Who Buys Shoes Near Me

Selling used shoes can have its challenges, but there are a few different types of buyers out there, each with its own pros and cons. If you’re looking for places to sell your shoes, it’s important to know who you’re selling to and how to price your shoes accordingly. In this article, I will address where to sell your shoes and how to get the most money for them. I will also share my experience with the place who buys shoes near me.

Map of Who Buys Shoes Near Me

For “Who Buys Shoes Near Me”, see the map below…

Understanding Who Buys Shoes…

There are two main types of consumers who buy shoes near me: those who buy for resale and those who buy for personal use. Each type has its own set of pros and cons. While there are two buyer types there are multiple platforms to sell them on.

First, let’s address the two types of buyers, knowing who you are selling to will dictate the price you can get and your strategy.

Buyers Who Buy to Resell

These are typically businesses or people who purchase used shoes to flip them for a profit. They are looking for high-quality shoes and sneakers at the lowest possible price so they can turn a profit. These buyers are looking for the lowest possible bottom line and a deal. Some are looking to purchase shoes selling sneakers in bulk and receive a volume discount.

Buyers Who Buy for Personal Use

These are your average consumers looking to buy shoes that they will wear themselves. These customers tend to pay more, especially if you have something they covet.

While they will haggle for a lower price, it will still be a higher return than you might get from a reseller. The downside to these buyers is they will be more concerned about the quality and other details.

Who Buys Shoes Near Me – Marketplaces to Find Local Buyers

Connecting with local buyers is one of the simplest methods to sell your old shoes. A local buyer will usually be able to expedite the selling process and get you paid the fastest.

After you’ve negotiated a sales price with a prospective customer, you can connect to exchange the first pair of shoes in person.

The upside to a local sale is you can avoid shipping fees. The downside is you will have to find a safe place to go and meet the buyer to deliver the shoes.

Facebook Market Place

There are also many online platforms available to sell your shoes, but Facebook Marketplace is one of the best. You have the potential to reach a larger audience than your locale, but primarily the post of your shoes will be shown to local buyers.

This is a great option for most, as you likely already have a Facebook account. For tips on creating an effective Facebook Marketplace post, read this.

OfferUp

OfferUp is a free service to list and sell stuff on. Shoes do well on this platform. The site is similar to Craigslist. You can connect with local buyers and negotiate the terms.

Nextdoor

Nextdoor is a community-based website where you connect with neighbors in your zip code. The app features a “For Sale” category, in which you can post your shoes in the “clothing and accessories” section. There are no listing fees or commissions.

Shpock

Shpock is another local sales alternative for selling your shoes locally. There are no commissions and fees to post and sell. This is a good site to connect with local people who want to buy shoes.

Varage Sale

Varage Sale is a virtual garage sale website that looks a lot like Pinterest. It is another option for who buys shoes near me. One of the things that separate Varage Sale from other platforms is they vet users before allowing them to buy or have places to sell. This can help you trust that the buyer has been vetted and ID’d before you interact with them.

Craigslist

Craigslist is one of the older methods to sell stuff online, but it’s still effective. You will have to wade through lowballers, junk email, scammers, and hagglers, but you can find a local shoe buyer.

To get started listing your shoes on Craigslist you can post your shoes on the “clothes+ acc” section. For tips on creating an effective Craigslist post, read this.

5 Miles

5 Miles is a community-based website where you can sell just about anything. The premise is to reach local people within 5 miles of you. 5Miles does charge a listing fee to create a post, however, there is no commission on the sale. So It’s wise to account for that when you set the price and negotiate with a buyer.

Who Buys Shoes Near Me – Local Stores

These options are all resellers, which means lower offers, but cash on the spot. They also need to ensure that the shoes are not stolen, so to even sell shoes to them you may be asked to show a government ID.

All have a similar process. You visit a store, present your shoes, an employee evaluates them, and if they want them they make an offer. You can get cash right away if you accept the offer.

Buffalo Exchange

Buffalo Exchange has stores in 21 states where they buy and sell clothing and accessories, which include shoes and footwear. However, it’s best to call ahead before going to the store as some of retail stores in these places only buy shoes sell them when they have low supply and high demand.

