Starting a business at school can be a great way to earn extra money, gain valuable business experience, and even raise funds for a cause. However, it can be a bit challenging to decide what to sell. Choosing the right items to sell at school is crucial for success.
Here, we will provide tips and suggestions on what to sell at school and list some popular items that are easy to sell. We will also discuss how to promote and sell the items, and provide some resources that can help teenagers sell things at school.
Whether you’re a student looking for a way to make some extra cash or an entrepreneur looking to start your own business, this article will guide you through the process of starting a successful business at school.
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What should I sell?
Selling items at school can be a great way for students to earn extra money and gain business experience. However, not all items are equally well-suited for this purpose. Some things may be difficult to sell, while others may not be allowed or may not provide a good return on investment.
To help students choose the best things to sell at school, here are some tips and suggestions:
- Sell things that are in demand. Before deciding what to sell, it is important to consider what other students are interested in buying. This could include popular snacks, drinks, or other consumables that students may want to buy during breaks or between classes. It could also include items that are useful or relevant to students, such as school supplies, study aids, or accessories.
- Sell things that are easy to transport and store. When selling items at school, it is important to consider how easy they are to carry and store. This is especially important if you are selling perishable items, such as food or drinks. It is also important to consider the size and weight of the items, as well as how many you can carry and sell at once.
- Sell things that are unique or special. To stand out from the competition, it can be helpful to sell items that are unique or special in some way. This could include handmade or homemade items, such as jewellery, artwork, or baked goods. It could also include items that are difficult to find or obtain elsewhere, such as imported snacks or collectibles.
- Sell things that are legal and allowed. Before selling any items at school, it is important to check with your school administration to make sure that they are allowed. Some schools may have rules or regulations regarding what can be sold, and it is important to follow these rules to avoid getting in trouble or losing your ability to sell.
- Sell things that are reasonably priced. When setting prices for the items that you are selling, it is important to consider the value and demand for the items, as well as the cost of production or acquisition. You should aim to set prices that are fair and competitive, but also provide a good return on investment.
10 Items to sell at school
As mentioned above, the best things to sell at school are those that are in demand, easy to transport and store, unique or special, legal and allowed, and reasonably priced. Here is our list of items that fit that criteria_
- Customized school supplies
Customized school supplies such as pencils, pens, and notebooks with the school’s name or mascot on them are popular and easy to sell. For example, you can print the school’s logo on a set of pencils and sell them for $1-2 per set. To create or source the items, you can use online platforms such as Vistaprint or Zazzle to design and order the supplies in bulk.
- Handmade crafts
Handmade crafts such as jewelry, keychains, or knick-knacks can be popular and easy to sell at school. For example, you can make friendship bracelets or beaded keychains and sell them for $3-5 each. To create the items, you can use basic craft supplies such as beads, yarn, or embroidery thread.
- School spirit wear
School spirit wear such as t-shirts, hoodies, or hats with the school’s logo or colors can be popular and easy to sell at school. For example, you can design a t-shirt with the school’s mascot and sell it for $15-20 each. To create or source the items, you can use online platforms such as CustomInk or Teespring to design and order the spirit wear in bulk.
- Snacks and refreshments
Snacks and refreshments such as homemade cookies, brownies, or energy bars can be popular and easy to sell at school. For example, you can make a batch of chocolate chip cookies and sell them for $1-2 each. To create the items, you can use basic ingredients such as flour, sugar, and chocolate chips and sell them during lunchtime or recess.
- Refurbished or second-hand items
Refurbished or second-hand items such as clothes, shoes, or books in good condition can be popular and easy to sell at school. For example, you can collect clothes and shoes from your closet or friends and sell them for $5-10 each. To source the items, you can organize a garage sale or thrift store event in the school and promote it on social media.
- Personalized phone cases
Personalized phone cases with school-related designs or the student’s name can be popular and easy to sell. For example, you can design a phone case with the school’s logo and sell it for $15-20 each. To create or source the items, you can use online platforms such as Casetify or Redbubble to design and order the phone cases in bulk.
- Hand-painted items
Hand-painted items such as tote bags, mugs, or t-shirts can be popular and easy to sell. For example, you can paint a tote bag with the school’s colors or mascot and sell it for $15-20 each. To create the items, you can use acrylic paint, paint brushes, and blank items such as tote bags, mugs or t-shirts.
