How To Start Reselling Shoes: Earn $1K+/Month

Sneaker reselling has become a big business, with some resellers making six-figure incomes by selling limited edition sneakers and other coveted shoes.

There’s even a market for used shoes from thrift stores, which is just another way for you to make money!

The sneaker industry is constantly evolving, and those who can keep up with the trends and stay ahead of the curve have the potential to make a substantial profit.

From finding the right shoes to sell, building an inventory, choosing a selling platform, and making sales, I’ll cover everything you need to know to start reselling shoes.

Key Takeaways

• Start a profitable side hustle in the sneaker resale market by selling and flipping sneakers.
• Find deals and build an inventory of sneakers, from limited edition releases to rare vintage Air Jordans
• Competition in the sneaker game cna be tough, but it’s easier when you have a good stock of popular shoes
• Select the right selling platform- I highly recommend Shopify
• Research overhead costs and compare Shopify, eBay, Whatnot, GOAT, etc., to find one that meets your needs.
• With research & good customer service, you can successfully sell sneakers!

How To Start Reselling Shoes

Reselling shoes can be a fun and lucrative side hustle or even a full-time career. 

With sneaker culture on the rise and new drops always coming out, there is always a market for rare or limited-edition kicks. 

But starting a sneaker business can be daunting, especially if you don’t know where to begin.

Here are the steps you can follow to create your store and start selling shoes online:

1. Find Shoes To Resell

Looking to get into the sneaker resellers game? It’s simple: know where to look and what shoes are in demand.

The first thing you need is what shoes actually sell well. You can research the most popular brands, the most sought-after sizes, and more.

When you go deeper into selling, picking a specific type of sneaker can help. It makes finding and selling sneakers to the right people easier.

Then, once you know what buyers want, you need to figure out where you can find those shoes.

Sometimes, the best finds are right under people’s noses. Many don’t know the gold they have in their closets, especially in the secondary market.

Local thrift stores, garage sales, and consignment shops are good places to find used shoes- even unused name brands can pop up.

With so many shoes out there, you might find a pair of Air Jordan or Nike Air Mag that someone else missed.

Online places like eBay and Craigslist are also top spots for snagging shoes and sneakers. From classic kicks to the latest styles, they’ve got it all.

2. Build Up An Inventory

Now that you know what shoes to look for and where to start buying them, you need to build up a stock to make any sales.

Kick-off with a few iconic pairs. Maybe a classic Nike Air Jordan or another buzzworthy sneaker brand.

You don’t need tons of shoes right away, just a few of the most sought-after shoes to set the pace.

Connect with other sneaker sellers. They can share insights, like which releases are most anticipated and how to avoid overpaying for retail prices.

Always remember that the sneaker brands you pick reflect your business. So, choose wisely, stay updated, and prepare for the next big sneaker wave.

If you aim to snag high-demand pairs that vanish in seconds, consider using sneaker bots during a shoe drop.

Shoe drops are when a new shoe gets released from a big-name brand, and it can be hard to snag them- hence the sneaker bot.

3. Create An Online Shop

To be a successful sneaker reseller, your online shop is your ticket into the bustling sneaker reselling market.

It’s more than just a digital space; it’s your brand, image, and connection to the sneaker community.

Presentation is key, whether you’re showcasing brand-new shoes like the iconic Air Jordan or offering vintage used shoes.

Opt for a platform like Shopify, which simplifies the process and has reasonable selling costs.

Plus, they have tools to help you set the right retail price and make so much money in the sneaker reselling market.

I’ll go into more details on this site and others down below!

Upload clear, high-quality photos of each pair of shoes and craft straightforward descriptions. Make the buying process seamless for those eager to buy sneakers.

Remember, your shop is how you connect with the sneaker community. So, set up easy payment methods and shipping options.

Savvy tips for setting up an online shop:

• Engage with Customers: Use social media or blog posts to share stories behind certain sneakers or offer styling tips.
• Stay Updated: The sneaker world moves fast. Regularly update your inventory and prices to reflect current trends.
• Consider Licensing: A business license adds credibility and opens doors to exclusive distributor deals.
• Use The Right Payment Services: Secure payment methods are necessary if you’re using tools, like sneaker bots, to resell sneakers; be transparent about it.

