Marlowe, I’ve experienced firsthand how quickly baby gear adds up. From outgrown onesies to a stroller we barely used, I realized that many of these items still had value.

In this article, I’ll share where to sell baby items, along with tips to help you get the most money for your gear.

Best Places To Sell Used Baby Items

Wondering where to sell used baby stuff that you no longer need? Here are the 11 best places to sell used baby items to make extra money.

1. Once Upon A Child

Once Upon A Child is a well-known chain specializing in buying and selling gently used children’s items. They accept everything from children’s clothing and shoes to toys and baby gear.

You can bring in your items, and they’ll give you cash on the spot (or store credit) for what they decide to buy. It’s quick and easy, but keep in mind that they’re selective and may not accept everything.

Also, Once Upon A Child buys and sells maternity clothing, so you can sell this as well!

Pros: Immediate payout, no shipping required.
Cons: Payout is typically lower than what you could make selling directly to buyers.

2. Facebook groups

Local Facebook groups, especially parenting or baby gear swap groups, are a great place for connecting with other parents in your area.

I’m in a local mom group for my area, and there are always tons of used baby gear and clothes listed for sale – onesies, snowsuits, shoes, toys, strollers, and more.

Pros: No fees, highly targeted audience.
Cons: Requires coordination with buyers for pickup.

3. Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is another great option for selling baby items locally. It’s easy to create listings, and the platform reaches a wide audience in your area. You can also offer shipping to expand your buyer pool.

Pros: Large audience, no listing fees for most items.
Cons: You may need to negotiate with buyers.

4. Craigslist

Craigslist has been around for years and remains a popular option for selling items locally. It’s particularly useful for larger items like cribs, strollers, and high chairs.

I have sold many items on Craigslist over the years, and I often see baby clothing for sale here. If you have a lot of baby gear or clothing that you want to sell all at once, I have many times seen parents list bags of clothing for sale as a bundle on Craigslist.

Pros: Free to list, good for bulky items.
Cons: Less user-friendly compared to newer platforms. Targeted to your specific town or area, and can be hard for people outside your area to see your listing.

5. eBay

EBay is great for selling higher-end baby gear, unique items, or bundles of baby clothing. You can list your items as an auction or set a fixed price.

This site is also good for items that appeal to a niche audience, like specialty brands or limited-edition items.

Pros: Large audience, potential for higher payouts.
Cons: Fees for listings and final sales, requires shipping.

6. Mercari

Mercari is a popular app for selling a variety of items, including baby gear. It’s easy to use and allows you to set your prices, making it great for smaller items like baby clothes, toys, and accessories.

Pros: Easy-to-use app, shipping options available.
Cons: Fees for each sale.

7. OfferUp

OfferUp is similar to Craigslist but with a more modern and user-friendly app. You can sell items locally or ship them to buyers in other areas. It’s a good platform for larger baby items like swings and bassinets.

Pros: Local and shipping options, easy communication with buyers.
Cons: Fees for shipped items.

8. Poshmark

While Poshmark is known for fashion, it’s also a great platform for selling baby clothes and accessories. The app is straightforward, and buyers are usually willing to pay more for name-brand items.

Pros: Higher payouts for premium items, easy-to-use app.
Cons: Fee on sales.

9. GoodBuy Gear

GoodBuy Gear is an online children’s consignment store. They take care of the selling process for you, including cleaning and photographing the items, which makes it very convenient.

You can sell items like strollers, wagons, car seats, bouncers, swings, breast pumps, baby monitors, and more. But, they do not accept children’s clothing or shoes, books, large furniture, bottles, or any items under $25.

Pros: Hassle-free selling, high-quality presentation.
Cons: Fees may reduce your overall profit.

10. ThredUp

ThredUp is a consignment platform that allows you to sell baby and kids’ clothes. Simply send in your items using their Clean Out Kit, and they’ll handle the rest.

Pros: Minimal effort required, good for bulk selling.
Cons: Lower payouts compared to direct selling.

11. Garage sales

If you’re looking to sell multiple items at once, a garage sale is a classic option. It’s perfect for clearing out baby gear quickly and connecting with local buyers.

Pros: Quick sales, no shipping required.
Cons: Requires time and effort to set up. Usually, items sell for a very low price.

My Tips for Selling Used Baby Items

To make more money and make the selling process easy, here are some of my top tips:

• Organize your items – Sort through your baby items and group them by type – clothes, toys, gear, etc. This makes it easier to create listings or organize for a garage sale.
• Highlight quality brands – If you have items from popular or high-end baby brands, make sure to mention that in your listings. These brands often fetch higher prices.
• Be honest about wear and tear – Transparency is key when selling used items. Clearly describe any flaws or signs of wear to avoid disputes with buyers. If there’s a stain you can clean up, I recommend trying to do so (items in good condition will typically go for more money, of course, over an item in bad condition).
• Think about seasonal timing – Certain items, like winter coats or outdoor play gear, may sell better during specific months.

I have sold many items over the years, and I always try to clean them up as best as I can so that I can make the most money, as well as increase how fast something sells. An item in good condition will typically sell faster!

Frequently Asked Questions About Where To Sell Used Baby Items

Below are answers to common questions about where to sell used baby items to make money.

Where is the best place to sell baby items?

The best place to sell used baby items depends on what you’re selling. For clothes, apps like Poshmark or ThredUp work well. For larger gear, local options like Facebook Marketplace or Once Upon A Child may be better.

How much should you sell used baby items for?

Typically, you can sell gently used baby items for 30% to 50% of the original retail price. Premium brands or like-new items can go for more. And some onesies from some of the popular bamboo clothing stores can even fetch you 100% of the price you paid for it (there are even Facebook groups dedicated to bamboo baby clothing!).

Does Once Upon A Child pay well?

Once Upon A Child is very convenient but usually pays less than what you’d make selling directly. Their payouts are around 30% to 40% of what they’ll sell the item for. So, if they sell a used stroller for $50 in their store, then you may get around $15 for it.

What are the best places to sell used baby items online?

EBay, Mercari, and GoodBuy Gear are great for selling used baby items online, depending on the type of items you’re selling.

Where can you sell baby clothes for cash nearby?

If you want to sell baby clothes for cash nearby, you may want to try local options like Once Upon A Child, hosting a garage sale, or Facebook Marketplace.

Is it worth it to sell used baby items?

Yes! Selling used baby items can help you earn extra money, declutter your home, and give items a second life. The time investment is minimal compared to the financial and environmental benefits.

Where To Sell Used Baby Items – Summary

I hope you enjoyed my article on where to sell used baby items.

Selling used baby items is a win-win. You get to declutter your home, make some extra money, and help other families find affordable baby gear. Whether you prefer local options like Once Upon A Child or online platforms like Mercari and eBay, there are plenty of ways to turn those outgrown baby items into cash.

You can start small by listing or selling a few items on your preferred platform and see how easy it can be. Who knows – you might just find a new side hustle in the process!

What do you usually do with your old baby items? Do you sell them? Donate them? Trash?

Recommended reading:

Have you ever done a no spend challenge?

This money-saving trick helps you cut out unimportant spending for a set amount of time (could be one week, one month, or even longer – you choose!). By not buying things you don’t need, you can save more money and reset your spending habits.

During a no spend challenge, you only buy what you really need. This can be food, bills, and/or other must-haves. You may skip things like new clothes, eating out, or shopping for fun.

The goal is to save money and learn about your spending habits.

I’ve had friends do no spend challenges in different ways such as:

• No new clothing for a year – They wore what they already had and bought NOTHING. I actually have a few friends who have done this and they all really liked it!
• No takeout or restaurants for a month – They cooked all their meals at home and saved hundreds.
• No Amazon or online shopping for three months – They avoided impulse purchases and realized how often they bought things they didn’t really need.
• Grocery budget freeze – They challenged themselves to only eat what was already in their pantry (like all of their canned goods and pantry staples) and freezer for a set time.
• No in-person shopping – I have a friend who only does grocery store pickup so that they are not tempted by walking around in the aisles of a store.

A No Spend Challenge Can Reset Your Finances – Here’s How To Do It

If you’re curious about trying one, here’s how a no spend challenge can work for you!

What is a no spend challenge?

A no spend challenge is a fun way to save money. You pick a time, like a week or a month, and try not to buy anything extra. It’s like a game where you only spend on things you really need.

During the challenge, you can buy necessities. These are things you must have, such as:

• Rent or mortgage
• Groceries
• Gas for your car
• Medicine

But you avoid spending money on things you don’t need like:

• Eating at restaurants
• New clothes
• Movie tickets
• Coffee shop visits
• All the extras you throw in your cart at Target

The goal is to cut out these extra costs. This helps you save money and see where your money usually goes. It can be eye-opening to realize how much you spend on things you don’t truly need.

Remember, it’s okay to adjust the no spend rules to fit your life (it’s a contest with yourself, after all!). The main idea is to spend less and save more.

Benefits of a no spend challenge

I like doing no spend challenges because they can help you save money by not buying things that you don’t actually need.

Plus, you really learn a lot about how you spend your money. The challenge makes you look closely at what you buy, and you might spot bad habits you didn’t know you had.

Many people, including myself, spend more money than they need to because of impulse buys. This is when you buy things because you’re on a shopping trip (such as at Target or Walmart, when you buy things not on your list), because you’re in a mood where you think spending will make it better, and more.

But, when you’re not spending, you get used to not wanting to shop.

I find that when I’m doing a no spend challenge, I continue to spend a lot less well into the future because I find that I just don’t need to spend money.

Instead, you’ll use up stuff you already own or you’ll find happiness in doing things where you aren’t spending money.

P.S. If you’re looking for a helpful no-spend challenge book to read even more on this topic, I highly recommend The No-Spend Challenge Guide by my friend Jen Smith. You may be able to find it at your local library too!

Are there any negatives of doing a no spend challenge?

Okay, so I know some people will say, “No spend challenges don’t work! You’ll just spend the money once the challenge is over!”

And honestly, that can happen. A no spend challenge isn’t a magic fix for bad spending habits. It’s a tool to help you reset. But like any tool, it has its pros and cons.

Sure, some people may just purchase the item that they wanted to buy right when the challenge is over. But, at least they thought about it and realized that they still wanted it.

How to prepare for a no spend challenge

Here’s how you can get started:

1. Pick your challenge length. You can start small with a weekend or go big with a whole month (or even a whole YEAR!). Choose what feels right for you.
2. Set clear goals. Decide which expenses you’ll cut out and write these down to stay focused.

And that’s pretty much it. It doesn’t have to be hard to get started.

There are also some ways to make it easier such as:

1. Tell your friends and family about your challenge. They can cheer you on and maybe even join you.
2. Delete shopping apps from your phone because this makes it harder to buy stuff.
3. Unsubscribe from store emails so that there are no more tempting sales in your inbox!
4. Plan your meals ahead and use what’s already in your kitchen.
5. When you want to buy something, wait 24 hours. You might change your mind (I find that most people do!).
6. If you slip up, don’t give up, and just start again the next day.

Recommended reading: How To Get Free Clothes Online & Near You (15 Best Ways)

No spend challenge ideas

Here are some no spend challenge ideas to help you save money and reset your spending habits. You can customize them to fit your lifestyle and goals!

• No new clothing for a year – Wear what you already own, mix and match outfits, don’t go to the store to just window shop, and find ways to get free clothes like on Buy Nothing groups.
• No takeout or restaurants for a month – Cook all your meals at home and see how long you can go. I find that if I eat out, I just continue to eat out more and more. But, if I go a few weeks without eating out, I simply just won’t even think about it, or try for much longer!
• No online shopping for three months – Don’t even try to look at online stores like Amazon, Target, or anywhere else to prevent impulse shopping.
• Pantry and freezer challenge – Only eat what you already have in your kitchen instead of grocery shopping. You may set rules for yourself though. For example, maybe you still want to be able to buy fresh fruit and vegetables.
• No new home decor or furniture for a year – If you buy a lot of home stuff, then this is a great one to focus on as it can help you declutter fast! Maybe try rearranging stuff instead of buying.
• Cash-only challenge for a month – Stop using credit cards and use cash for everything to make spending feel more intentional.
• No entertainment spending for a month – Find free ways to have fun, like hiking, reading, or visiting your local library.
• No coffee shop purchases for a month – Brew your own coffee at home.
• No salon visits for one year – Cut or color your own hair, or just go without.
• No spending on kids’ toys for three months – Rotate toys they already have, swap with friends, or focus on free activities instead. If you’re anything like the average family with kids, then you probably already have more than enough!

I’d love to hear your ideas for a no spend challenge. Please share in the comments below!

Ideas for no spend activities

Not spending money can be hard, and I completely understand. I think one great way to be motivated to spend less is to not be bored even though you aren’t spending money.

Yes, there are ways to have free fun!

Some ideas for no spend activities include:

• Go for a hike.
• Check out a park near you.
• Clean out your closet and organize your space.
• Start a DIY project with stuff you have at home.
• Read a book from your shelf or the library.
• Write in a journal.
• Learn a new skill using free online resources (like YouTube).
• Have a game night with family or friends.
• Plant a garden with seeds you already have or do things like plant a pineapple crown (you can grow your own pineapple with your scraps!).
• Have a picnic in your backyard or local park.
• Make a vision board for your goals.
• Try a new hairstyle or makeup look.
• Find free events and festivals in your local area. My town has free events all the time and they are great!

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions about doing a no spend challenge.

How can I start my very first no spend challenge?

To start for your very first time, I recommend picking a time frame that works for you, such as a week or a month. Then, make a list of things you can’t buy during this time. It’s easy!

What are some great tips for sticking to a no spend month?

There are many things you can do to stick to a no spend month, such as planning your meals ahead of time, finding free activities to do with friends, and not doing any window shopping or browsing.

Why do people choose to do no spend challenges?

People do these challenges to save money fast, and they may want to break bad spending habits. For me, if I notice that my spending is getting a little out of control or if I feel like I have a lot of useless things that I don’t need, I like to do a no spend challenge to rein it all in and get everything under control again.

A No Spend Challenge Can Reset Your Finances – Summary

I hope you enjoyed my article on how a no spend challenge can reset your finances.

