I’m always quick to give away shoes whenever my closet is overrun, or I outgrow them, so it never occurred to me to sell shoes for cash. BUT I’m always on the lookout for ways to make extra money. Recently, I was on social media looking for furniture to flip, and I saw used shoes on sale! It was a pair of Puma tennis shoes for $40, and I thought, “Wait…I can sell shoes for cash!”
If you’re like me and have a collection of shoes you no longer wear, selling them can be a great way to declutter and earn some extra money.
BEFORE YOU SELL SHOES FOR CASH
Here’s what you need to know before you dust off those sneakers or designer shoes. First off, if your shoes are not durable, it wouldn’t be fair to sell them.
- Clean
Keeping your shoes clean is a big deal. You’ll want to get rid of any dirt, stains, or scuffs. For leather shoes, grab some leather cleaner and conditioner. If you’ve got fabric or suede shoes, use the right brushes and cleaning solutions. And don’t forget about the laces and insoles—wash them or replace them if they’re looking worn out. - No Major Damage
Make sure your shoes are in decent shape—no major structural damage like holes, tears, or broken parts. Who would want those? A little bit of wear is okay, but anything too serious and no one will want to buy them. - Check the soles to make sure they’re in good condition—no severe wear patterns or detachment. If the soles are worn out, get them repaired before listing the shoes for sale.
- Odor-Free
Your shoes should smell nice and fresh. No one wants to buy stinky shoes! To get rid of any bad odors, try using baking soda, dryer sheets, or specialized shoe deodorants. The buyer won’t know the difference from pictures but it just makes sense. - Original Accessories
Including original accessories like dust bags, extra laces, and the original box can really boost the value of your shoes. Even if you don’t have the original packaging, making sure the shoes are well-presented can make a big difference. - Proper Fit and Comfort
Shoes should still provide good support and comfort. If the shoes have lost their shape or cushioning, they are less likely to sell.
Alright, now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s jump right into the 10 best places to sell shoes for cash.
1. EBAY
eBay is a go-to platform for selling almost anything, and shoes are no exception. It has a massive audience, which means more potential buyers. You can set up an auction or fixed-price listing to sell your shoes. For eBay, I would recommend selling sneakers over other types of shoes.
The website does have fees, but it’s certainly worth the exposure. There is an 8% fee for sneakers that cost more than $150. So you’d make $138 on that pair of sneakers without worrying about a cashout fee.
Write detailed descriptions that include the brand, size, condition, and any defects. Honesty builds trust with buyers. Also, consider offering free shipping to attract more interest.
Another thing to note when you want to sell shoes for cash is the pricing of your shoes. Buyers will always compare recent sale prices to what you’re charging. Make sure you’re not prices are not too high so you don’t have trouble getting a sale.
2. FACEBOOK MARKETPLACE
Got a Facebook account? Then you’re all set to sell on Facebook Marketplace! Selling items on this app is a fantastic way to make $600 fast, and shoes are no exception.
One of the best things about Facebook Marketplace is that you can sell directly to people in your local area. This is super convenient if you want to avoid the hassle of shipping.
Plus, you get your cash way quicker by meeting up and delivering in person. That being said, your safety should always come first.
I get paranoid about meeting strangers alone because you just never know what kind of psycho you might run into. Always bring a friend when doing in-person deliveries.
If you end up needing to ship the shoes, Facebook only charges a 5% fee to the seller, which is reasonable.
Answer messages quickly and be willing to negotiate on prices. Buyers actually expect you to give them a price lower than you advertised.
When writing your product description, make sure your listings include all the necessary details, such as brand, size, condition, and any defects. Being upfront about the condition helps avoid misunderstandings and builds trust with potential buyers.
Use clear, high-quality photos from multiple angles. A good photo can make a huge difference in attracting buyers.
3. STOCKX
I’ll be honest, before learning about this website, I had no idea people were willing to pay over $20,000 for a pair of sneakers! Insane, right?
Well, I’m sure if you own a pair of authentic, limited-edition sneakers, you completely disagree with me, haha. In any case, it’s a great place to sell shoes for cash.
StockX is a trusted platform among sneakerheads and collectors because of its strict authentication process, ensuring that buyers get exactly what they’re paying for. If you’ve got limited edition kicks or brand-new sneakers, this is the perfect marketplace.
To sell on StockX, your shoes need to be in pristine condition. StockX requires that shoes be authentic and unworn, with the original tags and packaging. So, make sure your sneakers look immaculate.
StockX charges a transaction fee of 9.5% for most users, though this can vary based on your seller level. Additionally, there’s a payment processing fee of 3%. While these fees might seem a bit steep, the platform’s reputation and large customer base make it worth the investment.
When listing your shoes, provide all the necessary information accurately. The authentication process is quite strict, so honesty about the condition and origin of your shoes is crucial.
Also, setting a competitive price based on current market trends on StockX can help your shoes sell faster. Keeping an eye on what similar models are going for can give you a good idea of how to price your sneakers to attract buyers quickly.
4. MERCARI
Mercari is a super flexible and easy-to-use platform for selling all kinds of items, including your used shoes. Whether you’re a casual seller or someone with a large inventory, Mercari has got you covered. It’s a great place to declutter your closet and sell your shoes for cash.
If your shoes don’t sell right away on Mercari, don’t worry! Mercari offers a convenient relisting feature. This allows you to refresh your listing and bring it back to the top of search results, increasing its visibility to potential buyers.
