Selling Sneakers On eBay: Is It Worth?

Long-established platforms like StockX and GOAT have been leading the way for years now when it comes to hubs for reselling hyped and rare sneakers. However, a long-standing platform, eBay, has also become a place where you can potentially sell your kicks. Whilst not often held in as high of regard by sneakerheads as its competitors, there are actually many advantages of selling sneakers on eBay. In this article, we will look at these advantages as well as the negatives associated with selling sneakers on eBay in a bid to answer the question: Is selling sneakers on eBay worth it? We will also compare the platform to the likes of StockX when trying to answer this question.

About eBay

Most of you who resell will know of eBay but for the select few who do not and only know the likes of StockX and Depop, here is a quick introduction to the platform. Founded in 1995, eBay has long been a platform where people can buy and sell just about anything, including sneakers. It is a consumer-to-consumer online marketplace where both used and new items are bought and sold. With millions of active users worldwide, eBay presents a larger potential customer base than most other resale platforms.

With that out of the way, it is time to look at why you should (or maybe shouldn’t) consider selling your sneakers on eBay.

Selling Sneakers on eBay: The Pros

Huge Audience: Perhaps one of the most significant advantages eBay holds over its competitors is its size. With over 180 million active users, eBay dwarfs other platforms in sheer scale. While StockX and GOAT have carved out a significant niche in the sneaker world, their user base is largely made up of sneakerheads and collectors, meaning they quite simply cannot reach the audience eBay can. eBay reaches a broader demographic, including casual buyers, collectors, and everyone in between. This widens the pool of potential buyers for your sneakers, which is always a plus.

No Selling Fees: StockX and GOAT have both made their mark in the sneaker resale market, with each providing their own perks, such as authentication services. However, this comes at a cost. StockX charges transaction fees of up to 9.5% while GOAT charges up to 15%. This can eat into your profit margins considerably. On the other hand, eBay has adopted a zero-fee model for sneakers sold for $100 or more, in a bid to lure sellers away from the previously mentioned marketplaces. This is without a doubt the biggest advantage people talk about when it comes to sneakers and eBay.

Flexibility: When you list a pair of sneakers on StockX or GOAT, you are bound by their policies and listing formats. This means you don’t have much say in how your listing is presented. eBay, however, allows sellers more flexibility in how they sell their products. You can choose between auction-style or fixed-price listings, providing more control over the selling process. You can also customize your listings with detailed descriptions and multiple photos, giving potential buyers a more comprehensive view of the product. Whilst not a big deal for most sellers, others may appreciate this extra aspect of personalization.

Global Reach: While platforms like StockX and GOAT have an international presence, they are mostly known in the U.S. and the Western world. eBay meanwhile has a significantly larger global reach. This means your sneakers are visible to a much larger and more diverse set of potential buyers, increasing your chances of a profitable sale.

Selling Sneakers on eBay: The Cons

No Authentication Service: Perhaps the most significant disadvantage of selling on eBay is the lack of an authentication service. Platforms like StockX and GOAT offer a layer of trust and security with their authentication services. This helps build trust with buyers which can lead to more sales and allow you to charge premium prices for big-ticket items.

Time and Effort: Listing items on eBay requires much more time and effort compared to StockX or GOAT. For each pair of sneakers, you need to take clear, quality photos from multiple angles, write a detailed description, and handle customer service. This can be a time-consuming process, especially if you’re selling multiple pairs of sneakers. Meanwhile, on StockX all you need to do is select the sneaker and size, set your asking price, and you’re done as they handle the rest. Shipping on eBay will also require additional effort as you must handle the whole process yourself. This is in contrast to more traditional sneaker platforms which usually give the seller a pre-paid shipping label.

Final Verdict

So, is it really worth selling your sneakers on eBay? Unfortunately, the answer ultimately depends on your specific circumstances and goals. If you’re looking for a larger potential audience and no fees, eBay could be a good fit. However, if you value convenience, a more niche market, and less customer interaction, platforms like StockX and GOAT might be better suited to your needs. Thus, your best bet is probably to list your sneakers on all platforms, eBay included. This way you give yourself the absolute best chance of securing a sale and also expand your consumer base.