Personally, I love doing no spend challenges because they help me break out of bad spending habits and remind me of what truly matters.

Sometimes, I catch myself spending out of convenience or boredom rather than buying things that I actually need, and these challenges help me pause and reset.

I also love how they push me to use what I already have, whether that’s food in my pantry, clothes in my closet, or hobbies I’ve neglected.

After a no spend challenge, I usually realize that I don’t even want to go back to certain spending habits because I didn’t miss them at all. It’s a great way to feel more in control of my money, and I always walk away with a fresh perspective on what I really value.

Have you ever done a no spend challenge? How did it go?

Recommended reading:

Do you want to learn how to make money on Amazon?

Today’s interview is with Stephen from Marketplace SuperHeroes, who sells on Amazon.

Stephen used to work at a government job. On paper, it looked like a great gig. But deep down, he wanted more. More freedom, more time, and more purpose. That desire led him down the path of online business, and eventually, to selling on Amazon.

Now, his Amazon business has passed the $1,000,000 mark annually, and he teaches others how to build successful reselling businesses too – even if they’re just getting started and only have a few hours a week. 

In this interview, Stephen shares exactly how he did it, how much you can really make, and how beginners can follow the same simple system to start making money online. He answers questions such as:

• Is there really still room for new Amazon sellers? 
• How much can someone actually make selling on Amazon?
• What kind of items can you sell on Amazon? 
• What are some challenges a person may face by selling on Amazon? What happens to items that don’t sell?
• Plus more!

If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to start a real Amazon business, this is a must-read! 

Stephen also put together a free step-by-step guide: ​The Simple Amazon Side Hustle eBook​. It’s packed with tips to help you get started, what products to look for, and how to make your first sales – even with just a couple of hours a week. ​Click here to grab your free copy and start learning today!​

How I Quit My 9-5 And Made $1.4 Million Last Year Selling Products On Amazon

If you want to learn how to start a business selling on Amazon, this interview is a great place to get started.

1. Let’s start with your story. What were you doing before Amazon, and how did this whole thing begin?

Over 12 years ago now, I had what you’d probably call a “safe” job — working in a government role at the Mental Health Commission in Dublin, Ireland. Decent paycheck, good benefits, stability. But every lunch break, every quiet moment, I was Googling “how to make money online.” I didn’t want to be stuck in this “secure” job forever – because I felt like there was more. More freedom. More purpose. More possibility. 

Of course, the internet will throw every scam imaginable at you when you search that stuff. Get-rich-quick “gurus,” crypto schemes, apps that promised passive income but paid you pennies for your time. I tried quite a few things. Most of it didn’t work.

Then, a random conversation changed my life. A friend of my aunt’s was quietly crushing it with an eCommerce or physical products business. I didn’t hesitate. I drove across the country to meet him and ended up in his freezing cold warehouse (back then, you had to do all of this yourself – not anymore, thankfully!), learning everything I could about selling physical products online. It was hands-on, unglamorous, and the best crash course I could’ve asked for.

I started with reselling existing brands on Amazon. It was a straightforward, simple way to learn the ropes and get quick wins. Over time, we expanded into private label (where you build your own branded products) and eventually launched Marketplace SuperHeroes to help others do the same.

Fast forward a few years, and I now run the business with my sister and CEO, Lisa. We work with world-class educators in this space, and we’ve sold millions in product across Amazon marketplaces globally. 

We now run an online education platform that’s helped nearly 10,000 people start their own Amazon businesses. In 2024, one of our own Amazon accounts cleared $1.4M in revenue. And 2025? It’s shaping up to be even bigger.

But here’s the thing: you don’t need to create the next viral product or be a marketing genius to do this. You don’t even need to be on camera or come up with ideas on what to sell. You just need to understand how to sell simple, everyday items that people already want – and plug into Amazon’s incredible fulfillment system.

That’s what we teach. And it works.

2. What does it actually mean to “sell on Amazon”? Can you explain this in beginner-friendly terms?

Absolutely. Imagine this: you find a product that people are already buying — say, a specific brand of shoe, like Converse. You get a few boxes of those shoes at a discount from another store (either locally or online), and you send them to Amazon’s warehouses.

Now here’s the magic: Amazon stores those products, lists them for you, handles customer service, ships them out when someone buys — they do all the “hard” stuff. You just focus on finding products that you can list at a profit on Amazon.

That system is called Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) — and it’s what allows you to run a real business in your spare time.

Think about what this means practically. When a customer places an order for your product, you don’t have to do anything. 

You’re not rushing to pack boxes, standing in line at the post office, or answering customer service emails at 11 PM. Amazon handles all of that for you!

We teach two main ways to get started:

Reselling (Retail/Online Arbitrage)
You find discounted items on websites like Walmart, Boots, or even clearance sections of online retailers — then list and sell them on Amazon for a profit. It’s beginner-friendly because:

• You can start small — even with $500 or less
• You don’t need to create a brand or deal with overseas suppliers
• You see results fast — sometimes in your first week!

This model is what we’ll be talking more about in today’s blog post!

Wholesale (Accelerate Model)
Here, you buy branded products directly from domestic suppliers (for example, in the USA). You get permission to resell these items and typically get better pricing. 

Then you list them on Amazon and aim to win a share of the Buy Box — this is the main “Add to Cart” section on a product page. When multiple sellers offer the same item, Amazon rotates who appears there throughout the day. 

If you’re priced competitively and meet certain criteria, your offer gets featured — meaning you can make sales even if others are selling the same product.

This is ideal once you’ve gotten some traction with reselling and want to scale faster. Our wholesale expert, Mike, runs this side of the training, and he’s brilliant.

In both models, you’re not reinventing the wheel. You’re plugging into an existing ecosystem, solving real problems with products you know are already selling from big brands like Crayola, Fisher Price, and more, and taking your slice of the pie.

Here’s an overview of what the process looks like…

But if you’re a beginner? Kickstart is the perfect place to start. And Josh, our reselling expert (and my business partner), is the one who guides you step-by-step inside that program.

Oh, and speaking of Kickstart, we put together a free e-Book recently that will teach you in-depth how this model works and what kind of results you can expect when you get started…

Click here to get your free copy now!

3. Is there really still room for new Amazon sellers? Or is the market saturated?

This is probably the #1 myth that keeps people from starting. And I get it — Amazon’s massive. But let me be clear: There has never been a better time to start.

Why? Because Amazon is growing faster than ever. Over 60% of their product sales now come from third-party sellers — people like you and me. They need us to keep up with demand.

And here’s the kicker: Amazon is a living, breathing marketplace. Inventory levels shift, prices fluctuate, and sellers come and go. There are always gaps — and those gaps are opportunities for smart sellers.

In 2024 alone, we saw total beginners come in, find simple products like kitchen tools or haircare items, and start generating hundreds (even thousands) in monthly profit in a matter of weeks.

Plus, the way we teach Amazon selling isn’t about guessing or “getting lucky.” It’s strategic. We use proven tools and methods to spot opportunities — products that people are buying, that don’t have enough competition, and that we can source for less than they sell on Amazon.

So yes, there’s plenty of room. If you follow a system and treat it like a real business, the opportunities are wide open.

4. How much can someone actually make doing this?

It depends — and I say that not to dodge the question, but because it really does depend on a few things: how much you invest, how consistently you work, and how well you follow the system.

This isn’t one of these get rich quick things where I tell you you’re going to be a millionaire next month, and if I did, I’d hope you wouldn’t trust me very much. As I share these numbers, know this – we can’t and won’t promise that you’ll have the same results. Of course, results in any business may vary.

That said, let’s talk real numbers.

With our Kickstart Reselling method, we’ve seen:

• People start with $500–$1,000 and grow to $1,000–$2,000/month in profit pretty quickly
• Others reinvest and scale to $5,000–$10,000/month
• Some grow further and use profits to fund bigger inventory, eventually going full-time

It’s a real business model that rewards consistency and smart decisions — but unlike most businesses, you can start seeing sales within weeks. In fact, here’s one of my favorite recent stories:

“I sent my first products into Amazon in March 2024, and made my first sales just 3 days later. That was the proof I needed that this actually works. Since then, I’ve done over $8,300 in sales and I’m tracking toward $10k. There have been challenges, sure — but I’m learning, I’m selling, and I’m building something real.” — Nicole, Kickstart Reseller

You can check out the full interview with Nicole below!

Nicole’s story is such a great example of what happens when you follow a proven process. She didn’t go all-in on some trendy, risky product. She followed the steps, started small, and is now scaling up with confidence.

We built this model specifically for people like Nicole — people who want something real, flexible, and practical. Whether your goal is an extra $1k/month or eventually going full-time, reselling on Amazon is one of the most accessible ways to get there.

5. How much time does this take each week? Can I do this with a full-time job?

Absolutely — and a lot of our students do just that.

We call this the 2-Hour Amazon Shortcut because most people can run this model in as little as 2 hours per day, or about 10–14 hours a week. That’s enough to:

• Find profitable products
• Order and send them to Amazon
• Monitor your account and track sales

And since Amazon does the packing, shipping, returns, and customer service, you’re spending your time on the highest-value tasks: sourcing and strategy.

You can build this around your life — early mornings, evenings, weekends. Some people even do it during lunch breaks at work.

As you grow, you might choose to put in more hours or hire help. But to get started? A couple of hours a day is more than enough.

6. What kind of items can you sell on Amazon? And how do you find them?

The short answer: many of the big brands that are already selling on Amazon — as long as you can buy it cheaper elsewhere.

Here’s how we teach our students to find profitable products using our Kickstart Reselling method:

1. Identify products with proven demand
   We use specific tools and data points (like Best Sellers Rank, number of reviews, and estimated sales volume) to make sure the product is already selling well on Amazon.
2. Look for price gaps
   This is the core of the reselling model. You’re looking for everyday products that are being sold cheaper somewhere else — whether that’s Target, Walmart, Boots, or Best Buy. If it’s selling for $15 on Amazon and you can buy it for $7 elsewhere, that’s a solid lead.
3. Check the competition
   We avoid listings where there are too many other sellers or where the price is likely to crash. Ideally, we want products where there are only a few sellers rotating in the Buy Box — the section where customers click “Add to Cart.” That’s how you make consistent sales.
4. Calculate all your costs
   Before buying anything, we teach you how to run the numbers properly. That includes product cost, Amazon’s fees, shipping, and any prep center charges — so you’re clear on your profit margin before you commit.
5. Start small and test
   Never go all-in on a product right away. We teach you to test a small quantity, see how fast it sells, and then double down on the winners. This keeps risk low and confidence high as you build.

Some hot categories?

• Health & personal care
• Home and kitchen
• Office supplies
• Toys
• Grocery items with strong demand

Today, you might find a fitness accessory at a discount. Next week, it might be a cleaning product. The key is following the numbers, not your personal preferences.

In our free eBook and bonus workshop, we dive deep into what products to sell, what sort of profits to expect, and how to find the best possible products to get started with.

Go here to download your copy and watch the bonus workshop.

7. How much does it cost to start this type of business, and how much on a monthly basis to maintain it? What are Amazon’s fees?

Starting an Amazon reselling business through our Kickstart method is one of the most accessible online business models available today. 

One of the reasons reselling is such a great starting point is the low upfront cost. You don’t need thousands of dollars or huge inventory commitments. Most people get started with $500–$1,000 and grow from there.

Here’s a simple breakdown of the typical startup and ongoing costs:

• Amazon Seller Account – $39.99/month for the Professional plan (recommended)
• Initial Inventory – You can start testing with as little as a couple hundred bucks. Unlike private label, you don’t need to buy hundreds of units of a single product.
• Prep Center (optional) – If you’re not prepping products yourself, many sellers use a prep center to receive, inspect, label, and forward products to Amazon. Expect $1–$3 per item.
• Shipping to Amazon (if self-prepping) – $10–$30 per box, depending on weight/distance.
• Basic supplies – If prepping at home, you might need tape, boxes, and labels. Budget $50–$100.

One of the biggest advantages of the Kickstart model is that you don’t need to go all-in on one product. 

You can test several items in small quantities, see what sells, and scale up the winners. That keeps risk low and helps you build experience and confidence quickly.

Many of our students see their first sales — and even their first profits — within just a few weeks of sending their first products into Amazon.

8. What are some challenges a person may face by selling on Amazon? What happens to items that don’t sell?

Like any real business, reselling on Amazon comes with its ups and downs (but compared to most other online business models, these are a breeze to navigate!)

The key is knowing what to expect — and how to handle it when things don’t go exactly to plan.

Here are a few of the common challenges beginners face (and how we help you deal with them):

1. Picking the right products

Not every item that looks profitable on paper ends up selling well in reality. That’s why we teach you to test small quantities first — no big risks, no guesswork. You’ll improve your product research skills with a little time and practice (and we have tools to help you speed up your progress massively).

2. Price competition

Amazon is a dynamic marketplace. Prices can fluctuate based on demand and competition. We show you how to find products with enough margin to weather whatever may happen and how to know when to hold or adjust your price.

3. Inventory management

You’ll learn how to balance having enough stock to keep selling — without tying up too much cash in products that move slowly. This becomes even more important during seasonal shifts.

4. Account health

Amazon expects you to follow certain performance metrics (like order defect rate, cancellation rate, etc.). Luckily, FBA handles most of this for you — but we still help you stay compliant and keep your account in good standing.

Remember, you’re testing small batches of multiple products, so if something doesn’t perform, it’s not a big setback. You can quickly pivot, learn from it, and keep moving.

Over time, you’ll get better at picking winners and building systems that make everything smoother. These little bumps in the road? They’re just part of building a real, sustainable business.

9. Can you tell us more about your course? How does it actually help beginners?

Absolutely. Our Kickstart Reselling program, led by our reselling expert (and my business partner) Josh, is built for total beginners. You don’t need experience, products, or tech skills.

Here’s what you get:

• 8-week training: Step-by-step system to go from zero to first sales
• Sourcing Vault: Our personal list of websites to find profitable products
• Daily Deal Alerts: We even help you spot real-time opportunities
• Weekly coaching calls: Ask questions and get help from our team
• Private community: Meet other sellers, share wins, and get support
• Scaling tools: Learn how to outsource, scale, and turn this into a full-time business if you want

It’s not fluff. We teach real, actionable strategies and walk you through every step.

