SneakersFive Easy Steps to Re-Selling Your Sneakers on the InternetSo, you’ve got a pair of kicks that you no longer wear. Or maybe you’re just a lucky duck who recently scored the latest quickstrike and are looking to turn a profit. Either way, you’re trying to get the sneakers you’ve got into someone else’s hands in exchange for some cash. Here’s how to get them online fast, and put some dough in your pocket even faster:1) Know the SpotsThere was a time when eBay was the only option for selling personal sneakers online, but these days, a new site called Grailed is rising through the ranks of digital second-hand shops. Unlike the anything-goes eBay, Grailed is limited just to men’s clothing, so you know people on it are already on the same page. And Grailed doesn’t take a pesky 10-percent cut. But with a more educated audience comes people who are out to get your kicks for the lowest price possible, so expect to be low-balled at least a few times. Plus, eBay is eBay for a reason—it’s super easy to use and they’re pretty good about keeping you from getting scammed.
Then there’s Flight Club, which is legendary in New York and Los Angeles, but most of the time they’ll only take brand-new pairs of sneakers unless you’re unloading some one-of-one masterpiece. If you live in L.A. or N.Y.C., head to the Flight Club storefront to drop them off. Everyone else should send the sneaks in and have the guys there list them for you. (They take 20 percent, but you also have to do absolutely no work, so.)2) Pick Your PicsThe first thing people will see if you’re selling the sneakers yourself are the pictures. If you’re selling a new pair (and you’re not concerned with trivialities like “copyright law”), you might want to lead with a product shot from an online store, which will always look better than your iPhone pics. Then get close-ups of your profile, soles, and tag, especially if you’re selling a pre-worn (ahem, pre-loved) pair. Make sure there’s ample natural lighting, and that you don’t accidentally get your underwear or high-school yearbook in the background.
More importantly, be honest in the listing. Is there a scuff on the toe? Take a picture of it, and mention it in the product description. Covering it up will only lead to trouble later on, even if it costs you a few bucks now.3) Name Your PriceDepending on the shoe, you either want to list the shoes at a fixed price or an auction. A fixed price obviously gives you more control, but you’re also setting a cap on how much you could potentially get for the shoes. If you think there’s a chance that your shoes could start a frenzy, auctions are a better bet. (Plus, for a small fee, you can set a “reserve price” that marks the least amount you’d let them go for.) Either way, do a little market research before listing your own shoes. Do they seem to be going for more on eBay or on Grailed? Do any already have bids? 4) Spot the Scammers (and Prove You’re Not One)As with any Internet-based transactions, a certain number of terrible humans out there will try to scam you either out of your money, your sneakers, or both.
One of the most common scams you’re bound to see consists of a person messaging you and offering a too-good-to-be-true amount of money for your shoes. For instance, if you listed them for $300, the person would message you and say something like, “400 paypal shipped?” which is eBay speak for “I’ll send you $400 on paypal to help you avoid the 10-percent fee.” You’ll hand over your PayPal account (which is linked to eBay) and then get an e-mail that appears to be from PayPal saying so-and-so sent you money, but it won’t be in your account until you ship the product. HINT: DON’T SHIP THE SNEAKERS. INSTEAD, REPORT THEIR ASS.Scams can come in sneakier forms too. Buyers with zero feedback on their accounts can be easy to spot as sketchy. On the other hand, sometimes scammers use fake accounts to give themselves positive feedback, all to trick you into thinking they’re the real deal. So look into it and see if all the feedback is coming from barely used accounts, which would be a major red flag.
5) Make ‘Em Trust YouOf course, there’s a chance that buyers think you’re trying to sell them Feezys, too. Though you can’t build a positive reputation overnight, if you do the right things, you will give customers the confidence to trust you with their money. First, always keep your receipts in your boxes. (Second, always keep your boxes.) These are the best ways to prove you’re legit. Also, be prompt and accommodating to people asking questions about your item. (But use common sense, too—if a guy asks for 35 photos of the shoe’s tongue, maybe he’s not worth the headache.) It’s also a good move to include your eBay handle written on a piece of paper in one of the photos, to prove that you’re actually the one in possession of the shoes—and not some guy in Taiwan who ripped off a product shot from an online store. Finally, even if you’ve got some shoes that you think people would sell an internal organ to buy, don’t be overzealous. Impatience is usually what leads to getting scammed, and it also can make you take less than what you actually want for the shoes.
Sit tight: Somewhere out there is a sneakerhead who wants what you’ve got. Read More:Sneaker Wars: Inside the Battle Between Nike and AdidasIt's Time to Stop With All the Red SneakersWhat If Your Sneaker Collection Annoys Your Girlfriend? Buffalo Exchange is unique because clothing is bought, sold and traded locally with customers. We buy clothing and accessories for both men and women, giving you the option to take cash or store trade on the spot. We’re always buying the best of all seasons, including current trends, denim, designer, everyday basics, leather, vintage and one-of-a-kind items. Call before your visit to get a better idea of what we’re looking for. To sell your clothes, simply bring your freshly laundered and good condition items to our in-store buying counter anytime we’re open. Don’t forget to bring a valid government-issued I.D. (and if you’re under 18, just bring a parent or legal guardian with that I.D.). Find a Store Near YouRaise Funds at No CostYou gather gently worn, unwanted pairs of shoes from your own closet, garage, friends and family, then secure them together as a pair and place them into large durable bags.