What to Sell in High School (and How to Start as a Freshman)
Starting a small business in high school might seem intimidating, especially as a freshman. You’re still adjusting to a new environment, juggling classes, and maybe even extracurriculars. But selling products or services can be a fun way to earn money, build skills, and connect with peers. The key is to choose items that resonate with your school community while keeping things simple and manageable. Here’s a practical guide to help you brainstorm ideas and launch your venture successfully.
—
1. Products That Work in a High School Setting
High schoolers have unique needs and preferences. To succeed, focus on items that are affordable, convenient, and aligned with daily student life. Here are five categories to consider:
A. Handmade or Customized Crafts
If you’re creative, selling handmade jewelry, stickers, or personalized accessories can be a hit. For example, custom keychains with school mascots or friendship bracelets in school colors often attract buyers. Use platforms like Etsy or Instagram to showcase designs, but start small to test demand before investing too much time or money.
B. Snacks and Drinks
Busy schedules mean students often skip meals or crave quick bites. Portable snacks like protein bars, candy, or homemade baked goods (check school policies first!) sell well between classes. Partner with a friend to split costs and rotate inventory to keep offerings fresh.
C. School Supplies
Every student needs pens, notebooks, or flashcards. Consider selling themed supplies—like planners with motivational quotes or colorful sticky notes—during exam seasons. You could also offer “emergency kits” with essentials like pencils, erasers, and mini staplers.
D. Secondhand Clothing or Accessories
Thrifting is trendy, and many students love affordable, unique fashion. Clean out your closet or host a clothing swap to source inventory. Promote items through Instagram posts or a simple pop-up table at lunch.
E. Digital Products
Tech-savvy students can sell printables like study guides, habit trackers, or wall art. Create templates using free design tools (Canva works well) and sell via Google Drive links or QR codes. This requires minimal upfront cost and scales easily.
—
2. How to Launch Your Business as a Freshman
Starting early gives you time to experiment and grow. Follow these steps to set yourself up for success:
Step 1: Identify Your Strengths and Interests
Choose a product that aligns with your skills. If you’re artistic, focus on crafts. If you’re organized, sell planners. Passion fuels persistence, which matters when balancing school and your side hustle.
Step 2: Research Demand
Ask friends or classmates what they’d buy. Observe trends: Are students obsessed with a particular snack or style? Test your idea by taking pre-orders or sharing samples.
Step 3: Keep It Legal and School-Friendly
Check your school’s rules about selling items on campus. Some prohibit food sales, while others require permission for fundraising activities. Always prioritize safety—for example, avoid selling anything that could trigger allergies.
Step 4: Start Small
Don’t overcommit. Begin with a limited batch of products to gauge interest. For instance, make 20 bracelets or bake two dozen cookies. Use profits to reinvest in bigger batches later.
Step 5: Promote Strategically
Use free platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or WhatsApp to share your products. Post photos, behind-the-scenes clips, or customer testimonials. Word-of-mouth is powerful in schools—ask satisfied buyers to spread the word!
—
3. Pro Tips for Balancing School and Sales
Managing a business alongside homework and activities requires smart planning:
– Set a Schedule: Dedicate specific times for creating inventory (e.g., weekends) and avoid letting sales distract you during class.
– Track Expenses and Earnings: Use a notebook or spreadsheet to monitor costs, prices, and profits. Apps like Google Sheets or Mint can help.
– Collaborate: Partner with friends to split tasks. One person handles marketing, another manages orders, etc.
– Learn from Mistakes: If a product doesn’t sell, ask for feedback and pivot. Maybe switch from candy to chips if that’s what peers prefer.
—
4. Overcoming Common Challenges
Every entrepreneur faces hurdles—even in high school. Here’s how to tackle them:
Problem: “No one’s buying my product.”
Solution: Reassess your pricing, marketing, or product choice. Survey peers to identify gaps. Maybe your $10 bracelets are too pricey—try $5 instead.
Problem: “I’m overwhelmed with orders and schoolwork.”
Solution: Limit sales to certain days (e.g., Fridays only) or cap the number of items available weekly. Communicate deadlines clearly to customers.
Problem: “I don’t have startup money.”
Solution: Start with low-cost items like digital downloads or used books. Offer pre-orders to fund production.
—
Final Thoughts
Selling products as a high school freshman isn’t just about making money—it’s about learning resilience, creativity, and time management. Whether you’re baking cookies or designing stickers, focus on solving problems for your peers and enjoying the process. Even small ventures teach big lessons that’ll benefit you long after graduation. So pick an idea, take that first step, and remember: Every successful entrepreneur started somewhere!
Please indicate: Thinking In Educating » What to Sell in High School (and How to Start as a Freshman)