How to Start Reselling Sneakers Online: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you're wondering how to start reselling sneakers, you're in the right place.

Whether you’re looking to turn your passion for footwear into a side hustle or a full-time business, this guide will help you get started.

Why Reselling Sneakers is a Lucrative Opportunity

Before diving into how to start reselling sneakers, it’s worth understanding why this niche is so profitable.

Limited edition releases, exclusive drops, and the ever-evolving sneaker culture have created high demand for certain brands and models.

If you know what to look for, reselling sneakers can be incredibly rewarding.

Research the Sneaker Market

The first step in how to start reselling sneakers is doing your research.

Understanding which brands and models are in demand is crucial.

You don’t want to waste time or money on shoes that won’t sell.

Top Sneaker Brands to Resell:

• Nike (especially Air Jordans and Dunks)

• Adidas (Yeezys are particularly popular)

• New Balance (collaborations like Joe Freshgoods)

• Converse (special edition Chuck Taylors)

How to Identify Profitable Sneakers:

• Look for limited releases and collaborations

• Follow sneaker news sites and social media for upcoming drops

• Check platforms like StockX and GOAT for market trends and resale prices

Where to Source Sneakers for Reselling

Now that you've got a good idea of the market, you need to know where to find inventory.

Finding sneakers at the right price is key to maximising profits.

Best Places to Source Sneakers:

• Retail Drops: Sign up for sneaker raffles and keep an eye on release dates. Stores like Nike, Adidas, and Foot Locker often release limited stock.

• Second-hand Marketplaces: eBay, Depop, and Vinted are great for finding lightly used or deadstock sneakers.

• Outlet Stores: Sometimes you can find heavily discounted sneakers at outlet malls.

Create a Strong Online Presence

In my experience, building a reputation as a trustworthy seller is one of the most important steps when learning how to start reselling sneakers.

Buyers need to feel confident they’re getting authentic products.

Platforms to Sell Sneakers:

• eBay: A popular platform with a huge audience, but beware of fees.

• Depop: Perfect for reaching a younger, trend-conscious market.

• Your Own Website: As you grow, it’s worth setting up your own e-commerce store to avoid platform fees.

Tips for Building Trust:

• Always provide clear, high-quality photos from different angles

• Be upfront about the condition of the sneakers

• Build positive reviews by offering excellent customer service

Price Your Sneakers for Maximum Profit

Pricing is everything in the sneaker reselling world.

Too high, and your sneakers will sit unsold.

Too low, and you’ll miss out on profit.

How to Set Your Prices:

• Check recent sales on platforms like eBay

• Factor in fees from the platform you’re selling on

• Consider the rarity and condition of the sneakers

• Don’t be afraid to offer competitive pricing for quick sales

Packaging and Shipping Sneakers Safely

Once you’ve made a sale, the last thing you want is for your sneakers to get damaged in transit.

Proper packaging is essential to ensure the shoes arrive in mint condition.

How to Package Sneakers:

• Use double-walled boxes to protect the sneakers

• Wrap the shoes in tissue paper or bubble wrap

• If they come with an original box, secure it with padding

• Choose a reliable shipping service and always include tracking

Building Long-term Success as a Sneaker Reseller

Starting out can feel overwhelming, but once you get the hang of it, reselling sneakers can become a lucrative business.

Focus on building a loyal customer base and staying on top of sneaker trends.

Long-term Success Tips:

• Stay active in the sneaker community

• Reinvest your profits into more valuable stock

• Develop a niche, whether that’s vintage sneakers or limited-edition drops

• Stay patient - sometimes holding onto rare sneakers for a while will yield higher profits

Reselling sneakers can be a rewarding journey, but it takes time, research, and dedication.

Follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to building a profitable sneaker reselling business.

Good luck, and happy flipping!