Is Sneaker Reselling a Good Idea?

Photo of author
Written By Adam
I'm Adam Wright, a collector at the crossroads of sneaker culture and nerd collectibles. My collection is a vibrant mix of rare sneakers and memorabilia from comics, video games, and sci-fi. Each piece tells a story of innovation, design, and fandom. My passion is more than just acquiring items; it's about connecting with the culture and history behind them and fostering a community that shares these interests.

Is sneaker reselling a good idea?

In this article, I will explore the sneaker reselling market, the pros and cons of sneaker reselling, and help you determine if sneaker reselling is right for you.

Key Takeaways

1. The sneaker reselling market has exploded in recent years, with some sneakers selling for thousands of dollars on the secondary market.
2. Sneaker reselling can be a great way to make money, but it requires a significant amount of research, time, and effort to be successful.
3. Whether or not sneaker reselling is a good idea for you will depend on your circumstances and goals.

Is Sneaker Reselling a Good Idea?

Sneaker reselling has become a popular way for people to make money.

How It Works

is-sneaker-reselling-a-good-idea

Sneaker reselling involves buying limited-edition sneakers and then selling them for a profit.

The process typically involves buying the sneakers online or in person and then reselling them on platforms like StockX or GOAT.

Some resellers use bots to purchase sneakers online faster than humans can.

The value of a sneaker can increase over time, making it more valuable to resell later.

However, the value can also decrease if the sneaker becomes less popular or if the market becomes flooded with too many pairs.

Key Players

There are several key players in the sneaker reselling market. These include:

  • Resellers
    • Individuals who buy and sell sneakers for a profit.
  • Sneaker Brands
    • Brands like Nike and Adidas release limited-edition sneakers that collectors and resellers highly seek after.
  • Reselling Platforms
    • Platforms like StockX and GOAT allow resellers to sell sneakers to buyers all over the world.
  • Sneaker Conventions
    • Conventions like Sneaker Con bring together sneaker enthusiasts and resellers to buy, sell, and trade sneakers.

Pros of Sneaker Reselling

Profit Potential

is-sneaker-reselling-a-good-idea

As a sneaker reseller, there is a great potential for profit.

Rare and highly sought-after sneakers can often sell for significantly more than their retail price. 

This means that resellers can make a good profit margin on each sale.

Additionally, as the sneaker market continues to grow, there is the potential for even higher profits in the future.

Flexibility

is-sneaker-reselling-a-good-idea

One of the benefits of sneaker reselling is the flexibility it offers. Resellers can choose their hours and work from anywhere.

This makes it an ideal side hustle for those looking to make extra money without committing to a full-time job. 

Additionally, resellers can choose which sneakers they want to sell and how much they want to charge for them, giving them control over their own business.

Passion for Sneakers

is-sneaker-reselling-a-good-idea

Many sneaker resellers are passionate about sneakers themselves.

This means that they are knowledgeable about the market and can spot trends and opportunities before others.

Resellers who have a passion for sneakers can turn their hobby into a profitable business, making money doing something they love.

Cons of Sneaker Reselling

Financial Risk

is-sneaker-reselling-a-good-idea

Sneaker reselling can be a risky investment, especially if you are not familiar with the market.

The prices of sneakers can fluctuate rapidly, and it is not uncommon for a pair of sneakers to lose value quickly. 

This means that if you invest in a pair of sneakers that do not sell at the price you were hoping for, you may end up losing money.

Additionally, if you invest too much money in sneakers, you may find yourself in a difficult financial situation if they do not sell.

Market Volatility

is-sneaker-reselling-a-good-idea

The sneaker market is volatile, and it can be difficult to predict which sneakers will be popular and which will not.

This means that you may invest in a pair of sneakers that you believe will sell well, only to find that they do not sell as quickly or for as much money as you were hoping for. 

Additionally, the market can be affected by factors outside of your control, such as changes in fashion trends or the release of new sneakers.

Time Investment

is-sneaker-reselling-a-good-idea

Sneaker reselling requires a significant amount of time and effort.

You will need to research the market to determine which sneakers are in high demand and which are not.

You will also need to keep up with the latest releases and be prepared to act quickly to purchase sneakers when they become available. 

Additionally, you will need to spend time promoting your sneakers and communicating with potential buyers.

All of this can be time-consuming and may require you to put in long hours to be successful.

Is Sneaker Reselling Right for You

Assessing Your Interest

is-sneaker-reselling-a-good-idea

Do you have a passion for sneakers? Are you up-to-date on the latest releases and trends? 

Do you have a good eye for identifying valuable sneakers?

If the answer to these questions is yes, then you may be well-suited for sneaker reselling.

Evaluating Your Risk Tolerance

is-sneaker-reselling-a-good-idea

Sneaker reselling can be a lucrative venture, but it also involves a certain level of risk.

The market can be unpredictable, and prices can fluctuate rapidly.

It’s important to evaluate your risk tolerance before investing in sneakers for resale. 

Are you comfortable with the possibility of losing money on a particular pair of sneakers?

Can you handle the stress of waiting for the right buyer to come along?

If you’re willing to take on these risks, then sneaker reselling may be a good fit for you.

In conclusion, sneaker reselling can be a profitable business if done correctly.

However, it requires a lot of research, knowledge, and experience to be successful.

It is important to keep up with the latest trends and releases in the sneaker industry and to know the market value of each pair of sneakers.

It is also important to be aware of the risks involved in sneaker reselling, such as the possibility of buying fake or replica sneakers, dealing with fraudulent buyers, and fluctuating market prices.

Therefore, it is crucial to use reputable reselling platforms and to thoroughly inspect each pair of sneakers before making a purchase or sale.

Before you go…

Overall, sneaker reselling can be a good idea for those who are passionate about sneakers and have the time and dedication to invest in the business. However, it is not a get-rich-quick scheme and requires hard work and persistence to be successful.

Check out my next article: “What is a Sneakerhead?

Related Articles:

Leave a Comment