Who Buys Sneakers Near Me
Sneakerheads rejoice–it is now easier than ever to sell your used sneakers! However, as with any marketplace, selling shoes comes with its challenges. There are a few different types of buyers out there and each has its advantages and disadvantages. In this article, I will show you where to sell your sneakers and how to get the most money for them. I will also share my experience with the place who buys sneakers near me.
Map of Who Buys Sneakers Near Me
For “Who Buys Sneakers Near Me”, see the map below…
Understanding Who Buys Sneakers…
Close to me, there are three types of people who purchase sneakers: those who make shoes sell resell them, those who use them, and those who collect them.
Each buyer has a different set of advantages and disadvantages. You can reach any of these types of buyers using multiple platforms.
Sellers must always be aware of who their target audience is, as this information will help to set an appropriate selling price point and determine the most effective selling strategy.
Buyers Who Buy to Resell
These businesses, retail stores or people buy used sneakers to resell them. To maximize their profits, they want high-quality sneakers at the cheapest possible price. They are constantly haggling for a better deal and trying to negotiate bulk discounts.
Buyers Who Buy for Personal Use
The average consumer who buys sneakers to wear themselves will pay more upfront, especially if you have something they covet. They’ll haggle for a lower price, but you’ll still make more of a return than selling just sneakers to a reseller. The downside is that these buyers care about quality and other details more than others.
Buys Who Buy to Collect Them
These are also private buyers who typically are looking for a sneaker or shoe collection that is rare or unique. Air Jordans are one of the best examples of a sneaker that collectors covet. These buyers are willing to pay top dollar for sneakers but will have the strictest requirements for condition and quality.
Who Buys Sneakers Near Me – Marketplaces to Find Local Buyers
While online selling is popular, working with local buyers has its perks too- like a quicker turnaround time. Plus, you can often get more money for your used shoes this way by avoiding commissions. After agreeing on a fair price, schedule a time and place to meet up so they can take the sneakers off of your hands (and out of your closet!).
One advantage to selling sneakers locally is that you bypass shipping fees. However, you then have to take additional precautions like arranging for potential buyers to meet in a safe place.
If you want to get the most money via these channels, you need to have really good pics of your kicks!
Facebook Market Place
Facebook Marketplace can reach a broader audience than if you were to only post locally; however, primarily users who are local to you will be shown your post. If you’re looking for a straightforward option and already have a Facebook account, this is likely the best route for you. To learn how to create an effective Facebook Marketplace post, check out this article.
OfferUp
OfferUp is a free service to list and sell stuff on. On this seller’s platform, sneakers are always in high demand. It’s similar to Craigslist in that you can reach local buyers and haggle over prices.
Nextdoor
Nextdoor is a community-based website where you connect with neighbors in your zip code. The app contains a “For Sale” section in the “clothing and accessories” area, where you can list your sneakers with zero listing fees or commissions.
Shpock
Shpock is another local sales alternative for selling your sneakers. There are zero platform fees to post and sell your sneakers. This is a great site if you’re looking to unload some shoes or sneakers locally.
Varage Sale
Varage Sale is a virtual garage sale website that looks a lot like Pinterest. It is another option for who buys sneakers near me. One of the advantages that Varage Sale has compared to other platforms is that they screen users before permitting them to buy or sell shoes. Consequently, you can be assured that the buyer has been verified and identified before you engage with them, which builds trust between user interactions.
Craigslist
Craigslist is one of the older but still effective methods to sell stuff online. You can find a local sneaker buyer but you will have to wade through lowballers, junk emails, scammers, and hagglers. To get started listing your sneakers on Craigslist, you can post them in the “clothes+ acc” section. For tips on creating an effective Craigslist post, read this. Craigslist is still full of scammers so just operate with caution.
5 Miles
5 Miles is a community-based website where you can sell just about anything. Keep your audience local by only targeting those within 5 miles of you. Keep in mind that 5Miles will charge a listing fee, but there is no commission on the sale, so adjust the price of your kicks accordingly.
