When money gets tight, people start getting creative about what they can sell. Online marketplaces and social media have made it easier than ever to turn unusual items into quick cash. Some of these side hustles sound weird, but they’re helping people cover bills and add extra income. Here are eight strange things people are selling right now to bring in money.
Empty Product Packaging
Believe it or not, people are making money selling empty boxes, jars, and bottles. Collectors buy packaging from discontinued products, while crafters repurpose them for projects. High-end brands like luxury perfume boxes or designer shopping bags can fetch surprising amounts online. You know the old adage: “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”
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Hair and Beauty Byproducts
Human hair is in demand for wigs, extensions, and art projects. Some people also sell things like nail clippings or used makeup packaging for niche markets. While it may sound unusual, hair can bring in hundreds of dollars depending on length and quality. It’s one of the stranger ways people are cashing in on personal items.
Old Remote Controls and Cables
Households often toss old electronics accessories, but there’s a market for them. People need replacements for outdated TVs, stereos, or gaming systems, and manufacturers no longer produce those parts. Sellers list them online and find buyers who are willing to pay for something as simple as a remote or power cord.
Empty Toilet Paper Rolls
Crafters and teachers buy empty toilet paper and paper towel rolls for projects. Bulk lots of these simple cardboard tubes are selling online, and families who save them can make extra cash. While it seems like the least valuable item in the house, there’s enough demand to make it worth collecting.
Pine Cones and Natural Materials
Nature itself has become a money-making opportunity. People collect pine cones, dried flowers, and even interesting sticks to sell to crafters, florists, and event planners. Wedding decorators and DIY hobbyists buy these items for projects. A bag of pine cones picked up in the backyard can sell for a surprising amount online.
Vintage Fast-Food Toys
Old toys from fast-food kids’ meals have become collectibles. Some from the 1980s and 1990s now sell for much more than their original value. People are digging through closets and attics to find toys that once came with a burger and fries. Collectors often pay high prices for complete sets or rare items.
Egg Cartons
Small farmers and backyard chicken owners buy used egg cartons to package and sell their eggs. Instead of recycling, people are selling stacks of cartons online or through local marketplaces. It’s a simple way to turn household waste into extra income while helping small businesses save on supplies.
Jars of Soil or Sand
From unusual tourist souvenirs to materials for art and science projects, jars of soil or sand are selling online. Buyers want samples from specific regions, beaches, or even famous landmarks. Sellers package dirt or sand in jars and ship them to buyers who value the novelty. It’s one of the oddest ways people are making extra money this year.
Time to Get Creative
People are getting creative about what they sell, turning everyday items into quick cash. As costs rise, things that once went in the trash are now listed online and finding buyers. Almost anything can earn money if someone wants it, making it a simple way for to stretch your income without picking up another job.
10 Lucrative Side Hustles That Will Pay You for Your Passions
Have you ever thought about turning your hobbies into a moneymaker? With the recent popularity of side hustles, countless people are cashing in on their passions and talents without giving up their full-time jobs. There’s a whole world of opportunities out there waiting for you to discover them. Exploring side hustles can be the key to making extra income while doing what you love can be both rewarding and financially fulfilling. 10 Lucrative Side Hustles That Will Pay You for Your Passions