In India’s growing metropolitan cities and in the rural areas, people often have self-storage systems overloaded with goods like shoes which are now antiquated and used rarely.
What happens to these neglected pairs of shoes? They keep accumulating in the closet as a precious one.
Imagine if these pairs of shoes could turn into real and tangible money? The technological change has brought about solutions to such.
Now people can earn extra cash by removing the clutter in their space by selling those shoes online and India has not been left out on this.
This change does not only benefit people who want to earn through their unused goods online and themselves, it enhances the sustainability of consumption too.
By giving shoes a second chance, we reduce pollution and promote a circular economy. This article is aimed at helping people look for selling platforms so that maximum earnings can be achieved through their old shoes while also ensuring a sustainable environment in India.
Why Sell Old Shoes Online / What To Consider Before Starting?
The best part of selling old shoes online is that it is very easy and anyone can do it. Inventory selling through garage sales and local thrift stores is not the go-to option anymore.
With just a few clicks, your target buyers scattered around the nation can see what you are selling.
If you have used sneakers, dress shoes, or children’s shoes, there is a buyer for all of them.
Later In the article, we will look at the best methods and strategies for selling second hand shoes in India.
We will also discuss necessary details regarding getting your shoes ready for sale, and the most effective and appealing listings that bring buyers to purchase shoes.
It is also important to understand the process of shipping and payment, touching a little on customer service to ensure the buying process is as smooth as possible.
Choosing the Right Platform
a). Popular Online Marketplaces
OLX India, Olitt, Quikr, Facebook Marketplace, and Instagram are great places to market your business.
Users who are looking to purchase a product can easily access the platforms and find sellers that suit their needs.
Facebook Marketplace has the advantage of social selling by allowing sellers to use their social networks to market products to local potential buyers.
Moreover, OLX and Quikr are two well-known classifieds sites that have basic yet effective search capabilities, enabling users to locate specific shoe types in seconds.
Features of Instagram allow business owners to visually display their stylish shoes and other products using photos.
On these platforms, the sellers list the price, which the buyers can either agree with, dispute, or provide a new amount that they want to make the deal.
These platforms are generally user friendly but caution should be taken on the identity of buyers to not fall victim to scams or false identity.
Due to the popularity of these platforms, almost all demographics are active users, which directly translates to increased exposure for shoes being sold on these platforms.
Efficient direct communication with potential customers and flexible negotiations also facilitate the rapid selling of the products.
b). Online Stores of E-commerce Platforms and Consignment Shops:
Although marketplaces like Amazon India and Flipkart deal majorly with new products, some refurbished shoes might be listed for sale through other vendors or a few specific programs.
In India, online consignment stores have not been as successful as in other regions; however, these stores are becoming popular for dealing in high-quality branded shoes.
These stores often take care of the authentication and pricing of items, which creates a great opportunity for sellers to sit back and relax.
It is critical to note, however, that this selling convenience comes with a price, literally, as most online stores charge commission which means less profit for the seller.
Ensure to read the commission rate, payment schedule, and return policy before settling on a consignment store.
There are some newer online stores that are starting to focus on secondhand sales and these should be looked at as well.
You should attempt to investigate these stores as they might provide more protection and simplicity compared to the popular marketplaces.
As experts in resale, consignment stores ought to know how to sell almost everything best.
Ready To Sell Your Shoes? Here’s How To Prepare Them:
a). Cleaning and Maintenance:
The condition of the shoes will greatly influence their resale value. To improve the valuation, clean and maintain the shoes to near pristine condition prior to listing them.
For leather shoes, removing dirt and applying wax polish using a quality leather shoe cleaner and conditioner will restore the shoes to form.
Canvas shoes can be cleaned with mild soap and water, while specialized cleaning solutions are needed for most sneakers.
Do not forget to clean the soles, as these often get neglected. If smelling is an issue, use shoe deodorizers or leave the shoes in a well aerated place.
If there are any loose stitches, worn out laces, or other minor repairs that need to be fixed, do that prior to listing it.
Professional looking shoes will appeal to buyers far more than unkempt ones. Consequently, it will result in higher sales, both in terms of speed and price.
This particular step is one that warrants the maximum input because it will pay dividends later on.
b). How to Take Photos That Sell:
When it comes to selling online, visuals are everything. Ensure that you take clear and well lit pictures of the shoes from different sides and zoom in on the features, as well as the condition of the shoes.
Avoid cluttered environments to capture the shoe best. While you are at it, capture the unique elements such as brand logos, stitches, and any other embellishments on the shoe.
Take reliable close up shots. If there are any damages make sure to include those as well. In order to gain the trust of prospective buyers, you have to be transparent with the state of the product.
Make sure that the photos you display are sharp and of high quality. Blurry images give the impression of negligence to a buyer.
The first thing a shopper sees are the photos, and they use these to make the decision of whether or not to buy a product.
You only get one chance to make an impression with the photo you display, when it is of poor quality it can have a negative impact on the sale.
c). How To Write a Description That Sells:
Write a description that grabs attention and notes on the critical details of your shoes. Make sure you state the brand, size, color, material and condition of the shoes.
State selling features such as limited editions or special designs. Add words that assist increase the chances of them being searched and found easier.
To reduce the chances of returns, it is important to state all visible flaws, because honesty tends to make people more likely to trust you.
A good description will most likely address most of the buyer’s concerns even before they have to make inquiries.
This assists in saving time, and enables the buyer to make a decision quickly. The description is devoid of grammatical errors.
d). How To Price Shoes To Make Profit:
Analyze shoes with similar features on your chosen platform and competitive market prices.
Brand, condition, and level of demand should all be taken into account when deciding your price.
