How to Make Money by Reselling Sneakers in 10 Steps

Many reports claim that it’s possible to make tens of thousands of dollars per year reselling sneakers.

According to the RealReal, a luxury consignment website, you can earn hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a single pair of rare or sought-after sneakers.

However, profits like this aren’t guaranteed. You need to be dedicated and strategic to earn them.

Factors affecting your earnings as a sneaker reseller

Your earnings from sneaker flipping will depend on a number of factors—some that you can control and some that you can’t.

The exact amount you can earn will depend on:

• The popularity of the brands and designers of the sneakers you sell
• Market trends and economic conditions
• Whether you’re selling locally or internationally
• The selling platform you use and the fees it charges
• Competition from other sellers
• The effectiveness of your pricing and promotion strategies
• How well you negotiate (if you’re selling in person or using a platform that allows negotiation)
• How careful you are about avoiding counterfeits (and other scams)

How much money do you need to start reselling sneakers?

It’s possible to get started flipping sneakers with just a few hundred dollars. If you’re willing to use a credit card to buy your first few pairs, you can even get started with zero, although going into debt for any side hustle is risky when you’ve never tried it before and aren’t assured of success.

Major expenses involved in reselling sneakers

Reselling sneakers involves several expenses, including:

• Buying sneakers: It probably goes without saying, but you’ll need to buy sneakers in order to flip them. It might be best to start slow with just a few pairs that you feel confident will sell fast. That way you won’t have to invest too much or take any huge risks. After a while, you’ll probably become confident enough to accumulate more of an inventory.
• Shipping expenses: On many platforms, you have to mail the sneakers you’ve sold before you’ll get paid for them. Be prepared to cover the costs of packaging and shipping upfront.
• Insurance: Depending on how valuable your sneakers are, you might want to consider paying for insurance in case they get lost, stolen, or damaged in the mail.
• Authentication fees: Some platforms will charge fees to authenticate your sneakers (which may be optional or mandatory, depending on the site’s policy). Other websites may perform this service for free, or wrap the cost into their other fees. For instance, eBay recently started a sneaker authentication program, which is currently free but will cost money in the future. There are also third-party authentication services (e.g., Real Authentication or Entrupy).
• Listing fees: Not all marketplaces charge fees for listing products, but some do. If you choose a platform with listing fees, be prepared to pay them upfront.

Follow these 10 steps to make money by reselling sneakers:

1. Learn which sneakers to buy and sell

The best sneaker resellers stay up-to-date on sneaker market trends. This will be a lot easier if you’re already passionate about sneaker culture and genuinely enjoy reading about it.

You can check out resale prices for sneakers that have already hit the market on StockX, which provides historical resale data. You can also use eBay’s “sold listings” to find real transaction prices for sneakers. This will give you an idea of which sneakers have consistently high resale values.

In general, the following brands tend to be popular:

• Nike
• Adidas
• Converse
• Vans
• Puma
• New Balance
• Reebok
• Air Jordan

What are the best sneakers to resell?

As of October 2023, AIObot.com (which offers a software tool used by sneaker enthusiasts and resellers to secure sought-after products) recommends the following sneakers for reselling:

• Nike SB Dunk Low x Jarritos
• Jordan 1 Retro Low Olive x Travis Scott
• Nike Air Force 1 Low x Tiffany & Co.
• Jordan 1 Retro High OG UNC Toe
• Nike SB Dunk Low x ‘BORNxRAISED’
• Jordan 1 Retro Low OG  Black Toe
• Jordan 1 Retro High OG Palomino

High-end sneakers recommended by an expert

Zach Berkowitz, cofounder of the New Jersey sneaker and streetwear boutique High Fidelity, has recommended reselling Nike Air Jordan sneakers. He suggested these 10 models, collections, and colorways:

• Nike Air Jordan 1 Royal
• Nike Air Jordan 1 Bred
• Nike Air Jordan 3 White Cement
• Nike Air Jordan 3 Black Cement
• Nike Air Jordan 4 Retro Bred
• Nike Air Jordan 1 Retro Chicago
• Nike Air Jordan 11 Retro Space Jam
• Nike Air Jordan 5 Retro Black Metallic
• Nike Air Jordan 11 Retro Cool Grey
• Nike Air Jordan 11 Retro Bred

Other highly sought-after sneakers include:

• Vintage Nike Air Jordan 12
• Nike Air Yeezy 2 “Red October”
• Nike Air Mag Back to the Future
• Travis Scott Air Jordan 1 Nikes

Note that most of these are worth thousands or tens of thousands of dollars, so unless you have an awful lot of cash lying around, they won’t be the most practical choices for when you’re just starting out in the sneaker flipping business.

