Over the past decade, the sneaker reselling market has exploded, with people selling and selling like they need it for a living. Of course, if you are a collector wanting to cycle your sneakers or a reseller who is selling sneakers full time, choosing the right platform to resell your sneakers that maximizes profits is a condition. The features and challenges of each of the platforms differ. In this article, I will help you choose where you should be reselling your sneakers, but first, let’s look at some of the best platforms for reselling sneakers.
StockX
A slick, transparent, live price data platform offers a marketplace to resell your sneakers if you own them. StockX is known for its authenticity guarantee, giving buyers and sellers a window into recent sales and their associated pricing trends to help gauge sneaker demand. It is user-friendly because the platform’s app and website make it easy for sellers to list and keep tabs on market fluctuations.
Simply put, there’s one fee structure at StockX: seller fees (which can change based on the seller’s location and rating). Yes, these fees can detract from profitability, but one can’t argue the benefits of StockX; sellers can sell to a large audience, agreeing that sales will happen — be verified and be safe. This ‘bid and ask’ system enables buyers to arrange offers to maximise the seller’s profit.
GOAT
Another very reputable sneaker reselling platform is GOAT. Like StockX, GOAT offers an authenticity guarantee, creating confidence between buying and selling. It widens the arena for sneakers looking to be resold on the second-hand market, letting sellers list new and used sneakers. We explain the condition of GOAT’s product pages with detailed product pages.
GOAT has a simple selling system that lets sellers set a price for their sneakers or accept offers from buyers. Especially useful is this flexibility for resellers who are trying to move inventory fast. There are seller ratings on the platform, too, which the experienced resellers can use to build credibility and attract more buyers.
eBay
eBay is one of the largest online marketplaces, making it possible to reach a large audience of resellers. eBay is different from other sneaker platforms, with no other product to sell aside from sneakers, because it caters to anyone selling anything, whether it’s sneakers or something else. Lately, the company has rolled out an authenticity guarantee for pricey sneakers above a certain baseline to instil confidence among buyers when buying rare footwear.
For high-volume sellers, eBay has competitive seller fees, and its auction feature also enables resellers to set up bidding wars, which can raise a sneaker’s sale price. Yet, eBay carries so many products that the sellers might have to invest their time in a detailed listing with clear photos to attract buyers.
Grailed
Not only is Grailed perfect for shopping for rare and unique editions from brands like Leathe’x, RCBY, or Nike but it’s also designed for fashionistas and streetwear mavens. This has its dedicated readership of fashion-conscious fashion-conscious buyers, making it easy for some sellers to charge higher prices for rare or stylish items. Grailed is also quite social, with a sprinkle of community goodness—connecting sellers to buyers via comments and direct messages.
To sell on Grailed, you need to do a little more work than you would on other platforms, and to attract serious buyers, listing sneakers with high-quality photos and detailed reviews is necessary. Unlike Grailed, however, you pay a small commission fee, which gives the company access to the marketplace’s insular catchment audience. And because this isn’t a stock buy/sell platform, its style-focused community is especially beneficial for those selling high-end or unique sneakers.
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace has proved to be the best place to sell sneakers since it is easy to use and accessible to its user’s local audience. This allows sellers to swiftly list their sneakers, converse with buyers directly, and maybe skip shipping if they can offer a local pickup. Being a practical choice for new resellers or those who do not want to pay fees, Facebook Marketplace is an option.
A drawback to Facebook Marketplace is that there isn’t an authenticity guarantee, creating the potential for buyers to be wary of scams. However, sellers can help gain trust through detailed pictures and allowing buyers to see the sneakers in person. Also, some sellers make business pages on Facebook to follow-up and become more visible on the platform.
It has become a powerful platform for sneaker resellers due to how highly visual it is and because it can reach the entire world. As resellers, many use Instagram to display their inventory, making Instagram posts and stories to attract followers. As for sellers, you can leverage Instagram’s messaging feature to chat with potential buyers and negotiate prices there.
However, unlike Etsy or other online marketplaces, Instagram has no built-in selling features; instead, sellers must stick together to make deals on payment and shipping. It takes time to build a following and trustworthy reputation, but it’s worth it if the goal is to develop a brand around your reselling business. Sellers can benefit from a personal connection with buyers, an added allure, to help develop a loyal customer.
KLEKT
KLEKT has become a popular European-based platform for sneaker resellers. Like StockX and GOAT, KLEKT verifies all sneakers on the platform to ensure buyers have peace of mind. Being a reseller, KLEKT’s straightforward selling process and ability to attract a European audience make it a great option for anyone who wants to resell into the international market.
Fees here aren’t too steep, especially compared to other sneaker marketplaces, but the European base puts them at a huge advantage when shipping in the region. KLEKT is fast becoming a reasonable platform for any reseller, from an amateur to a seasoned professional.
Stadium Goods
Stadium Goods focuses on high-end sneakers as a physical store and online marketplace. Consignment: The platform allows sellers to list sneakers, and fees are only paid when the sneakers sell. This listing approach means there are no upfront fees, but consignment fees are slightly higher than other standard platform fees.
Stadium Goods has been building a reputation for premium reselling, or at a premium, attracting buyers who want exclusive, authentic sneakers. Stadium Goods isn’t the best option for resellers looking to turn over inventory quickly, but it’s a profitable choice if you’ve got high-value inventory. This gives the brand another chance to appeal to you, a buyer who likes to shop up close.
Conclusion
So, depending on your goals, budget, and target audience, you would choose the best platform to resell sneakers. There are advantages to each platform, such as perfecting eBay’s reachability on Grailed or KLEKT for a more niche audience. While it isn’t common for authenticity verification, some platforms – like StockX and GOAT – specialize in high-end and limited edition sneakers, making them perfect for those trying to sell the most high-end high-end sneakers without dealing with counterfeits. Instead of pitching to Instagram or Facebook Marketplace, other platforms facilitate a closer (read: personal and direct) connection with buyers — a useful brand-building avenue.
Experimenting with different platforms may be best for resellers who are just starting to find which fits their business style the best. Different platforms provide different benefits, and understanding those benefits can help you maximize profits and give your buyers a great experience. If you have the right strategy, any of these platforms can be good for your sneaker reselling business.
