15 easy things to sell for a small business and make quick profits

Starting a small business doesn't always require a huge upfront investment. In fact, many successful entrepreneurs have built thriving ventures with just a few simple, high-demand products and business assets. 

With platforms like Gelato, you can sell custom items without worrying about shipping logistics or investing in inventory upfront. Whether you're drawn to the idea of creating custom apparel that showcases people’s personalities or unique home decor that adds charm to any space, the possibilities are endless. 

If you’ve been contemplating launching your own business or turning your current side hustle into a booming online business, this blog post holds a treasure trove of product ideas and easy things to sell for a small business to help you get started! Before you know it, your small business dreams will be coming true —without breaking the bank.

Main takeaways from this article:

• Understand your niche and competitors to discover trending and profitable products to increase your business valuation.

• Custom items like clothing, tote bags, and phone cases offer excellent profit margins and can be good for your business's financial health.

• Handcrafted products and personalized gifts are always in demand and are perfect for selling in your online store.

• Use a platform like Gelato to simplify the process of designing and selling personalized items without inventory concerns for all small business owners.

Starting a small business and turning a profit is not as complicated as it might seem. Let's jump right into our curated list of 15 easy-to-sell products that you can introduce quickly to begin generating income.

1. Custom clothing

Custom clothing is a fantastic way to capture the hearts of your customers. Whether you’re looking to design t-shirts or trendy hoodies with catchy slogans, the opportunities in custom clothing are endless. Here are a few examples under this category: 

• Personalized t-shirts for events: Design custom t-shirts for special events such as company outings, family reunions, or charity runs. 

• Branded business merchandise: Create branded hoodies, caps, or jackets featuring your company’s logo and message. Custom clothing can be a great way for businesses to strengthen their brand identity. 

• Custom apparel for artists and creators: From limited-edition graphic tees to signature sweatshirts, personalized apparel becomes a unique way to connect with fans and followers.

2. Wall art and home decor

One of the simplest and most popular items to start selling is wall art and home decor. People love adding a touch of personality to their living spaces. Here are some products in the category that have strong market value:

• Canvas paintings: Offer unique and beautiful canvas paintings that can be a focal point in any room.

• Art prints: Sell high-quality art prints of different designs, from abstract to landscapes. 

• Wall hangings: Incorporate fabric or macrame wall hangings for a trendy and bohemian feel.

Note: Be mindful of intellectual property rights when using any designs or artwork for your products. 

3. Custom mugs and drinkware

Custom mugs and drinkware offer a fun and creative way to engage your customers. They are versatile and can be used daily, making them a practical yet personal item to sell. Here are some clever mug ideas that are in high demand:

• Hand-painted mugs: Turn simple ceramics into unique art pieces that make excellent gifts.

• Insulated cups: Perfect for hot or cold beverages, these are popular items for anyone on the go.

• Sharpie mugs: Let the creativity flow with custom designs using permanent markers, offering a DIY feel to your product range.

4. Personalized phone cases

Nearly everyone has a smartphone, and people love to express their personality through their phone accessories, which makes this product a hit. Here are some personalized phone case options:

• Custom name phone cases: Give your phone a personal touch with a sleek, custom name case. Choose from various fonts, colors, and designs to match your style, making your phone truly one-of-a-kind.

• Photo collage phone cases: Cherish your memories by turning your favorite photos into a vibrant collage on your phone case. Perfect for showcasing special moments, family, or your pets.

• Monogrammed phone cases: A monogrammed case adds an elegant and sophisticated touch to your phone. Whether you prefer a minimalist design or something more ornate, a monogram adds a personal yet classic flair.

5. Stationery and notebooks

Stationery and notebooks are timeless essentials that cater to various demographics. From students and professionals to artists and hobbyists, nearly everyone requires stationery at some point. Here's a look into the kind of stationery you can sell:

• Notebooks: Always in demand, you can offer notebooks with various paper types and covers, catering to different journaling habits and preferences.

• Handmade notepads: These can be created with different types of paper and in various sizes, making them unique and in-demand.