Simply use the relist feature, make any necessary updates to your description or photos, and your item will be ready for another chance at catching a buyer’s eye. This feature can be a game-changer for making sure your shoes get the attention they deserve.
As of March 27, 2024, Mercari no longer charges a selling fee. However, there is a payment processing fee of 2.9% plus $0.50 per sale. This is great news for sellers, as you get to keep more of your earnings. Keep this in mind when pricing your items to ensure you still make a good profit while covering the processing fee.
5. POSHMARK
Poshmark is an awesome platform for selling fashion items, especially shoes. It’s super user-friendly and has a huge community of fashion lovers who are always on the lookout for new additions to their wardrobes. If you’ve got stylish shoes to sell, Poshmark is definitely a great place to connect with buyers who will appreciate them.
Poshmark users love stylish and clear images, so try using a clean, minimal background to really make your shoes pop. Good lighting can make a huge difference, so find a well-lit spot for your photos.
There is a flat fee of $2.95 for sales under $15 and a 20% commission on sales over $15.
To get your shoes noticed, share them regularly and engage with the Poshmark community. Use Poshmark’s sharing tools to reach more potential buyers. Adding relevant keywords and hashtags to your listings can also help people find your items more easily. Being active and engaging on the platform can really boost your sales.
6. THREDUP
ThredUp is like the ultimate online consignment store and the perfect place to sell shoes for cash. They make selling your shoes super easy by handling the entire process for you.
All you have to do is send in your shoes using their pre-paid shipping label, and they take care of the rest. They inspect your items, take professional photos, create detailed listings, and manage all the interactions with buyers.
You just sit back and wait for your payout. It’s a stress-free way to sell shoes for cash and focus on other priorities while someone else does the work.
Make sure your shoes are clean and in good condition before sending them to ThredUp. They only accept items that meet their quality standards, so you’ll want your shoes to look their absolute best. Give them a good clean and check for any flaws that might need fixing.
ThredUp takes a commission based on the selling price of your shoes, which can range from 5% to 80%. The higher the price of your shoes, the better the payout percentage you’ll get. So, if you have higher-priced items, you might see a bigger return.
You’ll need to be patient because the consignment process can take some time. It’s a bit of a waiting game, but it can pay off. Use ThredUp’s payout estimator to get an idea of how much you can expect to earn from your shoes. Also, regularly check your account for updates on the sale process to stay informed about what’s happening with your items.
7. GOAT
GOAT is another fantastic platform for selling high-end and designer sneakers. It’s well-known for its rigorous authentication process, which gives buyers confidence that they’re getting the real deal. This added credibility can make your listings more attractive to sneaker enthusiasts.
So, here’s the deal with costs on GOAT: they charge a seller fee of 9.5%, plus a commission fee that can vary depending on where you are. There’s also a 2.9% fee for cashing out your earnings. You can cash out once your total earnings exceed $25.00 USD
If you have rare or limited edition sneakers, make sure to highlight that in your listing to attract more buyers.
8. DEPOP
Depop is a hotspot for fashion-savvy individuals, especially younger folks who love unique and vintage finds. It’s an ideal platform for selling trendy and stylish shoes. With its vibrant community always on the lookout for standout pieces, it’s definitely a good place to sell shoes for cash.
There is a 10% selling fee on each transaction. Additionally, there’s a payment processing fee of 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction. Keep these costs in mind when setting your prices to ensure you still make a good profit.
Use hashtags and engage with followers to increase the visibility of your listings. Sharing your items on social media can also help attract more buyers. Stay active on the app by liking and commenting on other listings to raise your profile and get more eyes on your shoes.
9. GARAGE SALES
Hosting a garage sale is a fantastic option if you prefer a hands-on approach to selling and want to interact directly with buyers. Almost everything you can think of can be sold at a garage sale so why not sell shoes for cash?
Just like with any other item at a garage sale, presentation matters. Clean your shoes thoroughly and arrange them neatly on a table or display rack. Consider grouping similar styles together to make browsing easier for shoppers.
The best thing about garage sales? No fees, no shipping and no product descriptions to write!
Promote your garage sale in advance through social media, local classifieds, or neighborhood groups to attract more attendees. Consider offering bundle deals or discounts for multiple purchases to incentivize buyers. And don’t forget to have plenty of change on hand to make transactions smoother.
10. SELL SHOES FOR CASH TO LOCAL CONSIGNMENT STORES
Local consignment shops are perfect if you prefer selling in person. These shops handle the entire selling process for you and typically have a steady stream of customers who trust their curated selections.
Before bringing your shoes to a consignment shop, make sure they are clean and in good condition. Consignment shops often have high standards for the items they accept, so ensuring your shoes look their best is crucial.
Consignment shops usually take a commission ranging from 20% to 50% of the selling price. It’s essential to factor in this commission when deciding on a selling price for your shoes.
Visit a few consignment shops to find the best fit for your shoes. Some shops specialize in particular types of shoes or brands, so choose one that aligns with what you’re selling. Building a good relationship with the shop owners can also help, as it might lead to better placement of your items and potentially faster sales.
Now let’s wrap this up! Whether you’re a sneakerhead with a closet full of limited edition kicks or simply someone looking to declutter their shoe collection, there’s a perfect platform out there for you to sell your shoes for cash. From online marketplaces like eBay and Depop to local consignment shops and garage sales, the options are endless. Remember to make your shoes presentable, be transparent about their condition, and engage with potential buyers to maximize your sales. Have you ever sold shoes for cash? Share your experiences and additional tips in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!