And while Kickstart focuses on the reselling model (where you find discounted products online and flip them for a profit on Amazon), we also offer advanced training for those who want to move into wholesale later on. 

That’s led by our Wholesale expert, Mike, who’s amazing at helping people take things to the next level when they’re ready.

But to be super clear: if you’re just starting out, Kickstart is the perfect place to begin. You’ll learn everything you need to make your first sales and build a business that fits around your life.

Want to see how it all works — step-by-step? Click here to download our FREE eBook + unlock the bonus workshop

And if you’ve stuck around this long, a huge thank you for reading this post that our good friend Michelle asked us to write. 

Being interested in personal finance gives you such a leg-up on most people when it comes to income streams, investing, and other topics that will really set you up for success long term.

So even if we don’t work together, keep up the amazing learning journey, and I wish you all the best!

Are you interested in starting a business selling on Amazon?

Recommended reading:

Today, I’m excited to introduce a guest post from Dominique Déraiche, the creator behind Mommy VA Blog. Dominique is a mom who traded in her day job for a flexible work-from-home life. In her post, she shares her journey of how she became a virtual assistant, starting with zero experience and a 6-month-old baby on her hip. If you’ve ever wondered what a virtual assistant actually does or how to become one, this post is for you.

My journey to becoming a Virtual Assistant is one with a lot of forks in the road and dead ends.

Truthfully when I set out to work from home and build an online business, I had no idea what a Virtual Assistant was, what it ate for dinner, or how to become one.

All I knew was that I didn’t want to put my baby in daycare, and I wanted the flexibility of working from home.

I used to work for the Federal Government and started my career in the Employment Insurance Call Centre, where I learned how to be proactive, develop strong communication skills, and listen carefully because most of the time it’s what clients aren’t saying that is most important.

As much as I loved the challenge of my job, speaking to clients across the country on a daily basis, and feeling like I was making a difference in people’s lives; it was also stressful to constantly be ‘on’. If you were having an off day, you still needed to power through because people were dependent on you, and you needed to reach your goal stats by the end of the day. Welcome to working in a Call Centre. 

I knew one day, I would leave the government for a work from home position but had no idea where to start, or how to go about it. You could say I manifested my reality, but it came with a lot of hardships. Today, I would like to share with you my journey to becoming a Virtual Assistant in hopes of saving you a lot of time needing to throw spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks. Hindsight is always 20/20, and there are definitely a lot of things I would do differently if I were to start over today. 

So without a clear business plan, like any sane *throat clearing* person would do, I quit my job only with the clear determination that I was going to make it work, somehow. 

With a 6-month old on my hip, I set off on my Virtual Assistant journey, hitting lots of bumps in the road, but learning a ton in the process, I didn’t start off knowing I would become a Virtual Assistant, I tried many different paths before finally landing on becoming a VA.  

With these actionable tips, you’ll be able to fast track your own journey, should you choose to take the leap, leave your 9-to-5, and become a Virtual Assistant.

Recommended reading: Best Ways To Find Virtual Assistant Jobs

How I Got Started as a Virtual Assistant

Roughly six months before my baby’s due date, I started brainstorming lots of ideas on how I could make money from home.

At the time, I lived on a quaint 4 acre parcel of land with my 3 horses, chickens and big gardens. I truly loved being outside. I also knew that the homesteading community was booming, with more and more people wanting to leave the hustle and bustle of city life and getting back to our ancestor’s roots.

However, most of the traditional homesteading skills have been lost over the years. I’ve always been someone who loves reading and figuring stuff out, you could also credit my grandma and my mom for nurturing my creative side growing up teaching me how to knit, and enrolling me in sewing lessons. 

I took it upon myself to learn how to can food from my garden, hence how my YouTube channel, Canning The Garden was born. I almost cringe writing this because I know some of you will go look me up, but I’ve refrained from deleting my channel over the years because it’s an accurate representation of how my entrepreneurial journey has evolved. I’ve come a long way!

I worked hard at my YouTube channel and put in a full year’s worth of effort getting it off the ground but ultimately the content creation grind of needing to pump out video after video every week got the best of me. Plus, my niche was hard to create content around during the winter months. 

At this point, I was running out of financial resources to stay home with my daughter, so I needed to try something else quickly! While I didn’t have the financial resources to spend, I also recognized that sometimes you need to spend money to make money. 

With advice from a friend, I decided to hire a business coach. I had spoken to her before spending money on her membership, wanting to make sure she could truly help me because I felt like this was a last ditch effort to be able to work from home with my 6 month old daughter.  

She assured me that yes, she absolutely could, she herself being a mom to 5 with a thriving online business helping mompreneurs. So I signed up to her membership, and showed up promptly to her weekly coaching calls, and devoured her course content.

But I was still left with the question, what type of business should I start? I didn’t see my skills working for the government as something I could market and grow a business from. The only thing I knew how to do well at that point and saw potential in were my homesteading skills. 

That’s the path I chose, with my coach’s help, I started building out a course of my own, hoping to teach others homesteading skills, particularly water bath canning and pressure canning with the hope of creating a membership site where clients would pay to learn from me and have access to weekly family meal recipes made from scratch. 

Once I got to the pricing module in my coach’s course, the doubts started to creep in. I started doing the math backwards thinking of how many membership spots I would need to sell on a monthly basis in order to be able to stay home with my baby. It all started to feel like too much and like my dream was never going to come true. I had put all this effort into building a course, that at this point was just a hobby and nothing I could see becoming a real stream of income. 

Luckily my coach sent me a message saying ‘We have to talk’, she had come to the exact same conclusion at the exact same time. I was disappointed and cried on the call, but at the same time relieved that I could focus my energy somewhere else and not waste any more time. She said, ‘Dom, have you ever thought about becoming a Virtual Assistant?’.

At the time, I had no idea what a Virtual Assistant even did or how it could help small business owners.

With that, she hired me for $1,000 per month, and I was to help her with email management, and social media management, showing up to her weekly coaching calls to take notes and pitch her for guest podcast opportunities. In hindsight, I was probably working WAY too much for the amount of money she was paying me, but I was all too eager to learn and expand my skills.

And that, my friends, is how I got my first client and began my journey. After 5 years I am still learning a lot every day and am now even shifting into starting my own Pinterest Management services business, with the hopes of working with other bloggers in the near future. While not knowing what exactly the future holds as a person who is self-employed, the magic is in knowing that you can always shift and reinvent yourself. There are no rules to working online!

Actionable Step-by-Step Plan for Becoming a Virtual Assistant

If I were to start over as a Virtual Assistant today, there are many things I would do differently, but wisdom is earned when experience is gained.

Here are my top 5 baby steps to starting your own Virtual Assistant business. 

1. Go All In

While quitting a well paying government job is probably not advisable or realistic for everyone, when I first decided to make money from home I jumped all in by quitting my job.

Sure, I could always have found something else should it have not worked out, but there truly was no other option in my mind. Make a decision and stick to it! It’s easy in today’s world to try something but never see it through to the end (there’s also value in knowing when to quit, but that’s a story for another day), most people aren’t doing enough of the right things and are quick to throw in the towel. 

Something that I love to do, and it helps me visualize my goals is to create a vision board of what I want my year to look like. I create it in Canva (free simple to use design software), and save it to the desktop of my computer. This way it’s something I see every single morning as I start my work day, and helps me align my actions with the goals I want to achieve in my own business. 

2. Determine Your Current Skills

One of the roadblocks on my Virtual Assistant journey was failing to see what was right in front of me.

All those skills I acquired working for the Government? Those are transferable skills I still use today as a Virtual Assistant. Even if you’ve never been a VA before, I firmly believe we all have the necessary skills we can use and apply as assets to starting a successful Virtual Assistant business. 

Take 20 minutes, grab a scrap piece of paper and brain dump all of the skills you’ve learned from the various jobs you’ve had in the past. It doesn’t matter if the job was in administrative services or customer support, write down everything, even the common skills!

Once you’ve written it all down, take an objective look at what could be applied to the Virtual Assistant services you might offer.

3. Network

Facebook groups are a gold mine for finding potential clients to work with. I’ve met some of my best clients through Facebook Groups. It is a good idea to set aside time every day to network and build an online presence, ask questions and show up in groups where your target audience hangs out. When you consistently provide value, your ideal client will start noticing you and sending you DMs about your services.

It’s really that easy! I have clients reaching out to me who I’ve never heard of before, but they’ve been lurking around in groups, observing, and then finally pulling the plug and sending a message for more information on my service packages. Start showing up as the expert you are!

Set a goal for yourself to leave at least 10 comments per day on various posts with people you potentially see yourself working with.

Just be careful, some Facebook Groups are really strict about self-promotion, and try to do it in a tactful way. 

4. Build a Portfolio

A portfolio is like a resume that contains the VA services you offer, the systems you use, your pricing, testimonials, and contact information. I am a big fan when first starting out, of doing work in exchange for testimonials.

This not only helps build your credibility to back up your skills, but it gets your feet wet in the industry without needing to commit to building an expensive website, or investing in different software.

Heck, many VAs book themselves out with just a portfolio! Starting a business doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. Start simple, and build upon it as you have the resources to do so. 

There are lots of free Canva templates you can use to get started with building your portfolio. Or if you want a beautifully designed and well put together option, there are thousands of templates for sale on Etsy that will get you that cohesive look. 

5. Raise Your Prices

With time, you’ll definitely want to increase your prices, we tend when first starting out to undervalue our worth. Which is ok! We all have to start somewhere, but as you gain experience and expand your skill set, it’s important to determine a higher rate for your services, the value you provide business owners.

You are not only saving them time, but you are also saving them money since they aren’t needing to hire full-time employees. Saving them thousands of dollars on medical insurance, employment benefits, etc. 

When raising your prices, you’ll want to consider things like:

• What are your competitors charging for similar Virtual Assistant services? 
• Your expenses and desired profit margin
• How much time it takes to complete a specific task
• The demand for your services
• Your prior experience and the expertise you have gained
• Your ideal client budget
• Your business goals

Tidbits of Encouragement for Your Virtual Assistant Journey

I know many of you hold it in your heart to want to work from home, whether it’s for similar reasons as my own, to be home with my daughter, or simply because you are sick of the commute and the 9-5 grind. I want to let you know that you can do it!

If I can, with a six month old on my hip, working early in the morning, during nap time, and in the evenings, so can you!

If anything, I wish I could go back to when my daughter was little and tell myself that everything will be ok! Stop stressing and enjoy these moments. Sure I was always present with my daughter, but most of the time my mind was elsewhere trying to figure out how I was going to make this all work. Trust yourself and your ability, you are smart, and more than capable. Thousands have done it, and so can you. 

You may not have all of the answers or all of the solutions to the various problems you will undoubtedly encounter, but with a little bit of grit, determination, and reaching out to the vast community of Virtual Assistants and freelancers online, someone out there has experienced what you have and will be more than happy to lend a helping hand, guiding you in the right direction. 

Where do you go from here?

You have a few options, you can follow the actionable steps above and go at it at your own pace but there is also tremendous value in being part of a community of like minded individuals who are on the same journey as you.

Just like I did by hiring my business coach, without her I never would have made those important connections, landing her as my very first Virtual Assistant client. 

Now, I am not recommending that you go out and purchase expensive Virtual Assistant courses, there are thousands of online courses out there, but I am recommending that you find like minded individuals who will encourage you, help you brainstorm ideas, and help you along the way. I’ve made tremendous friendships online, with some people who I have never met in person, and without them would never have made it as far as I have today. 

Being an independent contractor and freelancer is an excellent career choice, and a community I am definitely proud of being a part of. With hard work and determination, I can’t wait to welcome you too! 

Are you interested in becoming a virtual assistant?

Author Bio: Dominique Déraiche is a blogger and writer passionate about helping moms build flexible, online businesses. She shares practical tips, strategies, and insights on becoming a virtual assistant, productivity, and making money online at Mommy VA Blog. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her spending time with family, testing new business ideas, or taking a walk with her dog Toby.

Recommended reading:

This summer, I’m planning to work as little as possible – and I’m really looking forward to it.

I’ve spent years building a business that gives me freedom. And one of the biggest reasons I started Making Sense of Cents was so that I could choose how I spend my time. I love blogging and helping others, but I also want to be present for the fun moments – especially during the summer when my family and I are out exploring, traveling, and enjoying life (summer is my favorite season in the mountains – so I want to use that time fully!).

And I know I’m not the only one who wants to enjoy their vacations or summers more.

Whether you want more beach days, family time, or even just lazy mornings with coffee, I want to show you that this kind of flexibility is possible. With some planning, systems, and the right income streams in place, you can work less and still earn a good income.

And while I’m sharing this from the perspective of a full-time blogger, these tips can be helpful for freelancers, small business owners, content creators, course sellers, and more. If you run any kind of work-from-home job or online business, you may be able to apply these ideas to create more time in your schedule – whether it’s for a vacation, parental leave, a sabbatical, or just to have more time in your day.

Here’s how I’m setting myself up for a low-workload summer – and how you can too.

How I Plan On Working as Little as Possible Over the Summer (While Still Making Money)

Here’s how I plan on working as little as possible but still make money. I don’t expect my income to go down at all – I actually expect it to go up!

P.S. I recommend joining my How To Start A Blog FREE Course. In this free course, I teach you how to start a blog, from the technical side to earning your first income and attracting readers. Over 80,000 people have taken my free course!

1. Working ahead now to create breathing room later

Right now, I’m putting in extra effort so that I don’t have to work much later.

This means I’m writing blog posts, emails, and social media content in advance. I’ve already scheduled a lot of my content in advance, and I’m continuing to stay ahead so I can step away without stress. Instead of creating things last minute, I do it now and get it on my calendar.

I use tools like WordPress post scheduling (every WordPress blog has this), Kit for my email newsletters and funnels, and the Pinterest scheduler to make sure everything continues running while I’m offline.

