Are you interested in selling items from home? If so, check out our list of the best items to sell from home for a profit!
Do you want more control over your time? Do you want to run a business from home? One of the quickest, easiest, and lowest-risk ways to achieve this is to join a direct sales company.
For a small initial cost, you have everything you need to run a successful home-based business, all you need is the right mindset and attitude.
Of course, there are other ways to sell products from home, such as making your own products and selling them on platforms like Shopify, Etsy, or Spring, or reselling them on sites like Mercari or Poshmark. No matter how you want to get started or what products you want to sell, this article has you covered.
The best products to sell at home
There are thousands of direct selling companies selling millions of products, but which ones have the best products to sell from home? It depends on your passion and how much you want to earn, but here are some direct selling companies with high-quality products and the best opportunities in different niches.
Sell Jewelry
If you love jewelry and fashion accessories, there are many direct sales companies selling fine gemstones and precious stones.
1. Think of goodness
Think Goodness is a family of brands that includes Origami Owl, Willing Beauty, and CMYK Cosmetics. When you join as a Brand Partner, you can sell all three brands, including Origami Owl jewelry, including watches, necklaces, bracelets, and more, which can be customized with adorable little charms. Brand Partners can earn up to 40% commission on sales. Pop-up packs are just $199. They also offer a Young Entrepreneurs Program, where youth ages 11-17 can join with an adult mentor.
Sell clothing
If you love fashion and clothing, there are some fantastic direct sales companies in the style niche. Whether you want to sell luxury fashion or athleisure, there are options for every taste, style, and budget.
2. Cabinet
I first heard about cabi when I was invited to a fall fashion show in 2010. Once I experienced the cabi brand in person, I was hooked. They have some of the most flattering and stylish clothing for women I have ever seen. Not only are the clothes amazing, they also have one of the highest retention rates in the direct selling industry. With cabi, stylists can earn 25-33% on personal sales and earn additional commissions by building a team. Seasonal inventory ranges from $250-2,500, and according to their website, by selling 70% of your seasonal inventory at 50% off, you can earn $1,500-3,500 to put towards next season’s inventory. The cabi opportunity is available to residents of the US, Canada, and the UK.
3. Key Lime Athletic Wear
Keylime Athletic Wear started as a brick-and-mortar store in Canada, but launched a distributor program in the US, Canada, and Australia in 2012. They currently sell women’s tanks, tops, t-shirts, pants, shorts, swimwear, jewelry, and accessories, as well as a small line of clothing for men. Their first sample pack is $79 (40% off retail) and includes best-selling items in a variety of sizes that can be sold from home. You’ll also receive discounts of 20-40% on both online and in-person orders.
Sell wallets and handbags
If organization, personalization, and style are your thing, check out these direct sales companies selling handbags and more.
4. Baskin-Robbins
Thirty-One is a Christian-inspired company that sells personalized tote bags, backpacks, handbags, jewelry, accessories, baskets, and wallets. Consultants earn 25-35% commissions and bonuses on personal sales. Sign-up kits range in price from $50-$150 and include samples, marketing materials, and business supplies. Thirty-One is a member of the Direct Selling Association.
5. Deal of your dreams
Trades of Hope is more than just a handbag company; we sell fair trade jewelry, handbags, gifts, coffee, soaps, and apparel. When you sign up as a Trades of Hope partner, you can earn 15-25% commission on your sales. There is no fee to join. You’ll create your own website, have access to monthly calls and promotions, and even travel opportunities. Trades of Hope is a member of the Direct Selling Association.
Selling makeup, skincare and beauty products
Cosmetics and skincare products have been a staple in the direct sales industry for years. In fact, Avon was founded in 1886 and Mary Kay was founded in 1963, and both are still going strong today. If you’re interested in beauty, skincare, and cosmetics, be sure to check them out.
6. Alouette
Aloette sells skin care, makeup, beauty, bath and body care products that contain natural ingredients. All of their products are cruelty-free and free of sodium lauryl sulfate, hydroquinone and formaldehyde. Starter kits range in price from $19.95 to $99.95 and include products, training, business resources, a website, 25% sales commission and product discounts.
7th Month Global
Monat Global sells all-natural, salon-quality hair care, skin care, and wellness products for women, children, men, and pets. Available to residents of the US, Canada, and the UK, Monat Global’s starter kits range in price from $99 to $650. Marketplace partners can earn up to 50% off on personal sales and additional commissions on team building activities. If you’re interested in this opportunity, be sure to check out the before and after photos. People are seeing amazing results with these products.
Fair Trade Direct Sales Company
Want to work for a company that has a positive impact on the world? Here are some fair trade companies to check out:
8. Noonday Collection
Noonday Collection sells globally inspired fair trade home décor, jewelry, bags, accessories, clothing and gifts. Sign up as an ambassador and earn 20% commission and incentives on your sales. A starter kit costs $199 and a website costs $9.99 per month. Noonday Collection is a member of the Fair Trade Federation, the Direct Selling Association, the Better Business Bureau and is a Certified B Corporation.