All the same, it’s worth keeping your eyes peeled for collector’s items like these when you’re shopping for deals.

2. Pick a place to buy sneakers

Here are some of the best places to buy sneakers for flipping:

• Retail stores: Of course, you can buy sneakers from popular stores that specialize in athletic footwear and apparel, such as Foot Locker, Finish Line, or Premium Goods. You can also try dedicated brand stores for specific sneaker brands like Nike, Adidas, Reebok, and Puma. If you buy sneakers from retailers like this, you’ll be buying them new, so you may have to wait a while for them to appreciate (grow) in value.
• Online marketplaces: You can buy used sneakers from general-purpose online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay. You can also try fashion-specific platforms like StockX, Sole Supremacy, GOAT, or Hypebeast.
• Consignment stores: These are online and offline stores that sell items on other people’s behalf. They sell all kinds of pre-owned goods, including sneakers and other shoes, typically for lower prices than you’d pay in traditional retail stores. The items they sell are normally lightly used and in good condition, which isn’t a guarantee when you buy directly from merchants on online marketplaces.
• Thrift stores: These stores also sell secondhand items. Goodwill and Salvation Army are well-known thrift store chains, and you can also find local stores in your area. Thrifted sneakers are less likely to be in good condition, but if you’re persistent, you can still find hidden gems.
• Sneaker conventions: If you plan to resell sneakers, it’s a great idea to attend conventions to make industry connections and learn about trends in the sneaker market. You may also be able to find rare pairs of sneakers that collectors are selling or trading.

You can often find other private sellers in sneaker-related social media groups and on online forums. You may also be able to find them through word-of-mouth in your local community.

3. Verify the sneakers’ authenticity

If you want to build a reputation as a credible sneaker seller, it’s important to make sure the sneakers you resell are genuine. The market is awash with fakes, so do your research before you purchase anything.

There are many resources available to help you spot fakes. For example, YouTube has many tutorials on this topic, and you can also ask for advice on sneaker forums.

As a rule, before you buy sneakers:

• Ask for detailed pictures: These should show the original manufacturer’s labels or tags (which often contain important information such as the brand, model name, sizing, and sometimes a barcode or hologram).
• Ask for proof of purchase: To be extra safe, you can ask for a receipt, order confirmation email, or other documentation to show that the sneakers are genuine (and that the seller really owns them).
• Check the reputation of the seller you’re buying from: Research their selling history and reviews and make sure they have a record of selling authentic products.

When you receive a pair of sneakers, check them carefully. Make sure they have clear and precise labels on the insole and tongue, including brand logos and size information.

Some brands also include quality control stickers on the box or inside the sneakers. You can use these to ensure that the shoes are legitimate.

4. Set a competitive price

To set prices for the sneakers you want to sell, figure out their market value. You have to find a balance between pricing your sneakers too high (which may discourage potential buyers) and pricing them too low (which may result in missed profit opportunities or make buyers wary of your stock).

Your prices should take into account factors such as:

• Condition: Well-maintained sneakers fetch higher prices. Ideally, the upper part of the sneakers (which includes the material surrounding the foot) should be free of stains, scuffs, and excessive creasing. The soles shouldn’t be too worn, the laces (which should be the original ones that came with the shoes) should be clean and undamaged, and the shoes should be odor-free.
• Rarity and demand: Rare items, limited editions, and items that are trending generally cost more.
• Size: Some sizes are more popular than others, which can impact pricing. For example, larger or smaller sizes may be in higher demand.
• Boxing and packaging: If you have the original shoebox and packaging in good condition, it can add value to the sneakers. Collectors often prefer complete sets.
• Release year: Older sneakers from certain years may be considered vintage and can command higher prices, especially if they’re well-preserved.
• Collaborations: Sneakers that result from collaborations between popular brands and designers, artists, or celebrities often have higher resale value due to their uniqueness and exclusivity.
• Fees on the platform you’re using: Bear in mind any fees that you’ll have to deduct from your profits (e.g., shipping fees, transaction fees, or payment processing fees).

