If you are obsessed with shoes and wish to start a business by selling sneakers, then it is the best idea for a side business that you want to undertake. The Sneaker resale Market is on the rise, but selling shoes can still be incredibly successful if you are equipped with the right information, equipment, and effort. Below is a comprehensive process on how to start a Shoe resale business.

Step 1: Research the Market

It is necessary to gain some insight into the market before investing in the shoe reselling business. The sneaker resale industry is cutthroat and understanding what brands, what models, and what trends are popular is beneficial. Begin with reading sneaker-related magazines, and blogs, and watching YouTube videos about new releases and partnerships. Other sources such as StockX, GOAT, and Flight Club are also helpful platforms for identifying which shoes are selling at a high price.

Key Questions to Ask During Research:

• Which brands are most in demand? (Nike, Adidas, etc.)
• What models and collaborations tend to sell out fast?
• How do prices fluctuate between the retail and resale markets?

Knowing the answers to these questions will give you an edge when sourcing and selling shoes.

Step 2: Build Relationships with Retailers

If you want to get your hands on the rarest of sneaker releases, then you must build connections with local shoe sellers and online stores. Visit the sneaker stores in your neighborhood as often as possible, introduce yourself to the workers, and make it clear that you intend to resell sneakers. 

Also, follow social media pages and groups of sneaker lovers as they share information on when the particular shoe model will be out if it will be restocked again, and tips on how to resell. These groups can become a useful source of insider knowledge.

Step 3: Learn About Sneaker Drops and Release Dates

Sneakers that are produced in limited quantities can take as little as 5-10 minutes to get sold out. To be a good shoe reseller, you have to know when and where these drops are being planned. All the major sneaker brands, including Nike and Adidas, always plan their releases several months in advance. You can also follow their websites, apps, or social networking pages to be updated.

Step 4: Buy the Right Shoes

When you are ready for action, the next thing is to begin purchasing products based on the market and the new releases. The essence is to target unique, special, or rare-release sneakers or those created through partnerships as they are usually in demand but available in small quantities. Some of the most popular brands for reselling include:

• Nike (especially Air Jordans, Dunks, and collaborations)
• Adidas (Yeezys, UltraBoosts)
• New Balance (popular among streetwear enthusiasts)
• Reebok (collaborations with designers and influencers)

You should also be aware of the price of these shoes in retail stores and the secondary market value. Platforms like StockX can help determine how much a shoe is worth in the secondary market. Not every release that is hyped is likely to be profitable, therefore, it is recommended that one should check previous sale figures before making a purchase.

Step 5: Set Up Your Reselling Platforms

To sell your shoes, you have to register accounts on various online reselling platforms that are a marketplace for both the buyers as well as the sellers. Such platforms provide an authentication service to facilitate the identification of the actual footwear. Some of the most widely used platforms include:

• StockX
• GOAT
• eBay
• Depop

Besides these platforms, also consider being part of our Cook Groups where one can get tips, tools, and support to improve the process of reselling sneakers. Our Cook Groups supports resellers in gaining a competitive advantage and contains useful tools and information that can contribute to the success of this profitable business.

Step 6: Price Your Shoes Correctly

Price is one of the biggest factors that can either give you the sale you want or keep you from attaining it. You can’t charge too little for your services, but you can’t charge too much either and then lose a lot of profits. Here are some factors to consider when pricing your shoes:

1. Condition
2. Rarity 
3. Market Demand

Step 7: Expand Your Inventory

After getting some sales and having realized some capital, it is important to restock to get new and better business products. With time, you will learn what shoes are most popular and the right amount of stock to order or store. Having a variety of items that include hot kicks, collaborations, and other regular releases will increase your chances of selling more products on the market.

FAQs

1. Do shoe resellers make money?

Yes, shoe resellers can earn good, especially with the limited release of the shoes. The demand for sneakers especially in the secondary market has risen over the last few years and some sneakers are sold at much higher prices than their original price.

2. Can I become a Nike reseller?

To become an official seller of Nike shoes, one must enter into a partnership with Nike Inc., which is not easy. Nike has very stringent conditions for anyone who wants to become its trader as you will be required to have a store, a business proposal, and former experience.

Conclusion

Starting a shoe reselling business requires dedication, research, and a love for sneakers. With the right strategy, you can turn your passion into a profitable venture. By understanding the market, staying ahead of sneaker drops, and building your network, you can become a successful shoe reseller in no time.

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