By Opeyemi Abdulsalam Are you a student looking for easy ways to make extra cash? With the high cost of living, many students are searching for smart ways to earn money without affecting their studies. The good news is, there are plenty of profitable items you can sell right from your school or online with little capital.
In this article, I’ll share some of the best things you can sell as a student to make quick money and stay financially independent.
What Can You Sell as a Student to Make Money?
1. Clothing and Accessories
Selling second-hand clothes to fellow students at affordable prices can be very profitable. Most students want to look good but have a limited budget, so they prefer stylish but budget-friendly outfits.
A good way to start is by purchasing trendy items like bum shorts, corporate wear, and casual outfits from the market. Girls in school love bum shorts, so stocking a variety can boost your sales.
Take note of what students around you like to wear. Once you identify a trend, invest a little money in buying stock.
Tip: Always bargain hard when purchasing stock to keep your selling prices fair and attractive.
2. Digital Products
Selling digital products is another great way for students to make money in Nigeria. With the increasing number of online buyers there’s a big market for digital goods.
If you own a smartphone, you can start selling right away. However, the first step is to invest in a course that teaches you how to sell digital products effectively. You can find some of the best courses for this on Stakecut.
3. Phone Accessories
Since almost everyone has a smartphone, selling phone accessories is a smart business idea. Popular items include phone cases, screen protectors, chargers, ear pods, and phone charms.
To stand out, you can focus on selling iPhone accessories only. Many buyers associate iPhones with premium products, which can give your business an edge. However, if you want to serve a wider customer base, consider adding accessories for other phone brands as well.
This business requires minimal capital, and both male and female students can easily succeed in it.
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4. Printed Merchandise
Selling customized merchandise is a great way for students in Nigeria to make money. People love personalized items for birthdays, weddings, and other special occasions. You can offer services like printing names on shirts, hoodies, and mugs.
With creative designs, you can cater to different niches like fashion, events, and fandoms. The startup cost is relatively low, and you can sell through social media or at local events. Just ensure your designs are appealing and trendy to attract more buyers.
5. Handmade Shoes and Bags
Selling handmade leather shoes and bags is another excellent business that blends creativity with craftsmanship. Many successful brands started while the founders were students and later grew into full-time businesses.
You don’t need to be a professional—you can learn through online tutorials or collaborate with local artisans. Besides selling on campus, you can expand your reach by showcasing your products on Facebook and Instagram.
6. Baked Goods
If you enjoy baking, consider selling homemade treats like cookies, brownies, cupcakes, and pastries. Many students prefer fresh, homemade snacks over packaged food from vending machines.
This is a simple business with low startup costs—just focus on quality and taste to keep customers coming back.
7. Body Spray and Affordable Perfumes
Everyone loves to smell good, so selling body sprays and budget-friendly perfumes is a profitable idea. Keep an eye out for discounts on these items so you can buy them at low prices and sell them at a profit.
This business works well because fragrances are affordable, high-demand products that students buy regularly.
8. Jewelry
Selling jewelry is another smart way to make money in school. Many female students love wearing bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and charms.
You don’t need to be an expert—there are simple DIY tutorials online that can teach you how to create custom jewelry. If you’re not into making jewelry yourself, you can source trendy pieces and resell them for a profit.
9. Video Games
If you have completed a video game and don’t plan to replay it, sell it instead of giving it away. Many students are interested in second-hand games, and you can make quick cash by selling them.
Tip: Charge higher prices for popular games or those that were expensive when you bought them.
How to Start Selling Things at School
Choosing what to sell is just one part of the business. You also need to think about how you’ll sell, promote, and manage your stock. Here are a few important things to consider before making your first purchase:
- Start Small – Don’t buy too many items at first. Begin with a few products and see which ones sell best. Once you know what’s in demand, stock up on those items.
- Buy in Bulk at Cheaper Prices – Try to buy your products from wholesale stores like Costco, which usually offer better deals. These stores often require membership, so you can check if a family member has one and go with them. If that’s not an option, look for budget-friendly supermarkets like Poundland, Farmfoods, or Asda.
- Set Your Prices Wisely – Figure out how much profit you’ll make on each item. A simple way to do this is to double your cost price. For example, if you buy a snack for 20p as part of a multipack, consider selling it for 40pto make a profit.
- Buy in Packs – Purchasing large packs of snacks, sweets, or chocolates can help you save money and make more profit. Look for deals on boxes or bulk packages.
- Promote Your Business – Let students know about what you’re selling! Use word of mouth, social media, and school noticeboards to spread the word. You can also create a simple menu with prices and update it regularly with new or seasonal items.
Final Thoughts
There are many things you can sell as a student in Nigeria to earn money without affecting your studies. The key is to identify what’s in demand, start with small capital, and focus on quality and affordability.