Where to Source Shoes to Resell for Profit

Thrift Stores

Thrift stores are a treasure trove for finding shoes at a low cost. You can typically find pairs for $5 to $15, depending on the brand and condition. Focus on popular athletic brands like Nike, Adidas, and New Balance, especially in men's sizes 9-12 as these sell the fastest. Vintage pairs can also be gold mines, particularly if they're in good condition or have unique designs.

What to Look For

• Check for recognizable brands like Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Puma, and vintage pairs.
• Prioritize men's sizes 9-12, which have higher demand.
• Examine the sole for wear, as it's the number one factor buyers consider.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Low cost, potential for high-profit margins, variety.
• Cons: Time-consuming to sort through, condition varies significantly.

Profit Margins

Expect to resell common shoes for $15-40, name brand athletic shoes for $40-80, and vintage sneakers could fetch $80-300+ depending on rarity and condition.

Estate Sales and Garage Sales

Estate sales and garage sales are excellent places to find vintage cowboy boots, retro Nikes, and even deadstock shoes. Prices are generally very affordable, ranging from $5 to $10. The key here is to act quickly, as the best items go fast.

What to Look For

• Search for unique or vintage styles, especially those with historical or cultural significance.
• Look for deadstock items (unworn, often with original tags or box).
• Check for limited release sneakers that might be overlooked by others.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Low purchase cost, potential for high-profit items, exciting finds.
• Cons: Hit or miss, quality can vary, requires early arrival for best finds.

Profit Margins

These shoes can be resold for $80-300+, especially if they are rare or in excellent condition.

Clearance Racks at Outlet Malls

Outlet malls often have clearance racks where you can find shoes at 60-70% off retail. Shops like Nike Factory, Adidas Outlet, and Nordstrom Rack are ideal. Prices typically range from $20 to $50.

What to Look For

• Check for end-of-season stock and last year's models.
• Search for classic styles that never go out of fashion.
• Bright colors and unique patterns tend to sell well.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: High-quality items, potential for new or like-new shoes.
• Cons: Higher initial investment, competition from other resellers.

Profit Margins

With clearance rack items, you can expect to resell for $40-100, depending on the brand and style.

Online Liquidation and Wholesale

Purchasing shoes from online liquidation sites or wholesale suppliers can be a great way to stock up at a low per-unit cost. Prices can vary widely, but bulk buying often reduces your per-pair cost to $10 to $30.

What to Look For

• Seek out bulk lots of popular brands with high demand.
• Ensure the items are new or gently used to maximize resale value.
• Look for reliable suppliers with positive reviews.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Consistent supply, lower cost per unit.
• Cons: Requires larger upfront investment, risk of unsellable inventory.

Profit Margins

Depending on the brands and types of shoes, reselling prices can range from $30 to $100 per pair, offering a solid margin.

Facebook Groups

Facebook Groups dedicated to buying and selling shoes can be a great source for both new and gently used items. Prices here can vary, but you might find quality pairs for $10 to $50.

What to Look For

• Search for groups with active communities and regular posts.
• Keep an eye out for high-demand brands and limited edition releases.
• Verify seller reputations and check for clear photos before purchasing.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Direct communication with sellers, potential for negotiation.
• Cons: Risk of scams, variable quality.

Profit Margins

Depending on the brand and condition, shoes purchased through Facebook can resell for $30 to $150.

Red Flags

When sourcing shoes, avoid fakes, as they can lead to account suspensions and angry buyers. Be wary of excessive damage that is costly to repair, such as cracked soles or severe odor. Lastly, skip brands and styles with low resale demand, even if they're cheap.

Seasonal Sourcing Tips

Shoes are often cheapest to buy during end-of-season sales — look for clearance deals in January and July. Conversely, demand peaks in the lead-up to back-to-school (August/September) and during the holiday season (November/December), making these the best times to sell for higher profits.

Startup Budget

You can start sourcing shoes with as little as $100, focusing on low-cost, high-potential items such as thrift store finds and garage sale bargains. Reinvest any profits into higher-value inventory over time.

ListingGenie

Once you've sourced your shoes, use ListingGenie to craft compelling listings that maximize your profit potential. This tool helps optimize keywords, streamline descriptions, and improve your visibility on platforms like eBay and Poshmark.

FAQ

• How can I tell if a pair is authentic? Check for brand-specific details like stitching patterns, label fonts, and box codes. Use apps like CheckCheck to verify authenticity.
• What brands have the highest resale value? Nike, Adidas, New Balance, and designer labels like Gucci and Louboutin often yield the best returns.
• How should I price my shoes? Research similar items on the platform you intend to sell on, and consider the condition and rarity of your pair.
• What's the best way to clean used shoes? Use a mixture of mild detergent and water for general cleaning, and consider a suede brush for delicate materials.
• Which platform is best for selling? It depends on your inventory and audience. Use eBay for a wide reach, Vinted for a fee-free option, or Grailed for menswear-focused items.