Pricing Strategy

Don’t forget, now that you’ve built up a stock, you need to know how much you’ll charge for every pair of shoes you’ve got- and make sure that price will leave room for profit!

Whether buying shoes for resale or maintaining your online presence, factor in all expenses. And if you’ve got those valuable sneakers, price them right to reflect their worth.

Offer competitive prices that other sellers seem to be selling at, but don’t price cheap sneakers even to make quick sales; you’ve got to ensure you cover your costs.

4. Make Sales

Your shop’s set up and stocked with everything from the iconic original Air Jordan to quality used shoes.

Now, it’s time to spread the word and land sales.

Social Media Platforms

Social media is your best friend here. Showcase each pair of shoes and highlight special deals or rare finds.

You can interact with potential buyers, get people over on your site, and make posts shareable so friends and family can share your business with more people.

Customer Service Excellence

Answer questions promptly. Time is of the essence in the fast-paced selling world, especially if you don’t want to miss the sale.

With many sneaker stores online, make your sneaker reselling business stand out by guaranteeing the authenticity of every sneaker.

Reputation Building

Collect and showcase positive reviews. Happy customers can be your best promoters. Their testimonials can boost your shop’s credibility and attract more buyers.

In the start sneaker reselling journey, every sale counts. But building trust and a solid reputation? That’s priceless.

Overhead Costs For Reselling Shoes

Reselling shoes can be more than a hobby; it’s a potential goldmine. But, like any business, there are costs.

Shoe reselling can be profitable; don’t let the costs sneak up on you. Plan, budget, and keep things simple.

Here’s a simple breakdown of the costs of a sneaker reselling business:

1. Storage Costs: Shoes need space. At first, your home might do. But if you’re buying loads, soon you’ll need more room. You may need another room, a storage space, or more.
2. Shipping Costs: Shipping (especially fast or international) isn’t cheap; you may cover those costs. Check different carriers, compare rates, and pick the best deal.
3. Marketing Costs: Want sales? You’ve got to get the word out and market your business. This means buying social media ads or launching a blog.
4. Inventory Costs: Buying shoes to sell means spending money first to get stock in your store. Buy smart, buy things that will sell, and don’t overstock if you can’t afford to.

Where To Sell Shoes

I mentioned above that I highly recommend Shopify, but I realize you’ll want to know more about it and other selling platforms.

Not all platforms are the same; choosing the right one can make a big difference in your sneaker reseller business.

With so many online platforms, it can be daunting to determine which ones are safe, reliable, and profitable for you.

Check out my list of the best places to sell your shoes online:

Shopify

If you’re looking to dive in and start reselling sneakers and other shoes, Shopifyis an excellent platform to consider.

Shopify makes it incredibly easy to set up an online store, even for beginners. With its user-friendly interface, you can have your store up and running in no time.

It offers a wide range of themes and customization options, allowing you to design a store that reflects your brand and appeals to your target audience.

Shopify provides tools designed to help you manage your inventory, track sales, and handle customer service, making the business operations of reselling shoes much easier.

It also provides a secure platform for your transactions, giving you and your customers peace of mind.

Shopify’s built-in SEO and marketing tools can help you increase your store’s visibility, attract more customers, and boost sales.

eBay

eBay isn’t just a great place for you to find shoes to resell- it’s also a top choice for those wanting to resell shoes.

Its huge audience makes it the perfect place to reach buyers hunting for common and rare sneaker finds.

As a seller, you have options: you can auction your sneakers to the highest bidder or choose a set price.

While fees are involved, many find the platform user-friendly and worth the cost, given its wide reach.

JV Ortiz’s experience on eBay is a perfect example of someone who has made much money selling sneakers on eBay.

He initially sold thrift store t-shirts but quickly saw the bigger opportunity with sneakers.

His success, especially with high-demand pairs like the Air Jordan 2 Just Don, showcases the platform’s potential for sneaker sellers.

Whatnot

Whatnot is solely dedicated to collectors and reselling streetwear-related products so that you can succeed as a sneaker reseller here.

They focus on authentic streetwear products and even have a verification process to ensure that all items sold are legitimate.

On Whatnot, getting started reselling shoes is straightforward. First, apply to sell. They’ll welcome you in if you’ve got shoes to sell or a following.

