How to Sell Shoes on Vestiaire Collective

You've just cleaned out your closet and found three pairs of barely-worn Nikes, a vintage pair of Gucci loafers, and some classic Adidas sneakers. They're in great condition, and you know they have some resale value. Where to sell? Given their luxury appeal, Vestiaire Collective is perfect for your high-end finds. This guide will walk you through the steps to successfully sell shoes on this platform, ensuring you optimize your profits and meet the expectations of a discerning buyer base.

Why Vestiaire Collective?

Vestiaire Collective stands out in the resale market for its focus on luxury and designer items. With over 23 million members globally, it's a hotspot for buyers looking for authenticated luxury goods. The platform's authentication process adds a layer of trust that allows you to sell at higher prices than many other platforms.

The Fee Structure

Understanding Vestiaire's fee structure is crucial for pricing your items. The platform charges a 12% commission on sales over €100. For lower-priced items, the fee can go up to 25%. Therefore, when selling luxury shoes like Louboutins or Gucci, pricing them above €100 can maximize your profit margin.

For example, if you sell a pair of shoes for €150, you would pay a commission of €18, leaving you with €132. On the other hand, selling shoes at €50 incurs a €12.50 fee, leaving you with €37.50. Pricing right is key to ensure you benefit from Vestiaire’s premium positioning.

Sourcing Your Shoes

Finding the right shoes to sell is the first step. Here are some tips on where to source luxury and high-value sneakers:

• Thrift Stores: Look for brands like Nike, Adidas, and New Balance. Men's sizes 9-12 tend to sell fastest.
• Clearance Racks: Outlet malls like Nike Factory and Nordstrom Rack often offer discounts of 60-70% off retail.
• Estate Sales: Vintage cowboy boots, retro Nikes, and rare finds can sometimes be purchased for $5-10.
• Nike/Adidas SNKRS App: Track restocks and limited releases for items with a resale value of 2-5x retail.

Creating a Listing on Vestiaire Collective

Listing your shoes effectively on Vestiaire is crucial to attracting buyers. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Sign In: Log in to your Vestiaire Collective account.
2. Navigate to Sell: Click on 'Sell' to start creating your listing.
3. Item Details: Fill in the brand, model, and size. Be precise with the condition, using Vestiaire’s grading system: Never Worn, Very Good, Good, Fair.
4. Upload Photos: Use high-quality photos on a clean white background. Include hero shots, lateral and medial sides, outsole, insole, heel, and toe box close-ups.
5. Include Extras: If available, photograph the original box, dust bag, and any authenticity cards. These can increase your sale price by 20-40%.
6. Price Your Item: Set your price considering both the resale value and Vestiaire’s fees. Using ListingGenie's Vestiaire Collective listing generator (/vestiaire-listing) can help optimize your description and keywords.

Shipping and Authentication

Once your shoes sell, Vestiaire will provide a prepaid shipping label. You'll ship the item to their authentication center, where experts inspect and verify its authenticity. This process adds 3-7 days to the delivery time but increases buyer confidence significantly.

Important shipping tips:

• Ship in the original shoe box wrapped in a poly mailer or brown paper. Avoid placing shipping labels directly on the shoe box to maintain its condition.
• If the original box is unavailable, use a similarly-sized box, cushioned with tissue paper to prevent damage.

Maximize Your Profits

To ensure a successful sale on Vestiaire Collective, transparency and presentation are key. Always be honest about the condition of your shoes, and use high-quality images to showcase their value. Remember, the platform's buyers are willing to pay near retail prices if your item is presented as a luxury piece.

Condition Grading

Buyers on Vestiaire are discerning, so accuracy in condition grading is critical. Here's how to rate:

• Deadstock (DS): Unworn, with original box.
• VNDS (Very Near Deadstock): Worn 1-2 times, minimal wear.
• Good: Light sole wear.
• Fair: Visible creasing and sole wear.

Photography Tips

For Vestiaire's luxury-minded audience, photos must be pristine. Remember to:

• Use Proper Lighting: Natural light works best for true color representation.
• Show All Angles: Include lateral, medial sides, outsole, insole, heel, and a toe box close-up.
• Maintain Shape: Stuff shoes with tissue paper to prevent them from looking collapsed.

FAQ

• How does Vestiaire Collective's authentication process work?

  After a sale, the item is shipped to Vestiaire's authentication center for inspection. If authenticated, it is then sent to the buyer, ensuring the product's genuineness.

• What happens if my item is not authenticated by Vestiaire Collective?

  Items that fail authentication are returned to the seller, and your listing will be removed. Repeated issues can lead to account suspension.

• How do I price my shoes on Vestiaire Collective?

  Consider the brand, condition, and market demand. Ensure the price covers Vestiaire's fees while remaining attractive to buyers.

• Why is my listing not selling on Vestiaire Collective?

  Check your photos and description for quality. Ensure competitive pricing and revisit your item details for accuracy.

• Can I sell non-designer shoes on Vestiaire Collective?

  While possible, the platform is primarily for luxury items. Non-designer shoes might not perform as well in terms of visibility and pricing.

Selling shoes on Vestiaire Collective can be highly rewarding if you follow these tailored steps. By understanding the platform's intricacies and the expectations of its luxury-focused audience, you can make confident sales and enjoy the benefits of this premier marketplace.