I’m also working on all of those big picture tasks that have been building up for the last year. I’m embarrassed to admit this but there are some tasks that I have been pushing off for years, and I’m getting around to them now so that I can stop thinking about them. For example, I am combining my two courses onto one platform, as well as testing adding more display advertising to my blog posts. Working on big things like this right now is great because they will take up a lot of time, so I’d rather do it now than later. I’d rather my summer be full of smaller tasks that don’t take up as much brain power.

It feels good to know that my blog and business will still be helpful to readers, even while I’m out hiking with my family or relaxing by the water.

Here’s what you can do:

• Create a content calendar for the next 3–4 months. Think about blog post topics, email newsletters, and social media content so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
• Schedule blog posts and emails ahead of time. Use WordPress, Kit (or whatever you use for your email tool), and Pinterest schedulers to automate your publishing.
• Identify and tackle lingering to-dos. Finish those annoying backend tasks you’ve been putting off – like switching platforms, cleaning up plugins, refreshing your About page, etc.
• Pick 2–3 big projects to complete now. Choose things that require lots of time or brainpower and finish them before summer starts.
• Create templates for recurring content. This could be newsletter formats, blog post structures, or social media captions to make future content faster to create.
• Audit your affiliate links and ads. Update them now so they’re working for you all summer long.

2. Batch work

Batch working is one of the best ways to save time and get more done.

I’ve been doing this for years, and it’s truly a game changer because it allows me to be more efficient with my time. Instead of switching back and forth between different tasks, I focus on one thing at a time. I might spend a whole day just writing blog posts or a few hours only working on email newsletters.

This helps me stay focused, avoid distractions, and create better work – faster. And because I’m grouping similar tasks together, I don’t waste time switching gears or trying to remember what I was doing.

I even batch errands and personal tasks, like planning travel or stocking up on groceries, so I can stay in work mode when I’m working and enjoy personal time when I’m off.

Here’s what you can do:

• Choose 1–2 days per week for focused batch work. These are your deep work days where you knock out as much as possible in one category (like writing or designing).
• Group tasks by type. For example, batch all writing tasks on Mondays, photo editing on Tuesdays, and Pinterest pin creation on Wednesdays.
• Use a timer to stay focused. Try working in 25- or 45-minute blocks with short breaks in between (Pomodoro style).
• Create checklists for repeat tasks. For example, a checklist for writing a blog post or creating a Pinterest graphic can speed things up and make sure nothing is missed. Even though I’ve been blogging for many years, I still have a checklist that I look at every single time (I’m not joking!).
• Write multiple blog posts in one sitting. Outline 3–5 blog posts at once, then write drafts the next day, then edit all at once – breaking it into clear stages.
• Record or outline multiple videos or reels in one session. Even if you’re not filming in bulk, preparing ideas in batches helps you stay ahead.
• Batch your email marketing. Plan and schedule your weekly or monthly emails all in one go, using previous content as inspiration.
• Batch personal tasks too. Grocery shopping, appointment scheduling, and other life to-dos can be grouped together so they don’t interrupt your work flow.

3. Outsourcing what I don’t need to do

I don’t do everything myself – and that’s part of how I work less.

Over the years, I’ve built a small team that helps with different parts of my business. I have help with Pinterest scheduling, social media management, customer service, proofreading, and more. I don’t need to be involved in every little thing, and letting go of some control has allowed me to take back more of my time.

If you’re not ready to hire a team, even outsourcing just one thing can help. For example, you might hire someone to edit your blog posts, repurpose your content, or help with graphics.

Delegating tasks gives me more freedom to spend time doing what I love – and that’s what summer is all about.

Here’s what you can do:

• Make a list of tasks you don’t enjoy or that drain your time. This could be tech issues, formatting blog posts, making graphics, or scheduling content.
• Start with just one task to outsource. Choose something simple and time-consuming (like Pinterest scheduling or proofreading).
• Hire a freelancer for 5–10 hours a month. Websites like Fiverr, Upwork, or even referrals from blogging Facebook groups are great places to look.
• Write a quick standard operating procedure. Document how you want something done with a short Loom video or Google Doc – it doesn’t have to be fancy!
• Test with a small project first. Before hiring someone long-term, give them one specific task and see how they do (and see if you’re happy).
• Set a budget and stick to it. Even $100 to $200 a month can free up hours of your time and reduce burnout.
• Outsource personal tasks too. If work help isn’t in the budget yet, you may be interested in hiring a cleaner, grocery delivery, or a part-time babysitter – it all supports your business indirectly.

4. Earning with semi-passive income streams

This is the biggest reason I’m able to step away from work and still earn money: semi-passive income.

My main source of passive income is affiliate marketing. I’ve built up a library of blog posts (I have written over 2,000 blog posts over the years) that bring in affiliate income every day – whether I’m working or not. I’ve also created courses that sell on their own through email funnels, blog posts, and affiliates.

Because I’ve already done the hard work of creating content and building trust with my audience, I don’t have to be constantly online to make money. That’s the power of passive income, it keeps working for you long after you’ve done the work.

If you’re just getting started with a blog, you can focus on creating helpful evergreen content and building traffic to those posts to do the same. Of course, make sure that you promote products you truly believe in, and think long-term. Semi-passive income builds slowly, but once it’s rolling, it can support your lifestyle in a big way.

Here’s what you can do:

• Update older blog posts with fresh affiliate links. Look for posts that get steady traffic and make sure the affiliate links are working, relevant, and well-placed.
• Add product comparisons or reviews. These types of posts usually convert well and are great for SEO too.
• Use affiliate links in your email funnel. If someone signs up for your freebie or newsletter, send them to helpful resources that also earn you income.
• Focus on evergreen content. Write blog posts around topics that will be searched for all year long (like how to budget, how to plan a family vacation, how to be healthier, etc.).
• Track your top-earning posts and links. Use affiliate dashboards or tools like Pretty Links to see what’s working – and do more of that.
• Repurpose old content with affiliate potential. Turn a helpful Instagram post into a blog post or turn a blog post into an email newsletter.

You can learn more about my affiliate marketing strategies in my course, Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing. This course teaches how I’ve made over $2,000,000 with affiliate marketing over the years!

Also, if you are interested in how I make money online, I recommend reading this article of mine – How To Monetize A Blog: How I Grew A $5 Million Blog.

5. Reusing and resharing existing content

I don’t always need to reinvent the wheel.

Over the years, I’ve written thousands of blog posts, emails, and social media updates. Many of these are still valuable and relevant today. So during the summer, I plan to refresh and reshare some of my older content.

This might mean updating links, tweaking headlines, or turning a popular post into an Instagram carousel. I’ll also schedule evergreen emails to go out to my list – ones that have performed well in the past and still have lots of value but are updated.

Most readers haven’t seen all your content, and even if they have, they sometimes appreciate a reminder. Repurposing saves time and keeps your message consistent.

Here’s what you can do:

• Pick 5 old blog posts to update and reshare this month. Start with posts that get good traffic or answer common reader questions.
• Update affiliate links, images, and outdated info. This keeps your content fresh and improves user experience (and conversions).
• Turn blog posts into short-form video or reels. Break a post into 3–5 tips and record a quick Instagram reel or TikTok.
• Create Instagram carousels or Pinterest graphics from old content. Use Canva templates to speed up the design process.
• Turn old blog posts into email newsletters. Pull out highlights or tips and send them to your list with a personal note.
• Create a “Best of” blog post roundup. For example, “10 Most Popular Side Hustles” and include internal links.

6. Setting clear work boundaries

One of the most important things I’m doing this summer is protecting my time.

I’m choosing specific days and hours that I’ll work and sticking to them. I’ll likely work just a few hours a week, mostly checking in and making sure things are running smoothly. I’m also saying “no” to anything that doesn’t fit my priorities right now.

This might mean turning down certain projects, delaying some ideas, or even taking a break from my email inbox. I’ve realized that I don’t have to say “yes” to everything – especially if it means sacrificing time with my family or relaxing.

Here’s what you can do:

• Choose your weekly work hours and stick to them. For example, commit to working only Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon.
• Block your work time on your calendar. Treat it like an appointment so you’re less tempted to squeeze in “just one more thing.”
• Create an autoresponder for your email. Let people know you’re working limited hours and when they can expect a reply. I don’t plan on doing this, but this may be a good idea for others.
• Turn off notifications outside of work time. Silence apps like Slack, email, and social media when you’re off the clock.
• Set boundaries with clients, brands, or collaborators. Let them know your summer schedule ahead of time so there are no surprises.
• Keep a running “later” list. Write down ideas and tasks that pop up so you don’t feel pressure to handle them right away. I already have moved some tasks to the fall because I don’t think they’re important enough to do right now.
• Delete or pause unnecessary apps. Remove anything that gets you to check in constantly or distracts from your time off.
• Share your goals with your family or partner. Let them know when you’re working and when you’re fully off – so they can help hold you to it.

7. Focusing on high-impact tasks only

When I do work, I want it to count.

So I’m focusing on tasks that need me right then. For me, this might mean creating content that brings in traffic or revenue, sending emails to my list, and maintaining relationships with my audience (like answering emails) and affiliate partners.

I’m avoiding busywork – like checking stats too much or spending too much time on social media.

Here’s what you can do:

• Write down your top income-generating tasks. These might be writing blog posts, sending emails, or optimizing affiliate links – focus on these first.
• Use the 80/20 rule. Ask yourself: “What 20% of my tasks bring in 80% of my results?” Do more of those, and less of everything else. Personally, I have spent so much of my time on tasks that do nothing for my business or for my readers, and I know I need to stop that.
• Track where your time is going. For one week, write down what you’re working on and how long it takes. You might be surprised what’s not actually helping your business grow. I did this last month and it really opened my eyes as to what I spend my time on!
• Say no (or not right now) to low-priority projects. It’s okay to save ideas for later – they don’t all need to be done before your break.

8. Using ChatGPT to brainstorm and save time

One tool I’ve been using more lately is ChatGPT – and it’s been a huge time-saver.

I use it to help brainstorm blog post topic ideas, write outlines, come up with subject lines for emails, and even draft social media captions. If I’m stuck or just need a fresh view on something, ChatGPT helps me move forward faster. It’s like having a brainstorming partner available all the time.

This doesn’t mean I don’t add my personal touch – I always, ALWAYS do. But using ChatGPT helps me skip the blank page and save time when I need it most.

Here’s what you can do:

• Ask ChatGPT to brainstorm blog post topic ideas in your niche. For example, I recently fed all of my most recent articles that have gone viral and asked ChatGPT to brainstorm more article ideas that are similar.
• Use it to create outlines before writing. You can feed ChatGPT a bunch of your old blog posts and then ask: “Can you outline a post in my style titled ‘10 Easy Ways To Save Money On Groceries’?”
• Have it draft social media captions. Copy/paste part of your blog post and say: “Turn this into 3 Instagram captions in my voice.”
• Turn old blog content into email newsletters. Paste a blog post and say: “Summarize this into a short, friendly email with a call-to-action.”
• Use it to write Pinterest pin descriptions. Ask: “Write a keyword-rich Pinterest description for a post about budget travel tips.”
• Use ChatGPT to analyze your past posts on Facebook, study your style, and come up with hundreds more ideas for Facebook posts.
• You can even just tell ChatGPT all about your business, and then ask it how it thinks it can save you time. For example, you can ask: “I run Makingsenseofcents.com. How do you think ChatGPT can save me time?” or “I run a business where I plan travel for couples. How do you think ChatGPT can save me time?” I just asked both of these questions and it gave me a bunch of ideas I didn’t even list above!

Now, I do want to say – I never just take what ChatGPT says and publish it. I am heavily editing it and making sure the information is correct. I use it as an on-demand assistant tool for when I want to brainstorm new ideas.

9. Planning for flexibility

Even with a plan, life happens. I know that I will still be working this summer, and that is okay. I love what I do, so that is completely fine!

This is why I build in flexibility. Some weeks I might work a little more and other weeks not at all. I don’t plan on working 0 hours a week for 3 months straight.

Because I’ve built a business that doesn’t depend on me working 24/7, I can take that time off without everything falling apart. That’s the nice thing about online income – you can set it up to support the life you want.

And that life includes long summer days, slow mornings, and more time with the people I love.

Here’s what you can do:

• Build extra buffer time into your calendar. Don’t schedule every hour – leave space for unexpected plans, family time, or just rest.
• Have backup content ready. Write 1–2 extra blog posts or emails now that you can use later if you need a break.
• Use tools that make it easy to pause. Tools like Kit, WordPress scheduling, and social schedulers let you plan ahead – but also stop or reschedule content if needed.
• Give yourself permission to take a full day (or week) off. Your business won’t fall apart if you step away – especially if you’ve prepped in advance.
• Revisit your priorities weekly. What felt important in May might not matter in July. So, be prepared to adjust your goals based on what your life needs that week.

How I Plan On Working as Little as Possible Over the Summer (While Still Making Money) – Summary

I hope you enjoyed my article on how I plan on working as little as possible while still making money.

Working less this summer doesn’t mean I care less about my business. In fact, it means I’ve set it up to support me in the best way possible.

By planning ahead, batching tasks, outsourcing, and earning semi-passive income, I’m creating time to enjoy life outside of work – and still earn an income while doing it.

Whether you’re a blogger, entrepreneur, or just someone looking to step back a little, I hope my article shows you that it is possible to work less and live more.

For me, I’m hoping to spend my days hiking, going on trips, and just enjoying the days as they come.

If you’re planning to take time off or work less this summer, I’d love to hear what you’re doing to make that happen.

Do you like to take breaks throughout the year? Possibly for a vacation? Tell me your plans in the comments below!

Recommended reading:

Are you looking for the best places to sell a phone?

Whether you’re upgrading your old cell phone or decluttering your house, there are many ways to sell your old phone to make extra money.

But, figuring out the best spot to sell a phone can be intimidating since there are so many options.

I have sold my old cell phones over the years, and I think it’s a great way to make extra money by getting rid of the things you no longer need.

In this guide, I’ll go over the best places to sell phones, how to get the most money for your phone, and how to safely sell your phone (because there are personal things on your phone after all). You’ll also learn if you can sell a broken phone or a locked phone and what your options are.

