Small shop example
₱5,000 from 25 ordersAssume each order brings ₱600 and costs ₱400 in goods, fees, packing and delivery contributions. Twenty-five orders produce ₱15,000 in sales and ₱5,000 before fixed overheads and tax.
EARN MONEY ONLINE
Online selling
Make money online by selling products you create or source for resale. Compare marketplaces, seller fees and delivery costs before setting prices and taking your first orders.
How does selling online work?
You list a physical or digital item, a buyer places an order and you deliver what was described. A marketplace provides the storefront and parts of the ordering process. You remain responsible for the product, accurate information and the costs of fulfilling the sale. Selling your unused possessions is different from running an ongoing stock-based business.
A practical example
You sell a handmade pouch for ₱500. Materials cost ₱150 and packaging costs ₱25, leaving ₱325 before platform charges, shipping you cover, your labour and tax. A sale is revenue. What remains after those costs is the amount available to your business.
What you need to start
A product you can supply, clear photographs, accurate measurements and a plan for packing and delivery. Digital products need clear file formats and usage instructions. Check seller verification and business requirements for your chosen marketplace.
How it works
- 1
Choose a product
Start with a small range and work out your costs.
- 2
Create a listing
Show clear photos, an accurate description and the price.
- 3
Receive an order
Confirm payment and prepare what the buyer ordered.
- 4
Deliver the item
Pack and dispatch, or provide the digital download.
- 5
Keep the profit
Deduct product costs, fees, delivery and refunds from sales.
A little more detail
- Choose a small product range and calculate the cost of each item.
- Prepare your seller details and complete the marketplace’s verification steps.
- Create accurate listings with photographs, dimensions and delivery information.
- Pack and fulfil orders, answer questions and record returns.
- Reconcile payouts with orders and review profit before buying more stock.
How much could you earn?
Sales and income are different numbers. Choose a product, calculate what one completed order leaves, then test several monthly order volumes.
Higher-volume example
₱20,000 from 100 ordersAt the same assumed ₱200 margin, 100 completed orders leave ₱20,000 before overheads and tax. Buying stock at ₱250 per item would require ₱25,000 to fund those 100 items. Keep working capital separate from money you can spend.
YOUR OPTIONS
Compare the platforms.
Etsy
- Fees / commission
- Listing + transaction + payment fees
- Getting access
- Shop and payment verification
Lazada
- Fees / commission
- Varies by programme
- Getting access
- Seller registration
Carousell
- Fees / commission
- Account / category dependent
- Getting access
- Seller account
Your questions about online selling
Should I buy a large amount of stock first?
Start with a quantity you can afford to hold if sales are slow. Test demand and fulfilment before ordering more. Include storage, damaged items and cash tied up in stock in your plan.
What should a product listing explain?
State what the item is, its size, materials, condition and what is included. Show the actual item or an accurate representation. Explain customisation, delivery and any compatibility details that affect the purchase.
How do I calculate profit per sale?
Subtract product cost, packaging, platform and payment fees, delivery you cover and other direct expenses from the selling price. Allow for returns and your labour. Keep tax separate from platform commission.
Can I sell digital products instead?
Check whether the marketplace allows your product type. Explain file formats, what the customer needs to open them and the usage licence. Test the download and instructions before listing.
What do I need to open a shop?
Requirements depend on the marketplace and seller type. For Etsy, prepare your shop details, first listing and payment information. Complete the applicable verification before planning a launch.
Why does my payout differ from my sales total?
Sales can include money later reduced by fees, refunds or other adjustments. Some funds may not yet be available for release. Compare the settlement statement with the specific orders it covers.
Who pays shipping?
The listing, marketplace programme and delivery arrangement determine that. Even when the buyer pays a shipping charge, check whether you bear packaging, subsidies or a difference in the actual cost.
How should I handle returns?
Publish accurate descriptions and retain order and delivery records. Follow the marketplace’s return process and applicable rules. Include the likely cost of handling returns when deciding your prices.
Should I pay for advertising immediately?
First check that the listing, stock, delivery process and margin work. Set a small test budget and measure profit after advertising, rather than judging the campaign only by clicks or sales.
How can I manage selling alongside work?
Set realistic dispatch times and plan when you will answer messages and pack orders. Keep stock records current. Limit order volume or product variety until you understand the workload.
Can a shop with ₱100,000 in sales still earn very little?
Yes. If stock, selling fees, delivery, returns and advertising use ₱90,000, only ₱10,000 remains before other overheads and tax. Track profit per completed order and the money tied up in stock. A large sales screenshot does not reveal those costs.
Plan what you keep
What does the work involve?
Learn about the skills, earning examples and training for these roles.