Reselling Shoes

With the rise of sneakerhead culture, sneaker resellers have the potential to make thousands of dollars. They just buy shoes that are in demand and then sell them with a healthy profit margin.  

If you want to play this game, this article is for you. Here, we will discuss the ins and outs of reselling sneakers as a side hustle. 

An Overview of Reselling Shoes: A Primer 

Selling shoes can be a great way to earn money, with the sneaker industry significantly expanding over the past few years. 

Shoes are now seen as investment pieces rather than just fashion items that people wear regularly. 

As with any other resale business, when flipping sneakers, retailers aim to buy low and sell high on the secondary market to make a profit on their items. 

The arrival of technology like the AIO Bot helps resellers take stock of high-end items, like a limited edition Nike Air Jordan, in the blink of an eye.  

These tools help people find the best deal to grow their inventory, after which they can sell sneakers on whichever platform they find most convenient. 

How Much Can Reselling Shoes Earn You? 

Starting a shoe business is often hyped up as a business with huge profit margins. And there is some truth to it. 

But this depends on where you buy sneakers and the rates the wholesaler or supplier offers you. 

Selling sneakers can earn you around $15,000 per month if you’re serious about it. Typical Nike shoes have a resale profit margin of around $30-$100, but you can make well over $500 on just one pair if you sell limited releases or rare sneakers. 

But keep in mind, this isn’t a “get rich quick” scheme. Some people go to the lengths of camping out of stores on drop nights to grab a pair of shoes, so they can pawn them quickly.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Reselling Shoes Side Hustle? 

It can cost anywhere between $2,000 and $3,000 to start reselling shoes. But it also depends on what kind of shoes you want to trade. 

For instance, signature and limited edition sneakers such as Air Jordans or Yeezys will cost far more than standard models prepared on factory lines. 

These kinds of shoes generate demand since there are avid sneaker collectors who are always on the lookout for a rare find. 

Considering you will sell online, we haven’t taken overhead charges into account. But even if you’re selling online on a large scale, consider things like storage costs. 

As for reselling physically, renting out a storage unit or a brick-and-mortar store should be taken into account. 

Where Can You Find Places to Resell Shoes? 

One way to sell sneakers is by using an established e-commerce site with high traffic to sell sneakers at retail price. The other way is to go independent and generate your own leads.

With the first method, you might have to pay commissions or seller fees and sacrifice a percentage of your earnings. But, with the second, you’re in control of everything, from finding your customers to the shipping.

Where to Independently Resell Shoes 

You can try generating your own traffic through advertisements and social media posts. For free traffic, you can start an Instagram page or join Facebook Groups where you can reach out to people who will be interested in your products. 

This way, buyers can contact you directly, and you own all your leads.

You can also try free online marketplaces, like Facebook Marketplace, where you can post your goods and the resale price. 

Reaching out to a local sneaker community is by far the best way to generate organic traffic and interest in your brand.  

Gig Economy Companies That Help Resell Shoes 

Now, here is a quick look at the best places to sell shoes and the fees they charge: 

• StockX: 10% commission plus 3% payment processing fee. A single-item shipping cost of $4 will be applicable from 2024. 
• eBay: One of the best places to sell shoes since it is the second-most visited e-commerce site worldwide behind Amazon. The commission is between 7-8% based on the selling price.
• RoundTwo: You need to walk into one of their outlets to resell sneakers. They pay you in cash on the spot and charge no separate fees.  

Why You Should Consider Reselling Shoes As a Side Hustle 

Below are some of the reasons why you should consider reselling shoes as a side hustle: 

• High-Profit Margins: Even though you might not sell brand new shoes, in-demand items like Air Jordans might fetch you over 30-50% profit per each pair sold. 
• Game-Changing Bots: As mentioned above, tools like the AIO bot can help you find in-demand shoes below retail prices, which can help you have a bigger profit margin. 
• Massive Demand: Although it is a dark fact that people are ready to turn violent for sneakers, it goes to show how these exclusive items have increased in demand over the years.

Problems With Reselling Shoes 

Here are some of the drawbacks you might face in the process of reselling shoes: 

• Fake Shoes: You’ll need to find a way to check for fake shoes, since you might come across them through distributors or shoe owners whom you buy from. 
• Rising Competition: Word about the massive profits in the sneaker reseller business seems to have gone around. These days, you’ll often find a ton of competitors on the market. 
• Sourcing Hyped Shoes: Finding a way to purchase sneakers for a low price can be difficult, especially for those that can be refurbished and sold in better condition. 

Frequently Asked Questions