What to Sell in High School (and How to Get Started as a Freshman)
High school is the perfect time to explore entrepreneurship. With a built-in audience of peers and teachers, a flexible schedule, and low financial risk, freshmen can turn simple ideas into profitable ventures. But what exactly should you sell, and how do you start without experience? Let’s break down practical, low-cost options and strategies to kickstart your journey.
Why High School Is a Great Time to Start
Before diving into product ideas, it’s worth understanding why high school is a unique opportunity. First, you’re surrounded by potential customers daily. Need feedback? Walk down the hallway. Want to test a new product? Bring samples to lunch. Second, starting small allows you to learn business basics—like pricing, marketing, and customer service—without high stakes. Plus, earning extra cash for prom tickets, gaming gear, or college savings never hurts!
What to Sell: 5 Student-Friendly Ideas
1. Handmade Crafts
Handmade items are timeless sellers. They’re personal, affordable to create, and align with trends. Popular choices include:
– Friendship bracelets or beaded jewelry: Customizable and quick to make.
– Stickers or keychains: Use a Cricut machine or print designs online.
– Clay earrings or phone charms: Tap into K-pop or anime fandoms.
Pro tip: Use platforms like Etsy or Instagram to showcase your work, but start by selling locally to classmates to avoid shipping costs.
2. Snacks and Drinks
Never underestimate the power of a midday snack. Students often crave quick bites between classes or during after-school activities. Consider selling:
– Homemade cookies or brownies: Package them in grab-and-go bags.
– Energy bars or protein bites: Market these as “study fuel.”
– Flavored lemonades or iced teas: Perfect for sports events or hot days.
Note: Check your school’s rules about food sales. Some require permits or restrict homemade items.
3. Secondhand Items
Sustainability is trendy, and many students love thrifting. Clean out your closet or source items from garage sales to resell:
– Vintage band T-shirts or hoodies.
– Gently used sneakers.
– Old video games or electronics.
Promote these on social media or set up a “pop-up shop” at lunch.
4. Digital Services
If crafting or baking isn’t your thing, leverage tech skills:
– Social media management: Help local businesses or clubs grow their online presence.
– Custom playlist curation: Offer themed playlists for parties or study sessions.
– Graphic design: Design logos for student organizations or event posters.
These services require minimal upfront costs—just time and creativity.
5. Custom School Supplies
Personalized items make great locker decor or gifts. Offer:
– Decorated notebooks or planners.
– Phone cases with student-designed artwork.
– Pencils or pens with funny quotes.
Collaborate with art classmates to expand your product range.
How to Start Selling as a Freshman
Step 1: Research Demand
Before investing time or money, ask:
– What do students complain about needing? (e.g., “I wish someone sold charger cables here!”)
– What’s popular in your area? (Check TikTok or Instagram trends.)
– What can you realistically produce or source?
Run a quick survey via Google Forms or chat with friends to validate your idea.
Step 2: Follow School Rules
Schools often have policies about on-campus sales. Ask a teacher or administrator:
– Are homemade snacks allowed?
– Can you sell items during specific times (e.g., lunch or club hours)?
– Do you need permission to post flyers?
Ignoring rules could lead to shutdowns—play it safe!
Step 3: Price Smartly
Calculate costs (materials, time, delivery) and add a markup. For example:
– If a bracelet costs $2 to make, charge $5–7.
– For digital services, research freelance rates but adjust for your audience (e.g., $10–20 for a logo).
Offer discounts for bulk orders or referrals to encourage repeat customers.
Step 4: Promote Creatively
– Use Instagram or TikTok: Post videos of your products with catchy captions.
– Partner with clubs: Sponsor a raffle or donate a product for events.
– Word of mouth: Ask friends to share your business—maybe reward them with freebies.
Step 5: Start Small
Don’t quit your soccer practice to become a snack tycoon overnight. Begin with a limited batch of products to test demand. For example, bake 20 cookies and see how fast they sell. Scale up gradually as you learn what works.
Real-Life Success Stories
– Emma, 14: Sold handmade scrunchies during football games, earning $200/month.
– Jaden, 15: Launched a TikTok page reselling sneakers; now ships nationwide.
– Sophia, 14: Created custom Spotify playlists for $5 each, using profits to buy music equipment.
Final Tips
– Track expenses and profits: Use a notebook or free apps like Mint.
– Ask for feedback: Improve your products based on customer suggestions.
– Balance schoolwork: Set specific hours for your business to avoid burnout.
Starting a business as a freshman isn’t about making millions—it’s about learning, experimenting, and having fun. Whether you’re selling friendship bracelets or designing merch, the skills you gain (confidence, negotiation, budgeting) will stick with you long after graduation. So pick an idea, take the first step, and who knows? You might just become the go-to entrepreneur in your hallway!
Please indicate: Thinking In Educating » What to Sell in High School (and How to Get Started as a Freshman)