If you’re looking to get started and learn a few tips on reselling sneakers, here’s where to begin.
Start keeping tabs on sneaker blogs
First, make sure you follow some of the trendiest websites so you don’t miss out on release dates.
- HYPEBEAST. An online website for men’s contemporary streetwear to high-end fashion based in Hong-Kong. HYPEBEAST mainly focuses on men’s footwear latest releases with brands like Adidas, Nike, Jordan Brand, YEEZY, New Balance, Vans, ASICS, Visvim, PUMA and Rebook.
- HighSnobiety. A blog covering street wear fashion, art and music based in Berlin. HighSnobiety offers more in depth articles, detailed sneakers collaborations and the newest releases.
- KicksOnFire. One of the largest website for sneakerheads and the second most downloaded sneaker app in the world after Nike SNKRS. Its main focus is the latest sneakers release dates. Its website gives a release calendar and even a price guide.
- Complex. A media platform covering news in style, sports, music, entertainment and sneakers. Their sneaker column discusses the latest sneaker trends, what’s being worn by rappers and athletes and release dates.
You will then be able to purchase them on the original brand’s website such as adidas.com, nike.com, puma.com, etc.
What sneakers to buy?
Remember the thrill about the 2018 Sean Wotherspoon x Nike Air Max 97 pictured above or even the YEEZY Boost 350 back in 2015? These are the kind of sneakers that will create a buzz.
Then, it’s all a question of timing. If you’re quick enough and among the first people getting them, you’ll be able to sell them for a higher price.
Here are some of the signs you should look for sneakers that will likely be in high demand.
- Lots of buzz on blogs, brand’s website, websites specialised in the latest sneaker news.
- You can look at the shoe’s ratings on websites like Kicks on Fire and Sneakernews. Sneakers with high ratings will most likely have a good resale value.
- Limited edition products and collaborations.
- Tons of social media posts on influencers’ platforms in collaboration with specific brands.
- Keep track of the demand: the higher the demand, the higher the profit.
Figure out your price
From buying a pair of sneakers for $200 and reselling it up to $800 on Stadium Goods, for instance; your profit can turn into a lucrative hustle.
However, before deciding on a price, run a search on resellers websites such as StockX, Stadium Goods or Flight Club. Your price should be in the same range as the market price.
- Look at the market value on eBay or StockX. Type the model name plus pre-order. Based on the results that come out, you’ll be able to determine how many are in pre-order and the average price.
- If the average price on those results are over $50 retail price, it’s worth buying the shoe.
- You can also take a look at past completed items on eBay to see for how much they were sold.
- Avoid underpricing your shoes as it will lower your own profit and everyone else’s, and you’ll most likely ruin your reputation for future sales.
Where should you sell them?
When reselling a pair of sneakers you just bought, consider websites such as Stadium Goods, Flight Club or StockX.
Stadium Goods. This is one of the most popular marketplaces for retail, and offers some of the best selection of brand new sneakers around the world. So much so that it’s used as the location for Complex’s ‘Sneaker Shopping’ series.
Pros: Offers physical stores and online website, ship within two days, purchases can be returned within three days with a store credit if return is accepted.
Cons: Only US orders can be returned, 20% commission fee.
Selling process: All you have to do is bring your pair of sneakers in excellent condition (unless otherwise noted), in store or send it to them via UPS and they will be in charge of the rest. They store, ship and sell it for you.
Flight Club.This place has been around for over 10 years and is one of the most popular websites to purchase some of the rarest, unworn and most exclusive sneakers, worldwide. Flight Club accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express and PayPal.
Pros: Offers physical stores and online website.
Cons: Purchases can’t be returned, 20% commission fee.
Selling process: You have the possibility to either bring or send them your pair of shoes. They help you price it based on market values and their expertise. The final step is left to them as they will sell your shoes online, and in their New York and Los Angeles stores. Finally, you’ll receive a check for 80% of the final sale price once sold.
Stock X. The world’s most famous sneakers stock exchange. A live auction place where you will be able to bid and ask for the most wanted sneakers, worldwide. Shipping is free for sellers in the US, $US20 ($26) for sellers in Canada and $US30 ($39) for sellers in every other country. Only brand new merchandise in the original box is accepted.
Pros: Ship within two business days, shipping is free within the US.
Cons: Doesn’t offer a physical store, purchases can’t be returned, 3% processing fee and transaction fee varies between 8% and 9.5% based on how many items the seller sells.
Selling process: They give a seller two options. One is to click “sell” to sell right away to the highest bidder and the second option is “Ask” to make a listing a buyer will have the possibility to accept. Once the transaction has been processed, the seller will receive a UPS shipping label and will be responsible for the packaging and shipping to StockX. Once the pair has been reviewed for authentication, it will be sent from StockX to the buyer.
Trust your gut
If you have a good feeling about a certain trend, style or pair of sneakers; go for it. Beforehand, do some market research on social media, influencers’ profiles or even hashtags to get opinions and feedback regarding what you’re considering purchasing. Definitely check out the trending hashtag for the sneaker community, #WOMFT for “what’s on my feet today.”
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