Best Places To Sell Phones

Below are the best places to sell phones. 

Recommended reading: 14 Best Places To Sell Used Electronics for Money

1. Decluttr

Decluttr is a popular platform people use to sell used phones and other electronics.

The process to sell a phone on Decluttr is easy, and all you have to do is enter your phone’s details (brand, model, condition, and storage size) on their website to receive an instant quote.

For example, at the time of this writing, an Apple iPhone 12 in good condition could get you around $120 on Decluttr.

If you accept Decluttr’s offer, they’ll give you a free shipping label. Then, you just pack your phone and send it to Decluttr. Once they receive your phone and inspect it (for example, as one of the things they check, they want to make sure the condition matches what you said), they’ll pay you via direct deposit, PayPal, or check.

The pros of using Decluttr include a fast and easy process, free shipping, and multiple payment options to choose from. The main con is that they tend to give you a lower offer compared to private sales like Facebook Marketplace, and this is because they have to do most of the work (such as actually selling the phone).

My sister has sold on Decluttr, and so has another family member. So, I know this is a real place to sell a cell phone.

You can sell on Decluttr by clicking here.

2. Gazelle

Gazelle is similar to Decluttr and makes selling your used phone quick and easy.

To get an instant quote, all you do is enter your phone’s model, carrier, and condition on the Gazelle website. If you accept the offer, Gazelle gives you a free prepaid shipping label. You then just send your phone, and once they inspect your device, you’ll get payment from PayPal, check, or Amazon gift card.

A large benefit of selling your phone with Gazelle is that there’s no need to list your phone and wait for a buyer, as well as no need to negotiate with buyers. However, there are cons, like getting a lower offer compared to selling privately and waiting for your phone to be received by Gazelle to be inspected before getting paid.

You can sell on Gazelle by clicking here.

3. Amazon Trade-In

Amazon Trade-In is a great option if you’re fine with getting Amazon store credit versus actual cash. If you shop on Amazon, then this is good as cash anyway, so it’s a plus.

You can trade in your used phone and many other electronics for Amazon gift cards.

To get started, you need to search for your phone’s model on the Amazon Trade-In page and answer questions about its condition. If the offer is accepted, Amazon sends you a prepaid shipping label to send your phone. Once they receive your phone, you’ll receive Amazon store credit. 

You can visit Amazon Trade-In by clicking here.

4. Apple Trade-In 

Apple Trade-In works similarly to Amazon Trade-In, and you can get a good value on your current device and apply it to a new device.

You can do your trade-in online or at a local Apple store. Also, if your item isn’t eligible for trade-in, you can recycle it for free at Apple. Besides Apple phones, Apple Trade-In also works for Apple watches, iPads, Mac laptops, and Android phones.

My sister has traded in several of her old laptops as well as old cell phones to Apple whenever she buys a new one, and she’s always telling me about how easy it is. And, they always give her a really good amount, so it’s an easy process for her that she likes.

You can find your trade-in value by going to the Apple Trade-In page online to get an idea of what your phone may be worth. For example, right now an iPhone 15 has an estimated trade-in value of up to $400 at the time of this writing. 

5. eBay 

If you want the highest price possible for your phone, eBay is one of the best options.

This site requires more effort than other methods mentioned in this article because you’ll need to create the listing, take pictures of the phone, interact with buyers (such as by answering any questions), and handle shipping. You also need to look out for fake buyers and scams. 

You can also choose whether you want to sell the phone auction-style or fixed-price. Once sold, you’ll receive payment via PayPal, direct deposit, or through eBay’s secure payment system.

6. Facebook Marketplace

If you want to sell your phone right away and locally, Facebook Marketplace is an option to try.

The benefits of this option include no shipping fees, and you can connect with buyers in your area. There is a little more work involved, including taking photos of your phone, making a description, and listing all the details and the condition of your phone, and you have to meet in person to get paid.

In my experience, Facebook Marketplace can be hit or miss. This is because a lot of people will act like they’re interested in buying your item(s), and then they’ll ghost you. So keep this in mind if you decide to go this route for selling your phone.

7. Best Buy Trade-In 

Best Buy Trade-In is a similar trade-in program to Amazon and Apple’s program. Any items you successfully trade in to Best Buy get turned into Best Buy store credit, making this a great option if you shop at Best Buy. 

Best Buy’s Trade-In program has an estimate calculator so you can get an idea of what they’d offer you. They also provide a free prepaid shipping label. Best Buy also has a free recycling program in case you’re one of those people collecting old phones and not sure what to do with them.

8. OfferUp 

OfferUp is a local selling platform similar to Facebook Marketplace, and you can sell your phone locally or ship items nationwide.

If you decide to sell through OfferUp and have to ship your phone, the buyer pays for shipping. There are also fees included if you decide to ship items through OfferUp, but if you decide to sell locally and meet up with the buyer, that’s free.

You’ll likely run into low offers on OfferUp, so expect to negotiate. You may also run into scams and there’s no seller protection for local sales, so keep that in mind.

If you want fast local sales, OfferUp is a good option for selling your phone.

9. Swappa 

Swappa is a marketplace where you can buy and sell electronics, including phones. They usually have higher payouts compared to trade-in programs, making it the better option if you’re looking for more money. There are also buyer and seller protections in place. 

To get started, you need to create a listing, upload photos, and provide details about the condition of your phone. Once you find a buyer, you get paid before shipping your phone. Then, just ship your old phone to the buyer and get paid via PayPal.

10. Pawnshop

A pawnshop is one of the quickest ways to get money for your phone, but this also means you’ll get the least amount for your phone.

This is because the pawnshop takes time selling your phone, and they need to make it worth it on their end. However, this also means you don’t need to deal with buyers and the potentially long process of finding someone to buy your phone.

To get started, find a local pawnshop and see how much they’ll offer you for your phone. You can accept the offer or negotiate (expect that pawnshops are assuming that you will negotiate).

Another option is calling all of the pawnshops in your area, giving them the description and details of your phone, and seeing what they’d offer you. Then you can go to the pawnshop that offers you the most money. 

11. EcoATM

EcoATM kiosks are self-service machines in malls, Walmarts, and grocery stores. These kiosks let you trade in your phone on the spot, but they offer much lower payouts compared to other options listed in this post.

To get started, you’ll place your phone on the kiosk and the EcoATM will scan your device for its value. You’ll receive an instant quote, which you can accept or deny.

I’ve personally tried selling my phone to one of these kiosks, and the amount they offered me was so shockingly low that I walked away. If you’re just looking to get rid of your phone and get cash quickly, this option might still be worth doing since it’s so easy (it’s extremely easy and you don’t even have to talk to a single person to make money!). However, I wanted to make more money and didn’t mind spending extra time to do so.

You can sell to EcoATM by clicking here.

12. BuyBackWorld

BuyBackWorld is an online trade-in program that lets you sell your phone and other electronics for cash.

They offer competitive trade-in values and you get an instant offer. If you accept the quote from BuyBackWorld, you’ll send in your phone with their free prepaid shipping label. 

There are multiple ways to accept payment including a check, PayPal, direct deposit, or a prepaid card. Keep in mind that you won’t get as much money from this option as you would selling privately somewhere like Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp. If you’re looking to get rid of electronics quickly though, this is an easy option. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are commonly asked questions about selling your old phone.

Where is the best place to sell my phone?

The best place to sell your phone depends on how quickly you want to get rid of your phone and how much money you want for your phone, so there are different answers to this question.

If you want to get rid of your phone quickly, you may want to try programs like Amazon Trade-In, finding an EcoATM, or selling to a pawnshop.

If you want the most money for your phone, sell privately through sites like Facebook Marketplace and eBay. This option requires more effort on your end (such as having to create a listing for your phone), but can be worth it in the end. 

Where can I sell my phone instantly near me?

If you want to sell your phone instantly near you, pawnshops are an easy option. You can call local pawnshops to get an estimated quote over the phone, and go with the pawnshop that offers you the most money.

Where can I sell my phone in-store?

If you want to sell your phone in-store, Apple Trade-In and Best Buy Trade-In are convenient options. Keep in mind, you only get store credit for this option.

Does Walmart give you money for old phones?

Walmart doesn’t give you money for old phones, but they do sometimes have an EcoATM near the checkout registers. I personally think the EcoATM gives you a low amount, but if you want to get rid of your phone ASAP, this is an easy option. Plus you don’t have to deal with people or put any effort in.

How to get the most value for your phone?

To get the most value for your phone, you’ll most likely want to sell privately through Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp. This requires more work on your end, including creating a listing, description, and photos from all angles, and talking to buyers.

How can I safely sell my cell phone and protect my personal information on it?

This is a great question. To safely sell your cell phone that likely has all your personal information on it, do the following:

• Back up data to iCloud or your computer
• Make sure everything is on your new phone that you want to keep
• Log out of all accounts including Apple ID, Google, etc.
• Remove accounts like Apple ID or Google
• Disable Find My iPhone/Device settings
• Perform a factory reset (Settings > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings)

Doing all of these steps will help protect your personal information before selling.

Can I sell a broken phone?

You can sell a broken phone, but the value will be much lower than a working phone. Platforms like Gazelle and EcoATM accept damaged devices, but you’ll get pennies on the dollar compared to a fully working phone. 

Can I sell a locked cell phone?

You can sell a locked phone, but it can be difficult to do and it makes it less valuable. For example, if your phone is locked to a specific carrier like Verizon or AT&T, most trade-in platforms may not accept it. If possible, you can contact the carrier to unlock the phone after you’ve met certain requirements, like paying off the balance or completing the contract. 

Best Places To Sell Phones – Summary

I hope you enjoyed this article on the best places to sell a phone. 

There are so many ways to sell phones, each with its pros and cons. It’s up to you to decide if you want to go the quicker route to sell your phone and get less money, or go the longer route and potentially make more money.

I have sold many phones over the years, and I think it’s a good way to make extra money. For most people, your old cell phone is just collecting dust in a drawer and you’ll never use it again, so selling it may be a better option.

Where do you think are the best places to sell phones? What do you usually do with your old cell phone when you get a new one?

Recommended reading:

Wondering if Boldin is the right tool to help you plan for retirement? This Boldin Review will break down everything you need to know.

Financial planning can feel confusing and even scary. That’s why I was excited to try out Boldin (formerly known as NewRetirement). If you’re someone who wants to know if you’re on the right track, when you can retire, or how to make your money last as long as possible, this tool can help.

Boldin is different from other financial tools because it goes deep into your retirement plan. It doesn’t just show your net worth or your spending. It helps you make smart, long-term decisions around social security, taxes, healthcare, estate planning, and more.

If you want to take financial planning into your own hands, I think Boldin is a great financial tool to use. You can run scenarios to make better decisions and have more control over your money. You can get a full assessment of your finances, such as your savings rate, investments, and more, and create a financial plan that works for you.

Personally, I ended up spending a few hours on the platform just testing different scenarios, tweaking information I entered, and really digging into the details. It was fun to see how small changes could make a big difference in my retirement plan, and I found it super helpful to visualize everything so clearly.

Please click here to try out Boldin for free.

Boldin Review

In this Boldin review, I’m going to walk you through what it is, how it works, who it’s for, and whether or not it’s worth the cost.

What is Boldin?

Boldin is a retirement planning software that helps you create a detailed financial plan. It was originally launched as NewRetirement, and in 2024, it changed its name to Boldin.

With Boldin, you can model your entire financial journey. That includes your savings, expenses, investments, taxes, Social Security, housing decisions, retirement, and more.

It helps you answer questions like:

• Am I saving enough?
• Should I save or pay off debt?
• How much house can I afford?
• When can I retire?
• Can I retire early?
• Will I run out of money?
• Should I convert to a Roth?
• Can I afford to help my kids or give to charity?

It’s built for everyday people who want to understand their money better and make smart choices – with or without a financial advisor.

I decided to test Boldin because I want to find things that are easy to use, helpful, and affordable for my readers. When I heard that Boldin lets you build your own financial plan without hiring an advisor, I knew I had to give it a try.

What stood out to me is how in-depth Boldin is. You’re not just entering a few numbers. You can actually build a full financial roadmap and test out different life decisions to see how they affect your future.

It’s like having a powerful retirement calculator, financial coach, and tax planner all in one.

Ready to see what your retirement plan looks like? Click here to create your free Boldin account. It takes just a few minutes to get started.

What does Boldin help you do?

Boldin is all about retirement planning, and it goes way beyond just tracking your investments.

Here are some of the things you can do with Boldin:

• Get a clear picture of your net worth
• Estimate your retirement income and expenses
• Optimize the best age to claim Social Security
• Learn about Roth conversions and tax planning
• Model different housing decisions, like downsizing or moving somewhere different
• See how different investment returns affect your plan
• Plan for healthcare and long-term care costs
• Forecast estate value and legacy goals (how much money do you want to leave your children?)
• Run detailed “what-if” scenarios

Whether you’re wondering when to retire, if you can travel more, or if it’s safe to spend a little extra, Boldin can help you find the answer.

What I like about Boldin is that it’s very easy to use. You can spend 10 minutes inputting your information into the platform and calculator, or you can spend hours and run tons of different scenarios.

Who is Boldin for?

Boldin is a great fit for:

• People who are planning for retirement
• Anyone curious about optimizing taxes, Social Security, or healthcare
• Early retirees and FIRE movement followers
• DIY money managers who want to avoid high advisory fees

Real people use the platform to:

• Decide whether to retire now or later
• Model the impact of buying a second home
• Figure out the best time to claim Social Security
• Plan for healthcare costs during early retirement

People say that Boldin gives them peace of mind, more confidence, and helps them avoid costly mistakes.

How does Boldin work?

Boldin is a tool that helps you build your own personalized retirement plan. You can create a free account in just a few minutes and immediately start adding in your information.

To get started with Boldin, here’s what you have to do:

1. Sign up for a free account on the Boldin website.
2. Enter your personal financial information, such as income, assets, savings, retirement goals, and expenses. You can enter as much or as little as you want to enter (there are over 100 data points you can enter, if you want to).
3. Use the planning tools to build and customize your retirement plan. This includes adding life events like downsizing your home, retiring early, or doing a Roth conversion.
4. Explore your dashboard to view projections, compare what-if scenarios, and get clarity on whether your plan is on track.

