Best Time to Sell Sportswear: Seasonal Selling Guide

Understanding the Sportswear Market

Sportswear is a dynamic category, with its demand and supply fluctuating throughout the year. Knowing when to source and list can maximize your profits significantly. Let’s break down the ins and outs of sportswear reselling, focusing on key periods and strategies that work best for the genre.

Seasonal Overview

Sportswear, while generally evergreen, has periods where demand noticeably spikes. These periods are often linked to key events and seasons.

Winter (December - February)

• Demand Peaks: December (holiday gifting), January (New Year’s resolutions).
• Best Sourcing: January and February, as sports stores clear out old stock.
• Price Range: Generic: $8-12, Brand Name: $15-30, Premium: $35-70.

During the winter months, demand for sportswear increases significantly due to holiday shopping and New Year’s fitness resolutions. This is a great time to list high-demand items, especially premium brands like Lululemon and Patagonia.

Spring (March - May)

• Demand Peaks: March (spring cleaning), May (pre-summer fitness push).
• Best Sourcing: March, as people donate items during spring cleaning.
• Price Range: Generic: $9-13, Brand Name: $18-35, Premium: $40-75.

Spring cleaning leads to an influx of lightly used sportswear in charity shops, especially near affluent areas. Focus on acquiring premium brands cheaply and listing them in May when fitness preparations for summer spike demand.

Summer (June - August)

• Demand Peaks: August (back-to-school).
• Best Sourcing: June and July, during end-of-season sales.
• Price Range: Generic: $8-11, Brand Name: $15-28, Premium: $30-65.

Sportswear sees a dip in demand during July, which is an excellent time to source items at clearance sales. However, the back-to-school period in August rejuvenates demand, especially for brand-name items.

Autumn (September - November)

• Demand Peaks: September (school sports), November (Black Friday).
• Best Sourcing: September, as summer stocks are cleared.
• Price Range: Generic: $10-14, Brand Name: $20-40, Premium: $50-80.

With school sports starting in September and the holiday rush approaching in November, demand for sportswear increases. Black Friday in November is a significant event to capitalize on, with buyers looking for deals on brand-name and premium gear.

Platform-Specific Timing

Each platform has its nuances. For eBay, the massive global market means demand peaks are often aligned with international events, making it a solid platform year-round. The best days for views are typically Tuesday and Wednesday, around 8 PM EST, when many users browse.

The "Buy Low, Sell High" Strategy

Stockpile during post-season clearance sales (January, July) and list aggressively during peak demand periods (December, August, November). Utilizing platforms like ListingGenie can help tailor your listings to match seasonal buyer intent, ensuring your items stand out.

Quarterly Price and Activity Calendar

Quarter	Peak Selling Months	Best Sourcing Months	Price Ranges
Q1	January, February	January, February	Generic: $8-12, Brand: $15-30, Premium: $35-70
Q2	March, May	March	Generic: $9-13, Brand: $18-35, Premium: $40-75
Q3	August	June, July	Generic: $8-11, Brand: $15-28, Premium: $30-65
Q4	November	September	Generic: $10-14, Brand: $20-40, Premium: $50-80

FAQ

• When is the best time to buy sportswear for resale?
  January and July are prime times due to clearance sales at sports stores.
• How do holidays affect sportswear sales?
  Holidays like Christmas and Black Friday significantly increase demand.
• Are there specific days that are better for listing sportswear?
  Tuesday and Wednesday evenings tend to have higher buyer activity.
• What platforms are best for selling high-value sports jerseys?
  eBay and Grailed are excellent choices due to their vast and niche audiences.
• Does brand matter in sportswear resale?
  Yes, well-known brands like Nike and Lululemon typically fetch higher resale prices and attract more interest.