Plato’s Closet

Plato’s Closet is a chain of used clothing stores. They market towards teens and adolescents, so more mature shoes and sneakers might not do so well here. However, any fashionable shoes and sneakers can work.

Uptown Cheapskate

Uptown Cheapskate operates 70 stores in the US and is a reseller of second-hand clothes, including shoes. They focus on upscale fashion and trendy items, sell sneakers, so if you have shoes that fit into that category, this may be a good buyer.

Who Buys Shoes Near Me – Pawn Shops and Consignment

Pawn Shops

Pawn shops will give you a loan for your shoes if you don’t want to sell them outright. How much you get will depend on the condition of the shoes and the demand for that style/brand. This is not your best option but could be an alternative to get cash quickly. They will only be interested if the shoes are brand name, there is market demand, they can get them for the absolute lowest price. Find a pawn shop here.

Consignment Stores

Consignment stores are similar to resale stores, but with consignment, the store only pays you after they sell your shoes. So, there is a risk that you may never get paid if they can’t sell them. But, if you’re not in a hurry for the money, this could be an option for selling your shoes. Find a consignment store here.

Who Buys Shoes Near Me – Where to Sell Shoes Online

These are marketplaces to try and reach larger global audiences. While you have a larger reach, you will also need to consider shipping.

eBay

eBay is one of the biggest online marketplaces in the world. You can sell just about anything on eBay, including shoes. The great thing about eBay is that you can set your price and shipping costs.

However, you will need to factor in PayPal fees and eBay’s final value fee, which is 10% of the sale price of eligible items (excluding shipping). For tips on creating an effective eBay listing, read here.

Poshmark

Poshmark is an online marketplace for fashion where you can buy and sell clothes, shoes, and accessories. While you can list for free, you must pay a high fee for the sale.

If selling price of the sale is less than $15, you will be charged $2.95 per transaction. You will be charged 20% if the sale amounts to more than $15. They do however take care of the shipping for you. For tips on creating an effective Poshmark listing, read here.

TheRealReal

TheRealReal is an online luxury consignment store. They sell designer clothes, shoes, handbags, jewelry, and watches. While they don’t charge for listings, they charge a commission of 15-45% of the sale price, so you will need to consider that when pricing your items.

Mercarci

Mercarci is an online marketplace similar to eBay but with a focus on fashion. You can sell clothes, shoes, and accessories on Mercarci. They have free listings but charge a final value fee of 10% of the sale price (excluding shipping).

ThredUP

ThredUP is a place online where you can send your shoes and they will decide whether or not to make you an offer. If they choose to purchase the whole pair of shoes, you may earn up to 80% of the resale value. You can choose to sell them immediately for cash via PayPal.

What to Consider When Selling Shoes Online

There are a few things to consider when selling shoes online.

First, you will need to take pictures of the shoes. Make sure they are clear and show any details that might be important, such as scuffs or scratches. You will also need to write a description of the shoes, which should include the brand, size, color, and any other relevant details.

Second, you will need to decide on a price. When pricing shoes, you will need to consider the condition of the new and used shoes together, the brand, and the style. You can use online tools like eBay’s “Completed Listings” to see what similar shoes have sold for recently.

Third, you will need to decide on a shipping method. If you are selling designer shoes on a marketplace like eBay or Mercarci, you will need to factor in the cost of shipping when pricing your shoes.

Finally, you will need to choose a payment method. For most online marketplaces, you will be able to use PayPal. However, you will need to factor in any fees associated with using PayPal.

Selling shoes and vintage items online can be a great way to make some extra money. Just make sure to consider the above factors before listing your shoes for sale.

Tips for Preparing Shoes for Sale

When you decide to sell shoes online, whether they are new and used shoes or name brand shoes, the way you prepare them for sale can significantly impact your success. This section provides practical tips on cleaning, restoring, and presenting your shoes to attract potential buyers.