Once approved, you can host live shows, chatting directly with buyers. You can auction shoes or set a fixed price; there’s even a fun giveaway option.

After a sale, shipping is easy with their pre-paid labels, and you get paid through PayPal or direct deposit.

Plus, Whatnot offers tools and support to help you along the way. It’s a fresh and interactive way to connect with sneaker fans and grow sales.

GOAT

GOAT is a popular place to sell sneakers. Many sneaker sellers like GOAT because it’s easy, and buyers trust it.

If you want to sell there, you sign up in their app and await approval.

Once you’re in, you can list your shoes by adding details and pictures. GOAT likes clear photos, so buyers know what they’re getting.

When someone buys your shoes, GOAT gives you a shipping label. You send the shoes to GOAT first.

They check to make sure they’re real and in good shape. After that, they send them to the buyer.

You get your money in your GOAT account when the sale is done and can take it out anytime, but there’s a small fee.

Stadium Goods

Stadium Goods is a big name in the shoe world. People trust it because they check every shoe to make sure it’s real.

When you sell your sneakers there, you know they’re in good company with other top-quality shoes. Plus, selling is easy.

You sell your shoes to Stadium Goods- they handle the rest, from listing them online to shipping them to the buyer.

They even have a store in New York where people can see your shoes in person.

So, if you have sneakers to sell and want a simple, trusted place to do it, Stadium Goods is a solid choice.

StockX

StockX is a top spot for people looking to resell sneakers. Think of it like a stock market but for shoes.

Here, you can set a price based on what buyers will pay, ensuring you get the best deal for your kicks.

The platform has a vast collection of sneakers, from everyday pairs to rare finds, making it a favorite for buyers and sellers.

Celebrities like DJ Khaled have been known to source their sneakers from top resellers who operate on platforms like these.

The website is straightforward, so listing your sneakers for sale is a breeze. And when it comes to getting paid, StockX stands out.

After you make a sale and they check your sneakers to ensure they’re genuine, you get your money fast. 

NTWRK

NTWRK is a trendy app catching a lot of attention, especially for its live shopping events and exclusive product drops.

While it offers a range of products for those in the shoe game, it’s becoming a go-to spot for reselling.

The app connects shoe enthusiasts with resellers, creating a lively marketplace tailored for sneaker transactions.

What makes NTWRK stand out is its fresh approach to shopping.

Even though it’s a newer player in the market, its unique live events and curated sneaker selections draw in buyers and sellers.

For anyone looking to dive into shoe reselling, NTWRK offers an exciting platform to explore.

Ezze

Ezze is a platform for buying, selling, and trading sneakers. The app offers:

• A wide range of products
• A user-friendly interface
• Easy listing of items for resellers
• Connection with potential buyers

While Ezze is a relatively new platform, it has gained popularity among sneaker enthusiasts due to its diverse selection of sneakers and easy-to-use interface.

WANTD

WANTD is an app that connects sneaker lovers and resellers. It allows users to buy and sell shoes, including rare sneakers and top brands

While WANTD is a relatively new platform, it has gained popularity among sneaker enthusiasts due to its user-friendly interface and a curated selection of products.

Pros & Cons Of Reselling Shoes

Pros

• Potential for high-profit margins
• Flexible work hours
• Passion-driven business
• Wide customer base
• Easy online selling

Cons

• Costly initial investment
• Market value fluctuations
• Requires storage space
• High competition
• Platform selling fees

FAQs

How much can I make selling shoes?

The amount of money you can make when you buy and sell shoes depends on various factors, such as:

• Brand
• Condition
• Rarity
• Demand for the shoes

Some resellers make up to $100,000 annually, while other small or new sellers make around $15,000.

People selling shoes more often and consistently could earn $50,000 to $100,000 a year.

How do I know when shoes are fakes (aka knock-offs)?

Nobody wants to get tricked into buying fake shoes, especially when you’re in the resale market. So, how can you tell if a pair of shoes is the real deal or just a knock-off?

Here are some simple tips to help you out:

• Material Quality: Genuine shoes usually have high-quality materials. If it feels cheap or off, be wary.
• Stitching: Real shoes have neat and consistent stitching. If you see sloppy stitches, it’s a red flag.
• Logos: Check the brand logos carefully. Fake shoes often have slightly altered or misplaced logos.
• Release Info: Quickly search for the shoe’s release details. Make sure the shoe in front of you matches up with official release photos.
• Packaging: Authentic shoes come in the right box, often with tags and sometimes even a purchase receipt.

