Did you know that you can sell sneakers for cash?
You might be surprised to learn that those boxed-up kicks gathering dust in your closet could net you some serious green. Your used Nikes could be worth 3x their original price, or more!
With sneakerheads snatching up every new release and vintage find, the global sneaker resale market is exploding – with annual sales expected to exceed $51 billion by 2032!
Ready to cash in on this popular trend?
This article ranks the best places to sell sneakers for cash today. Plus, we’ll show you how to clean, prepare, and market your shoes to get top dollar. And we’ll even teach you how to avoid common scams.
Whether you are looking for a little wiggle room in your budget or an ongoing side hustle, reselling sneakers could be your golden ticket.
Top 12 Places To Sell Sneakers For Cash
Looking to flip your gently used quicks for quick cash? The right platform can make all the difference.
Whether you want to reach a global market or the sneakerhead next door, here’s a list of the 12 best places to turn your used shoes into extra money.
1) eBay: A Global Marketplace for Sneaker Reselling
eBay is known as the “world’s online marketplace.” Merchants use eBay’s vast reach to sell everything from antiques and collectibles to electronics and clothes.
And sneakers are no exception.
If you have rare designer sneakers in mint condition, eBay is an excellent place to sell them. The platform offers 250 free listings per month – which is more than enough for most hobbyists. But above this volume, listings are still only $0.35 each.
The website’s variable commission rate depends on the final value of the item.
- Sneakers under $150: If you are an Individual seller, the final value fee is 12.9% of the total. eBay Store Subscribers pay 12%. Plus, there is a $0.30 per order fee.
- Sneakers over $150: If you are an Individual seller, the final value fee is 8% of the total. eBay Store Subscribers pay 7%. Per-order fees are waived in this category.
One benefit of using eBay to sell sneakers for money is that its seller protection policy protects you from fraud. So if a buyer never receives their shoes or they are not as described, you will be covered. The downside, however, is that the high commissions may eat up your profits.
Pro Tip: Be honest when listing sneakers. Include specifics about the condition, history, and any unique features. Plus, high-quality photos from multiple angles can significantly increase your chances of a successful sale.
2) Mercari: Selling Sneakers Online Made Easy
Mercari is a free app for selling shoes, clothes, electronics, collectibles, and more. It is available on both iOS and Android devices.
Mercari makes selling items on the marketplace easy.
- There is no charge for listings. All you have to promote your sneakers is snap a few photos, add a description, and set your price.
- Once your shoes sell, Mercari will email you a shipping label to print and attach. Simply ensure the package has a valid tracking number and drop it off within three business days.
- After the buyer receives the package, they have three days to confirm the contents and leave you a review. Mercari then shares your rating and releases the funds (net of their fees).
The platform charges a 10% commission, a 2.9% processing fee, and a $0.50 flat fee on all orders sold. Mercari sellers especially like how quickly they receive their funds.
3) Poshmark: Sell Used Shoes And Make Friends Too!
Poshmark is a resale app that you can use to sell your sneakers, clothing, and other accessories for cash.
A great benefit to Poshmark is its social media component. Users can follow each other, like and comment on listings, and join virtual “Posh Parties.” These parties are themed events where users can browse and buy items from specific categories.
For example, there may be a “Sneakerhead Party” or a Jordan-themed party, where users discuss shoes and check out new listings.
It is always free to list shoes on Poshmark. But the website does take a flat fee of $2.95 for orders under $15 and 20% for orders over $15. This makes Poshmark one of the most expensive platforms to sell sneakers.
Pro Tip: Kate Hill, who has made $123,000 in two years selling on Poshmark, offers this advice to beginners – “Take great pictures. If your cover shot doesn’t look dynamite, no one is going to give your item a second glance.”
4) GOAT: Your Platform for Trusted Sneaker Resale
GOAT is a sneaker-focused resale website renowned for authenticity, which is why it has such a dedicated community.
If you own a pair of Yeezys, Jordans, or Gucci, you can snag top dollar by selling them on GOAT. However, you must apply to sell on GOAT – and the approval process may take a few days.
To create a listing, you need the product’s SKU, which you can find inside the shoe or the original packaging. Then, once your shoes have sold, GOAT will send you a prepaid shipping label.
GOAT has a performance-based commission structure. Sellers start at the lowest level of 9.5% plus a flat $5 fee. But if there are sneaker verification issues or you repeatedly cancel transactions, your seller fee can increase to 15% or even 25%.
5) StockX: The Place To Sell High-End Sneakers
StockX is another prominent sneaker resale website. Unlike other platforms where you transact directly, however, StockX acts as a middleman. Before shipping to the buyer, items are sent directly to StockX for product verification.
Like eBay, StockX offers both “ask” and “sell now” prices. These options give serious sneaker resellers even more flexibility.