One of my favorite things about Boldin is how detailed and flexible it is.

You can go as deep as you want, and you don’t even need to link your accounts if you prefer entering things manually. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to plan their own retirement and feel confident about their future.

Boldin’s Best Tools

After using the tool myself, here are the features that I think are worth it:

1. What-if scenario comparisons

Want to know what would happen if you retired at 40 instead of 65? If you took social security a couple years early? Or moved to a different state?

You can create and compare different versions of your plan. Plus, every time you run a scenario or make a change to your plan, you will get instant feedback from Boldin.

I think this is so helpful for decision-making and understanding your options.

2. Roth Conversion Explorer

This feature helps you explore when and how much to convert from a tax-deferred account to a Roth IRA. It looks at your tax bracket and income projections.

You can test out different start/stop years, amounts, and see the impact over time. It’s one of the most advanced Roth conversion tools I’ve seen.

3. Recommendations on how to improve

Boldin sends you alerts that can help you retire sooner and manage your money better.

For example, you may get an alert that says, “Based on your data, if you paid an additional $250 each month, your mortgage could be paid off before you retire.”

These little actionable tips are very helpful!

4. Classes and live events

Boldin PlannerPlus users can join live sessions to ask questions and learn directly from Boldin experts. It’s a great way to get support and see how others are using the tool.

For example, some of the classes and events I see right now include (there are multiple live events each week, plus classes you can access at any time):

• Raising Financially Savvy Children
• Discussing Finances with Your Partner
• Buy or Rent a Home
• 15 or 30 Year Mortgage
• HSA Account Fundamentals
• Tax Planning
• Retirement Income Planning
• Estate Planning

5. Real-time monitoring of your personal financial situation

With Boldin, you can get a quick snapshot of where you stand and what you need to do.

Yes, you can see your net worth, and you can also create a “watchlist” – which I really, really love. This is probably one of my most favorite features on Boldin.

For example, you can watch your:

• savings rate
• retirement savings projection
• cash flow
• earliest possible retirement date
• retirement countdown
• total debt ratio

And more. There are around 25 different metrics you can watch.

Wondering what your chance of financial success is? With Boldin, you can build your own financial plan and learn ways to do better.

How Much Does Boldin Cost?

Boldin has both a free plan and a paid plan called PlannerPlus.

• Free plan – You get access to the basic dashboard, some calculators, and simple projections. This plan is great if you’re just starting out and want a quick overview of your retirement picture. You can get familiar with the platform and explore your finances without spending any money.
• PlannerPlus – This plan costs $10 a month or $120 per year and comes with a 14-day free trial. With PlannerPlus, you get everything in the free plan, plus you get to use all of the premium tools, such as Roth conversion tools, tax strategies, detailed budgeting and income planning, live classes, Monte Carlo analysis (to test your plan against risk), real-time net worth analysis, a full library of classes and weekly live events, the option to link your accounts for real-time updates, and more. PlannerPlus is best for people who like to run different scenarios, optimize tax strategy, or plan for healthcare and long-term care costs. The upgrade is definitely worth it.

Which plan do you need?

• Stick with the free plan if you want a basic overview of where you stand.
• Go with PlannerPlus if you want detailed insights, powerful tools, and ongoing support as you prepare for (or live in) retirement.

Personally, I think you get a lot of great features with either plan. I tested out both the free plan and the PlannerPlus plan (I personally have the PlannerPlus right now), and I think the information you get in each is great.

Pros and Cons of Boldin

Here’s what I think are the pros and cons of Boldin:

Pros:

• Easy-to-use financial planning tools
• Helpful visual charts and graphs
• Affordable pricing and even a free plan
• Doesn’t require linking your accounts
• Super personalized and goal-based

Cons:

• May feel overwhelming at first if you want to add all of your information. I will say, though, that it’s fairly easy to add everything!
• No mobile app. For me, I don’t care about this, but if you want to use it on your phone, you’ll just have to log in through an internet browser instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions about Boldin.

Is Boldin Planner Plus worth it?

Yes, I believe Boldin’s PlannerPlus is worth it if you’re serious about planning your retirement. The free version is a great place to start, but PlannerPlus gives you access to the more powerful features that really make a difference – like tax strategy modeling, Roth conversion tools, real estate planning, and detailed what-if scenarios.

For example, you can model scenarios like different budgets (such as pre-retirement, early retirement, and late retirement), model Roth conversions to see the impact on your taxes, model relocating your primary residence (you can see how downsizing or relocating to another state can impact your retirement), model withdrawal strategies for taxes, and more.

You also get access to live classes where you can ask questions and get help. For $10 a month or $120 a year, it’s an affordable way to get more control over your future and make smarter decisions. If you’re thinking about retirement or already retired, PlannerPlus can help you feel more confident and prepared.

Do I need to link my accounts?

No, you do not need to link your accounts to Boldin if you don’t want to. You can enter everything manually if you prefer.

Does Boldin work for couples?

Yes! You can model plans for one or two people, and it’s great for joint planning.

Is Boldin better than Empower?

Boldin and Empower are different and they serve different purposes, so it really depends on what you need. Empower (formerly Personal Capital) is great for tracking your net worth and viewing your investments. It’s a good dashboard if you’re focused on investment management and want to see your net worth.

Boldin, on the other hand, is focused on planning. It helps you think through retirement timing, tax strategies, spending in retirement, healthcare costs, and more. If you want to understand your future financial picture and actively plan for it, Boldin is a good choice.

In fact, many people use both tools together – Empower for investment tracking and Boldin for retirement planning. That way, you get the best of both worlds.

Can I use Boldin with a financial advisor?

Yes, many Boldin users share their plans with advisors or use it to guide financial planning meetings.

Is Boldin easy to use?

I found Boldin very easy to use. You can set everything up in just a few minutes, or you can spend hours and really dive into all of the different features. It really just depends on what you are looking for.

Is Boldin safe to use?

Yes, Boldin is safe to use. Boldin uses bank-level encryption and follows strict data privacy standards. And, you can use the platform without linking your actual bank or investment accounts. That means you keep control and can enter everything manually if you’d like.

Why did New Retirement change to Boldin?

The company changed its name from NewRetirement to Boldin in 2024 to better reflect its mission. The new name, Boldin, comes from the idea of helping people be bold in retirement – to have confidence in their financial plan. While the name changed, the tool is the same.

Boldin Review – Summary

I hope you enjoyed my Boldin Review.

So, is Boldin worth it?

Yes, I think if you’re preparing for retirement or already there, Boldin is one of the best tools out there. It helps you answer the big questions and gives you real peace of mind.

I think it’s great for planners like me who are always running scenarios in their heads or in spreadsheets. It’s nice to have everything laid out in an easy-to-use platform that automatically generates graphs and actionable tips for you.

I personally plan on keeping my subscription that I started and referring to it regularly.

Boldin helps you to:

• Be more organized
• Set financial goals
• See what actions you can take to manage your money better or retire earlier
• Make informed decisions

And more.

If you’re ready to take control of your future, I highly recommend checking it out.

Please click here to try out Boldin for free.

Have you used Boldin? Do you prefer building your retirement plan with a tool like this, or do you stick to spreadsheets or a financial advisor?

Note: To protect my privacy, the images in this Boldin Review are not of my personal finances – they were either provided by Boldin or were made with a separate test account that I made.

Recommended reading:

Want to learn how to make extra money each month running Facebook ads for small businesses – even if you have no marketing experience?

Today, I’m sharing an interview with my friend Bobby Hoyt. Bobby is the co-founder of Laptop Empires and founder and CEO of Stellar Brands.

He started running Facebook ads after quitting his stable, full-time teaching job to work online. One client quickly turned into more, and he was out-earning what he made as a teacher in less than a year. Now, through Laptop Empires and Stellar Brands, he teaches others how to launch, grow, and scale online businesses like he’s done.

In this interview, you’ll learn how Bobby got started, how much you can earn with this online business idea, what kind of businesses hire Facebook ad managers, how to find your first client, and more.

If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly way to make extra money each month, this is a great option to try, especially if you’re looking for something that doesn’t require working long hours or learning something super complicated.

I also recommend joining the waitlist for his Facebook Side Hustle Course by clicking here. About a week before the course officially opens, you’ll get access to the first module for free. It’s a great introduction to how the side hustle works, what you can earn, and how to get your first win.

How To Make $2,000+ a Month Running Facebook Ads For Local Businesses

This interview is for you if you want to learn how to start a Facebook ads business right now.

1. Can you share your story and tell us how you started running Facebook ads for businesses?

Sure! My journey with Facebook ads started back in 2016, right after I had left my job to run my personal finance blog, Millennial Money Man.

I was having a hard time figuring out how to get traffic to my site, so I started dabbling with Facebook ads to see if I could get some traction. After some time and a lot of experimenting, I was getting clicks to the site for a penny each!

At the same time, the jeweler that did my wife’s engagement ring had been a fan of the blog and reached out to see if I could help them with their online marketing. I needed money pretty badly back then, so I jumped at the opportunity.

I managed their blog, wrote their emails and social media posts, and started running Facebook ads as well.

Over time, I started adding more clients to my roster, and the primary service I provided was Facebook ads because they worked so well for local businesses. 

2. What is a Facebook ad? 

We’ve all seen them – it’s basically an advertisement that looks similar to an organic Facebook post in the news feed.

You choose an image, create the copy (marketing speak for words that you use to get a user to take an action), and set the budget and choose placements where you’d like the ads to appear.

When you run Facebook ads, you can choose to also have them run on Instagram (they’re part of the same network), or even third-party sites that allow Facebook ads. 

3. How much money can you make doing this? Can this side hustle eventually become a full-time job?

I wouldn’t say that there’s necessarily a cap on how much you can make with this service. You can choose to run a boutique operation with one or two clients, and the going rate is roughly $2,000/month per client.

Or, you can scale to seven figures and beyond and build a true marketing agency with hundreds of clients. 

4. Does this side hustle work in 2025?

Yep, Facebook ads have been surprisingly steady for over a decade now. There have been changes over the years, of course, but the reason that Facebook ads continue to perform is that they’re affordable and effective for businesses.

They just… work. Especially for small businesses. You don’t need any crazy data or strategies to run local Facebook ads. You’re really just creating a compelling offer with the business owner and targeting a location around the business.

The copy and image do all of the “filtering”, so you don’t need to do any intense audience targeting based on user interests or demographics. They’re almost like a digital billboard ad that you’d see on the side of the road.

5. Do small businesses really want Facebook ads? Why would they pay for a service like that? Can’t they just do it themselves?

Yes, they’ll typically start with Facebook ads and then maybe layer Google ads in later down the road as they develop their ad strategies over time. Google is a great platform for small businesses as well, but it tends to be much more expensive than Facebook and a higher barrier to entry.

Business owners pay for marketing services for the same reason that they pay for accounting and bookkeeping – they could learn how to do it themselves, but they also have a ton of day to day responsibilities of running their business and providing a great service for their customers.

It’s just easier to pay someone else to handle the ads instead. 

So they’ll either dabble with the ads themselves and quickly pivot to outsourcing them, or they’ll start with ad services from the beginning. 

6. What types of businesses use Facebook ads?

All types of businesses use ads! But when we’re talking about local businesses specifically, we’re looking at service-based businesses primarily. So chiropractors, dentists, gyms, home service providers (think plumbing or HVAC companies), restaurants, real estate agents, etc.

Facebook ads work best for businesses that have established products and services and are looking to grow their client base in their local area.

The types of businesses I’d probably avoid are ones that are selling inexpensive items and trying to do a lot of volume. So for example, a local boutique that specializes in clothes, candles, etc., tends to struggle making the ads profitable enough to keep running them long-term.

You want to stick with “bread and butter” businesses that have a simple business model. 

7. For someone who has no experience with Facebook ads, can they learn this side hustle? 

Absolutely! We’ve taught thousands of people how to run Facebook ads since 2018, and the vast majority of them had never touched a Facebook ad in their life. 

8. Or, do they need to be really techy?

No, Facebook ads are much more “plug and play” than something like web development where you need to have an understanding of coding and design.

The most important part of Facebook ads isn’t really running the ads themselves, but helping business owners create a compelling offer that would make a user want to click on the ads and put in their contact information.

So think of a gym that’s running a fat-blasting bootcamp for anyone wanting to lose weight for the summer, or a free cleaning service at a dentist’s office, or even a free appetizer on their first visit to a restaurant in the area. 

9. How do you find your first client as a complete beginner?

I understand that the idea of trying to find clients is hands down the most intimidating part of starting this side hustle, which is exactly why we spend so much time on client acquisition strategies in the course.

Luckily there are plenty of simple ways to find clients online, even if you’re an introvert or are brand new to the online business world. We provide training on 9 different ways to get clients using a variety of methods and social media platforms. We have effective strategies using Facebook groups, LinkedIn, email, YouTube, and Upwork just to name a few.

All of these methods can be used to find clients without paying for advertising. It just takes some time, effort, and a little courage to put yourself out there. We’ve found that some of our students are very introverted, and some are extroverted, so we made sure to include strategies that will be for all personality types.

Our biggest advice when it comes to client acquisition is to focus on one or two of the strategies that we teach, and then go all in on those.

Our students tend to gravitate to different strategies, but we’ve found that the ones who stay focused and put the work in using the strategies that appeal to them most are the ones that stack multiple clients (assuming they want more than just one).

It’s also important to note that we don’t just give you the strategies and send you out into the world on your own.

We help our students strategize client acquisition in our coaching and support group.

Let’s say you reach out to a business owner and want a little help formulating a response to something they say to you. All you have to do is post your situation in the group, and we will tell you exactly what to say to get their business.

We really do everything we possibly can to help our students get clients, which is a large reason our students have been so successful since we launched it in 2018! And we’ve had over 4,000 students go through the Facebook Side Hustle course.

10. What’s the best way to convince a business owner to hire you if you don’t have experience? Should you offer free or discounted services at first to gain experience?

