Sneakers became a symbol for both high fashion and streetwear in the late 1900s, but their origins can be traced back to the 1800s. What gave rise to the culture was hip-hop artists who’d wear sneakers as a fashion statement. Today, those who use proxies generally collect limited-edition sneakers from popular brands like Nike and Adidas.

According to a research study titled “Sneaker Resale Market Size, Statistics, Growth Trend Analysis and Forecast Report, 2022 - 2032” done by Market Decipher, sneaker collecting and reselling is rapidly spreading worldwide. Reports highlight exclusivity as one of the core factors driving the rise in sneaker popularity. In addition, the market is expected to experience a capital annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.4% from 2023 to 2024.

How To Start The Sneaker Game?

Sneaker copping and reselling are two of the best ways of getting into the sneaker game. Copping sneakers means that you buy highly valuable or limited edition sneakers in large quantities. Sneaker copping is done effectively during a drop, which refers to a limited release of sneakers.

Reselling sneakers means selling limited-edition items at retail prices. To resell sneakers effectively, you must list them on online marketplaces. When the products are resold through these marketplaces, you can earn a significant profit.

What’s the Sneaker Game All About?

The sneaker game is all about understanding culture and evolution. If you want to know how to get into the sneaker game, familiarize yourself with the sneaker culture and common terms and slang used in the sneaker industry. Doing so will help you build meaningful connections, trust, and credibility within the sneaker community. Sneakers originated in the 1800s and the culture became more prominent in the 1970s and 1980s era. During that time, shoe manufacturers began collaborating with music artists like Kurt Cobain and athletes like Michael Jordan. This increased both the popularity and demand for sneakers as they not only became a fashion and streetwear statement but a way for one to express their own personality.

In addition, the sneaker culture also dictated marketing norms at the time which led to the increased use of drop culture promotions. This marketing strategy was centered on launching products with no warnings, and that too in limited quantities. The sneaker culture is one that has seen decades of evolution, which has led to a community of enthusiasts being developed worldwide.

Sneaker Game from a Reselling Perspective

For those fond of this culture, sneakers aren’t something to be worn but something to be cherished and collected. The term sneaker game refers to a community-centric collecting, marketing, and reselling of limited edition and highly sought-after sneakers. From a reselling perspective, the sneaker game is about procuring sneakers at retail prices and selling them with a margin for profit.

To be successful in the industry, resellers monitor releases from major brands. In addition, they also pay attention to limited edition collaborations, analyze market demands, and determine resale value. The sneaker reselling is also about using multiple strategies that help resellers secure sneakers. Common examples of such strategies include manually purchasing sneakers online, using bots, and entering raffles.

Managing the inventory is one of the most important aspects of becoming an expert in the sneaker game. Once resellers have managed to procure limited edition sneakers, they need to manage to balance the risk of holding on to them for too long or selling them too quickly. Resellers who are unable to do that are likely to miss out on feasible profit margins, given that they won't be selling at a time when sneakers are in demand.

However, to make significant profits, one must also know that the sneaker reselling game is also about setting the right prices. Provided below is a list of various factors that resellers must consider when setting the price for sneakers.

• Demand.
• Rarity.
• Market trends.
• Condition of the sneakers.

Alongside this, the sneaker game is mainly about building a positive reputation within the sneaker community. To do this, resellers must provide excellent customer support services and have accurate product descriptions and authentic sneakers. In addition, it’s also about using reselling platforms to sell the kicks once the reseller has built a positive reputation in the community.

Common examples of such platforms include ShoeGrab and StockX. But sneakerheads can also resell kicks on different sites by engaging with others on different social media platforms like Reddit or Facebook. In addition, online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon can also be used. So, the sneaker reselling game is mainly centered on finding limited edition sneakers that are in demand and selling them for a profit.

How Much Does It Cost to Start Reselling Sneakers?

Starting a sneaker reselling business might not cost as much as people might think. In fact, it’s not only possible but also likely for businesses and individuals to resell sneakers from home. With such an approach, the only three costs that come into play are the expenses incurred for cook groups, sneaker bots, and premium proxies.

There are many cook groups, such as AK CHEFS, that can be found online. Those who’re a part of those groups receive low-key information and guides that help them secure sneakers where they can make money. Sneaker bots such as Valor are also essential as they can help people secure kicks faster.

In addition, another factor that adds to the cost of the sneaker reselling game is proxies. When it comes to proxies, know that both ISP and data center proxies are the same. The only difference between them is that data center IPs come directly from the data centers. Whereas ISP proxies come from the data centers of well-known ISPs.

