Sneaker Reselling Guide

Why Sneakers?

Sneaker reselling is one of the most lucrative niches in reselling. Limited releases, brand loyalty, and collector culture create consistent demand and strong margins.

Key Advantages

High demand: Sneakerheads are passionate and willing to pay premiums
Price transparency: StockX/GOAT provide clear market values
Authentication services: Platforms authenticate, reducing risk
Easy to ship: Standard box sizes, not fragile
Year-round market: Unlike seasonal clothing

Where to Sell Sneakers

Platform	Fees	Best For	Auth?
StockX	~10% + shipping	DS/New hype releases	✅ Yes
GOAT	9.5% + shipping	New + used sneakers	✅ Yes
eBay	~13%	All conditions, vintage	✅ Select items
Grailed	9% + PayPal	Streetwear collectors	❌ No
Mercari	10%	Quick sales, less hype	❌ No

💡 Pro Tip: For deadstock (DS) hype releases, StockX/GOAT get the best prices. For used or vintage, eBay often wins because you can tell the story.

Authentication Basics

Fakes are EVERYWHERE in sneakers. Learn these authentication points:

Universal Red Flags

Price too good: If it seems too cheap, it's fake
Box quality: Flimsy cardboard, blurry printing, wrong labels
Glue issues: Excess glue, sloppy application
Stitching: Uneven, loose threads, wrong color
Materials: Cheap leather, wrong textures, plastic-y feel
Fonts: Wrong typefaces on tags, size labels, boxes

Jordan-Specific

Jumpman logo proportions and placement
Size tag format (varies by era and factory)
Box label details and font
Midsole paint quality and pattern
Tongue shape and padding

⚠️ When in doubt, don't buy. One fake sale can destroy your reputation and result in account bans. Use Legit Check App or paid authentication services for high-value pairs.

Jordan Dating Guide

Date codes help identify when Jordans were made. Location varies by era:

Era	Date Code Location	Format
1985-1994	Size tag (inside tongue)	MMYY or production number
1994-2002	Size tag	YYMMDD
2003-Present	Size tag + box	Various formats by factory

Valuable Jordan Models

Jordan 1: The icon. OG colorways command premiums
Jordan 3: Elephant print, Tinker design
Jordan 4: Extremely popular, good margins
Jordan 11: Patent leather, holiday releases
Collabs: Travis Scott, Off-White, Fragment = 💰💰💰

Condition Grading

Grade	Description	Typical Discount
DS (Deadstock)	Brand new, never worn, with all accessories	Full price / premium
VNDS	Worn 1-2x, looks new, no visible wear	10-20% below DS
Excellent	Light wear, minimal creasing, clean	25-40% below DS
Good	Visible wear, creasing, minor flaws	40-60% below DS
Beaters	Heavy wear, still wearable	60-80% below DS

Sourcing Sneakers

Primary Market (Retail)

SNKRS App: Nike releases, very competitive
Foot Locker/Champs: Raffles and in-store releases
Adidas Confirmed: Yeezy and hype releases
Boutiques: Local sneaker shops get allocations

Secondary Market (Resale)

Thrift stores: Gems exist but rare. Know what to look for.
Estate sales: Collector estates can be goldmines
Facebook groups: Local sneaker groups, negotiate deals
Consignment shops: Round Two, Flight Club, local spots
Garage sales: Parents selling kids' outgrown hype

💡 Hidden Gem: Outlet stores occasionally have gems. Check Nike Factory Stores for discounted releases that still have resale value.

Photography Tips

Shoot on plain white or neutral background
Include: left side, right side, back, top, sole, size tag, box
Show any flaws clearly - honesty prevents returns
Natural lighting is best; avoid harsh shadows
Clean sneakers before photographing (use sneaker cleaner)
Stuff toe box with paper to maintain shape

Pricing Strategy

Check StockX/GOAT first: These set market value for hype releases
eBay sold comps: Essential for used, vintage, or non-hype models
Factor in fees: StockX ~10%, GOAT ~9.5%, eBay ~13%
Patience pays: Hold if market is down; sneaker values fluctuate
Size matters: Men's 8-12 most valuable; small and large sizes sell for less

💡 Size Premium Guide: Size 9-11 typically commands highest prices. Size 7 and below, 13+ often sell at 10-30% discount.