Who Buys Sneakers Near Me – Local Stores
All of these options are resellers, meaning that you’ll get paid less than the full resale value, but you will get cash immediately. Because they need to verify that the sneakers aren’t stolen, you may be asked to show a government-issued ID.
The process for each store is quite comparable. You bring in your sneaks and show them to an employee who then evaluates them. If they’re interested in purchasing them, they’ll make you an offer. Depending on the store, you can get cash immediately if you accept the proposal.
Buffalo Exchange
Buffalo Exchange has stores in 21 states where they buy and sell clothing and accessories, which include sneakers, shoes, and footwear. To get the best possible price for your sneakers, or name brand shoes it’s advised that you call ahead to see if the store is buying and how much they’re willing to pay. This changes depending on how much inventory they have and how popular the items are.
Plato’s Closet
Plato’s Closet is a chain of used clothing stores that also carry second-hand footwear. Since this store focuses on marketing to teenagers, older sneaker models might not do well here. However, any trendy sneakers can be a success.
Uptown Cheapskate
Uptown Cheapskate operates 70 stores in the US and is a reseller of second-hand clothes, including sneakers. If your sneakers are fashionable and would appeal to an upscale buyer, this could be a good match for you.
Who Buys Sneakers Near Me – Pawn Shops and Consignment
Pawn Shops
A pawn shop is a place where you can take your sneakers and other items to get a loan. How much you’re able to borrow will be based on the value of the item being used as collateral. If you don’t repay the loan, plus interest, within the specified time frame, then the pawn shop will keep your belongings.
Consignment Stores
A consignment store is a bit different from a pawn shop in that you’re not getting a loan. Instead, the store will sell your sneakers on your behalf and take a cut of the profits. The advantage of using a consignment store is that you don’t have to worry about repaying a loan, and if your sneakers don’t sell, you can usually get them back.
There are consignment stores for just about everything, including sneakers. One particular place I like is Stadium Goods in New York. They have a thorough inspection process and will need to verify your kicks are 100% authentic.
Who Buys Sneakers Near Me – Where to Sell Sneakers Online
These are marketplaces that will help you expand your brand to a global audience. Just keep in mind that you will need to ship the shoes and potentially pay for those costs. These sites typically also have seller fees and charge a commission on the sale
eBay
eBay is one of the biggest online marketplaces in the world. You can sell almost anything on eBay, including sneakers. A benefit of using eBay is that you control the pricing and shipping costs.
Keep in mind that you will need to budget for PayPal fees and eBay’s final value fee, which is 10% of the sale price (not including shipping). If you want assistance creating an effective listing, read this article.
Poshmark
Poshmark is an online marketplace for fashion where you can buy and sell clothes, sneakers, and accessories. Although Poshmark does allow free listings, their selling fees are quite high. If the total sale is less than $15, you will be charged a flat rate of $2.95 per transaction.
However, if the sale totals more than $15, you will be charged 20% of the entire amount. You don’t have to worry about shipping costs though; Poshmark takes care of it for their sellers! For tips on how to create an effective listing page on Poshmark that converts browsers into buyers check out this link.
TheRealReal is an online luxury consignment store. At they sell high-end items such as clothes, sneakers, handbags, jewelry, and watches. There is no listing fee; however, they do charge a full commission fee of between 15-45% of the total sale price. Consequently, you will need to keep this in mind when setting your prices.
Mercarci
Mercarci is an online marketplace similar to eBay but with a focus on fashion. Mercarci is the perfect place to sell clothes, sneakers, and accessories. They have free listings with no catches- the only time you pay a fee is when your item sells, and even then it’s only 10% of the seller’s final sale price (excluding shipping).
ThredUP
ThredUP is a place online where you can send your sneakers and they will decide whether or not to make you an offer. If you choose to purchase the sneakers, you could earn up to 80% of the resale value. You can also choose whether to sell them immediately for cash via PayPal.
What to Consider When Looking for Who Buys Sneakers Online?
A few things to consider when selling sneakers online include taking good pictures, pricing your kicks competitively, and reasonable shipping methods.
