Whether you are just trying to declutter your closet and get rid of your old sneakers for some money or you are trying to start a side hustle to generate some extra income for yourself because you saw that people are making money reselling sneakers online.
In this article I will go through the 14 best places to sell your sneakers and the type of sneakers you should sell on each platform to ensure you get the most money for it in the shortest amount of time
The reason I said this is because you can sell your sneakers on any of these places, not all of them are created equal. Some types of sneakers will sell better and for higher prices in one place than the other.
Ebay
Best for: Any Type of Sneakers (From Hype Sneakers to Regular Running Shoes, From Men's To women's To Kid's and even Toddler's Shoes)
Fees: From 8% to 12% (Depending on the type of shoes and the price point )
Everyone knows eBay, it's one of the biggest online marketplaces with over 132 million active users currently according to Statista.com so it's obvious when people think about selling their old stuff eBay is the first place that pops into their head.
The same for sneakers because of its vast user base you can sell any kind of sneakers and shoes here and there will be a buyer for it from kid's shoes all the way to pass-down sneakers from your grandma in the 1980s
How Does it Work
eBay has 2 types of selling models: Buy-It-Now and Auction
Auction: List Your Shoes for Auction and the timeline of how long you want the action to go for (1-10 days), Highest bidder gets the sneakers
Recommendation: This is great for hyper sneakers or sneakers that are sought after and in high demand, usually recently released sneakers because there is a big amount of people that are looking for it it will usually able to sell fast and for a higher price
Buy-It-Now: Set a fixed price and opt-in for the Buy It Now option when creating the listings
Goat
Best for: Hype and Rare Sneakers
Fee: 9.5% + Seller Fee (for US Seller it is $5). Every country has a different seller fee you can learn more here on their website
Goat is a marketplace that was started in 2015 and is best known for luxury apparel and hype sneakers. In the sneaker community, Goat and Stock X is the most well-known marketplace for both buyers and seller, but unlike Stock X which only allow the sale of Brand New sneakers
Goat allows sellers to sell used sneakers and they offer an authentication service where once your sneakers are sold they will authenticate the shoes before shipping it to the buyer which was what made it so popular among the sneaker community.
Goat currently has about 30 million members and 600,000 sellers on its site according to TechCrunch
How Does It Work
Simply down the GOAT app and create an account with them. Sign up to be a seller, once your selling account is approved you can start taking pictures, settin the price and conditions of the sneakers, and listing the item on the app.
Once your sneakers are sold, you will get a free shipping label where you will be required to ship the item to GOAT for Authentication where they will legit check your sneakers and check for the condition to make sure it's in the condition that you say they are
Once it passes authentication Goat will release the money to you and ship the item to the buyer
Poshmark
Best for: Regular & High-End Women's Sneakers
Fees: For all sales under $15, Poshmark takes a flat commission of $2.95,
For sales of $15 or more, Poshmark's Fee is 20%
Postmark is a unique type of marketplace that is quite different from other marketplaces because they combine the shopping experience with the social media aspects, allowing sellers and buyers to follow each other, share each other post, and interact just like a social media app such as Instagram
Poshmark demographics opposite from eBay is female dominance, according to Similarweb 64% of Poshmark users are females and the largest age group is between 25-34 years old
This is the reason why selling women's sneakers on Poshmark will help you sell your item faster and for a higher price compared to other platforms on this list
How Does it Work
First, upload photos of your sneakers and fill in all the items' specifics such as brands, colors, and a short description about what you want the buyer to know about the sneaker.
Once the shoes are sold Poshmark will email you a shipping label, and all you have to do is pack it up and ship them out.
Once the buyer receives the sneakers they have 3 days to examine the shoes and accept the order. Once they accept the order, Poshmark will release the money to your account but if after 3 days the buyer still hasn't accepted the order the money will be automatically released
Depop
Best for: Vintage/Rare and Trendy Women's Sneakers
Fees: 10% Depop fee + Transaction Fee
- If you are in the UK, a standard transaction fee of around 2.9% + £/€0.30. If you are in the US, the standard transaction fee for Depop Payments is 3.3% + $0.45
Depop is an online marketplace (they have both a website and mobile app) known for sustainable fashion where people buy and sell pre-owned or handmade clothing and fashion items.
