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Last Updated on July 1, 2025 by Katie
Ever wondered what smart things to buy to make money? While everyone talks about saving money, strategic buying can actually generate income.
The right purchases become tools for building wealth streams that work for you around the clock.
From digital assets that earn while you sleep to physical equipment that transforms hobbies into businesses, the modern economy offers unprecedented opportunities for entrepreneurial minds.
These smart investments can become the foundation of your next income stream with the right approach and dedication.
If you have a little spare cash set aside and you want to help it grow, take a look at the best things to buy to make money.
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13 Smart Things to Buy to Make Money
By investing in income-generating assets, you can secure a financially free future.
Below, I have listed a range of smart things to buy to make money. Some items require you to leave home, while others can be managed from your laptop.
Have a look through the options and decide which suits your needs, available funds and skills.
1. Blog
Starting a blog is a straightforward way to earn money online.
I currently make a good amount of money from this blog and it has helped me pay many bills over the years!
To get started, you’ll need a domain name ($10-$20 yearly), hosting ($5-$20 monthly), and a content management system like WordPress.
Alternatively, you can purchase an already monetised blog to skip the setup process.
A few sites to check for blog purchase include;
Blogs make money through various channels. Affiliate marketing lets you earn commissions by promoting products from companies like Amazon.
Sponsored content involves creating posts for brands who pay you directly. You can also sell digital products such as ebooks or courses.
For legal compliance, include privacy policies and disclaimers about sponsored content.
Build your audience through platforms like Pinterest and Facebook, while optimizing your content for search engines to attract more readers.
2. YouTube Channel
Buying a monetised YouTube channel gives you a head start in the content creation market.
Choose between faceless channels or those requiring on-camera presence. You’ll need tools like ElevenLabs for voiceovers, Capcut for editing, and ChatGPT for script creation.
YouTube creators earn through multiple streams: AdSense pays for views, brands offer sponsorships for product mentions, and loyal fans contribute through Patreon subscriptions.
You can also sell your own merchandise like t-shirts and online courses, once you get an established audience.
Ensure proper music licensing to avoid copyright issues. Initial costs include the channel purchase (prices vary widely), equipment for your YouTube channel, and software subscriptions.
Grow your audience by collaborating with other creators and developing attention-grabbing content. Promote your videos across platforms like Twitter and TikTok to maximise reach.
3. Vending Machines
Vending machines offer a hands-off income opportunity with various options including snacks, drinks, and specialty items.
The right location and product selection directly impact your success so you will have to go out, talk to site owners and do your research.
Your income comes from direct sales to consumers, with profit margins varying based on product pricing and location commissions.
Before placing machines, check local requirements for licensing and permits.
Initial costs include purchasing machines ($1,000-$3,000 each), stocking inventory, and ongoing maintenance.
For maximum returns, secure high-traffic spots like office buildings, schools, or gyms where people spend time.
Effective branding on your machines and local advertising can boost visibility and sales and adding QR codes for cashless payments can also increase customer convenience and vending ROI.
4. Drone
A drone is one of the best things to buy to make money and there are many drone side hustles to choose from.
Commercial drones like quadcopters and hexacopters can be used for aerial photography, land surveying, or delivery services.
Or, you can generate income by offering specialized services to clients including real estate companies needing property shots, filmmakers wanting aerial footage, or agricultural businesses requiring crop monitoring.
Commercial drone operation requires proper licensing that varies by location. The FAA in the US requires Part 107 certification for business use.
Starting costs include the drone itself ($500-$2,000), camera equipment, and flight planning software.
Target industries with specific aerial needs like construction, event photography, or environmental monitoring.
Build a strong online portfolio showing your best drone work and attend industry events to connect with potential clients who need your services.
5. 3D Printer
A 3D printer lets you create custom products to sell online and you can learn how to use this tool online for free.
A few ideas for what you can create with a 3d printer include:
- Egg cups
- Unique cutlery
- Coasters
- Cup holders
- Bottle openers
Small to medium printers cost about $300 and it doesn’t take long to master.
Decide on the items you want to sell and become really good at making them. And decide what platforms you want to sell on like Etsy and/or Amazon.
Promote your items on social media, especially visual platforms like Instagram so people can see what they are buying.
6. Etsy Shop
Opening an Etsy shop requires an initial fee but gives you access to millions of buyers seeking handmade or vintage items.
Popular products include jewellery, crafts, home decor, vintage items, clothes, personalised gifts and even helpful downloads like digital planners.
Your revenue comes directly from product sales, with Etsy taking a listing fee ($0.20 per item) and transaction fee (6.5% of each sale).
Make sure your shop complies with Etsy’s policies and any product regulations, like proper labelling.
Start-up expenses include your inventory, materials, and Etsy fees. Use strong Etsy SEO with relevant keywords to stand out in searches.
Further reading: How to sell t-shirts on Etsy using Printify.
7. Dropshipping Store
A dropshipping store is another one of the best things to buy to make money.
Start by selecting an e-commerce platform like Shopify ($29 monthly) and finding reliable suppliers through platforms such as AliExpress or Oberlo.
Your profits come from the price difference between what you pay wholesalers and what customers pay you. Typical margins range from 15-45% depending on your niche and competition.