- Customized stickers
Customized stickers with school-related designs or the student’s name can be popular and easy to sell. For example, you can design a sticker with the school’s logo or a popular phrase and sell it for $1-2 each. To create or source the items, you can use online platforms such as StickerMule or Redbubble to design and order the stickers in bulk.
- Customized keychains
Customized keychains with school-related designs or the student’s name can be popular and easy to sell. For example, you can design a keychain with the school’s logo or mascot and sell it for $5-7 each. To create or source the items, you can use online platforms such as Shutterfly or CustomInk to design and order the keychains in bulk.
- Customized lanyards
Customized lanyards with school-related designs or the student’s name can be popular and easy to sell. For example, you can design a lanyard with the school’s colors or mascot and sell it for $5-7 each. To create or source the items, you can use online platforms such as CustomLanyards.net or 4inlanyards to design and order the lanyards in bulk.
Promoting your products
Promoting and selling items at school can be a bit challenging, here are some strategies you can use:
Create eye-catching displays: Setting up an attractive display of your products can help draw attention and increase sales. You can use colorful posters, signs, and display stands to showcase your items. You can also consider adding lighting or props to make your display more visually appealing.
Leverage social media: Social media platforms can be a powerful tool for reaching a wider audience and promoting your products. You can create a social media account for your business, post pictures and videos of your products, and use hashtags to attract more customers. Additionally, you can use social media to offer special deals or promotions that will attract more buyers.
Offer discounts and special promotions: Offering discounts and special promotions can be a great way to increase sales and attract new customers. For example, you can offer a buy one get one free promotion, or give a discount to customers who refer their friends. Additionally, you can offer discounts or promotions to customers who purchase a certain amount of products.
Use word of mouth: Encourage your satisfied customers to tell their friends and family about your products. This can be a powerful marketing tool, as people are more likely to buy from someone they know and trust.
Partner with other businesses: Partnering with other businesses or organizations can help you reach a wider audience and increase sales. For example, you can partner with a local coffee shop or bookstore to sell your products, or collaborate with a school club to fundraise.
Host events and pop-up shops: Hosting events and pop-up shops can be a great way to promote your products and increase sales. You can host a launch party for a new product, or organize a pop-up shop in a high-traffic area of the school to showcase your items.
Use personalization: Personalization is a powerful tool that can help you stand out and increase sales. For example, you can offer custom-made products or personalized gifts that can be tailored to the customer’s needs or preferences.
Offer online sales: You can consider offering online sales as an alternative or complement to in-person sales. This can help you reach a larger audience and increase sales.
Are students allowed to sell items at school?
Whether or not you are allowed to sell items at school depends on the policies of the school and the local education authority. In general, schools have the authority to regulate the types of activities and items that students can sell on school grounds. Some schools may allow students to sell certain items, such as snacks, beverages, or school-related items, while others may have more restrictive policies.
It’s important for students who want to sell items at school to check with the school administration and get permission before doing so. This will ensure that they are following the rules and regulations, and that their activities are approved and supported by the school. By working with the school administration and following the rules, students can successfully sell items at school and earn some extra money.
What’s the best stuff to sell at a school sports event?
There are many different things you can sell at a school sports event, but some of the best options are items that are popular, convenient, and affordable. Some ideas for things to sell at a school sports event include:
- Snacks and beverages: Offer a variety of snacks and beverages, such as candy, chips, soda, and water.
- Apparel: Sell t-shirts, hats, and other clothing items with the school’s sports team logo or name on them.
- Sports equipment and gear: Offer a selection of sports equipment and gear, such as balls, gloves, and other items that are commonly used in the sports being played at the event.
- Souvenirs and memorabilia: Sell souvenirs and memorabilia, such as keychains, stickers, and posters, to help fans remember the event and show their support for the school’s sports teams.
- Concessions: Set up a concession stand and offer a variety of food and drinks, such as hot dogs, popcorn, and lemonade.
By offering a mix of these items, you can provide a range of options for fans attending the school sports event, and earn some extra money in the process.
Summary
Starting a school business can be a great way for students to gain valuable business experience, earn extra money and even raise funds for a cause.
This article provided tips and suggestions on what to sell at school, such as items that are in demand, easy to transport and store, unique or special, legal and allowed, and reasonably priced. It also discussed strategies for promoting and selling items at school, and provided resources for teenagers who want to start their own business.
It’s clear that there are many opportunities and options when it comes to starting a school business. So now it’s time to take action and turn your ideas into reality.
Start your own business today, and enjoy the benefits of being an entrepreneur!
