10 Things You Can Buy & Resell This December — Even If You’re Broke
December in South Africa is wild — people are home, payday hits early, families visit, kids run around, and money moves FAST.
For a hustler, this is the month where small stock can turn into daily cash, even if you only start with R150.
This guide breaks down 10 realistic products you can buy and resell right now, with township-friendly suppliers and real margins. No hype. No “start a forex account.” Just practical hustles that work.
Why December Is the Best Time to Start a Reselling Hustle
December has a unique energy:
People spend more freely — groove, outings, taxis, and last-minute shopping.
Families visit, so your neighbourhood is BUSY.
It’s hot, meaning drinks, ice, sunglasses and snacks move quickly.
People go out more, which increases demand for fashion, chargers, perfumes, etc.
Even if you’ve never hustled before, December is forgiving. You can test things out with low risk and get feedback fast.
1. Phone Chargers, Cables & Power Banks
Let’s be honest — someone’s charger is always dying in December.
People visit home, forget cables, lose power banks, and electricity outages don’t help.
Why it sells:
Everyone uses a phone.
It’s an emergency buy (people don’t think twice).
Cheap to buy; easy to triple your money.
Supplier notes:
China Mall (Johannesburg / Durban / Cape Town)
Small Street JHB
Takealot wholesalers (Marketplace sellers)
How much to start:
R150–R300 for a small batch.
Typical resale:
Buy for R15–R25 → Sell for R40–R70.
2. Perfumes (Inspired Fragrances)
Every December, someone wants to smell fresh for groove or buy a last-minute gift.
Inspired perfumes (not fake designer — locally mixed scents) move FAST.
Why it sells:
Affordable gifts
High margins
Works well on WhatsApp
Supplier notes:
Dragon City perfume shops (JHB)
Scents SA (Durban / online)
SA Fragrance Wholesale
Typical resale:
Buy for R20–R40 → Sell for R60–R120.
3. Soft Drinks & Energy Drinks
December heat + festive mood = people BUY drinks.
You can sell from home, on the street, or even at events.
Why it sells:
People host visitors
Kids at home
Churches, weddings, parties
Supplier notes:
Makro Wholesale
Africa Cash & Carry
City Deep Market
Typical resale:
Buy a case for R100–R140 → Sell individually for R8–R12.
4. Sunglasses, Bucket Hats & Summer Accessories
Groove season = people must drip.
Sunglasses and bucket hats are EASY flips.
Why it sells:
Fast-moving summer fashion
Cheap but stylish
Unisex appeal
Suppliers:
China Town
Fashion District JHB
Resale:
Buy for R10–R30 → Sell for R40–R80.
5. Frozen Treats & Ice Lollies
Kids at home + heat = guaranteed buyers.
You can start with ANY freezer.
Why it sells:
Cheap
Quick turnaround
High demand in every township
Suppliers:
Local dairy factories
Polyoak tubs
Ice cream wholesalers
Resale:
Buy/make for R1–R2 → Sell for R3–R5.
6. Braai Accessories
December is basically “braai season.”
Even broke uncles braai in December.
Sell items like:
Charcoal
Firelighters
Tong sets
Marinades
Foil
Suppliers:
West Pack Lifestyle
Shoprite bulk
Local butcheries
Resale:
Buy for R20–R40 → Sell for R40–R80.
7. Phone Covers & Screen Protectors
People drop phones MORE when they’re out with friends or drinking.
This hustle is perfect near a taxi rank or mall.
Why it sells:
Phone breaks = emergency buy
Easy to carry
Cheap to start
Suppliers:
China Mall
Small Street
Online wholesalers
Resale:
Buy for R10–R20 → Sell for R40–R100.
8. Snacks in Bulk (Chips, Sweets, Biscuits)
December = visitors, kids, parties.
Bulk snack reselling gives DAILY cash flow.
Why it sells:
Snacks are impulse buys
Cheap to stock
Perfect for home shops or street selling
Suppliers:
Cash & Carry
Big Saver
Makro bulk snacks
Resale:
Buy a box for R80–R150 → Make R200–R300 depending on portioning.
9. Fashion Items (Caps, Shorts, T-Shirts)
People want fresh outfits for Christmas, 26th December events, and New Year’s Eve.
Why it sells:
High social pressure to look good
December is “upgrade season”
Fashion trends move fast
Suppliers:
Fashion District
China Mall wholesalers
Resale:
Buy for R40–R80 → Sell for R120–R250.
10. Water & Ice — The Silent Killer Hustle
Water and ice are underrated but deadly.
They SELL.
Why it sells:
It’s hot
People host outdoor events
Taxi ranks = guaranteed customers
Suppliers:
Local ice suppliers
Makro bulk water
City Deep fruit & veg
Resale:
Buy pack for R30–R50 → Sell R2–R5 per bottle/sachet.
How to Market Your Hustle Without Feeling Awkward
1. Use WhatsApp Status — your free billboard
Post once in the morning, once at night.
2. Deliver small orders
Charge R5–R10 delivery fee.
3. Let family and neighbours know
Your first customers live next door.
4. Brand your hustle name
Even something simple like “Sbu’s December Deals.”
Final Tips to Avoid Losing Money
Start small — 3 to 5 products max.
Don’t emotionally buy stock (“I think people will love this!” No.)
Ask customers what they need next.
Keep notes of what sells daily.
December is the easiest month to build a money mindset because you see results fast.
what I’m saying is
You don’t need a business plan or a loan to start hustling this December.
You just need one product, a bit of courage, and consistency.
Start with what you have.
Sell where you are.
Grow step by step.
The kasis all across Mzansi are full of people making R200, R500, even R1,000 a day from small December flips. You can join them — quietly, steadily, and without breaking your pocket.