Complete Guide to Reselling Streetwear Online
Is Reselling Streetwear Actually Profitable?
Reselling streetwear can be a highly profitable venture, whether you're doing it casually or as a serious side hustle. Casual resellers, who might flip a few items a month, can expect to make an extra $300 to $1,000 monthly. This involves minimal investment and flipping a few key items from brands like Supreme or Stüssy. On the other hand, serious resellers who dedicate more time to sourcing and selling can bring in $2,000 to $5,000 monthly, especially if they specialize in high-demand items or rare finds.
How to Source Streetwear for Resale
Brand Drops
One of the most effective ways to source streetwear is by keeping an eye on brand drops, particularly for hype brands like Supreme and Palace. These items can often be resold at 2-5x the retail price. To succeed here, you'll need to stay updated with drop calendars and be extremely quick on release days, as these products sell out within minutes.
Facebook BST Groups
Join Buy/Sell/Trade groups dedicated to specific brands. These communities are full of collectors who often sell items to fund new purchases. You can find gems here at prices that allow for a decent profit margin.
Depop and Grailed
Both platforms can have underpriced listings, especially from sellers who are unaware of their item’s true value. Set alerts for brand names in your niche to catch these deals as soon as they pop up.
Japanese Vintage Shops
Sites like Rakuten and Yahoo Japan Auctions often host pristine vintage pieces, thanks to the meticulous care of Japanese collectors. Using proxy services can help you purchase these items and resell them at a premium to global buyers.
Choosing the Right Platform
Vinted
Best for selling everyday items under $30 due to zero seller fees, Vinted attracts a young, eco-conscious audience. It's ideal for flipping common streetwear brands like Carhartt WIP without losing profit to fees.
Depop
With a 10% seller fee, Depop is suited for hype-driven items and is popular among Gen Z. It’s a great platform to sell items like Supreme tees quickly, thanks to its broad, fashion-forward audience.
Poshmark
Poshmark's flat 20% commission makes it a platform better suited for mid-range designer streetwear, where the higher selling price can absorb the fees. It’s perfect for brands like Off-White and Balenciaga.
Grailed
Grailed is designed for menswear and is excellent for selling menswear-focused items over $100. The platform has a knowledgeable user base, making it easier to sell unique or collectible pieces.
Pricing Strategy
Understanding the market value of your items is crucial. Here's a quick rundown:
- Stüssy or Carhartt WIP: List these for $20-$60. The lower range is for used or common items, while new or rare pieces can push to the higher end.
- Supreme or Palace: Start pricing between $50-$200. Box logo tees and exclusive collabs can easily fetch the higher end.
- Vintage Nike or Bape: Depending on rarity and condition, list for $80-$1000+. Grail pieces can go for $200-$5000+.
Photography and Listing Optimization
Streetwear buyers are discerning, so your photos and listings need to reflect quality and authenticity. Use a clean white or neutral backdrop with overhead flat lays, which are standard for streetwear. Always include close-up shots of tags and labels to help buyers verify authenticity. If using tools like ListingGenie, ensure your descriptions are optimized with keywords like 'authentic', 'rare', and specific brand terms.
FAQ
- How do I authenticate streetwear? Check stitching quality, tag fonts, and wash care labels. Compare these with known authentic pieces.
- What's the best way to ship high-value streetwear? Use tissue paper, place the item in a branded or clean poly bag, and ship in a box.
- Are there any fees on Vinted? Vinted charges zero seller fees, though buyers pay a 5% protection fee.
- Should I clean my items before selling? Always present items in the best condition possible to maximize value.
- How can I stay updated with brand drops? Follow brands on social media and sign up for newsletters to get alerts on release dates.
Recommended Tools & Supplies
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.