• Stationery pouches: Customizable and handy, these pouches are perfect for organizing pens, pencils, and other supplies.

6. Custom tote bags

These bags are a fantastic option for small businesses looking to diversify their product range. They are both practical and stylish, making them highly appealing to a broad audience. Here are a few examples of custom tote bags:

• Eco-friendly cotton tote bags: Perfect for businesses aiming to appeal to environmentally conscious customers. They can be customized with unique designs, logos, or slogans.

• Canvas tote bags with custom prints: Sturdy and versatile, canvas tote bags are an excellent choice for businesses offering a durable product. 

• Foldable nylon tote bags: Ideal for customers on the go, these lightweight and compact nylon totes can easily be folded into smaller sizes for convenience. 

7. Stickers

Stickers are an incredibly popular item and can be a fantastic way to make quick profits for your small business. With minimal production costs and endless customization options, stickers offer a low-risk, high-reward opportunity. Here are a few examples of stickers:

• Branded logo stickers: These stickers can feature your logo, slogan, or brand colors and can be included with orders or sold as merchandise to increase brand visibility.

• Custom design stickers: From trendy illustrations to quirky slogans, these stickers can be tailored to match the aesthetic of your clothing line or appeal to a niche market.

• Limited edition stickers: Design limited edition stickers that coincide with special launches or seasonal collections to create a sense of exclusivity. 

8. Enamel pins

Enamel pins are a fantastic option for small businesses because they can be made in various designs, making them perfect for any niche market. Here are a few examples: 

• Custom brand logos: Enamel pins shaped like your brand’s logo offer a fun and wearable way for loyal customers to represent your business. 

• Pop culture references: Pins inspired by trending TV shows, movies, or video games can resonate with fans and tap into niche communities. 

• 3D design pins: Create enamel pins with raised, three-dimensional shapes that appeal to customers who prefer modern, abstract styles. 

9. Jewelry

Whether you're creating handmade pieces or dropshipping trending designs, there's a substantial market to tap into. Here are some jewelry ideas:

• Handcrafted minimalist jewelry: These pieces of understated elegance can be delicate rings, necklaces, or bracelets crafted from simple materials like silver, gold, or stainless steel. 

• Personalized name necklaces: Custom jewelry continues to stay on-trend, and name necklaces offer a unique way for customers to express themselves or give something meaningful. 

• Gemstone statement pieces: Bold, eye-catching rings, earrings, and pendants featuring colorful gemstones like amethyst, sapphire, or quartz can make for standout fashion accessories. 

10. Socks

Socks might seem mundane, but they are an everyday necessity and have a fun twist that can promise quick sales. Here are some types of socks you can sell:

• Novelty socks: Think of socks with humorous sayings, pop culture references, or playful themes like animals, foods, or holidays—perfect for people looking to add a little personality to their wardrobe.

• Athletic performance socks: Designed for comfort and durability, these socks are ideal for sports enthusiasts or active individuals. 

• Eco-friendly socks: Made from sustainable materials like organic cotton, bamboo, or recycled fibers, these socks are suitable for environmentally conscious customers. 

11. Handcrafted products

Consumers seek items that stand out from the mass-produced crowd. By selling handmade products, you can cater to this demand and achieve quick profits. Here are some popular options: 

• Custom furniture: Selling made-to-order furniture items can appeal to those looking to add a personal touch to their homes.

• Artisanal candles and soaps: These high-demand products can be easily customized with different scents and designs.

• Hand-knit items: Scarves, gloves, and beanies made with love add a cozy, personal flair to any wardrobe.

12. Online courses and ebooks

These are low-cost to produce, are easily distributed, and have the potential to reach a global audience. Here are some options to explore under this category: 

• Skill-based tutorials: Offer step-by-step courses or ebooks that teach practical skills like graphic design, coding, or photography. 

• Industry-specific courses: Create ebooks or courses tailored to specific industries, such as marketing, finance, or healthcare. These can focus on trends, best practices, or specialized tools. 

• Personal development guides: Develop content around productivity, leadership, and mindfulness. These self-improvement courses and ebooks appeal to individuals looking to enhance their lives.

