Selling shoes, whether you’re decluttering your closet or starting a side hustle, presents a lucrative opportunity in today’s booming online marketplaces. Turning unwanted footwear into cash has never been more accessible, with numerous platforms catering to diverse needs and shoe types.
Drawing from personal experience selling shoes both online and in person, and insights gained from working in retail and resale, this guide aims to navigate you through the best avenues for selling your shoes effectively. We’ll explore a range of options, from online giants to local consignment stores, helping you maximize your profits and reach the right buyers.
Key takeaways for finding the best place to sell shoes:
- The right platform is crucial for profitable shoe sales, whether online or in person.
- Local options like consignment and thrift stores offer quick cash and ease of selling, but often at lower returns.
- Success hinges on understanding your target market, competitive pricing, and effective presentation.
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Is Selling Shoes Profitable? Understanding the Market
The profitability of selling shoes can be surprisingly high, with some individuals building full-fledged businesses around it. The sneaker resale market, in particular, is a significant side hustle for many.
For newcomers, the potential to earn from used shoes might be underestimated. However, brand recognition and current demand are key factors determining resale value. Limited edition sneakers or high-demand styles often command prices far exceeding their original retail cost. Conversely, not all shoes enjoy the same level of demand.
Choosing the right selling platform is equally critical. Certain marketplaces boast large shoe-buying communities, increasing your chances of a sale and potentially higher prices. However, these platforms might not always specialize in luxury or high-end footwear.
Top Online Marketplaces to Sell Shoes
Before diving into specific platforms, here’s a general step-by-step process common across most online shoe selling websites:
- Account Setup: Register and create your seller profile.
- Market Research: Investigate your shoe’s market value by examining current listings and past sales of comparable items.
- High-Quality Photography: Capture clear, well-lit images from various angles, highlighting unique features and any imperfections against a clean background.
- Detailed Description: Write an accurate and comprehensive description including brand, size, condition, color, style, and any notable flaws or wear.
- Competitive Pricing: Set an attractive price based on your research, choosing between auction-style or fixed-price listings, depending on platform options.
- Shipping and Returns: Define your shipping methods (USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc.) and calculate costs. Establish your return and refund policies.
- Buyer Interaction: Promptly answer questions from potential buyers to facilitate sales.
- Sale Completion and Shipping: Upon sale, securely package the shoes, utilize tracking and insurance for shipment, and adhere to platform guidelines.
- Payment Receipt: Expect payment via methods like direct deposit, PayPal, bank transfer, or platform credit, depending on the site.
Here are some of the best online platforms to consider when you’re figuring out Where To Sell Shoes:
1. eBay
eBay remains a dominant online marketplace with a global reach, facilitating the sale of virtually anything, including shoes. With its establishment in 1995, eBay is a household name in online selling.
Selling on eBay involves creating listings with detailed descriptions and quality photos. Be mindful of seller fees, including listing fees and final value fees. You can opt for a “Buy It Now” price or utilize the auction format to generate competitive bids.
2. Poshmark
Poshmark is a social-centric platform particularly popular for selling fashion items, including a wide variety of shoes.
Listing is user-friendly: upload photos, add descriptions, and set your price. Poshmark’s social features allow you to connect with other users, follow closets, and participate in virtual “parties” to showcase your items.
Poshmark’s fee structure includes a flat rate of $2.95 for sales under $15. For sales $15 and over, they charge 20% commission, while handling credit card processing and providing prepaid shipping labels.
3. Grailed
Grailed specializes in high-end and designer fashion, making it ideal for selling premium and limited-edition sneakers and apparel.
Grailed connects sellers with a niche market interested in quality and exclusive items. Listings require a minimum of three high-quality images and accurate descriptions. Their Price Comparison feature is valuable for gauging market value against similar sold listings.
Grailed offers free listings and charges a 9% commission fee upon successful sale.
4. Mercari
Mercari launched in 2013 as a user-friendly platform for selling secondhand goods, including shoes, and boasts over 350,000 new listings daily.
Selling on Mercari is straightforward: upload photos, categorize your item, set your price, and list. Mercari charges a 10% commission fee but no listing fees, making it an accessible option for sellers.
5. Depop
Depop established in 2011, is a mobile-first platform favored for clothing and shoe sales, especially in the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Italy. Its app-based interface, resembling Instagram, is visually driven, with many sellers modeling their items.
Depop is particularly popular among younger demographics, especially those under 26. Listings should include high-quality, visually appealing images and relevant hashtags for increased visibility. Depop’s commission is 10% per sale.