Make sure to verify supplier reliability and product quality before listing items. Avoid selling counterfeit goods to prevent legal issues.
Initial costs include your Shopify subscription and marketing budget ($200-500 to start). Attract customers through Facebook ads, Instagram marketing, and SEO optimisation.
Standing out from competitors works best when you focus on specific niches rather than selling things that everyone offers.
8. Mobile Car Wash Kit
A mobile car wash kit offers a low-cost, small business opportunity with minimal setup.
Essential equipment includes a pressure washer, vacuum, cleaning solutions, microfiber cloths, and a water tank if working in areas without water access.
You’ll make money by charging directly for washing and detailing services, with rates typically ranging from $20 for basic washes to $150+ for full detailing packages.
Most localities require business permits and may have water runoff regulations to protect local watersheds. Initial investment runs $500-$1,500 for basic equipment.
Find customers by targeting apartment complexes, office parks, and offering convenient subscription services.
Promote your business by giving demonstrations at local events or partnering with auto repair shops to promote each other.
9. High-Quality Camera
A professional camera opens doors to multiple money-making opportunities.
Equipment essentials include a DSLR or mirrorless camera, versatile lenses, and photo editing software like Adobe Lightroom.
While a high-tech camera is best, you can even make money taking pictures with your phone.
Generate income through event photography (weddings, corporate gatherings), portrait sessions, or selling stock photos on platforms like Shutterstock where photographers earn per download.
Always obtain model releases when photographing people and respect copyright laws for commercial work.
Starting costs range from $800-$2,000 for a good camera setup plus $10-$50 monthly for editing software.
Build a client base by creating an impressive online portfolio and listing your services on photography marketplaces.
10. Sticker Printer
A sticker printer is an accessible investment for starting a profitable side business.
Custom stickers remain consistently popular across marketplaces like Etsy, eBay, and Redbubble where unique designs sell well.
You can earn money by creating and selling original sticker designs or fulfilling custom orders for businesses and individuals.
A quality sticker printer costs between $200-$600, with ongoing expenses for vinyl paper, ink, and cutting tools.
Before selling designs, verify you’re not infringing on copyrights. Start your customer acquisition by identifying trending themes and niches with demand.
Promote your sticker business through Instagram and TikTok where visual products thrive, showcasing your designs in real-world applications to attract buyers.
11. Food Truck or Cart
A food truck or cart are some of the best things to buy to make money.
However, they will require a significant upfront investment to purchase specific equipment like commercial grills, refrigeration, and serving stations.
These mobile kitchens generate money through direct food sales at festivals, business districts, and local events.
Before launching, obtain health department permits and mobile vending licenses—requirements vary by city.
Initial investment ranges from $10,000-$50,000 for a cart or $50,000-$200,000 for a fully-equipped truck.
Find customers by positioning at high-traffic locations or joining food truck rallies where hungry crowds gather.
Build a following by creating a memorable brand with eye-catching vehicle design and signature menu items and use social media to announce your daily locations and create buzz around your food offerings.
12. Lawn Care or Landscaping Equipment
Starting a lawn care business requires basic equipment: a quality mower ($300-$1,500), trimmer ($100-$300), blower ($150-$300), and a vehicle for transport.
Additional specialised tools might include hedge trimmers and edgers and it will help if you invest in a professional gardening website where customers can find you.
You’ll make money through regular maintenance contracts and special projects like landscaping installations or seasonal cleanups.
Rates typically range from $30-$60 per lawn, with higher margins for speciality services.
Check local regulations regarding pesticide applications—many areas require certification. Initial investment runs $1,500-$5,000 depending on equipment quality and whether you buy new or used.
Find your first customers through neighbourhood apps like Nextdoor, local Facebook groups, and posting flyers at community centres.
13. Social Media Management Tools
Social media management tools like Hootsuite, Buffer, and Later help businesses maintain a consistent online presence.
These platforms allow scheduling posts, analysing performance, and managing multiple accounts from one dashboard.
You can earn money by offering freelance social media management services to small businesses, charging $300-$1,500 monthly, depending on service level.
Before starting, familiarise yourself with each platform’s terms of service regarding automated posting and data usage.
Initial costs include software subscriptions ($15-$99 monthly) and training resources. Find clients by connecting with business owners at local networking events or through LinkedIn outreach.
Showcase your expertise by creating case studies of your successful campaigns and highlighting metrics like engagement growth.
Final Thoughts on the Smart Things to Buy to Make Money
Now you know the best things to buy to make money, it’s over to you to get started with your new part time business idea.
The path to generating income doesn’t always require massive capital or specialised expertise.
Often, it begins with strategic purchases that align with your skills and interests. Whether you’re drawn to digital enterprises like blogging and dropshipping or prefer hands-on ventures like mobile car washing or landscaping, there’s a money-making opportunity suited to your preferences.
Remember that successful income generation requires more than just acquiring things—it demands research, planning, and consistent effort.
The tools and platforms highlighted here simply provide the foundation.
Your creativity, persistence, and willingness to learn will transform these purchases from mere possessions into powerful income-generating assets.
Need help starting your new business?
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