From Bizarre To Hilarious: 50 Awkward Things People Thought They Could Sell Online

People might be drawn to quirky items for various reasons: they offer a unique way to express individuality and can serve as great conversation starters. However, not every quirky thing is worth buying or selling. Sometimes, people’s tastes can be quite questionable, and they might list truly bizarre items online. These peculiar listings often make you wonder about the seller’s choices and motivations.

In order to better understand the diverse and sometimes perplexing nature of online marketplaces, Bored Panda spoke with Mridu Jain, the founder and designer of Chiyo India, a brand renowned for its collection of exclusive, chic, and affordable jewelry.

When it comes to the world of online selling, the potential can be limitless, as you can reach a wider audience without much hassle. Mridu believes, “While it’s true that not every idea will be appealing to everyone, the beauty of the online marketplace is that it allows for endless possibilities."

"Anything and everything sells; you just need to click with the right audience. As long as there’s creativity and passion behind what people are selling, there's always potential to find customers, even for the most ridiculous items,” she adds.

Many of us enjoy buying new things, and there are those who also love bizarre items. Psychology Today points out, “Many human behaviors are rewarded with pleasurable feelings (caused by the chemical dopamine). Buying stuff can release those same pleasure chemicals, and for many of us, our natural addiction to feeling good can hence be easily satisfied by buying something.”

A design mentor at the Indian Institute of Gems & Jewelry, Mumbai, Mridu, says certain trends and patterns often emerge, reflecting the evolving tastes and preferences of her consumers.

“Sometimes fashion events like the Cannes Film Festival and the MET Gala play a significant role in fueling the demand for more experimental and daring jewelry. When celebrities and influencers wear bold and innovative accessories, people become more open to trying statement-making pieces.”

However, that doesn’t mean every design, especially those that are poorly crafted or overly bizarre, will find a market. While creativity and innovation are important, the success of any new necklace, earring, or ring also depends on its appeal and quality. Just because your design is different doesn’t mean it will resonate with your buyers.

Shipping worldwide to a global audience, Mridu explains how a crowded marketplace can make it challenging for high-quality items to get the attention they deserve.

“People’s reaction to odd or awkward listings is usually a mixed bag. On one hand, these unusual items often grab attention and generate buzz. They even attract curious buyers. On the other hand, if there are too many awkward or poorly thought-out listings, it can clutter the marketplace and make it harder for quality items to stand out.”

Depending on who your target audience is, even the most bizarre items might find an eager buyer. “I think sometimes what might seem strange or unconventional to one person could be exactly what another is looking for. Niche markets often thrive on these quirky products, as they cater to specific tastes or interests that aren’t addressed by mainstream options. For example, we primarily cater to working women, and our boss lady and wild child designs sell pretty well.”

Mridu highlights that tapping into specialized interests can turn what might seem like an unconventional product into a successful sale.

However, when it comes to these Craigslist posts, it's often hard to tell whether the items are truly unique or just downright bizarre. This list is a reminder that the online marketplace is full of surprises, but not all of them are good ones. Which one of these products was your least favorite, and which of these would you consider buying?