6. GOAT
GOAT is a leading platform for sneaker sales, emphasizing authenticity and catering to serious sneaker enthusiasts.
Becoming a GOAT seller requires an application process. Once approved, selling involves searching for your shoe’s SKU (found on the box or shoe), specifying condition and price, and uploading photos. GOAT authenticates sneakers post-sale before releasing payment to ensure buyer trust.
GOAT’s commission structure starts at 9.5% plus seller fees for sellers in good standing but can increase to 15% or even 25% plus seller fees based on seller performance metrics like cancellations or authenticity issues.
7. StockX
StockX operates as a stock market for sneakers and streetwear, providing a unique platform for selling shoes, especially high-demand sneakers.
Listing involves searching for the specific shoe model and setting an “ask” price. StockX authenticates sneakers after a sale before completion, ensuring product integrity. They charge a transaction fee around 9% plus payment processing fees. Sellers can set both an asking price and a “Sell Now” price for immediate sales.
8. The RealReal
The RealReal, founded in 2011, specializes in luxury consignment, offering a platform to sell designer shoes and other high-end items. Sellers can earn up to 85% of the selling price.
The RealReal employs a team of luxury authentication experts who verify the quality and authenticity of items. Consigned shoes undergo inspection and verification before pricing, which is determined based on market value and condition. The RealReal handles listing and selling on their platform.
9. ThredUP
ThredUP, established in 2009, is an online consignment and thrift store where you can sell shoes and clothing through a convenient Clean Out Kit service.
Here’s how ThredUP works:
- Account Creation: Sign up for a thredUP account.
- Clean Out Kit Request: Order a Clean Out Kit from their website, which includes a bag for your items.
- Shipping Your Shoes: Fill the bag with gently used shoes and clothing and send it back using the prepaid label.
- Payment: ThredUP handles pricing and listing. Once items sell, you can choose to receive cash or ThredUP credit.
10. Flyp
Flyp takes a different approach, connecting sellers with networks of expert resellers for designer and name-brand shoes.
Flyp specializes in designer and brand-name shoes in excellent condition – smoke-free, smell-free, and without stains or rips. They do not accept non-brand name shoes. Accepted brands include Adidas, Michael Kors, Tory Burch, and Gucci. Top-selling shoe types on Flyp include athletic shoes, heels, boots, and sneakers.
11. buyMYheels
BuyMYheels is a niche website dedicated to selling designer heels. It charges a £5 nonrefundable listing fee.
This platform caters to a global audience, allowing sellers to list heels and buyers to submit offers, often involving negotiation.
12. Vestiaire Collective (formerly Tradesy)
Vestiaire Collective, previously known as Tradesy, launched in 2009 as a platform for buying and selling shoes and fashion items, focusing on luxury and designer goods.
Listing is straightforward, requiring an account and photos. Upon sale, Vestiaire Collective provides a prepaid shipping label and pays sellers up to 85% of the sale price.
13. Kixify
Kixify is a specialized marketplace for buying and selling sneakers, ranking among the top 50 shopping apps in the U.S. Apple App Store. Founded in 2013, Kixify has featured over 300,000 shoe listings.
Setting up a store on Kixify is free, with a 10% transaction fee upon sale. There are no listing, setup, or monthly fees, allowing sellers to list unlimited shoes. Popular brands on Kixify include Air Jordan, Nike, Adidas, and Puma.
Local Options: Selling Shoes Near You
For local sales, Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are effective platforms, offering user-friendly interfaces to connect with nearby buyers for in-person transactions.
14. Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace enables direct listing through your Facebook account, reaching a local audience effectively.
Steps to sell on Facebook Marketplace:
- Login to Facebook.
- Click “Marketplace” icon.
- Click “Create New Listing.”
- Select “Items” and fill in shoe details (brand, size, condition).
- Upload clear photos.
- Set price and location.
- Publish listing; buyers contact you via Messenger.
Always arrange meetings in safe, public locations for transactions.
15. Craigslist
Craigslist is another localized option for selling shoes directly to local buyers.
Steps to list on Craigslist:
- Visit Craigslist and select your city.
- Click “create a posting.”
- Choose “for sale by owner” and relevant category (e.g., clothing & accessories).
- Enter shoe details (brand, size, condition, price).
- Upload photos.
- Add contact info (email is anonymized) and publish.
Arrange safe, public meeting spots for transactions with Craigslist buyers.
Consignment and Thrift Stores for Selling Shoes
Consignment and thrift stores provide another avenue for selling shoes, offering immediate cash and decluttering benefits.
