The sneaker flipper business has become increasingly attractive to hustlers of all ages and backgrounds. This is understandable, with the sneaker resale market currently valued at around $6 billion and expected to reach $30 billion by 2030.
Reselling sneakers is a relatively simple process. You buy sneakers with a high resale value, whether they are used or new. You may even purchase multiple pairs at a competitive price. Afterward, resell them to sneaker enthusiasts at a healthy profit.
Seems easy enough, right? In this article, we’ll cover one of the most lucrative brands to resell, Jordans. You’ll learn important information about:
Before online resale grew to the industry it is now, resellers could bank on running to the nearest Foot Locker or word of mouth for what the next hot drop would be. These days, resellers need to be quick and savvy to secure the most coveted styles, competing against sneaker bots buying up inventory that could sell at 100% + markup on sneaker resale websites after selling out. Here are our top tips to be successful selling Jordans.
There is consistently high resale value for Nike SB Dunks, Nike Dunk collaborations, and Jordan 1s. Black and white Jordans, Red Jordans, Pink Jordans, many pairs sell well above their retail price because they are so coveted in the sneaker community. In 2021, Jordan 1 hype reached an all-time high, as Nike SB Dunks became one of the most coveted sneakers on the resale market.
Jordan continues to capitalize on demand amongst sneakerheads with a new Jordan 1 released weekly. They’ve also mastered tapping into nostalgia using colorways that Michael Jordan played in or from originals released in 1985. Classics have repeatedly performed well in the market, apparent with the Chicago colorway of the Jordan 1.
Unlaced, fresh-from-the-box Jordan 1 Retro Chicago from 1994 resold this year for $2,500, earning the seller $2,000! If you have a more recent pair, say from 2013, you still have the potential to net around $876. Not bad in our book.
Since 1984, Nike Air Jordan 1 has been a sneakerhead must-have since it was released for basketball legend Michael Jordan. Each time the style is re-released, it attracts the attention of the sneaker community. According to figures from The RealReal, the Nike Air Jordan 1 sneaker has an average resale value of up to 1,816%.
Photo courtesy of The RealReal: Jordan Retro 1 Chicago Sneakers; Nike x Supreme Dunk Low Pro SB White Cement Sneakers; Jordan 1 Retro "Banned" Sneakers
Check out this article on ALL Air Jordan Styles so you can spot a keeper when you find one.
Remember: These are just estimates, and the actual resale value can fluctuate depending on various factors.
Sourcing Jordans can be a challenge if you’re looking to buy them retail. Depending on the hype around the release, they can easily sell out before you get a chance to purchase and big brands are also trying to combat sneaker bots to give shoppers a real chance to buy. There are other outlets to consider if you can’t find them from a big box retailer:
(and don’t count out what your friends or family might have hidden in the closet! Buying at wholesale prices in bulk from someone you know could lead to decent profits)
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Similarly to cashing out on collabs with artists, you’ll want to take note of luxury brands dropping a shoe, like Louis Vuitton, Off-White or Dior. While they may retail high to begin with and the entry price isn’t for the masses, the resale value is relative, meaning thousands of dollars in potential revenue from one pair if you have the ability to scoop them. These releases are always pretty scarce making them iconic pieces to buy and resell.
"Bots" are software applications that help resellers nab hyped pairs online, including limited-edition drops, in the sneaker resale industry. In spite of the controversy surrounding bots in the sneaker world, they are often essential for purchasing the newest releases at retail prices. Former sneakerheads and self-taught developers often build these bots for profit. While sneaker-nabbing bots can give resellers a leg-up, they are often the cause of much distress on the side of footwear companies who are looking to mitigate the problem.
Everyone wants the sneaker that will flip for the most profit, but how can you really tell what your Jordans will sell for? Always check comps to get an idea of what the sneaker is being listed for on average on secondary marketplaces as well as what they have actually sold for. This is one reason we love StockX and eBay as resources, not only as marketplaces to sell. Check out these Jordan 1 Retro High OG’s:
Volatility percentage shows how much the shoe has fluctuated above and below the average sale price. For example, if a Nike Air Jordan sneaker had an average sale price of $1,000, but had sold for as high as $1,500 and as low as $500, then its volatility percentage would be 150%.
Volatility is useful in indicating which Air Jordan sneakers can be sold for high prices if they are found at a low price. The higher the percentage, the greater the potential profit margin.
Finding a pair of sneakers with the box might not always be feasible but it definitely adds value to your listing when reselling. This tells potential buyers the sneaker has been protected and cared for and that they can expect the shoe to be in good condition. Unless brand new in the box, you should always give your kicks a good cleaning before listing and shipping them off to a buyer. Sneakerheads are meticulous, no wear will go unnoticed so be as transparent as possible in your listing and include clear pictures showing multiple angles of the shoe.
Josh’s Sneaker Tip: If you have a valuable pair of sneakers, try to find a box to sell them in. Boxes, and the original accessories that come with shoes such as dust bags, are important to collectors. You could attempt to find a box for the exact shoes, or even use a replacement shoe box of the same brand. This will add value to your listing for a better sale.
Having the most eyes on your listing is the best and fastest way to make a sale on secondary markets. Crossposting your listing to multiple marketplaces increases your chances of making a sale and widens your audience significantly. eBay, Grailed, Poshmark, Facebook Marketplace, and Depop are just a handful of the marketplaces Vendoo offers resellers to crosslist.
With seamless inventory management, you can track the sneakers selling best, on what platforms and grow your sneaker reselling side hustle!
You might also like: 10 Great Marketplaces Every Reseller Should Consider
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