If your shoes are priced too high, some individuals may not show interest, which may be financially regrettable in the long run.
While it is important to get profit, be ready for some fragile negotiations. For them, ensure that you are still getting a favorable return.
Make the necessary changes to your pricing as you constantly scan the market. A few platforms allow users to view similar items that were sold recently.
Use that to price your shoes best. Setting it up too high and there will be no sales and price it too low, and you are sure to make a loss.
Dealing with Local Market Particularities and Preferences
Region-Wise Analysis:
India is a country full of diversity. Different states have their own unique sense of fashion, which is not the same in other places.
Cities like Mumbai may not show a great interest in things that are popular in places like Kolkata or Chennai.
Hence, it is important to ascertain the regional preferences concerning the types of shoes.
There is a greater demand for traditional footwear in certain regions of India during festive seasons.
Additionally, the varying climates across the Indian subcontinent affect shoe choice. During the hot and humid conditions of the coastal regions, there is a preference for sandals, while in the colder northern regions, there is a demand for veshboots and warm footwear.
Local market surveys or looking up websites specific to certain regions can provide useful information.
This paragraph can also talk about the urban rural divide. The rural brand’s awareness can be neglected but the urban counterpart remembers the brand, and the rural regions are more focused on the price and how durable it is.
Exploiting Festive Periods and Holiday Seasons:
Many regions in India boast a colorful cultural background fulfilling the mythology, especially during the festive season and wedding times, which create great marketing opportunities to sell certain types of shoes.
For example, during the period of Diwali, there is an increase in the selling of festive and traditional shoes. In the same way, during the rainy months, waterproof shoes and sandals are in high demand.
Aligning your listings with specific seasonal times and festivities can increase your chances of making a sale.
Use the relevant keywords for the listings to get the attention of buyers who are actively searching for those specific items. Market some shoe types around certain periods to maximize the chances of making sales.
This part can show a small calendar that depicts the most popular festivals in India along with the kind of shoes that are sought after during those festivals.
When it Comes To Shipping, You Have Different Options Such As Courier Services, Postal Services, And Local Delivery.
All these methods have their advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before choosing one.
Go For A Shipping Method That Is Most Reliable, Affordable, And Convenient For You And The Buyer.
A Few Things To Think About Include: The Cost Of Shipping And Delivery, How Long The Package Takes To Arrive, Is There Tracking Available, And How Will The Shoes Be Packaged?
The Shoes Should Be Well Packaged To Avoid Damaging The Shoes During Transport. Strong Boxes And Bubble Wrap Should Be Used So The Shoes Are Well Protected.
After Shipping, Tracking Information Should Be Provided So The Buyer Can Track The Shipment Once It Has Been Shipped Out.
Buyers Always Looking For A Better Deal, So Try To Keep Your Rates Competitive Where You Can.
Authorization, payment processing, and transaction logs:
Adhere to strict security protocols while performing any payments to avoid fraudulent activity.
For instance, an online bank transfer, UPI payment, or cash on delivery systems all vary in the level of security and ease they offer.
With Cash on Delivery, the buyer must be verified to confirm that the identity and address are legitimate.
The communication with the buyer should be clear throughout the process and prompt responses should be given for questions related to the payment and shipping status.
All payments, transactions, and shipping information should be properly documented. When receiving transactions from unknown payers, do caution yourself as payments should always be verified before shipping any goods.
Potential Liabilities and Risks Associated with Selling Shoes Online
a). Legislation Creates Rights:
It may seem like there is no legal obligation when selling secondhand items, but there are fundamental legal responsibilities that must be honored. One of them is accurate product descriptions so a buyer is not misled.
Another important factor is the selling of pirated goods. Selling counterfeit shoes is a crime that has dire consequences. Make sure to stress that only valid items should be marketed and sold.
You may have to register as a business if you are selling shoes on a regular basis instead of only in an ad-hoc manner. This would help them pinpoint where that information can be obtained.
b). Caution for Safety During Online Transaction:
Fraud has emerged as a problem in India, and so people need to know the actionable strategies that will help them remain safe. This involves:
- Confirming the identity and address of the buyer.
- Secure payment methods, also avoid dubious requests.
- Buyers who attempt to force you to complete a transaction without providing a reasonable explanation must always be dealt with cautiously.
- If in-person transactions must be conducted, ensure that such meetings take place in safe public venues.
- It is also critical to discuss data confidentiality. Hence, sellers should be advised to keep their personal information to the bare minimum and utilize strong passwords to secure their accounts.
Tips on how to spot fraudulent buyers.
a). Ensure Smooth Communication with Buyers
It’s a good habit to get back to any potential buyers and clear all inquiries as fast as possible.
Make sure that the details provided about your shoes are accurate and all the details that need to be framed are focused on.
Always advocate professionalism by being nice and polite to the customers. There are lots of people who buy sneakers, and if they are able to trust you, they will be willing to make a purchase.
Strong communication eliminates any potential problems or confusion down the line.
b). Provide Exceptional Customer Service While Negotiating Deals
When negotiating deals, talk to the buyer about the price because it is very possible that the buyer is not fully comfortable with it.
The aim is for both parties to feel satisfied. Practice good customer service by ensuring the product delivery is timely, fixing any problems, and ensuring a positive attitude. Individuals who are happy are the most likely people to give a good review. Good reviews are crucial for increasing sales in the future.
Final Thoughts
Reselling used sneakers online in India comes with the advantage of making some extra money as well as cleaning out your house.
All of these can be achieved by using the correct site, effectively preparing the shoes, making enticing advertisements, and maintaining communication with the customers.
Now, let’s clean out the wardrobe and convert your sneakers into cash.