16. Buffalo Exchange
Buffalo Exchange is a secondhand retail chain buying and selling used clothing, accessories, and shoes, with around 40 US locations.
Buffalo Exchange offers cash or store credit for shoes, paying 25% of their selling price in cash or 50% in store credit. They are known for trendy and unique selections. Sellers bring items to the store for evaluation based on style, condition, and demand, receiving an offer on the spot. ID is required for selling.
17. Plato’s Closet
Plato’s Closet focuses on gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories for teens and young adults, with over 400 US stores.
Plato’s Closet offers cash for accepted items, typically around 30% of their resale price. While prices may be lower, it provides a convenient selling process. They frequently purchase shoes, especially quality brands.
18. Crossroads Trading
Crossroads Trading is a consignment chain with over 30 locations, accepting clean, gently used items across brands and styles.
Selling options include 30% cash or 50% store credit of their set selling price. Consignment options offer 50% to 70% cash payout after the item sells. They also offer a mail-in service with Zelle payments and a return fee for unaccepted items.
19. Uptown Cheapskate
Uptown Cheapskate is a retail and resale store with approximately 100 locations, buying gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories.
Uptown Cheapskate offers instant cash or store credit for items brought into their stores, with a simple process and broad acceptance of styles and brands.
20. Local Consignment Shops
Beyond chains, explore local, independently owned consignment and secondhand shops for a more personalized experience and diverse item acceptance.
A simple Google search for “secondhand stores in [your city]” can reveal nearby options.
Tips and Best Practices for Selling Shoes Successfully
To maximize profits and sales success when selling shoes, consider these best practices:
Condition Inspection
Thoroughly inspect and clean shoes before listing. Remove dirt and scuffs to enhance appearance. Honesty about condition and clear photos detailing any wear are crucial for buyer trust.
Brand and Size Knowledge
Develop knowledge about shoe sizes and brand variations, as sizing systems differ. Stay informed on current trends and brand popularity to optimize pricing and demand.
Platform Fee Consideration
Carefully evaluate commission fees on different platforms, as they directly impact your profit margin. Factor in shipping costs, as some platforms offer prepaid labels, while others require sellers to cover them.
Smart Marketing
Craft compelling listings with engaging titles and detailed descriptions. Utilize relevant keywords (brand, size, style) to improve search visibility. High-quality photos from multiple angles are essential. Promote listings on social media and shoe communities to expand reach.
Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Shoes
Where is the best place to sell old shoes? What is the best platform to resell shoes on?
eBay is a widely used marketplace for selling old shoes globally. Poshmark offers a large shoe market, and local apps like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace facilitate local sales. Specialty sites cater to niche markets and higher-value shoes.
Where can I get cash for my shoes nearby?
Facebook Marketplace is ideal for local cash sales. Garage sales offer quick sales but typically at lower prices.
What online platforms can I sell my shoes on?
Top online platforms include eBay, Poshmark, Grailed, Mercari, Depop, GOAT, StockX, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist, catering to diverse shoe types and price points.
Where can I sell my shoes the fastest?
Poshmark and eBay are known for quicker sales, influenced by shoe demand, condition, and pricing. Same-day cash sales are possible through secondhand stores like Plato’s Closet or Buffalo Exchange, and Facebook Marketplace for local transactions.
How much money can I make selling shoes?
Earnings vary greatly based on brand, condition, and rarity. Some shoes may yield a few dollars, while others, particularly limited edition or designer shoes, can bring in hundreds. Shoe flipping can become a substantial income source.
Which websites specialize in used shoes?
Poshmark and Grailed are good options for selling used shoes, focusing on fashion and higher-end items respectively.
How can I sell designer shoes for cash?
Platforms like StockX, The RealReal, and Grailed target luxury buyers, suitable for designer shoes.
Is it worth it to sell shoes?
Selling shoes is worthwhile for decluttering, earning extra income, or starting a resale business. It requires effort in research, cleaning, and listing but can be a rewarding venture.
Best Places To Sell Shoes – In Summary
Selling shoes offers numerous avenues for generating income, whether through online marketplaces, local platforms, or consignment stores. The optimal choice depends on your goals, shoe types, and time investment.
Online platforms like eBay provide global reach, while specialized marketplaces such as StockX cater to niche collectors. Secondhand and consignment stores offer ease and quicker sales. By carefully considering these options, you can identify the best places to sell shoes and maximize your returns.
Are you ready to start selling your shoes online and locally?
