Many people are trying to find the perfect balance between income and expenditure. Still, often the latter is exceeded due to either unforeseen circumstances (possible vehicle breakdown, having to pay insurance excess) or food price increases.
Other than taking out a personal loan or working a second job, selling unwanted items online is the third way to go. Everything you don't use anymore is sellable; even though an item might be relatively useless to you, someone else might be desperately looking for it. Take plants, for example.
Even though a plant's primary purpose is to filter harmful toxins and pollutants from the air while being aesthetically pleasing at the same time, they can also be a blessing to the pocket through selling.
Take a monstera variegata albo borsigiana, also known as the split leaf plant that can sell for up to R3 500, and even its clippings can be sold off. Other than the more exotic types of flora, people also sell the basic houseplant sets that include things like the soil and planters. Most people (not entirely clued up about plants) will visit the local nursery and won't necessarily think of doing some online research beforehand.
Other than taking out a personal loan or working a second job, selling unwanted items online is the third way to go. Everything you don't use anymore is sellable; even though an item might be relatively useless to you, someone else might be desperately looking for it. Take plants, for example.
Even though a plant's primary purpose is to filter harmful toxins and pollutants from the air while being aesthetically pleasing at the same time, they can also be a blessing to the pocket through selling.
Take a monstera variegata albo borsigiana, also known as the split leaf plant that can sell for up to R3 500, and even its clippings can be sold off. Other than the more exotic types of flora, people also sell the basic houseplant sets that include things like the soil and planters. Most people (not entirely clued up about plants) will visit the local nursery and won't necessarily think of doing some online research beforehand.
Gumtree lists a couple of easy tips on how to make extra cash by selling plants:
Setting up and looking after it
Before you can even think of selling your plant(s), it needs to be able to grow and mature in the proper environment. A well-composted and prepared section of your yard is all you need to get started. With that being said, it is your responsibility to check and know that the plant you intend to grow won't be affected by the climate, etc. because the last thing that you want is to spend all that money on the basics like seeds and it doesn't grow at all or very slowly.
Know what people want
The most significant advantage is to be ahead of the curve, and in trading terms, that means knowing what is in demand. A simple internet or plant forum search will give you a better idea - the critical part is to get the right plant. There is no sense in spending a considerable amount on a rare specimen that not many people won't be able to afford - unless you are targeting a specific market. Check and compare what the plant you plan to sell is currently going for online, as this is a good barometer for pricing your goods. High competition and demand mean you can't come in at a high price, and vice versa. With low competition, you can up the price.
Test the waters
If you're not too sure about growing your garden just yet, go with baby steps. Start small by buying one or two plants that you think will do well, or set a budget beforehand. The last thing you want to do is spend lots of unnecessarily. Buy for a small amount in the beginning, and as you start selling, you will gain more confidence later. If this route is more beneficial for you, then there is no need to get your hands dirty in the garden literally.
Now that you’ve got the knowledge, it’s time to shop! Head to gumtree.co.za or your Gumtree app (click for Apple & Android) and don’t forget to use your location settings to find local service information close to home.