Out of all the proxies available, residential proxies are the best option. The table provided below contains the cost of each.

How Much Does Reselling Sneakers Cost On Online Marketplaces?

Using online marketplaces is the best option to reduce the cost of entering the sneaker reselling business. They can significantly reduce the sneaker game by allowing you to list and sell sneakers without any physical costs. They also help decrease costs as they can handle all the transaction and shipping processes. With online platforms like ShoeGrab and StockX, the only costs you would incur are inventory and platform charges.

The list provided below contains some of the most essential tips on managing finances effectively when getting into the sneaker game.

• Create a budget for how much you will spend on copping sneakers and avoid overspending.
• Research sneaker trends and resale value to determine the likely profit margin on each pair of kicks you cop.
• Prioritize copping kicks that have a higher resale value and are preferred among sneakerheads.
• Look for opportunities to cop sneakers below the retail price.
• Diversify your collection by including limited editions and general kicks to offset risk and increase the potential for stable returns.
• Track expenses like procurement costs, platform fees, and shipping fees.

Where to Cop Sneakers?

Retailer websites, social media groups, and online marketplaces are some examples of various channels you can use to cop limited-edition, sought-after sneakers. The following list contains all the channels that can be used, along with a description of each.

• Retailer websites - websites of platforms like Nike, Yeezy, Adidas, and more—are the most effective channels where you’ll find the latest drops.
• Online sneaker marketplaces - these online marketplaces will help you find sneakers from different retailers. On these marketplaces, you can find new drops and pre-loved kicks. Some examples of online sneaker marketplaces include KLEKT, Ox Street, and ShoeGrab.
• Social media - different social media platforms have multiple groups of sneakerheads where you’ll find leads on buying profitable kicks. Some common examples include Reddit groups and a page on X (formerly known as Twitter)
• Discord - the platform has a knowledgeable community of sneakerheads, meaning you’re more likely to find a good pair of kicks. Some examples of discord channels for sneakerheads include Sneakers Discord, Sneaker Squad, and Sneakerheads.xyz.

To successfully cop sneakers from these platforms, you’ll need to consider two key factors: demand and resale value. Looking at the demand for kicks you plan on copping will help you determine whether they can be resold or not.

To measure demand, you should initiate a discussion among the community before actually copping a pair of kicks. This will help you gauge how many people prefer those kicks. Analyzing the price will help you determine an estimated profit margin for the kicks you plan on copping from a drop.

In addition, you also need to consider the fees charged by online sneaker reselling platforms. For example, the base transaction fee on StockX is 9% and can decrease to 7% depending on the number or amount of quarterly sales. Other platforms, like Flight Club, have a 9.5% commission rate.

How to Successfully Buy Sneakers?

Tips like using sneaker bots and proxies and entering raffles can help you buy sneakers successfully. These tips will help you navigate the sneaker-buying process, as most retailers won’t let you buy more than one pair without details like banking information or an IP address.

Using these bots ensures that you’re able to buy limited edition kicks before they sell out, as they can beat human buyers to the checkout process. Sneaker bots can also be used alongside proxies to cop multiple kicks from the same platform.

A proxy masks your online identity, making it look like traffic is coming from real users. The following are some of the proxies you can use to cop kick successfully.

• Residential proxies - provide IP addresses from actual users.
• Data center proxies - provide IP addresses from data centers and are faster than residential proxies.
• ISP proxies - a mix of both and offer the IP address of the ISP.

Entering raffles is another way to cop sneakers effectively. Raffles allow you to be the first one to get your hands on drops. When entering raffles, using multiple accounts is a more feasible approach as it increases your chances of winning.

These raffles are often held by retailers like Sneaktorious and Sole Retriever. The following are some tips for navigating the sneaker-buying process effectively.

• Research upcoming releases and sneaker demands.
• Use sneaker bots for increasing your chances of successful purchases.
• Learn to accurately access the value and demand of sneakers beforehand.

Where to Resell Sneakers?

Social media platforms and sneaker marketplaces are where you can resell sneakers. When you’re reselling sneakers on social media platforms take appropriate fraud prevention measures since there are no third parties involved. This helps you minimize risks. Common examples of such social media platforms include Facebook groups and Reddit forums.

When reselling kicks on online marketplaces, check for the commission they charge. Choosing a marketplace with lower commissions can help you maximize profits. Such marketplaces may include eBay, Amazon, StockX, Flight Club, and more.

If you plan on reselling sneakers on social media platforms, Reddit groups and Discord channels are also great options. In addition, you can also resell sneakers on online marketplaces like Ox Street and ShoeGrab.

