Where to Source Sportswear to Resell for Profit

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.