Our position on this has shifted a bit since we first started teaching this profession in 2018. We used to tell students that they should never work for free.

And that is still true in a sense – we feel that our students should always get a case study or referral/recommendation at a minimum if they decide not to charge for their work initially.

But we found that a lot of students were going out and doing pro-bono work, getting a case study, and then leveraging it to land more clients. So they proved us wrong, in a sense haha.

It really depends on the student – if you aren’t too worried about hearing no a few times, we’d still recommend going out and trying to find a paying client from the beginning.

The key is to be honest – if they ask you about your prior work experience, just tell them the truth. You’re new, but you’ve been trained by true experts in the field and are surrounded by coaches and other students who can help you get results for the client. 

11. Can this be done 100% remotely, or do you need to meet clients in person?

The vast majority of our students work with their clients remotely, but some choose to do it in person.

It really just depends on their personality. This is a business model that works well for both introverts and extroverts.

12. How much time does it take to manage Facebook ads for a client each week? How much do you charge per client?

Once you have your clients ads set up, it takes 2-3 hours per week to manage them. And the going rate for Facebook Ad management is $1,500 – $2,000 per month these days, per client. Now I know that sounds like a ton (and it is), but you have to think of this from the business owner’s perspective:

If you could pay someone to give you a steady stream of customers to your business, would you? Especially if the leads were affordable, and you made way more money from the new customers than you were paying for the ad management?

It’s really a no-brainer for a lot of business owners.

The other factor is that while $2,000 is a lot of money, it’s usually not an arm and a leg for an established small business owner. Many times, their rent alone is several thousand dollars per month!

So when you look at the $2,000/month per client we recommend charging from the business owner’s perspective, it makes a lot more sense.

13. What are the biggest challenges of running a Facebook ads business, and how do you overcome them?

I’d say the biggest challenge, initially at least, is going out and landing the first client.

Not because the clients aren’t out there, of course, but it just takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there and hear a few “no” answers from business owners.

But once you do it once, it becomes a lot easier to market yourself and grow your business. I’d say we spend 50% or more of our time with newer students helping them get out there and start client acquisition.

Beyond that, it’s figuring out the right kind of clients to work with. We often find that our students will go land their first client, and then start taking any clients they can find.

Which… sounds great! But they’ll often work with “bad fit” clients, who are either difficult to work with or their business model just isn’t great for Facebook ads.

Over time, they learn which clients have red flags in their initial conversations, and which ones will be great. We spend a lot of time with students in that area.

And the last challenge is trying to scale, which is difficult in any business. Once you get to roughly ten clients, you’ll probably need to start hiring some help. There’s a learning curve to hiring talent, and it takes time. It’s a great problem to have though.

14. Can you break down the exact steps someone would take to start a Facebook ads business from scratch?

Sure! It’s actually a pretty simple process:

Step 1 – Learn how the Facebook/Instagram ad platform works

Step 2 – Learn how to craft a compelling offer for various industries

Step 3 – Learn to create ad campaigns using great copy and images that will catch a user’s attention and make them stop scrolling

Step 4 – Learn to create landing pages to capture lead information for people that are interested in your offer

Step 5 – Start client outreach! We recommend doing this as early as possible

Step 6 – Once you land your client, get paid for the first month upfront (we teach you how to capture payments inside of our course)

Step 7 – Work with your clients on following up with their leads – business owners who respond quickly and communicate with the leads are always going to get the best results

Step 8 – Rinse and repeat with new clients 🙂

15. Can you tell me more about the course you teach?

The FB Side Hustle Course teaches you how to create profitable ads for local businesses so that you can start making an extra $2,000+ per month on the side, even if you have no marketing or technology background. It’s an ideal course for someone who wants a side hustle with high revenue potential, but it’s also a great fit if you’re interested in starting a side hustle that can become a full-time business.

Inside the course you’ll learn:

• How Facebook Ads work, so that you will be prepared for any questions from prospective clients, and will be able to confidently share your new expertise with clients. 
• How to create profitable ads for local businesses, with step-by-step video walkthroughs so that you know exactly what settings to choose and buttons to push to get the best results
• Strategies for troubleshooting problems with ads, and exactly what steps to take to overcome those issues and improve ad performance
• Unique methods for targeting the right potential customers for your client, so that they make more money and refer you to other businesses
• Nine strategies for finding your first Facebook ad management clients, so that you can start making money as soon as you complete the course
• Systems and templates for tracking results so that you can show your clients exactly how much money you are making their business – when clients understand the results you’re getting, they’ll want to keep you on payroll forever! (Some of our clients have been with us for years for this exact reason)
• Ins and outs of running a Facebook ad business, so that you can get better results for your clients and work fewer hours.
• We also share a bunch of bonuses to level up your knowledge with lessons on landing pages, lead forms, ad copy trainings, how to handle business taxes, and much more

But when you join you’re going to get more than just the course…

You’ll also get access to our coaching and support group where students can ask questions, get troubleshooting advice on their ads, and help them put out any fires that might come up with their clients. Membership in the support group is paid, but we give everyone who joins the first month for free to make sure they get all the help and support they need to be successful when they start. After that it’s only $47/month afterward. And of course, the group is totally optional, you can leave at any time.

In the coaching group, members get access to live coaching calls with coaches who have been through the course and are now running six-figure businesses using what they learned in the program. They are Facebook ads experts, and you can ask them any questions you have about the program, running ads, dealing with clients, running your business, and more.

We also bring in guest coaches to train on specific topics that our audience needs help with from time to time. Some of those include topics like freelance help from a recruiter and goal setting for the new year.

But think of it this way – landing one client will pay for the course plus nearly a year and a half of support!

16. How does your course help someone who has never run a Facebook ad before?

The course is designed for people that have never had any experience, so we walk every student through all of the basics that I outlined above step-by-step. 

17. What are some success stories from your students that stand out and prove this side hustle works?

We have a lot over the years, but I’ll share a couple of my favorites:

• This interview with Brien Gearin is hands-down my favorite success story. Brien was committed to making Facebook ads work, and he’s grown a 6-figure digital marketing agency based on what he learned in this course.
• Jacob Reeves’s story is another incredible one. He started the course during the start of covid, grew his client base using Upwork, and he’s now bringing in $10k-$12k a month with Facebook ads.
• Catherine Treme is a great success story too. She runs a micro Facebook ads agency on the side of her day job and is bringing in $6k+ a month. One of the most interesting things in that interview is how she’s faced her fear of “selling” to clients.

You can join the waitlist for the Facebook Side Hustle Course by clicking here. About a week before the course officially opens, you’ll get access to the first module for free. It’s a great introduction to how the side hustle works, what you can earn, and how to get your first win.

Are you interested in starting a Facebook side hustle business?

Recommended reading:

Do you want to know the best places to sell used outdoor gear?

Selling used outdoor gear to make extra money is popular for many reasons.

People want to upgrade their gear, declutter their houses, don’t exactly like what they bought and find something better, or want to give their gear a second home instead of simply throwing it away. Outdoor gear is so expensive after all, so it’s nice to be able to sell it and get some of your money back.

You may be wondering, do people buy used outdoor gear? The answer is YES! Many people I know, including myself, buy used outdoor gear all the time because we can save money and still get quality items.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• Best places to sell used outdoor gear
• What kind of outdoor gear you can sell (it’s a lot, such as hiking gear, shoes, camping items, ski equipment, clothing, bikes, fitness items, sporting equipment, and more)
• My tips for successfully selling used outdoor gear

Recommended reading: 27 Best Consignment Stores Near Me And Online

Best Places To Sell Used Outdoor Gear

Below is a list of the best places to sell used outdoor gear.

1. Geartrade

Geartrade is an online outdoor gear exchange platform for buyers and sellers looking for affordable items. There are many benefits to buying and selling on Geartrade, such as:

• Easy listing process to list outdoor gear quickly
• Earn money by turning unused or lightly used gear into cash
• A wide audience of outdoor enthusiasts looking to buy lightly used outdoor gear

You can sell all types of outdoor gear on Geartrade, including clothing, shoes, camping and hiking gear, skiing and snowboarding equipment, cycling gear, watersports gear, electronics, and so much more. 

They send you a free shipping label and even a box if you need one. You can send them as much as you want. When they get your box, they then see what it’s worth. When the items sell, you will then get your money that you can cash out to Venmo, PayPal, or store credit.

I do think it’s important to know that if your gear does not sell within 200 days, then Geartrade will send you an email asking if you want to donate the items or get them back. If you want them back, you will have to pay for shipping costs. And, if you don’t reply to their email within 230 days, then they donate them (but, they do send you reminders before that).

2. Play It Again Sports

Play It Again Sports is a lot like Plato’s Closet (a brick-and-mortar shop specializing in buying and selling used items). Play It Again Sports specializes in buying and selling new and used sports and fitness equipment. This place allows people to purchase gear while also allowing people to trade in or sell their own equipment for cash on the spot (so, there’s no having to make an online listing, which is nice!) or store credit.

I’ve been to Play It Again Sports a few times, and there’s a huge selection of everything and anything. I recommend visiting often if there’s something you’re looking for, as items constantly shift in and out of the store.

There are currently over 290 stores operating in the United States, so it’s likely there’s a store open near you. You can give them a call and see if they accept what you want to sell.

3. eBay

EBay has a huge audience, making it a great place to sell used gear online. There are millions of active users online daily, with many of these users specifically looking for outdoor gear at a more affordable price. 

Creating a listing on eBay is quick and easy, making the process easy for people to buy and sell on eBay. EBay even has seller protections put in place so you have more confidence in selling on their platform. You can also choose between an auction-style listing or a fixed-price listing too.

My sister has personally sold a ton of things on eBay, including used outdoor gear, so it’s definitely legit!

4. Facebook

Facebook gives you the option to sell used outdoor gear locally or by shipping. There are no listing fees to create a listing for your outdoor gear, and you get access to millions of Facebook users who shop on Facebook Marketplace.

You can chat with buyers directly through Facebook and sell items locally, which has the convenience of getting cash right away and also getting rid of your items quicker.

To successfully sell outdoor gear on Facebook Marketplace, take high-quality, well-lit photos of your items and include a detailed description. Include if there are any imperfections or broken pieces. Meet in public, well-lit areas, and always go with your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, leave right away. 

You can also try selling your used outdoor gear in Facebook groups, such as hiking and outdoors groups, or even in local groups for your area. I see used outdoor gear for sale all the time in my Facebook groups.

5. Poshmark

Poshmark is primarily known for selling clothing items, but you can also sell outdoor equipment on this platform. Poshmark is an incredibly easy-to-use platform, making it very easy to list and buy items. Poshmark provides a prepaid shipping label, making it convenient to get items shipped out quickly. 

Here are a few tips to successfully sell items on Poshmark:

• Take high-quality photos of your items from all angles and show any imperfections
• Be honest about the condition as this can build trust with buyers
• Share your items regularly to increase visibility in the Poshmark marketplace

6. Worn Wear at Patagonia

Worn Wear at Patagonia is a site that lets you trade in Patagonia items you no longer want and then get store credit to use on new things you may need.

This is how Worn Wear works:

“Send us your used Patagonia clothing and gear, and we’ll help pass it along to the next person who needs it. If your items are eligible, you can receive up to 25% of the MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) in credit to use in-store or online at Patagonia or Worn Wear. If your gear isn’t accepted, we can return it to you or recycle it so it stays out of the landfill.”

First, gather your Patagonia clothing and items that are still functional and in good condition. Then, send your items to Patagonia by shipping with the $7 shipping label or by dropping off the items at any Patagonia store. Finally, you’ll receive store credit if the item is eligible at Patagonia for trade-in.

This is definitely one of the things I love about Patagonia!

7. REI Re/Supply

REI Re/Supply Used Gear is a similar process as Worn Wear, allowing people to trade in their used eligible REI items for store credit.

First, you gather the gear that you want to trade in at REI. Drop off items at an REI store or ship them for $6 with the shipping label REI provides online. Finally, once your trade-in is complete, you’ll receive store credit for any eligible items REI accepts. 

Keep in mind that REI does not accept anything that is not specifically sold at REI, items that are more than 6 years old, items that have been altered or modified, as well as any kind of safety gear. 

8. Out&Back

Out&Back is a platform that sells new and used outdoor items.

To get started selling outdoor gear on Out&Back, you need to create an account and list your gear. Upload photos, provide a description, and set your selling price.

Interested buyers will contact you, and this is when you can get payment and ship the item(s). Once the item sells, you’ll receive payment through Out&Back’s platform.

9. ReRouted

Rerouted is a platform specializing in buying and selling used outdoor gear. Their platform has an emphasis on sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of outdoor activities.

This platform is specifically geared toward outdoor enthusiasts, so you’re going to sell your items on a website that is reaching your exact customer base for used outdoor gear.

10. Local consignment shops

Local consignment shops can be a great option to sell used outdoor gear. But do your best to look for consignment shops that specialize in exercise or outdoors, as this will increase the chances of your stuff actually getting sold instead of sitting on the shelves forever.

If you live in an area that has a lot of hiking trails, parks, or anything like that, there’s most likely a used outdoors store near you – you just have to do some searching. These are also great places to buy more gear for yourself too at lower prices.

Keep in mind that consignment stores do take a percentage of your sales since they are helping you sell the item(s).

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions about selling used outdoor gear.

What kind of used outdoor gear can I sell?

You can sell many different types of used outdoor gear, including tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, hiking boots, rain jackets, bike-packing gear, kayaks, clothing (like pants and shirts), and snowboards. I only listed a few items, but keep in mind you can sell almost anything related to outdoor gear, so the list is endless.

How to get rid of camping gear? 

You can get rid of camping gear by either selling items online or locally, or by donating the items to a thrift store. Shelters also typically accept donations of tents, sleeping bags, and warm clothing. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and other outdoor education programs also may accept these donations.

Does Backcountry buy used gear? 

Backcountry does not buy used gear and only specializes in selling brand-new outdoor items. 

Does REI buy used outdoor gear?

