Where to Source Sportswear to Resell for Profit
Last updated: May 7, 2026
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Sourcing Channels for Profitably Reselling Sportswear
Whether you’re new to the reselling scene or a seasoned veteran, finding quality sportswear to flip can be quite the adventure. Having sold thousands of items, I've gathered some top tips and insights on sourcing sportswear that can turn a tidy profit. Here’s an insider’s guide on where to find those hidden gems.
1. TK Maxx/Marshalls Clearance
TK Maxx and Marshalls are treasure troves if you know what to look for. These stores often carry Nike Dri-FIT, Adidas, Under Armour, and Lululemon pieces at 50-70% off retail prices. Stick to the popular sizes: S-L for women and M-XL for men, as these sizes tend to move quickly.
- Typical Cost: $15-$30 per item
- Condition: New with tags
- Pros: Low initial investment with high resale value
- Cons: Requires frequent visits to catch the best deals
- Profit Margin: 50-100%
2. End-of-Season Sales
Keep an eye on end-of-season sales at sports stores, typically in January/February and July/August. You can snag football kits, running gear, and team apparel at deep discounts.
- Typical Cost: $10-$20 per item
- Condition: New
- Pros: High demand for seasonal gear
- Cons: Seasonal fluctuations in demand
- Profit Margin: 70-150%
3. Charity Shops in Affluent Neighborhoods
Charity shops near wealthy areas are often stocked with high-end sportswear like Lululemon leggings. These can retail for $98 but are often found for £3-5.
- Typical Cost: £3-5 per item
- Condition: Gently used, sometimes new
- Pros: Low-cost inventory with high resale potential
- Cons: Inconsistent availability
- Profit Margin: 200-500%
4. Online Liquidation Sites
Sites like B-Stock, BULQ, and DirectLiquidation offer pallets of mixed Nike and Adidas overstock. You’ll pay $3-5 per piece on average.
- Typical Cost: $3-5 per item
- Condition: Overstock, sometimes store returns
- Pros: Bulk inventory at low cost
- Cons: High upfront cost and risk of unsellable items
- Profit Margin: 100-400%
5. Garage/Car Boot Sales
These local sales can be a goldmine for retro and vintage sportswear. Look for vintage sports jerseys and rare finds.
- Typical Cost: $1-$10 per item
- Condition: Mixed; often well-loved
- Pros: Unique items, often undervalued
- Cons: Time-consuming to hunt through
- Profit Margin: 200-1000%
6. Wholesale
If you’re ready to scale up, consider wholesale purchases directly from brands or distributors. The initial investment is higher, but the payoff can be substantial.
- Typical Cost: Varies widely, typically $5-10 per item
- Condition: New
- Pros: Consistent inventory supply
- Cons: Requires significant capital
- Profit Margin: 50-200%
7. Facebook Groups and Marketplace
Join local buy/sell groups on Facebook where people often sell lightly-used sportswear at bargain prices.
- Typical Cost: $5-$20 per item
- Condition: Gently used
- Pros: Direct negotiation, no fees
- Cons: Buyer beware; potential for scams
- Profit Margin: 70-200%
What to Look For
Focusing on specific brands like Nike, Adidas, Lululemon, and Patagonia can ensure that you are picking items that consistently sell well. Pay attention to the condition: check for pilling on synthetic fabrics, stretched elastic, deodorant stains, and logo integrity. For Lululemon, always verify the size using the size dot in the pocket.
Red Flags
- Items with significant damage that will be costly to repair
- Fakes, especially of popular brands like Nike and Adidas
- Outdated sports team apparel with low resale demand
Seasonal Sourcing Tips
Sportswear tends to be cheapest during end-of-season sales. Aim to buy in the off-season and sell when the demand spikes, such as football kits before the start of a new season.
Startup Budget
You can start sourcing sportswear with as little as $100. Focus on low-cost, high-margin items first to maximize your profit.
Maximizing Profits with ListingGenie
Consider using ListingGenie to write compelling listings that highlight your items' best features and improve your chances of selling at a higher price.
FAQs
- What are the best brands to resell? Focus on Nike, Adidas, Lululemon, and Patagonia.
- How do I spot fake sportswear? Look for inconsistencies in logos, poor stitching, and materials that feel cheap.
- What's the best platform to sell sportswear? eBay, due to its massive global audience and demand for sportswear.
- How much should I invest initially? Aim to start with at least $100 to $200 to cover initial inventory and potential listing fees.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical costs and profit margins when sourcing sportswear from TK Maxx or Marshalls?
At TK Maxx and Marshalls, you can purchase sportswear items from brands like Nike and Lululemon for $15-$30, with a profit margin ranging from 50-100%. The key is to focus on popular sizes, such as S-L for women and M-XL for men, to ensure quick turnover.
When is the best time to buy sportswear during end-of-season sales?
End-of-season sales are typically held in January/February and July/August. During these times, you can find deeply discounted football kits, running gear, and team apparel, with typical costs ranging from $10-$20 per item and profit margins of 70-150%.
How does sourcing from charity shops in affluent neighborhoods compare to other methods?
Charity shops in affluent neighborhoods can offer high-end sportswear like Lululemon leggings for £3-5, despite retailing for $98. While the profit margin can be as high as 200-500%, availability is inconsistent, making it a less reliable source compared to others.
What are the risks and rewards of buying sportswear from online liquidation sites?
Online liquidation sites like B-Stock and BULQ offer sportswear for $3-5 per piece, with potential profit margins of 100-400%. However, this method involves a high upfront cost and the risk of receiving unsellable items.
What should I be cautious of when buying sportswear from Facebook Marketplace?
While Facebook Marketplace allows for direct negotiation and usually no fees with items costing $5-$20, buyers should be cautious of scams. Verify the condition of items as they are often sold as gently used, and always check for authenticity.
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