What Are Some Key Tips For Taking Pictures and Shipping?

When reselling, upload real pictures and use appropriate shipping material like bubble wrap and the original box. The following are some of the key tips for taking pictures and shipping.

• Capture the kicks from as many angles as possible.
• Avoid taking pictures with a cluttered background.
• Avoid pictures with deep shadows.
• Add lightweight, protective material when shipping the sneakers.
• Make sure that the sneakers fit the box.

What Are Some Tips for Getting Ahead In The Sneaker Game?

Collaborating with others and keeping the kicks clean helps you get ahead in the sneaker game. The following are some of the key tips that help you get ahead in the sneaker game.

• Capitalize on collaborations, as people are willing to pay more for shoes with a celebrity’s name attached to them.
• Clean preloved sneakers as much as possible to increase their resale value.
• Keep the shoe box, as it will be handy when you ship the kicks.
• Avoid wearing the kicks in muddy conditions.
• Apply leather conditioner to keep the sneakers looking good.
• Avoid using free proxies since they are less reliable.

Use Premium Proxies For Sneaker Copping?

Premium proxies offer more stable and reliable connections, allowing you to collect data more effectively. Premium proxies can be used for web scraping, social media marketing, e-commerce, and more. Using them for data collection allows you to make informed decisions, which leads to greater profits.

Are There Any Terms or Slangs Used in the Sneaker Industry?

Terms like “Drop” or “Grain” are commonly used in the sneaker industry. When it comes to learning how to get into the sneaker game, these terms are paramount. They signify a bond, like-mindedness, and a sense of belongingness within the sneaker community. All of these factors are essential for building customer trust.

So, the first step in how to get into sneakers reselling is to learn the language of the industry. The following are some of the key terms and slang commonly used in the sneaker game.

• Kicks - another word for sneakers.
• GOAT - an acronym for the phrase “Greatest Of All Time.”
• Grail - the most desired pair of sneakers you’re selling.
• Drop - a new pair of sneakers that were released by a retailer.
• Quickstrike - a limited edition of sneakers released without notice.
• Fugazi - a damaged or fake pair of sneakers.
• F&F - a rare pair of sneakers that’s released only for family or friends of the designers.
• Fire - a pair of sneakers seen as “cool” among sneakerheads.
• Deadstock - a pair from an old release that has never been worn before.
• Double-up - when someone likes a pair to such an extent they want to buy another.
• Copping - successfully buying multiple pairs of sneakers.
• Beater - a go-to pair of sneakers for all conditions.
• Bot - software used to purchase products faster than humans.
• Crispy - refers to a clean pair of sneakers.
• Heat - the hype a pair of sneakers create or have.
• L - refers to a failure to cop.
• W - a successful purchase.
• Lows - sneakers that sit below the ankles.
• OG - refers to the original release of a sneaker.
• Restock - new delivery for a sold-out pair of sneakers.
• Retro - a sneaker that has been re-released.
• Sneakerhead - a person who buys, collects, and sells sneakers as a hobby.

FAQ

How do you get into the sneaker reselling game?

To enter the sneaker reselling scene, start by researching market trends and popular brands. Invest in limited edition or high-demand sneakers, and utilize online platforms like StockX or eBay for selling. Build a network within the sneaker community to stay updated on releases and pricing and use proxies to automate cop sneakers for a successful checkout process.

How to turn into a sneakerhead?

Becoming a sneakerhead involves immersing yourself in the culture. Begin by exploring different sneaker brands and learning about their history and collaborations. Attend sneaker events, follow blogs and social media accounts dedicated to sneakers, and start collecting pairs that resonate with your personal style.

How much money do you need to start a sneaker store?

The capital required to start a sneaker store varies depending on multiple factors like location, inventory size, and marketing budget. Generally, expect to invest in initial stock, rent, utilities, and other expenses associated with setting up a retail space. Remember that the real value is in having a unique pair of sneakers to sell, even if it’s just one.

Is it legal to resell shoes?

Yes, it is legal to resell shoes as long as you are not infringing on trademarks or selling counterfeit products. However, it's essential to abide by resale laws and regulations, including accurately representing the condition of the shoes and adhering to any manufacturer restrictions.

Do sneaker resellers use bots?

Yes, many sneaker resellers use bots to increase their chances of purchasing limited-edition sneakers online. These bots automate the checkout process, allowing resellers to secure multiple pairs faster than manual methods. However, some platforms have measures in place to combat bot usage, so resellers must adapt their strategies accordingly.