Cleaning and Restoration Tips

• Cleaning Your Shoe Collection: Before listing your shoes for sale, it’s crucial to make them look their best. Start by removing any dirt or debris. For gently used shoes or old shoes, use a soft brush and a mild detergent. Pay special attention to the soles and sides, where dirt tends to accumulate.
• Restoring Designer Brands: High-end designer brands often require special care. Use quality polish or a conditioner to restore leather shoes. For sneakers, especially popular ones like Retro Jordans, a sneaker cleaner can help remove scuffs and restore their original color.
• Addressing Excessive Wear: If your shoes show signs of excessive wear, consider minor repairs. This might include fixing loose soles or replacing worn laces. Remember, shoes in better condition are more likely to fetch a best price.
• Preparing for In-Person Sales: If you’re selling shoes locally or in person, these steps are even more crucial. Buyers will want to inspect the shoes closely, so ensuring they are clean and well-maintained is key.

Presentation and Photography for Online Sales

• Photographing Your Shoes: High-quality images are essential for online sales. Take clear, well-lit photos of your shoes from multiple angles. Include pictures of any unique features or brand logos, especially if you’re selling name brand shoes.
• Writing a Detailed Description: Alongside your photos, write a detailed description of each pair. Mention the brand, size, condition, and any unique features. Be honest about any signs of wear; transparency builds trust with interested buyers.
• Setting Your Own Pricing: When you start selling, consider your own pricing strategy. Research similar items sold on popular platforms to gauge a fair price. Don’t forget to factor in any selling fees or costs for a prepaid shipping label.
• Using Online Platforms: Choose the right places to sell. Whether it’s a popular platform like eBay or a more niche site for fashion items, ensure it aligns with your target market. Some platforms may offer store credit, direct deposit, or PayPal account options for payment.
• Final Touches Before Shipping: Once a buyer purchases your shoes, prepare them for shipping. If you’re using a prepaid shipping label, make sure the package is secure and well-labeled. For direct deposit or ACH transfer sales, confirm the payment before sending the shoes.

By following these tips, you can enhance the appeal of your used shoes and sneakers, making them more attractive to buyers and potentially earning you some extra cash. Remember, the effort you put into preparing your shoes for sale can significantly impact your success as a pro seller.

Who Buys Shoes Near Me For the Most Money

To get the most cash from your shoes, finding a private buyer is ideal. This will be done on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, Nextdoor, Shpock, Varage Sale, Craigslist, and 5mile.

You can not only get more for your shoes directly from a private buyer, but you can avoid shipping fees. Except for 5Mile, all the other sites that I listed here are free to post and charge no commissions for sales. That means more money in your pockets.

What Determines the Price of Second Hand Shoes

There are a few factors that will affect how much you can get for your second-hand shoes.

The first is the condition of the shoes. Shoes in better condition will sell for more than shoes that are worn out.

The second factor is the brand of the shoes. Certain brands, like Nike and Adidas, tend to hold their value better than other brands.

The third factor is the style of the shoes. Shoes that are currently in style will sell for more than shoes that are out of style.

Finally, the fourth factor is the size of the shoes. Shoes that are difficult to find, like women’s size 10 or men’s size 14, will sell for more than shoes that are easy to find.

Keep these factors in mind when pricing your second-hand shoes. You can do market research on sites like eBay to see what other people are selling the same or similar shoes for.

What to Do If No One Buys Your Shoes…

If you can’t find someone who buys shoes near me, there are a few options for what to do with them.

One option is to either sell sneakers or donate them to a local thrift store or charity. This is a great option if the shoes are in good condition but you are unable to sell them.

Another option is to recycle the shoes. This can be done by taking them to a local shoe or textile recycling center or by mailing them to a company that recycles the shoes directly.

Finally, you can simply throw the unwanted shoes away. This should be a last resort, as there are many other options for what to do with shoes that you no longer want.

Who Buys Shoes Near Me – Conclusion

There are many different places where you can sell your shoes online. The best option for you will depend on a few factors, such as the condition of your shoes, the brand, and the style.

If you want to get the most money for your shoes, finding a private buyer is the best option. You can avoid fees and get more money for your shoes. However, this option does require you to meet up with the interested buyer, in person.

If you’re not comfortable meeting up with a stranger, there are other options available, such as online marketplaces and consignment stores. Just make sure to factor in any fees associated with these options before listing your shoes for sale. That’s what I have learned from the places who buys shoes near me.