Kitchen niche products
Remember the days of Tupperware parties? Tupperware is still popular, but there are plenty of other direct sales companies selling pots, pans, serving dishes, bakeware, cutlery, and more.
9. Cutco
CUTCO sells the best knives and cutlery. Why do I say this? Because my boyfriend in college had a CUTCO sale and I bought some steak knives from them (it was all I could afford at the time). Believe it or not, I still have those steak knives. I liked them so much that I bought a whole set of them a few years ago. They are incredibly sharp and come with a lifetime warranty.
It’s unclear how much commission salespeople make, but according to the company’s website: “Salespeople receive a guaranteed base salary when they introduce CUTCO to a qualified prospect, meaning they get paid whether or not the customer buys.” CUTCO also has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and is a member of the Direct Selling Association.
10. Pampered Chef
Pampered Chef sells a variety of products, including cookware, baking supplies, stoneware, kitchen tools, and food. With Pampered Chef, you can earn money by selling online, hosting shopping parties at your home, building a team, and more. Consultants earn 20-25% commission on sales, and launch kits range in price from $50-250. Pampered Chef has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Sell food and drinks online
Do you love cooking and baking? Or maybe you just love sipping fine wine or tea? Today there are plenty of food and beverage companies to explore.
11. Sipology by Steeped Tea
Sipology by Steeped Tea offers enticing teas like almond chocolate torte and apple crumble, as well as lattes, matcha, mixers, and sweets. Sipology (consultants) can earn up to 25-40% commission on sales, with start-up costs ranging from $29 to $149. This opportunity is available in the U.S. and Canada, and Steeped Tea is a member of the Direct Selling Association.
12. Elegant simplicity
Delicious, simple and easy to prepare. That’s the vision for Tastefully Simple’s gourmet food line. Consultants can earn income through in-home shopping parties, selling products, and sponsoring other consultants. Startup kits range in price from $49 to $99, and consultants receive a 30% commission. Tastefully Simple is a member of the Direct Selling Association.
Faith-Based Business
Is your faith at the heart of everything you do? Do you want to give back to your community? This is a faith- and charity-focused direct selling company.
13. The Crown of Liberty
Crowned Free is a Christian-inspired company that sells clothing, jewelry, gifts, candles, and home decor, and donates a portion of its sales to human trafficking victims and human trafficking education. Starter kits range in price from $49 to $399, and the website costs $10.99 per month, with commissions ranging from 25-30%. Crowned Free has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Health, Wellness & Weight Loss Companies
Are you interested in fitness, health or weight loss? Then check out three very different health and wellness companies you can join.
14. DoTERRA
If you love whole foods and the healing properties of nature, you might consider selling essential oils with doTERRA, where you can pay a yearly fee and buy individual bottles of oils or a kit and website. I’m not sure, but I think consultants earn a 25% commission on sales, plus additional commission for team building.
15. Level
Le-Vel is a lifestyle brand that helps people feel their best through supplements, shakes, bars and dermafusion patches. The company’s promoter opportunities are available in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand and Mexico. Promoters earn 20% of retail sales and can earn bonuses, rewards and prizes for hitting goals and milestones along the way. Le-Vel is A+ rated with the Better Business Bureau.
16. Team Beachbody
You’ve probably heard of the grueling P90X training system. But did you know Team Beachbody offers a wide variety of products, including workout programs, shakes, supplements, nutritional bars, gear, and more? With a low start-up cost of $39.95 and monthly subscriptions of $15.95, this could be a great at-home business opportunity for any fitness enthusiast.
Direct sales for men
While the direct sales industry is often geared towards women, there is one company that focuses solely on men. If I find any others, I will add them to the list.
17. J. Hilburn
J. Hilburn sells custom shirts, made-to-order suits, and ready-to-wear clothing for men. Stylists earn 25% commission on sales, plus bonuses and additional commissions for team building and leadership roles. Starter kits range in price from $199 to $500. J. Hilburn has been featured in Inc., Men’s Health, USA Today, The New York Times, Esquire, and NBC.
A direct sales company targeting children
Do you love kids? Want a business you can do with your family? Check out this fun, kid-focused business opportunity.
18. Discovery Toys
Selling educational toys, games, and books for kids of all ages, Discovery Toys offers a unique career opportunity for people who love children. Sales associates can earn up to 34% commission on individual sales and a 7% bonus on team sales. Starter kits range in price from $20 to $79. Discovery Toys is available to residents of the U.S. and Canada.
Pet Supplies
If your furry friends are your favourite animals, there are pet-related business opportunities out there. Here are a few to check out:
19. Richness of life
Life’s Abundance sells products that help consumers (cats, dogs, and humans) live happier, healthier, and longer lives. Field reps (consultants) earn commission on products, plus startup, sales, and team building bonuses. Start-up fees are just $40, with annual renewal fees of $19.95. Life’s Abundance is A+ rated with the Better Business Bureau.