13. Pet supplies

Jumping into this market can be a great way to profit quickly while providing pet products that owners genuinely need and love. Here are a few ideas for products:

• Pet clothing: Designed outfits that range from practical wear to fun and festive costumes.

• Pet travel accessories: Carriers, seat covers, and travel bowls for pets on the go.

• Pet supplements: Vitamins and health boosters catering to specific pet needs.

14. Coloring books

As a major hit among both kids and adults, coloring books are an excellent product for small businesses. Here are some colorful book ideas to explore: 

• Animal adventure coloring books: Offer coloring books that feature different animals worldwide. This gives kids a fun way to learn about wildlife while being creative.

• Mindfulness mandalas for adults: For adults seeking a calming, creative activity, create intricate mandala designs that promote relaxation and mindfulness.

• Inspirational quote coloring books: Design coloring books filled with uplifting and motivational quotes, allowing users to engage in both creative expression and personal growth while coloring.

15. Gift baskets

Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any special occasion, gift baskets can be customized to fit any theme or interest. Here are some tips to get you started: 

• Curate unique themes: Consider who your customers are and what they might love. Themes can range from spa essentials to gourmet snacks.

• Partner with local makers: Collaborate with local businesses to include handmade or artisanal items. This supports other small businesses and adds a personal touch.

• Market seasonally: Tailor your gift baskets to match the season or upcoming holidays for more targeted sales.

Now that you have a list of product ideas in your toolkit, here are some strategic tips to help you find profitable products and succeed online.

Find a relevant niche

This helps you focus on a specific market segment, allowing easier product and marketing strategy tailoring. Start by identifying your passions and expertise. 

Use online tools like Google Trends and social media to gauge market demand. Analyze your competitors to identify gaps and unique selling points. Test your niche ideas with a limited product range to gather market interest and feedback before fully committing.

Know your competitors

Understanding your competition is crucial for building a successful small business. By knowing their strengths, you can fine-tune your strategies to stay ahead. Recognizing their weaknesses creates the opportunity to offer something better. 

Study their pricing, analyze their product offerings, observe their marketing strategies, read customer reviews, and monitor their social media presence. These steps help you stay competitive without compromising on quality or margins, offering an edge in the market.

Discover trending products

Finding trending products ensures you're selling what’s already in demand. Utilize Google Trends to spot popular items through search data. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok can show you trending hashtags and viral posts. 

Regularly explore industry reports to keep up with market demands. Keep an eye on competitors to understand market trends. Lastly, listen to customer feedback for insights and product ideas; sometimes, the best suggestions come directly from them.

From custom clothing to gift baskets, there’s a simple product for every aspiring entrepreneur to start and scale their business with.  Gelato, the game-changer in print on demand solutions, can assist you with your small business setup. 

With Gelato, you can design and sell personalized products without worrying about inventory management. We offer an easy way to create high-quality custom items, from clothing and home decor to stationery and phone cases. While you focus on what you do best—creating and marketing your products—Gelato handles the rest. Plus, our subscription plans offer flexibility and access to premium features. 

Ready to make your business dreams a reality? Sign up for Gelato now to get started today!

What's an easy product to sell for a small business idea?

Custom clothing tops the list. With platforms like Gelato, you can easily create and sell unique designs on t-shirts, hoodies, and more. There is no need for inventory; just focus on your creativity and marketing. This is perfect for a small business looking for quick profits. However, be sure to keep meticulous financial statements and financial records for tax purposes.

How to start a business with $100?

Starting a business with $100 is achievable. Focus on low-cost items like custom clothing or digital products. Invest in an online store setup and basic marketing to attract initial customers. If you ever want to buy or sell a business, go to a reputable business broker to help you in this endeavor. 

What is the easiest thing to sell?

The easiest things to sell are often small, everyday items with broad appeal. Think custom mugs, t-shirts, or stationery. These products can be easily personalized via platforms like Gelato, making them low-risk and high-reward, perfect for quickly starting up a small business and turning a profit.