StockX charges a transaction fee plus a 3% payment processing fee. New sellers pay a 10% transaction fee, while more experienced sellers pay just 8%.
StockX mostly caters to the high-end market. Its best-selling sneaker brands include Yeezy, retro Jordans, and Adidas. And, unfortunately for some sellers, the site does not accept used sneakers.
Pro Tip: To maximize your earnings on StockX, study trending brands and models. Try to list your sneakers when demand peaks, like during special releases or seasonal changes, to land quicker sales and bigger profits.
6) OfferUp: Your Local Solution For Quick Sneaker Sales
OfferUp is a local marketplace app where people sell everything from cars to clothes to furniture.
OfferUp stands out by offering meet-up spots where buyers and sellers can safely exchange items for cash. These places are in highly visible locations, such as police departments and retail stores.
To sell on Offerup, you must download the mobile app. Then, you can list your sneakers for free. Most sales transact locally, which gives sellers the convenience of quick cash collection without the shipping hassles.
However, you can always choose to ship the buyer a package instead of meeting up. In this case, the buyer is responsible for the shipping costs and the seller pays 12.9% of the final price (with a minimum fee of $1.99).
7) thredUP: The Hassle-Free Way To Sell Sneakers For Cash
thredUP is another great way to sell used shoes online. To get started, request a “Clean-Out” kit online. Then, package up your shoes and send them in.
When they receive your shoes, thredUP will inspect them, determine the appropriate resale value, and list them. Unfortunately, thredUP does not accept all shoes. So make sure your kicks meet thredUp’s standards 一 clean, wear-free, with no damage or alterations.
If your shoes are in the “value and mall brands” tier, which includes Nike, Target, Old Navy, and Gap, they will be listed for two months. Top-tier brands like Gucci, Fendi, and Louis Vitton, on the other hand, can be listed for up to three months.
When your footwear sells, you will receive your cash via PayPal or Stripe. You can also use it as store credit with thredUP to buy your next pair of shoes. The payment amount depends on the listing price, with $50 to $99 items seeing a 40% to 70% fee. Items $100 to $200 see a 20% to 40% fee, and items $200+ see a 20% fee.
Although the website offers great convenience, thredUP does have the highest take rate on this list.
Pro Tip: thredUp is ideal if you want to sell gently used sneakers (that don’t have collector value). For rare or more valuable items, consider other platforms on our list.
8) Kixify: Unleash Your Sneaker Sales Potential
Kixify is another awesome place to sell sneakers for cash. The platform requires you to set up an online storefront to begin. There is no cost to create your store or list your shoes. But when your shoes sell, Kixify will take a 10% transaction fee. Earnings are sent via PayPal.
An important benefit of using Kixify is that you control your online store’s policies. These can include shipping, returns, exchanges, damages, and more.
Pro Tip: Although the site offers a great deal of flexibility, it may be overwhelming if you only want to sell one pair of sneakers. Kixify is probably best reserved for power sellers or sneaker flippers.
9) Flyp: Hands-Off Approach To Sneaker Reselling
Flyp is a resale website where you can sell designer sneakers and other items for quick cash. However, the selling process with Flyp is quite different from other sites. Flyp connects you to a network of independent Pro Sellers who handle everything from listing and pricing to negotiating with buyers and shipping the products.
To sell on Flyp, take photos of your sneakers and connect with a Pro Seller. Your Pro will sell items on your behalf and split the profits with you. Flyp itself also takes a 5% platform fee for matching you with the consignor.
One major advantage of selling items with Flyp is that you don’t have to lift a finger. You only receive a portion of the profit, but you don’t have to deal with the headache of selling.
Pro Tip: Use Flyp’s Crosslist feature to list your sneakers across multiple platforms, like eBay and Poshmark. Ashley from Hustle at Home Mom shows how this one feature can be a game-changer.
10) Grailed: Capitalize On Luxury Sneaker Reselling
Another popular online marketplace to sell sneakers online is Grailed. Grailed focuses on “authenticated pieces” from high-end and luxury brands. So if you want to sell a rare pair of Yeezys or Givenchy trainers, this is the platform for you.
On Grailed, there’s no cost to sign up or list your items for sale. You only have to pay a 9% commission for the sale and payment processing fees of 3.49% plus $0.49 (or 4.99% plus $0.49 for international payments).
11) Craigslist: Sell Used Shoes For Cash… Without Fees!
If you want to sell sneakers for cash locally, Craigslist is a trusty option. Although there are some risks to using the platform, like meeting with strangers, it is still a popular place to sell items quickly.
The best part is that there are no fees. You keep all the profits!
To get started, create a detailed listing filled with high-quality photos, a clear description, and your asking price. Interested buyers will contact you via email to negotiate. Once you settle on a price, arrange a time to complete the sale.
Pro Tip: When selling to an unknown buyer, always take safety precautions. Meet in a public space, bring a friend along, and collect the money before handing over your shoes.
