What to Sell in High School (and How to Get Started as a Freshman)
Starting a small business in high school can feel intimidating, especially as a freshman. You’re new to the campus, still figuring out your classes, and maybe even a little nervous about approaching older students. But here’s the secret: high school is a goldmine of opportunities for entrepreneurial teens. With a little creativity and hustle, you can turn everyday problems into profitable solutions—and maybe even fund your weekend plans or save for college. Let’s break down practical ideas for what to sell and how to launch your mini-business successfully.
What Can You Sell? Focus on High Demand + Low Effort
The best products solve a common problem or fulfill a need your peers have. Think about what your classmates complain about or wish they had during the school day. Here are five student-tested ideas:
1. Snacks and Drinks
Hunger strikes between classes, cafeteria lines are long, and vending machines are either overpriced or empty. Capitalize on this by selling affordable, portable snacks like granola bars, chips, or candy. For drinks, consider juice boxes, flavored water, or energy drinks (check school rules first!). Pro tip: Bulk-buy snacks at wholesale stores like Costco to maximize profits.
2. Custom Accessories
From friendship bracelets to phone charms, personalized items are always a hit. Use platforms like Etsy or local craft stores to source materials. If you’re artistically inclined, design stickers, keychains, or even custom T-shirts with inside jokes or school spirit themes.
3. School Supplies
Pens, highlighters, and notebooks disappear faster than you’d think. Create “emergency kits” with essentials like pencils, erasers, and sticky notes. Bonus: Sell themed supplies during exam season (e.g., stress-relief kits with snacks and motivational notes).
4. Secondhand Clothing or Accessories
Many teens love thrifting but don’t have time to browse stores. Clean out your closet or host a clothing swap with friends, then resell gently used items at a markup. Vintage band tees, trendy jackets, or even old sports jerseys can attract buyers.
5. Eco-Friendly Products
Reusable items like metal straws, bamboo cutlery, or cloth lunch bags appeal to environmentally conscious students. Pair them with a quick pitch about reducing waste—it’s a win for your wallet and the planet.
How to Start Selling (Without Getting Overwhelmed)
You’ve picked your product—now what? Follow these steps to build momentum without burning out:
1. Test Your Idea First
Before investing time and money, validate demand. Ask friends or classmates, “Would you buy this?” or post a poll on Instagram. Start small: Bring 10 snack bars to school and see how quickly they sell.
2. Price Smartly
Calculate your costs (materials, time) and add a reasonable markup. For example, if a snack pack costs you $1, sell it for $2–$3. Avoid overpricing; remember, your customers are on a student budget too.
3. Advertise Subtly
You don’t need a billboard. Use word of mouth (“Hey, I’ve got gum if you need some!”), post on Snapchat or TikTok, or leave flyers in common areas (with permission). For custom products, wear or use them yourself—free advertising!
4. Stay Organized
Track inventory and profits in a notebook or spreadsheet. Designate a specific bag or locker shelf for your products so you’re always prepared.
5. Know the Rules
Avoid trouble by checking your school’s policies on selling items. Some schools restrict food sales or require permits. If selling on campus isn’t allowed, pivot to online sales or after-school meetups.
Overcoming Freshman-Specific Challenges
As a new student, you might worry about fitting in or being taken seriously. Here’s how to navigate common hurdles:
– Build Trust: Start by selling to friends or teammates. Positive reviews will spread naturally.
– Leverage Social Media: Create a simple Instagram page for your business. Post photos of your products and share stories about how they’ve helped classmates.
– Collaborate: Partner with an older student who has a established network. For example, split profits if they help promote your products to their friends.
– Stay Professional: Show up consistently, deliver what you promise, and respond politely to feedback. Reliability builds credibility.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just About the Money
Running a small business in high school teaches skills you won’t learn in class: negotiation, budgeting, and problem-solving. You’ll also meet people outside your usual circle and gain confidence in your ability to create opportunities. So start small, stay adaptable, and remember—every big entrepreneur started somewhere. Who knows? Your locker-side snack empire might just be the beginning.
Please indicate: Thinking In Educating » What to Sell in High School (and How to Get Started as a Freshman)