To research the market and set your prices, use sneaker forums and websites like Sneaker News and Sole Collector. These sites often report on market trends and price fluctuations.

As we’ve already mentioned, StockX and eBay are also good resources for finding information about sneaker transaction prices.

5. Choose a selling platform

Many of the platforms you can use to buy sneakers are also suitable for selling them. For example, you can sell on:

• StockX
• GOAT
• Stadium Goods
• Flight Club
• Grailed
• eBay

The disadvantage of these platforms is that they’ll usually have fees, such as:

• Listing fees
• Selling fees
• Commissions
• Processing fees
• Transaction fees
• International selling fees

Online marketplaces can sometimes have complicated fee structures, so read the terms and conditions carefully to avoid any nasty surprises.

Other places to resell sneakers

You can avoid fees by selling through other avenues, such as:

• Classified sites: These are online spaces where you can post ads for products and services. They’re usually organized into categories to make it easier for users to find what they want. Examples include Craigslist, Recycler.com, and VarageSale.
• Social media: You can also advertise your sneakers on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook (especially on sneaker enthusiast groups), and even TikTok.
• Sneaker forums: In addition to Facebook, there are many sneaker forums (e.g., NikeTalk and Sneaker Talk) and other platforms with groups of sneaker enthusiasts (e.g., Discord and FeedSpot). Engage with these communities and consider listing your sneakers for sale there.
• Your own website: If you plan to resell a lot of sneakers, it may be worth creating your own online store. It’s relatively cheap and easy to do this with services like Wix, WordPress, and Squarespace.

The disadvantage of using a fee-free platform is that most are less regulated than online marketplaces, so you may be more vulnerable to scams. It’s important to do your due diligence as a seller as well as a buyer.

6. Choose a payment method

In theory, you have many different options for accepting payments when you sell a pair of sneakers, including:

• Bank deposits
• Direct bank transfers (e.g., wire transfers or services like Zelle)
• PayPal and other digital wallets (e.g., Venmo and Cash App)
• Mobile payment apps (e.g., Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay)
• Checks
• Cash (if you’re selling in person)
• Money orders
• Store credit
• Cryptocurrency

Despite the diverse array of payment methods, many platforms only support a couple of options—most often PayPal and bank deposits.

PayPal is a convenient and secure option, but it has limitations. Notably, it has high transaction fees, which will eat into your profits. Take these into consideration when setting your prices.

PayPal also has a tendency to place holds on funds received, especially if you’re a new seller or have an unusual transaction pattern. To reduce the risk of this happening, link a bank account to your PayPal account to establish your identity and improve your account’s credibility. Verifying your identity with PayPal will also reduce the likelihood of holds.

7. Create a listing

The next step is to take one of your pairs of sneakers and actually list it.

These tips will help you to create an enticing listing:

• Clean the sneakers: Do this before you take photos, as your shoes will look more valuable if they’re well-maintained. For most sneakers, you can use a mild detergent or a specialist cleaner (e.g., sneaker cleaner). If your sneakers are leather, brush off any dirt (or use a little soap for difficult stains), then use leather polish and shine your sneakers with a brush.
• Take high-quality photos: Take photos of your sneakers from all angles with good lighting and an uncluttered background. Include close-ups of any scuffs or imperfections so that buyers can see what they’re getting.
• Write detailed descriptions: Describe your sneakers in detail so that potential buyers have all the information they need about their condition, size, and appearance, plus any unique features.
• Include relevant keywords and hashtags: Doing this will improve your listing’s search visibility. Think about what potential buyers might search for when shopping for sneakers like yours.
• Note whether you’re including the original packaging: If you have the original shoebox for your sneakers, mention it in your listing. Again, many buyers like to have the original packaging, especially for collectible or high-end shoes.

In addition to letting you set your prices higher, following these tips will also minimize the risk of complaints, bad reviews, or returns.

You can post listings to multiple sites

Different selling platforms attract different audiences, so it’s a good idea to list your sneakers on multiple sites for better visibility and a better chance of finding buyers. That said, make sure to tweak the settings so that you don’t accidentally sell the same product twice, leaving you in the position of having to disappoint one of your customers.