12) Consignment Stores: Make Money While Supporting Your Community
Finally, don’t forget about local consignment shops.
These stores offer a unique, personal touch you can’t find online. Imagine walking into a store, sneakers in hand, and chatting with someone who’s just as passionate about your kicks as you are.
Consignment stores typically charge a percentage of the final sale. The exact percentage varies, but it’s common for stores to take anywhere from 25% to 60% of the total. This fee covers their costs for rent, shelf space, marketing, and selling the product.
The best part about this route is that you get to connect with local enthusiasts. Plus, there is no need to worry about packing and shipping. Just bring your sneakers to the store, and they take care of the rest.
Pro Tip: Find a consignment store that matches your style. If you have a pair of vintage Jordans, look for a store specializing in retro kicks. But if it’s the latest Yeezys, then a trendy boutique might be your best bet. Picking the right store can make all the difference in attracting the right customers and getting the best offer on your shoes.
Sneaker Resale Platforms: Who Has The Lowest Fees?
To get a better sense of the fees that each of these platforms charges, the table below summarizes the potential earnings from the sale of a $50 pair of sneakers, a $200 pair, and a $500 pair. Shipping costs are not included — we assume those are covered by the buyer.
Keep in mind that this table also assumes you can sell the sneakers on every platform, which is not always the case. Sellers always have to balance fees with demand for their products.
| $50.00 | $200.00 | $500.00 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| eBay | $43.25 | $184.00 | $460.00 |
| Mercari | $43.05 | $173.70 | $435.00 |
| Poshmark | $40.00 | $160.00 | $400.00 |
| GOAT | $40.25 | $176.00 | $447.50 |
| StockX | $41.00 | $174.00 | $435.00 |
| OfferUp | $43.55 | $174.20 | $435.50 |
| thredUP | $30.00 | $160.00 | $400.00 |
| Kixify | $45.00 | $180.00 | $450.00 |
| Flyp | $23.75 | $95.00 | $237.50 |
| Grailed | $43.27 | $174.53 | $437.06 |
| Craigslist | $50.00 | $200.00 | $500.00 |
| Consignment | $37.50 | $150.00 | $375.00 |
How To Maximize Your Sneaker Resale Profits: 7 Tips
If you want to sell your sneakers for cash, success isn’t all about where you sell. It’s also important to think about how you sell.
To maximize your profits in the resale game, you will need to master both presentation and strategy. Here are 7 tricks of the trade to do just that:
1) Put Your Best Foot Forward
Nobody wants sneakers with scuff marks. If you want to sell your sneakers for top dollar, make sure they are clean and presentable. This means wiping them down with a damp cloth and removing any dirt or debris from the soles and laces. Consider giving them a new shine to really make them pop.
2) Take Great Photos
Bad pictures can kill a sale. So always spend the time to take the best photos you can. Use a well-lit room and a clean background. Keep the shoes in focus and capture them from every angle. Also, include pics of the soles and inside tags. This will give potential buyers the confidence to pull the trigger.
3) Choose The Best Platform
There are many platforms where you can sell your sneakers for cash. But they are not all created equal. Fees vary by site and each platform caters to a different clientele.
Some sites, like Poshmark and thredUP, have a large community but also charge high fees. Others, like Grailed and GOAT, specialize in sneakers but may have more niche communities.
4) Write An Engaging Description
When building your listing, include everything that a buyer might want to know in the description. This includes the brand, size, color, and condition. If you have any special documentation, like a receipt or box, mention (and photograph) that as well.
The more information you provide, the more trust you will build with potential buyers.
5) Monitor Your Competition
Regularly check competing listings on platforms like eBay or StockX for prices and shoe-buying trends. Join sneaker forums and social media groups to keep your finger on the pulse of what enthusiasts are currently seeking and talking about.
6) Set A Fair Price
Check what similar shoes have recently sold for to determine a fair price range. Then, consider your shoes’ condition.
Sneakers in great shape should sell at the higher end of the range, while those with a little wear and tear should be priced on the lower end. If you want to make a quick sale, offer a discount relative to the competition.
7) Promote Your Listing
Use social media platforms like Instagram and sneaker-focused Facebook groups to showcase your listings and reach a wider audience. Keep in mind that collectors will often buy more than one pair of sneakers. So create an email list of your past customers and regularly send them updates on your newest offerings.
How Much Can You Make Reselling Sneakers
Whether you want to make a few hundred dollars per month or create a million-dollar business, flipping sneakers for cash is a great side hustle to consider.
Just check out Tia Hall. She started her sneaker reselling business out of her dad’s garage and now pulls in $350,000 per month!
Tia’s number one tip for beginners — learn how to negotiate. That’s because profit is made on the buy, not the sale. Getting each pair at the right price is crucial for your income and success.