20. Legs
pawTree sells food, beds, collars, bowls, and toys for dogs and cats. PetPros (consultants) earn 15-45% commission on every product sold, plus bonuses and additional commissions for team building and leadership roles. PetPros can get started for free with Simple Start, which includes a one-year website. Larger kits range in price from $199.99 to $399.99 and include a three-month website.
Sell home decor items
If you enjoy decorating and DIY projects, there are some fun arts and decor business opportunities available.
21. Artistic
Artsy sells DIY wall decor and mobile paint parties for kids and adults. A one-year membership costs $297 and includes training, art instruction, wholesale pricing, and business tools. Members also pay a monthly membership fee of $25. On average, members can make an average of $200-250 per event.
22. Scent Sea
Another popular product you can sell online is Scentsy. Their product line includes wax melts in a variety of scents, warmers, essential oils, diffusers, laundry products, bath and body products, and even pet products. With Scentsy, you can earn 20-25% commission on sales, plus additional commissions through team building. The company has starter kits ranging from $20 to $99. Each kit comes with a free three-month website. With Scentsy, you can sell your products online through your website, social media sites like Instagram, or through pop-up parties.
Sell your products online
Joining a direct sales company is just one way to make money selling products from home. If you have artistic flair, manual dexterity, great design skills, love reselling products, or want to curate your own products, check out these ways to make money selling products from home.
23. Handmade items
If you have the talent and passion to make handmade soaps, candles, wall art, lip balms, bath bombs, wooden coasters, and more, you can sell your handmade items on online marketplaces like Etsy. Etsy allows you to sell digital products like prints and SVGs, handmade items, vintage items, and craft supplies. Etsy has a huge number of users and makes it easy for sellers to get started. If you want to sell your own products online, check out our comprehensive article on Etsy for starting a craft business from home.
24. Re-sell products online
If you want to sell unwanted items around the house, try platforms like eBay, Poshmark, or Mercari. These online platforms allow you to sell your items for free and only charge a small fee after the sale. I use Poshmark to sell my clothes, but you can easily make money from unwanted items. People like Melissa and Rob Stevenson have turned reselling into a full-time, profitable home-based business. Not only are they making six figures a year reselling items on eBay, but they also offer online courses to teach others how to do the same.
25. Start a print-on-demand business
Do you have graphic design skills? Use print-on-demand sites like Spring and Spreadshirt to design and sell popular products like custom t-shirts, mugs, phone accessories, and more. These marketplaces let you get started for free and ship your products once a sale is made. If you’re interested in learning how to start a print-on-demand business, check out our interview with Jessica Roop from I Love Print on Demand.
26. Start your own e-commerce store
If you want full control over what products you sell, which manufacturers you use, and your profit margins, you can start your own online business using an e-commerce platform like Shopify. This method requires a lot of market research and capital to get started, but it offers the most control and the highest profit potential. To learn more about this model of selling products from home, check out our interview with Christina Gillick and how she started her own shop selling earrings online.
27. Add an online store to your blog
If you have a WordPress blog, you can add an online shop to your blog with the WooCommerce plugin. This plugin allows you to sell physical products or digital downloads. However, if you don’t want to add another plugin to your blog, you can create a shopping page on your site with a custom Gutenberg block and use a shopping cart such as ThriveCart (this is what I did). Of course, you should create SEO (search engine optimization)-friendly product descriptions and use high-quality images. You can also add a link to your shopping cart in your blog posts, newsletters, and social media posts.
Tips for marketing your products online
Selling products from home is a great way to make money online, but it requires a lot of effort on marketing your business. If you join a direct selling company, you will be provided with detailed training and marketing tools, so make sure you follow and use them.
If you are starting a business from scratch, make sure you take advantage of social media platforms like Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, TikTok, etc. These are completely free to use and are an effective way to get your product in front of potential customers.
If you have the funds to invest in marketing, email marketing and online advertising can also be very effective. Take the time to learn about your options and where your target audience congregates to ensure you get the full return on your investment.
Conclusion: Best products to sell at home
Whether you join a direct sales company or create your own products, there are plenty of products you can sell from home.
One of the things I love about the direct sales model is that it’s great for beginners because it provides training, support, and business tools, all at a low price.
We’re sure there are plenty of other products you can sell from home, so let us know in the comments below about your favorite direct sales company and the products you’d like to sell, along with any applicable information.
If you’re interested, here is a list of the top direct selling companies in the world (based on sales) for 2024. The Work at Home Woman also has an extensive list of direct selling companies.
Wondering if you have the right personality for direct selling? Ask yourself these questions to find out:
Originally published on August 10, 2012. Content updated July 2024.