Yes, REI buys used outdoor gear through their REI Re/Supply (formerly Used Gear) program. There are exceptions, though. REI does not buy back climbing gear, bikes, helmets, harnesses, water filtration systems, or underwear. You can learn more about the REI buyback program here.

What percentage does Geartrade take?

As of 2025, and when I’m currently writing this, Geartrade takes a percentage of the final sale price based on a tiered structure. For lower-priced items, they take a higher cut, ranging from 70%–85% for items under $50, 50%–70% for items between $50 and $144.99, and 30%–50% for items between $145 and $564.99. For items priced at $565 or more, Geartrade takes 30%, meaning sellers receive 70% of the sale price.

How to sell used tents?

You have a few options to sell used tents, including:

• Outdoor gear marketplaces (REI Re/Supply, Worn Wear at Patagonia, and GearTrade)
• Online marketplaces (Facebook Marketplace)
• Outdoor consignment stores

Before selling any used tents, clean the tent properly, fully set it up, take pictures from different angles, check for damage, and share any damage in the description of the listing. 

My brother-in-law recently bought a used tent for a backpacking trip he went on, so people definitely buy these!

Where’s the best place to sell used outdoor gear near me?

The best places to sell used outdoor gear will vary depending on where you live. I recommend doing a Google search with keywords like “Best place to sell outdoor gear near me,” and a listing of local outdoor gear shops will come up depending on where you live. If you can’t find a local place to sell your used outdoor gear, check out REI Re/Supply, Worn Wear at Patagonia, and Geartrade.

Best Places To Sell Used Outdoor Gear – Summary 

I hope you enjoyed my article on the best places to sell used outdoor gear.

There are many good options for selling used outdoor gear, and the method you choose depends on how quickly you want to get rid of your stuff. 

REI Re/Supply and Worn Wear at Patagonia are great options if you frequently shop at both of these places and want store credit. Geartrade is a great option if you’re looking for money instead of store credit. Local used outdoor stores and Facebook Marketplace are great options if you want to get rid of stuff right away.

Are you interested in selling your outdoor gear?

Recommended reading:

Do you love animals? If so, you might be excited to learn about the best side hustles for animal lovers.

This can be a great way to combine your passion for animals with making extra money.

There are many ways animal lovers can make money on the side. You could walk dogs, pet sit, or even take pictures of cute animals. Some people bake dog treats or help train dogs. These side jobs let you spend time with animals while making more money, which means you can enjoy your time while you earn money!

I personally have several friends and family members who have animal side hustles (I have many family members who work with dogs, horses, farm animals, bees, and more!), and they all seem to really love working with animals. Yes, it can be hard work, but it is rewarding.

Best Side Hustles for Animal Lovers

Below are the best ways for animal lovers to make extra money.

1. Sell dog treats

A dog treat bakery can be a fun and profitable side hustle for animal lovers.

Many pet owners want high-quality, healthy treats for their pets, and homemade options are in high demand.

I have bought many homemade dog treats over the years, and they are such a great treat to give to your pets.

Plus, you may be able to start this business right from your home kitchen with just a few simple ingredients and tools.

To get started, you can try making basic dog biscuits using pet-safe ingredients like peanut butter, pumpkin, or sweet potato (here’s a free peanut butter dog treat recipe you can try!).

The startup costs are low since you likely already have most of the kitchen tools you need. Your main expenses will be ingredients and packaging. As you grow, you can try selling different items like specialty treats, birthday cakes for dogs, or seasonal items for holidays (people love to spoil their animals because it’s fun after all!).

A home-based dog treat business can earn between $500 to $1,000 a month as a side hustle. If you decide to go full-time, the potential earnings can be much higher! You can sell at farmers markets, local pet shops, or even online through Etsy and social media.

You can learn more at How I’ve Made $4,000 In A Month Baking Dog Treats (With Zero Baking Experience!).

2. Veterinary technician

Veterinary technicians work with veterinarians and help with daily tasks like weighing animals that come into the office, keeping pets calm, giving medications (as directed by a vet), helping with exams, and more.

While many veterinary technicians work full-time, it is possible to find part-time vet tech jobs. You may be able to find part-time vet tech jobs at local veterinary clinics, animal shelters and rescues, pet boarding facilities, and zoos.

Vet techs typically make around $15 to $25 an hour, and it mainly depends on where you live.

3. Pet sitting and dog walking

Pet sitting and dog walking are great ways to make money while hanging out with animals. You can watch pets in your home or go to the owner’s house. It’s great if you love animals and have some free time.

Many pet owners need help when they travel or work long hours. You might feed pets, take them for walks, or just keep them company. Some pets need special care, like giving medicine or extra attention.

You can find pet sitting jobs through apps or websites, and you can see my top list at 7 Best Dog Walking Apps To Make Extra Money. Rover and Wag are popular platforms that connect pet sitters with owners. You can also ask friends and neighbors if they need help with their pets.

My husband’s mother is a dog walker and has many consistent clients. It’s a job that looks like fun, especially if you like spending time with dogs and cats. I also have hired and used dog sitters many times over the years, and I am always so grateful for their services!

4. Animal photography

If you love animals and taking pictures, then animal photography might be the perfect animal side hustle for you!

Many pet owners want cute photos of their animals. You can sell pet portrait sessions or action shots of animals playing.

You can advertise your services on social media (such as by building a portfolio of animal photography and sharing it on your Instagram account) or at local pet stores.

Pricing can vary, but pet photo sessions usually cost around $100 to $200. With practice, you could make some nice extra money doing something fun with animals.

5. Custom pet portraits

Another side hustle for animal lovers that is similar to the one above is making custom pet portraits.

If you love to draw or paint, then you may be able to turn your artistic skills into a fun side hustle by creating custom pet portraits.

Many pet owners want special artwork of their pets. I have personally bought maybe 5 or 6 custom pet portraits for family members as gifts over the years as well! They were all watercolor portraits of their dogs that they then put up on their wall (because they were so cute and well done!).

Here’s an example of custom pet portraits on Etsy to give you a better idea of what I’m talking about.

You can offer different styles like watercolor, digital art, or sketches. Then, set up an online shop to showcase your work and take orders. Social media is great for sharing your pet portraits and finding customers too.

6. Pet grooming

Many pet owners don’t have the time or skills to keep their pets clean and tidy.

Pet groomers wash, brush, and trim animals’ fur. You might also clip their nails and clean their ears. It’s a hands-on job that lets you work closely with all kinds of pets.

You can start small by offering services to friends and family. As you build skills and confidence, you can expand your client base. Some groomers work from home, while others set up mobile grooming vans.

To get started with a pet grooming job, you will want to learn basic grooming techniques online or through local classes. While not required, getting certified can help you attract more clients because it shows that you know how to keep pets safe and comfortable during grooming.

7. Pet relocation

Pet relocation is a great side hustle for animal lovers. You can help pets move to new homes or travel with their owners.

With a pet relocation job, you’ll need to learn about pet travel rules because each country and airline has its own rules. For example, you may need to help pet owners get the right papers and shots for their pets.

Your main job will be to make sure pets are safe and comfortable during their trip. You might book flights, get travel crates, and take pets to the airport. Some people even fly with the pets to make sure they’re okay.

Not all pet relocation jobs are via air. Many will consist of you moving the pet via your car, and bringing them across the country, for example. Sometimes people do not have the time to drive a long distance in their car with their pet, but they also do not want to put their pet in the airplane storage area (because it can be dangerous), so they pay someone to transport their pet.

This side hustle can be fun and rewarding because you get to help pets and their owners during a big change in their lives.

To get started, you can look for pet relocation companies that need help (a simple Google search of “pet relocation company” brings up several). Or you can start your own business.

Recommended reading: 11 Ways To Get Paid To Drive A Car Across The Country

8. Start an animal blog

If you love animals and want to make money writing, then starting an animal blog may be the idea for you!

Here are some ideas for what you can talk about on a blog about animals:

• Pet care and training
• Pet health and wellness
• DIY pet projects (like making dog treats, pet beds, etc.)
• Traveling with pets
• Wildlife, conservation, and nature
• Farm and homesteading
• Pet fashion
• Dog breed guides
• Senior pet care

And so much more!

You can learn how to start a blog in my How To Start A Blog Free Course. In this free course, I show you how to create a blog, from the technical side to earning your first income and attracting readers. Over 80,000 people have taken it!

Recommended reading: The 25 Most-Asked Blogging Questions To Get You Started Today

9. Pet training services

Many pet owners need help teaching their pets good behavior and fun tricks. If you have experience training animals, then this can be a good and rewarding side hustle.

People hire animal trainers for all kinds of animals, such as dogs, cats, and even exotic pets. Yes, there is more than just dog training!

Examples of what you can sell include:

• Puppy training classes
• Potty training assistance
• Off-leash training
• Obedience training
• Cat training (such as help with litter box issues or unwanted scratching)
• Horse training
• Exotic pet training (teach basic commands and handling techniques for birds, rabbits, or reptiles)

And so much more. There are many different pet side hustles related to training that you can offer.

10. Pet print on demand

Selling pet products, such as print-on-demand products, could be your perfect side hustle!

Print-on-demand is when you create custom designs for products like:

• Custom pet tags
• Dog and cat collars
• Pet bandanas
• Pet clothing like dog sweaters
• Pet bowls
• Wall art and prints
• Mugs (with sayings that are related to animals or have animals printed on them)
• Tote bags
• Greeting cards

And so much more.

What’s great about print-on-demand is that you don’t need to keep any inventory. When someone buys your product, the print-on-demand company makes it and ships it for you.

You can learn more at How I Make $1,500 Monthly With My Print-On-Demand Business.

I also recommend signing up for the freebie 17 Hot-Selling Print-on-Demand Products That Can Pay for Your Next Vacation and More! to learn more.

11. Horse care services

If you love horses, then you may be able to turn your passion into a side hustle that makes you money. Horse care services are in high demand, and many horse owners need help with daily tasks.

Some services you could sell include:

• Grooming services: This includes brushing, washing, and trimming horses.
• Feeding and watering horses: Some owners need someone to do this daily or when they’re away. You’d make sure the horses have fresh food and water.
• Cleaning stalls is an important job too. It keeps horses healthy and comfortable. You’d remove dirty bedding and replace it with fresh materials.
• Exercise is so important for horses. You could offer to walk or ride horses for owners who are busy. This keeps the horses fit and happy.

You can start a horse care side hustle by reaching out to local stables or horse owners.

12. Beekeeping

Beekeeping can be a sweet side job for animal lovers. You get to care for bees and harvest honey.

I know three different families who have a beekeeping side hustle. They sell small batches of honey at farmers markets and to people that they know. We have been thinking about starting this as well, mainly just for ourselves so that we can have some fresh honey.

You’ll need some basic equipment. This includes hives, protective gear, and tools. You can join a local beekeeping group to learn more because they often offer classes and support for beginners.

Beekeeping does take time and patience – you’ll need to check on your hives regularly and make sure the bees are healthy and have enough food. You’ll also need to protect them from pests and bad weather.

13. Wildlife biologist

A wildlife biologist could be a great side job for you if you love animals.

Wildlife biologists study animals in their natural homes to better understand them. This is usually a full-time job, but I wanted to include it in this article because I know that it is a popular career path for animal lovers!

Some work in the field (such as by tracking animals and collecting samples), while others analyze data in labs or write reports that help wildlife protection policies. Wildlife biologists also help educate the public and do so much more.

It’s a rewarding career for those who love animals and want to make a difference, but it does usually require a degree in wildlife biology or a related field. Salaries typically range from $45,000 to $85,000 per year, and jobs can be found in government agencies, research institutions, and conservation groups.

14. Zookeeper

A zookeeper is someone who cares for animals in zoos, wildlife parks, and sanctuaries, making sure they are healthy, well-fed, and happy.

Some of the things they do include preparing food, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal behavior, and even assisting veterinarians with medical care.

They also help educate visitors about wildlife conservation, which is a big part of protecting endangered species. It’s a physically demanding job that requires dedication and a deep love for animals, but it can also be very rewarding.

Most zookeepers have a degree in zoology, biology, or animal science, and gain hands-on experience through internships or volunteer work. Salaries are usually around $30,000 to $50,000 per year, and while it’s not the highest-paying job, it’s a dream career for many animal lovers who want to make a real impact!

Recommended reading: How This Former Zookeeper Paid Off Over $40,000 In Debt

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions about the best side hustles for animal lovers.

What is the best job for an animal lover?

A veterinarian or an animal biologist is usually seen as the top job for animal lovers. You get to help pets stay healthy and happy, but it takes years of school. Other great options are pet sitter, dog walker, or animal photographer. These jobs let you work with animals without as much training.

What is the best animal business to start?

Some of the best animal businesses to start include animal photography, animal care services, and pet sitting. Selling homemade dog treats can be a fun and easy business to start as well.

What are some fun ways to earn money with animals at home?

A fun way to make money with animals at home includes taking photos of your own pets to sell as stock images, some people even sell pet massage services from home. If you have a yard, you could do doggy daycare for your neighbors’ dogs too.

Can you tell me what kind of pet business is easy to start?

Dog walking is one of the easiest pet businesses to start because you just need a love for dogs and some free time. Pet sitting is also simple to begin. You can start by watching pets for friends and family. Many people need reliable and good pet sitters/dog walkers, so you can usually easily advertise these services and get paying customers.

What are the top jobs for people who really like animals?

Aside from being a vet, popular jobs for animal lovers include animal trainer, zookeeper, pet groomer, and animal shelter worker.

Is dog walking a good side hustle?

Yes, dog walking can be a great side hustle! It’s flexible (you can create your own schedule), fun, and good exercise for pet lovers. You can start small with just a few dogs and grow your business over time. Many people enjoy it so much that they turn it into a full-time job.

Best Side Hustles for Animal Lovers – Summary

I hope you enjoyed my article on the best side hustles for animal lovers.

If you love animals, there are so many fun and creative ways to turn that passion into extra income.

Whether it’s walking dogs, starting a pet treat business, or even becoming a pet photographer, these side hustles let you spend time with animals while making money. Some of these ideas can even grow into full-time careers if you decide to take them to the next level!

Are you interested in working with animals? What do you think are the best side hustles for animal lovers?

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