There was a time when we had zero savings—no rainy‑day fund, nothing. Yet, when we were introduced a business opportunity, we saw our chance. It felt right—but we had no capital to get started.
So what did we do?
We turned our unused belongings into the startup capital we needed—by selling common things on Carousell and Facebook Marketplace. Within weeks, we raised enough to invest, and the rest is history.
Today we’re proud to lead VKids Trend and support over 3,000 people across Malaysia to earn through online education, with six‑figure incomes and growing.
If you’re stuck and need emergency funding for a legit opportunity (not expense), here’s exactly how we did it—and how you can replicate it.
Why We Chose This Method Over Borrowing or Loans
We considered borrowing from family, using credit, or tapping savings—but we didn’t want to start with debt. Selling unwanted items felt smarter: low risk, quick return, and no interest. It also shifted our mindset from scarcity to action.
Step 1: Identify Items You Can Sell Today
Walk around your home. Look at your wardrobe, kitchen, bookshelves, gadgets, or sports gear. Gather items that are:
- Still in decent condition—usable, clean, working
- In demand locally—phones, kid toys, branded clothes, electronics
- Easy to test or demo—buyers want confidence if they’re picking up the item
Make a short list of 5–10 items you can post immediately.
Step 2: Set Up Carousell and Facebook Marketplace Accounts
Carousell (Malaysia)
- Download the Carousell app or use the web version.
- Sign up using email, phone number, or connect with Google/Facebook.
- Add a profile photo and short bio to build trust.
Facebook Marketplace
- Log in to your Facebook account (or create one).
- Tap the Marketplace icon in the app or website menu.
- If you don’t have a Facebook Page yet, you can use your personal profile to list items.
Step 3: Create High‑Quality Listings
For both platforms:
- Take 3‑4 good photos per item: use natural light, show the full item, highlight any scratches or flaws.
- Include dimensions or size (e.g. shirt size, box dimensions).
- Write a clear title with brand, model, size, condition.
- Provide bullet‑point polished description: include original purchase price, condition, why you’re selling, and contact options.
- Set price slightly above the minimum you’d accept—so you have room to negotiate.
Extra for Carousell: Enable the Buy button “Carousell Protection” if eligible. Buyers feel safer, and the cash transfers securely.
Extra for Marketplace: Join local community groups to boost reach. Many buyers search via listings in groups.
Step 4: Price Smartly and Respond Quickly
- Research similar listings to set pricing. Don’t under‑price or over‑price.
- Respond to messages same day—buyers lose interest fast. Notification alerts help.
- Be courteous and clear: use a consistent meeting point or shipping info.
Step 5: Handle Transactions Safely
- Meet in a public, well-lit area—police station parking, supermarket front, etc.
- Accept cash or secure payment only. Don’t share personal banking info.
- Use timestamps or receipts for proof.
- Never overcommit—say “first come, first served,” without promising until buyer arrives.
Step 6: Track Your Earnings and Prepare for Startup Funding
As items sell one by one:
- Record each sale in a simple spreadsheet—item, price, date, buyer username.
- Add items up—this is your startup capital, not spending cash.
- Reinvest into the business opportunity immediately once target amount is reached.
Step 7: How We Used It—Our Exact Story
- We listed many items ie unused clothes, old phone, books, video game consoles and small home appliances.
- Over two weeks, we earned about RM3,800, enough to join the business training program, get materials, and cover initial costs.
- That decision put us on a path to generate consistent income, coaching others, and scaling into six figures.
Tips to Speed Up Sales and Maximise Profit
- Renew listings every 7 days to stay fresh on feed.
- Bundle similar items to make value sets (e.g. kids clothes bundle).
- Mention local pick-up or delivery flexibility.
- Offer small discounts for quick buyers.
- Ask for feedback or ratings—older profiles help build trust.
What to Avoid: Common Mistakes
- Selling items that you need for daily use—stick to things you can live without temporarily.
- Reinventing credit—don’t use gains for living expenses, use only toward the opportunity.
- Getting emotionally attached—price unemotionally.
- Meeting buyers in private homes—always public places.
Why This Strategy Changed Our Lives—and Could Change Yours
- It allowed us to fund a real opportunity with no debt or loans.
- It triggered a mindset of action and resourcefulness, instead of waiting for perfect circumstances.
- Within a short time, we launched our business and grew into a team supporting thousands across Malaysia.
Today, as leaders in VKids Trend, we help Malaysian parents earn via online EdTech and education business—from home, part-time, without tuition or capital barriers.
Your Next Step: Apply to See If You’re a Fit
If you’ve got a real opportunity in front of you but just lack the seed capital, this method can work for you too. But only if it’s for earning—not spending.
-> Take our short questionnaire to see if you’re a good fit
If it checks out, we’ll show you how to turn small, smart sales into funding, and guide you to build your own income from home.
Summary
- We had no savings—but saw a legit chance.
- We sold items on Carousell and Facebook Marketplace—listing, pricing, managing sales.
- We raised all capital needed in just a fortnight.
- Today, we support over 3,000 Malaysians generating income through online education.
You can do this too—with action, clarity, and resourcefulness.
And if you’re looking to earn more via online education, take this short quiz here…