8. Promote your sneakers

Here’s how you can promote your sneaker listings online and offline:

• Spread the word via social media: We’ve already mentioned social media and online sneaker enthusiast communities as places to sell your sneakers. Even if you list on a selling platform like eBay, you can still share links to your listings in these places, as long as it’s allowed by the community rules. If possible, include appealing images with your links.
• Use hashtags: If you’re promoting your listings on platforms like Instagram, use relevant hashtags to make your posts more visible. (Look up what the current best practices are on these sites—when it comes to hashtags, a little goes a long way, and many people overuse them.)
• Run paid ads: Platforms like eBay offer paid advertising options that can boost the visibility of your listings and help you to reach more people.
• Engage with other users: Some selling platforms, such as Poshmark, combine e-commerce with social media. On these sites, you can engage with other users by following, sharing, and commenting on their listings. Where these features are available, use them to build relationships with other users and improve visibility for your items.

9. Securely package and ship your sneakers

Once you’ve sold a pair of sneakers, it’s time to package and ship them. Here’s how to do that properly:

1. Protect the sneakers with tissue paper or shoe bags.
2. Wrap them in bubble wrap or foam padding for more cushioning.
3. Place them in the original shoebox if you have it, or a sturdy shipping box if you don’t.
4. If you’re using the shoebox, wrap it in another layer of bubble wrap and then plain brown packing paper. Secure this with tape.
5. If you’re using a shipping box, seal the box securely with tape.
6. Clearly label the package with the recipient’s address and any required shipping labels.
7. Choose a reliable shipping service with tracking to ensure safe delivery. (Some platforms may require that you use a specific shipping service or offer discounts or free insurance with certain services.)

10. Provide excellent customer service

When you sell sneakers, customer service is an important part of the process. If your buyers (or potential buyers) contact you with inquiries or concerns, respond quickly and be polite and helpful.

Good customer service will build your reputation as a seller and get you positive reviews (probably not from everyone, but from the majority of your customers).

Reselling sneakers can be worth it if you have capital to invest and are genuinely interested in sneakers and sneaker culture. You have the potential to make hundreds or even thousands of dollars if you adopt the right strategies (and have a bit of luck on your side).

However, if you aren’t passionate about sneakers, you may find it challenging to stay motivated and informed as you build your business. Flipping products of all types can be very competitive, and it’s a lot of work.

Risks of sneaker reselling

The risks of sneaker flipping include:

• Market fluctuations: Sneaker trends can change rapidly, and what’s popular today might not be in demand tomorrow. You risk losing money if you gamble on sneakers that end up declining instead of gaining in value. Also, if the secondhand sneaker market as a whole becomes saturated, your income may drop significantly until things bounce back.
• Overstocking: This means having more goods than you can sell efficiently. Problems caused by overstocking include high storage costs, tied-up capital, and product obsolescence (i.e., sneakers going out of fashion while you’re waiting to sell them). You can mitigate this risk by starting slow with just a few pairs of sneakers and, again, keeping up with market trends.
• Fake sneakers: We’ve already mentioned the problem of fakes on the sneaker market. It’s important to buy from reputable, trusted sellers and verify sneakers’ authenticity. Getting caught selling even one pair of fakes can irreparably damage your reputation, even if you did it unintentionally.
• Shady buyers: There are also many other scams to watch out for. “Switching scams” involve a buyer purchasing genuine sneakers and then returning a different counterfeit or damaged pair. Chargeback fraud is also a problem—where scammers buy something, receive the item, and then dispute the transaction with their credit card company to get a refund while keeping the item.

Alternatives to flipping sneakers

If you decide that sneaker flipping isn’t for you, there are many other items you can resell instead. For example, you can sell other types of designer shoes, sell clothing online, or flip any of these other products:

• Electronics (e.g., smartphones, gaming consoles, laptops)
• Concert tickets
• Books
• Furniture
• Antiques and collectibles
• Music and sports memorabilia

If you love the idea of flipping products but you’re not sure where your passion lies yet, feel free to experiment. You can start a couple different reselling side hustles and pare them down to just one once you have a sense for which market you feel most comfortable with.