Key facts
Quick overview
A sale price is not profit. Cost of goods, fees, shipping and returns all matter.
How it works
List an owned item or source inventory, describe it accurately and fulfill a sale. Research completed sales and calculate fees and shipping before buying stock.
Why students choose it
Selling unused possessions can free space and bring in cash.
Advantages
You control what to list and when.
What sucks about it
Items can sit unsold; returns, scams and shipping disputes create work.
How to get started
Begin with a few items you already own and track the full cost of each sale.
Where to find opportunities
Compare marketplace rules and fees before listing.
What the data says
Category-specific official evidence: CRA guidance explains record-keeping and reporting for peer-to-peer selling through marketplaces. Canada Revenue Agency guidance for peer-to-peer sellers. This source does not supply an hourly resale rate; distinguish sale proceeds from profit.
Official data: There is no verified student-specific earnings figure for all reselling work. For employee roles, compare the relevant occupation and region using the Government of Canada Job Bank wage search. Its employee wages should not be treated as a guaranteed freelance or platform rate. For self-employed work, the Canada Revenue Agency explains how to report business income and expenses. These links were checked September 2026. No community report is used as earnings evidence here.
Red flags
Walk away from guaranteed income, upfront payment demands, or requests to move money through your bank account. The Competition Bureau outlines common job and employment scams.
Is it worth it?
Start small; avoid buying inventory until you know the likely net margin. Compare the time spent finding work, unpaid preparation, transport, platform fees and taxes with the money actually received. Earnings are gross unless explicitly labelled otherwise; actual results depend on location, demand, experience, hours and expenses.
Related opportunities
Tutoring
Turn what you already know into income.
Paid research studies
Get paid to participate in research.
Pet sitting & dog walking
Make money spending time with pets.