Even with Tia’s tips, launching your own sneaker business can seem intimidating, especially if you don’t know where to buy the footwear.
To start dabbling in this space, create an account on a platform like StockX or thredUp. Also, keep an eye on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist for local deals. At first, learn to spot opportunities in a niche that you can master. From there, you can expand your reach and branch out into other brands, vintages, or even product types.
But before you put any money on the line, make sure you know these 5 things about flipping sneakers for cash:
1) Know Which Shoes Sell
Not all sneakers are in high demand, so you need to know which brands and which product lines sell fast. Don’t get caught investing in a pair that you can’t unload quickly. The last thing you want is to be stuck with a bunch of inventory that is not moving.
2) Match Your Platform To Your Goals
Are you looking to flip one pair, or build an empire? Do you want to minimize your fees or appeal to the largest possible audience to make a quick sale?
Think about your specific goals and then select the platform that suits you best.
3) Don’t Overlook The Local Market
You could sell your sneakers on a national platform like StockX. However, you might get a better return on your investment by selling locally. By connecting with buyers and sellers in your area, you can avoid shipping fees and the waiting process.
4) Understand Value
Just because a shoe has a high retail value does not mean it is a wise investment. You also need to consider things like condition, desirability, and rarity.
Oftentimes limited edition shoes that sell out quickly can be resold at a much higher price than they were initially offered. But not always. Keep your finger on the pulse of the market to get a sense of what’s valuable and what’s not.
Don’t Get Scammed!
Nothing is more disheartening than finding a killer deal, only to discover later that the shoes were not authentic. Even the top sneaker resellers sometimes fall for this scam.
Fortunately, these key tips can help you identify fake sneakers before you hand over any money:
- If it’s too good to be true, it probably is. Exceptionally low prices for high-demand sneakers should be a huge red flag.
- Verify serial numbers and authentication tags. Authentic sneakers will have unique serial numbers. Plus, they often come with authentication tags that you can check on the manufacturer’s website (to confirm that they’re the real deal).
- Check the quality of the materials. Examine the materials, stitching, and logo. Then compare them, especially the logo, with official photos from the brand’s website. Manufacturers pride themselves on using the best materials and workmanship. Anything less than the best is a sign to steer clear.
- Examine the box and packaging. Discrepancies in the logo or lettering can be a dead giveaway that the shoes are fakes. Also, you may be able to scan the barcode on the box to verify authenticity with the manufacturer.
- Look for any inconsistencies. Small details can be revealing. Check for color variations, misaligned logos, incorrect fonts, and other discrepancies.
- Check the seller’s reviews. Always review the seller’s transaction history. Consistent positive feedback is a good indicator of a trustworthy seller. If they don’t have any reviews (or just a few), you may want to proceed with caution.
Trust your gut! The bottom line is: If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Trust your instincts, skip the purchase, and move on to the next opportunity. It’s better to save yourself the hassle and avoid taking a loss on a pair of counterfeits.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a fun and easy way to make money online, selling sneakers for cash is a great option. Armed with the insights from this guide, you are now ready to turn those boxed-up kicks into extra income.
Platforms like StockX and thredUp make it easy to get started. Just create an account, keep an eye out for opportunities, and act quickly when you see them.
Your key to success is understanding the market and focusing on shoes that you know will sell fast! And with every pair you flip, you gain valuable experience and profits.
So start small, dream big, and use these strategies to build a profitable side hustle. Happy deal hunting!
Selling Sneakers Online FAQs
You can make a modest profit by flipping common (not limited edition) sneakers. Depending on the brand and condition, you could potentially earn 10% to 50% above the retail price. For example, Adidas x Pharrells sell for an average of 1.38x their original retail price on StockX.
Profits can be significantly higher for rare, limited-edition, or highly sought-after sneakers. In-demand pairs often sell for triple their original retail price or more! Look no further than the Nike x Off Whites, which go for nearly 4x their original price on StockX.
The fastest way to sell sneakers is usually through a consignment store like StockX or thredUp. You can also sell locally through Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. With this approach, you may have a smaller market of buyers but you get to collect the cash immediately.
If your sneakers don’t sell, you might consider lowering the price or relisting them on a different platform. You could also sell them to a consignment store, but they will take a cut of the profits.
A sneaker bot is a software program that automates the online purchasing process of limited-release sneakers. These bots are particularly useful during high-demand launches because they can complete the buying process much faster than a human can.
Although they are not illegal, many retailers and online platforms have policies against bot use. As a result, they work to actively detect and block sneaker bot activity to ensure fair access to their new releases.
The best overall platform to resell sneakers depends is eBay. However, the answer may depend on your exact circumstances.
If you are looking for the highest possible return, consider selling locally to avoid fees. But if you have extremely rare sneakers and want the widest possible audience, consider StockX or eBay.