Most of the things you find on Depop are very unique and different from other marketplaces due to its diverse community of younger people. In fact, according to gitnux.com, 90% of its user are under 26 years old and 61% are female according to similarweb.com
Now though sneakers are not the main thing on Depop, if you have an older pair of sneakers or a pair that is not very commonly seen and looks unique for example a pair of "Hello Kitty Chunky Sneakers", Depop will be the perfect place to list those type of sneakers because that's what buyers on Depop usually look for.
How Does it Work
Mercari
Best for: General Sneakers and Casual Footwear
Fees: Mercari charges a 10% selling fee, and the payment processing fee is 2.9% + $0.30.
Mercari is a user-friendly online marketplace where you can list a wide variety of items, including sneakers. It's a platform that's gaining popularity for its straightforward selling process.
While it might not have the same sneaker-focused community as some other platforms, it's still a great place to sell your old mid-end to low-end sneakers you will want to stay away from selling high-end and hype sneakers on here because it will take a very long time to sell or it will sell at a much lower price than other sneaker focused platforms,
One of the important in selling on Mercari is that you will need to be very competitive in your price and have very good pricing because Mercari is more like an online "Craigslist" or "Facebook Marketplace" where people are looking for a good deal and it's looking to get rid of their old things.
How Does It Work
Creating a listing on Mercari is simple. Just take clear photos of your sneakers, write a detailed description, set a price, and choose a shipping option. Once a buyer purchases your sneakers, Mercari provides you with a prepaid shipping label.
After the buyer receives the sneakers and rates the transaction, you'll receive your earnings.
Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Offerup
Best for: Local Sales and Quick Transactions Recently Released Sneakers or mid-end regular Sneakers
Fees: These platforms generally don't charge listing or selling fees
If you're looking for a quick and local way to sell your sneakers, platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Offer Up can be convenient options.
These platforms connect you with potential buyers in your local area, making it easier to arrange in-person transactions. I will say these platforms are particularly great for two distinct types of sneakers:
Newly released hype sneakers and just regular sneakers.
Newly Released Hype Sneakers:
The sneaker community is always on the lookout for the latest and most significant releases. When a new pair of hyped sneakers drops, enthusiasts want to get their hands on them as quickly as possible. That's where local selling platforms shine.
Buyers in the sneaker community often turn to these platforms to find newly released sneakers without the wait time and potential extra fees associated with online marketplaces.
Listing the newly released hype sneakers that you just bought but either don't fit you or found out it wasn't your style on these platforms can attract a lot of sneakerheads who are eager to add the latest kicks to their collection and better yet you can get cash for them
Regular Sneakers:
Beyond the sneaker enthusiast community, many regular people are also searching for good deals on comfortable and stylish sneakers. These platforms offer quick and easy transactions, making them ideal for anyone who needs a new pair of sneakers for everyday wear. Whether it's a classic pair of Converse or a reliable pair of running shoes, listing regular sneakers on these platforms can help you connect with local buyers and get instant cash for your old shoes
How Does It Work
Create a listing with clear photos and an accurate description of your sneakers. Potential buyers will reach out to you through messages, and you can negotiate a price and meeting location.
Safety Measures:
Yes while it's great that you will be able to make quick and easy transactions, it does bring up some potential risk when dealing with strangers, especially for higher-value transactions so here are some safety tips
- Always meet during the daytime and in a public place like a local big grocery store, or at a mall. Even better is to meet at a police station, and if the potential buyers don't agree to meet at these places it's better to drop the deal than to risk it
- Bring a friend with you, having 2 people is always better than one in case things go south someone will be there to help you.
- When handing potential buyers the sneakers for them to check out, hand 1 shoe at a time, the reason for this is to ensure that you always have one shoe in hand so that even if they want to let's say rob you, they won't be able to
- Always make sure you both are out of your car when you are transacting.
Flyp
Best for: Selling Multiple Pairs of Sneakers
Fees: Negotiable with Your seller
Flyp is a platform that connects you with specialized resellers who are experts in the specific types of items you're looking to declutter from your closet in this case sneakers. And when I talk about decluttering, I mean dealing with at least 5 pairs of shoes per lot.
These resellers will assist you in not only listing but also selling your sneakers across various marketplaces. This service comes with a commission fee, but the advantage lies in their expertise in reaching the right buyers and maximizing your sales potential. In essence, Flyp streamlines the process of transforming the sneakers that you no longer use into cash leveraging the skills of experienced resellers.
