Are your closets overflowing with fabulous designer shoes? Do you crave a fresh and stylish wardrobe, but your budget can’t quite accommodate your fashion desires? Learning how to prep and sell designer shoes could help you solve these problems!
Whether you're a fashionista looking to declutter your closet or a savvy shopper looking to put money back in your wallet, selling used designer shoes can be your golden ticket to both style and savings.
We’ve prepared this article to outline all of the steps you should take to prepare and sell your designer shoes online. Dust off those Jimmy Choos or Louboutins and get ready to dive into a shoe-selling adventure!
Before posting your designer shoes online, ask yourself whether their style would impress anyone today, or in six months– some super-trendy styles are only popular for a season or two. Your shoes are more likely to sell if they have a timeless design that transcends trends and appeals to a wide range of fashion enthusiasts.
If you want to know whether the shoe you’re selling is truly timeless, do some online research to see which shoe trends are on the rise, and which ones are on the way out. For example, this article suggests that shoes with a square-toed design or squishy-soled shoes may not be here to stay. As such, finding a buyer for these shoes online might be challenging. By contrast, a pair of vintage black leather loafers with an elegant silhouette is an example of a timeless design that feels current.
Determining the value of used shoes can be a bit tricky. However, one of the key factors to consider is the original retail price, also known as the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP).
Let's say you have a pair of 2-year-old Nike Air Max sneakers that initially sold for $120. As a general rule of thumb, used shoes are priced at half or less of their original retail price. So, you will most likely price them at $60.
However, if you’re offering free shipping as a competitive advantage, you could deduct the shipping fee of between $7 and $10 if you’re shipping within the U.S. using a carrier like USPS. You should also deduct another 10% for listing and payment fees.
If the total profit after deducting these costs is acceptable to you, your designer shoes are worth reselling. However, this formula works best for current shoes still available in stores.
The original retail price might not be as relevant if you’re selling vintage or older designer shoes. In that case, you'll need to take a different approach to researching pricing: your best bet is to review sales of comparable items from the past year and use that data to determine a fair price.
Before putting your shoes up for sale, ensure that they're in the best possible condition. Here's a checklist to review as you make sure your shoes are in tip-top shape:
If the designer shoes need any repairs or touch-ups, you should take them to a professional who specializes in repairing designer shoes. In addition to handling repairs, these professionals can help you clean the shoes and restore them. If you can’t fix the defects, you should disclose them to potential buyers when listing the shoes.
Craft a captivating description that makes potential buyers fall head over heels for your kicks. Here are some tips for nailing your description:
The description should grab the buyers' attention and make them envision themselves owning and wearing your designer shoes.
When selling designer shoes online, high-quality photos are worth their weight in gold. Whether you’re using your smartphone or a digital camera, get ready to snap some winning shots by following these tips:
By taking high-quality photos, you'll make your designer shoes shine and attract the attention they deserve. So, get behind the camera and take time to capture the stunning shots that will make your shoes irresistible!
Now that your designer shoes are prepped and your photos are on point, it's time to post a listing on online marketplaces and cast a wide net to reach potential buyers. Here are a few of the best marketplaces to consider:
These platforms provide global reach and dedicated communities of fashion enthusiasts eager to find their next statement piece. Each marketplace has its own unique features, audience, and fee structure. Take the time to explore and compare these platforms and find the best fit for your designer shoes. By leveraging the reach and reputation of these online marketplaces, you'll increase your chances of finding the perfect buyer.
Selling your designer shoes online can be quite an adventure, but let's face it—it's not always a walk in the park. From prepping and pricing to photography and listing, the process can be complicated and time-consuming. Why go through all this hassle when online selling experts like Sella can do the legwork for you?
At Sella, we’ll handle everything, including photography, listing your shoes on various marketplaces, negotiating with buyers, shipping, meetups, and everything else involved in online selling. If you want expert help to clear out your closet and make a profit, get started today!