Before you begin, take pictures of the sneakers from various angles. Ensure that each photo is clear and captures any minute details, like scuffs or scratches. You will also need to write a description of the shoes, which must have the brand, size color, and other relatable information included. If they are from a certain year or era, make sure to mention it.
After you’ve gathered all the sneakers you want to sell, it’s time to choose a price. To help set pricing, consider the following:
- How new or used are your shoes?
- The name brand
- The style of sneaker
Self-reference example prices by similar recently sold items using “eBay Completed Listings.”
Lastly, you must choose a shipping method. If you are selling your sneakers on an e-commerce site like eBay or Mercarci, the cost of shipment will need to be considered when setting a price for your product.
Who Buys Sneakers Near Me For the Most Money?
It’s easy to find a private buyer for your sneakers and get more cash that way – especially if you use platforms like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, Nextdoor, Shpock, Varage Sale, Craigslist, or 5mile.
You can even save on shipping fees this way too! And except for 5Mile (which has very reasonable rates), all the sites I listed here are free to post items and charge no commissions once something is sold. So there’s more money in YOUR pocket at the end of the day!
What Determines the Price of Second-Hand Sneakers?
There are a few factors that will affect how much you can get for your second-hand sneakers.
The first is the brand. If you have a pair of Nike Air Jordans, for example, you’re likely to get more money than if you were selling a pair of Keds.
The second factor is the condition of the shoes. If your sneakers are new or gently used, you’ll be able to get more money for them than if they’re heavily worn.
The third factor is the style of the shoe. If you have a popular style of a sneaker, like Adidas Stan Smiths or Nike Air Maxes, you’ll be able to get more money for them than if you have a less popular style.
What to Do With Sneakers You Can’t Sell?
If you have a pair of sneakers that you can’t sell, there are still a few things you can do with them!
You could donate them to a local thrift store or charity. This is a great option if your sneakers are in good condition but you’re just not able to sell them. Even to donate them, they must be in good enough condition that someone could still wear them.
You could also upcycle them! This means that you repurpose the sneaker into something else, like a keychain or a purse. This is a great option if your sneakers are in bad condition and you can’t sell them.
You could also recycle them with a textile recycler. This means that you send them to a company that will break them down and use the materials to make new products. This is a great option if your sneakers are in bad condition and you can’t sell or donate them.
Lastly, you could throw them in the trash.
Tips for Selling Sneakers Successfully
- Cleaning and Presentation: First impressions matter, especially when you’re looking to sell sneakers. Make sure your shoes are clean and in the best possible condition. If you have the original box and any other accessories, include them. This not only adds value but also shows potential buyers that you take good care of your items.
- Photography and Descriptions: Good photos can make a huge difference. Take clear, well-lit pictures from different angles. Be honest and detailed in your descriptions. Mention the brand, model, size, and any unique features. If you’re selling name brand shoes like Retro Jordans, highlight their special attributes.
- Pricing Strategies: Setting the right price is crucial. Research what similar sneakers are selling for on various platforms and resell shops. Consider factors like rarity, condition, and brand. Don’t forget to account for any fees you might incur, such as commission fees or transaction fees if you’re using a site like eBay or StockX. Remember, StockX charges a specific fee based on the sale price.
- Offering Discounts: Sometimes, offering a small discount can help close a sale faster. This is especially useful if you’re looking to make some extra cash quickly. However, ensure that even after the discount, you’re making a reasonable profit. If you’re using a platform that allows for direct negotiation, like eBay, be open to reasonable offers, keeping in mind the cost and effort you’ve put into listing items.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of making successful sales and turning your fashion passion into a profitable business. Remember, a little effort in presentation and pricing can go a long way in the competitive world of sneaker reselling.
Who Buys Sneakers Near Me – Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a few things to consider when selling sneakers online, like taking good pictures, the selling process, pricing your kicks competitively and choosing a reasonable shipping method.
You can also save on shipping fees by finding a private buyer for your sneakers using platforms like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, Nextdoor, Shpock, Varage Sale, Craigslist, or 5mile. Always remember to factor in the condition of your shoes, the brand, and the style when determining how much to sell your sneakers for! That’s what I have learned from the places who buys sneakers near me.