How Does It Work
After downloading the Flyp app and signing up for an account, you can list your first lot of branded sneakers by providing 1 photo of the front of each item and filling out the Brand Name, Size, and Condition. Once you are ready, your lot will be posted for "matching" where Pro Sellers verified by Flyp will apply to sell your lot on consignment.
Once your lot is matched with a seller, you can chat with them and ask questions about the commission rates and buy-out prices. If you are happy you can approve the match, but if you're not you can skip the match and talk to a new seller.
Once you approve the match, Flyp will send you a shipping label, The fee for the label is $0.99 per item with a $9 minimum, But you don't have to pay this upfront it will be deducted from the earnings your first sale
Once your sneaker sells, you will be paid for each pair as your Seller receives the funds for each sale
Local Sneaker Stores
Best for: Immediate Cash and Trade-ins, Lightly Used Sought After Sneakers
Fees: The store will typically offer you a price for your sneakers, and they will resell them at a higher price.
Local sneaker stores, especially those that specialize in sneakers, can be a great option if you're looking for quick cash or want to trade in your lightly used sneakers for store credit.
However, it's crucial to recognize that these stores can be selective when it comes to the condition and specific types of shoes they're interested in. They tend to favor very lightly used sneakers that are rare or highly sought-after. This means that you won't be able to sell your run-of-the-mill sneakers here
While you might not get as much money as you would selling directly to a buyer, this is a convenient way to offload sneakers you no longer need.
How Does It Work
Simply bring your sneakers to the store, and the staff will evaluate their condition and authenticity. They will then offer you a price for the sneakers. If you agree to the price, you can choose between receiving cash or store credit.
Plato's Closet
Best for Trendy Used Sneakers, Instant Cash
Fees: Plato's Closet typically offers cash on the spot for accepted items.
Plato's Closet is a popular local fashion store that specializes in buying and selling gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories. While its focus is broader than just sneakers, it's a fantastic option if you're looking to sell stylish and trendy footwear.
Selling at Plato's Closet follows a straightforward process. The store is particularly interested in current sneaker trends and used sneakers that are well-maintained. However, it's important to note that Plato’s Closet is highly Selective
One of the main hurdles you’re going to stumble across while selling to Plato’s Closet is their selectivity.
Unlike other thrift shops, Plato’s Closet only sells sneakers from reputable brands at 60% to 70% of their original price.
For that reason, they won’t automatically accept anything that you offer to them. Even if they’re high-quality shoes with no rips or stains, they won’t accept shoes from brands they don’t sell at the store.
How Does It Work
When you visit Plato's Closet, the store's buyers will assess your sneakers based on factors such as brand, style, condition, and current demand. They're inclined to consider sneakers that are still on trend and appeal to their younger customer base. While the payout might not match what you'd get through direct sales, Plato's Closet offers the advantage of instant cash for the items they choose to accept.
It's crucial to present your sneakers in their best possible condition during the evaluation process. Clean and well-maintained sneakers that reflect the latest trends have a higher likelihood of being accepted.
While Plato's Closet may not be the ideal platform for rare or high-end sneakers, it's an excellent way to offload trendy sneakers that might not be your style anymore or shoes you've outgrown. The convenience of receiving instant cash is a definite plus, making it a hassle-free way to clear out your closet while potentially earning a bit of money in the process.
Grailed
Best for Men's High-End Street Wear Sneakers
Fees: Grailed charges a 9% selling fee + an additional Processing Fee
Grailed is a platform that used to focus on men's fashion, including streetwear and sneakers though now they have expanded into women's fashion as well. If you have a collection of streetwear, dark wear, or high-end women's or men's sneakers Grailed's community of fashion-forward buyers will be the perfect audience for you. Also because of this, regular sneakers won't sell on Grailed because it's not sought after and usually not trending in the high-end fashion community.
How Does It Work
To list your sneakers on Grailed, you'll need to provide clear photos, accurate descriptions, and relevant details about the sneakers
Make sure to take a picture of all the tags because Grailed does have an onsite authentication service that will authenticate your sneakers through the photos in your listings so it's essential that you provide them with as many details of the shoes as possible
Once your shoes have been authenticated and approved, they will show your listings on the website.
Buyers can then reach out to you with offers or questions, and you can negotiate prices and terms or purchase them directly.
All you have to do left is pack the shoes up and ship it to the buyer. Your earnings will be released after 3 days of the item being shown as delivered