Yes, you can often sell shoes to certain types of thrift or resale stores. Selling your shoes at consignment and thrift stores can be a great option to earn some cash while decluttering your closet. While traditional non-profit thrift stores typically operate on a donation model, many for-profit resale shops, often categorized broadly as thrift or consignment stores, actively purchase used items, including shoes, directly from individuals.
How Selling Shoes to Resale Stores Works
When considering selling your shoes to a store, it's important to understand the two primary models they operate under:
- Direct Buy: Some stores, like certain "buy-sell-trade" shops, will assess your shoes on the spot and offer you cash or store credit immediately. The amount offered is typically a percentage of what the store expects to sell the item for. This is often the quickest way to get paid.
- Consignment: With consignment, you provide your shoes to the store, and they display them for sale. You only get paid once the shoes sell, and the store takes a percentage of the sale price. This method might yield a higher payout than a direct buy, but there's no guarantee of sale, and it can take longer to receive payment.
What Types of Shoes Do Resale Stores Buy?
Resale stores are selective about the inventory they accept. To increase your chances of selling your shoes, consider the following factors:
- Condition: Shoes must be in excellent, clean, and gently used condition. This means no excessive scuffs, tears, odors, or significant wear on the soles. Some stores might accept "like-new" or "never-worn" items.
- Style: Current and in-demand styles are highly preferred. Classic, timeless pieces also have a good chance of being accepted. Outdated or very niche styles are less likely to be purchased.
- Brand: Popular, high-quality, or designer brands often fetch better prices and are more readily accepted. Think athletic brands, well-known fashion brands, or luxury footwear.
- Season: Stores often buy items that are in season or will be in season soon. For example, sandals in spring/summer and boots in fall/winter.
Tips for Selling Your Shoes
To maximize your success when selling shoes to resale shops:
- Clean Them Thoroughly: This is crucial. Before taking your shoes in, clean them inside and out. Remove dirt, scuffs, and any odors. Polishing leather or scrubbing soles can make a significant difference.
- Research Stores: Not all "thrift stores" buy items. Look for local consignment shops, "buy-sell-trade" stores, or specific resale boutiques in your area. Check their websites or call ahead to confirm their buying policies and preferred items.
- Check Store Policies: Understand their buying hours, what types of items they accept, and their payout structure (cash, store credit, consignment percentage).
- Be Realistic: The amount you receive will be significantly less than the original retail price. Stores need to make a profit, so they offer a wholesale price for your used goods.
- Bring a Variety: If you have multiple pairs of shoes, bring a selection. Even if one pair isn't accepted, others might be.
Benefits of Selling Shoes to Resale Stores
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Earn Extra Cash | Turn unused shoes into money in your pocket. |
| Declutter Your Closet | Free up space and organize your living environment. |
| Eco-Friendly | Extend the life of items and reduce waste, supporting circular fashion. |
| Convenience | Often quicker and less hassle than selling items online yourself. |
| Support Local Business | Contribute to the local economy by supporting community-based shops. |
By preparing your shoes properly and choosing the right store, selling your pre-loved footwear can be an effective way to earn some money while being environmentally conscious.