Remember, always trust your instincts. If something feels off, it’s always good to double-check. It’s better to be safe than sorry when spotting fakes!

What are the best brands to resell?

When you’re looking to sell shoes, knowing which brands people want the most is good.

Right now, the shoe world is all about what’s trendy and hard to find.

Brands like Nike, Adidas, Jordan, Yeezy, and Off-White are always big hits. They make shoes that sneaker resellers want, especially when they’re limited edition.

They’re popular, they make cool shoes, and people are willing to pay more for them. Selling these brands could help you do well in the shoe business.

So, if you’re thinking about getting into selling shoes, these brands might be a good place to start.

What are the best shoes to resell?

The best resell shoes are those with high resale value and in-demand styles. Some of the best-hyped shoes to resell in 2023 are:

• Nike SB Dunk Low x Jarritos
• Jordan 1 Retro Low Olive x Travis Scott
• Nike Air Force 1 Low x Tiffany & Co.

Limited edition releases, rare vintage sneakers, and collaboration sneakers with celebrities or designers can also command high resale prices in the sneaker culture.

Monitor market trends and releases to ensure your inventory remains relevant and attractive to buyers.

How do I build up an inventory?

To build up an inventory of sneakers for reselling, focus on acquiring shoes with high resale prices that people are actively buying.

You can make money on used shoes, but collector shoes will go for the most money on resale.

Source sneakers from retail stores, online marketplaces, and sneaker communities, and look out for sales and discounts to get the best deals on expensive shoes.

Consider including a mix of new and lightly worn shoes to appeal to a wider range of customers. Build your inventory strategically and stay informed about market trends and releases.

Where do I find out resale value for shoes?

Figuring out how much to sell your shoes for means looking at what others are selling similar shoes for and knowing what makes shoes more valuable.

You can search for shoes on eBay and other selling sites to see how much the pair you’re looking at has already sold for.

You can even find shoe blogs for collection details and estimated costs of shoes to guide you.

Websites like Sole Collector or Niketalk can provide insights into current market trends and values.

But how much the value is comes down to what shoes you have and their condition. Here’s a quick checklist for figuring out the value of your shoes:

Brand and Model:

The brand and specific model of the shoe plays a significant role in its resale value.

Limited edition releases, collaborations with celebrities or designers, and iconic models tend to have higher resale values.

Condition:

• Deadstock (DS): Brand new, never worn shoes. These fetch the highest prices.
• Very Good Condition: Worn a few times but looks almost new.
• Good Condition: Shows signs of wear but is still in decent shape.
• Fair/Poor Condition: Visible damage or heavy wear.

Original Packaging:

Having the original box, tags, and any included accessories can increase the resale price.

Other Info:

• Release Date: Older, vintage models in good condition can have a higher resale, especially if they are no longer available in the market.
• Collaborations and Special Editions: Shoes that result from a collaboration between brands or celebrities, or those that are special editions, often have a higher resale value.
• Supply and Demand: If a shoe had a limited release and high demand, its resale price would likely be higher.

Can I find sneakers for cheap to resell?

Yes, it’s possible to find affordable sneakers for reselling.

Check out thrift stores, online marketplaces, and private sellers for great deals on popular brands, limited edition sneakers, and rare styles.

Be resourceful and watch for sales, use coupons and coupon codes to reduce retail prices, and compare prices to find the best deals on sneakers to resell.

Networking within the sneaker reselling industry can also help you discover valuable connections and opportunities to acquire sneakers for reselling at competitive prices.

Final Thoughts

Buying and selling sneakers and shoes can be a great way to make money online, especially if you love shoes and want to open an online store that fits your interests.

It’s all about knowing what’s popular, having a good mix of shoes, and picking the right place to sell them.

The sneaker market is competitive, so staying updated on trends and always looking for new shoes to sell is important.

If you’re ready to work and resell shoes, you can open a store on Shopify and turn your love for sneakers into a successful business.

So, if you’re thinking about it, why get started reselling shoes now? Dive into the world of sneaker reselling, buy shoes, and see where it takes you!