The world of selling heavily worn shoes - a personal insight
Author Victoria S | Publish Date 10/09/2024
In the world of side hustles, some ideas are more unconventional than others. Selling scented or heavily worn shoes might sound slightly unusual, but it’s a niche market that can be surprisingly lucrative and successful. Whether you’re looking to declutter your wardrobe, have your own interest in footwear, or looking for some extra income, this guide will help you navigate the ins and outs of selling your old heavily worn shoes. I've personally sold my own shoes with great success over the years and I've loved learning about the world of footwear enthusiasts, so much so, I want to create my own marketplace and delve into this fascinating world a little deeper.
Why Sell Smelly Shoes?
- Niche Market: There’s a demand for well-worn, smelly or scented shoes. Some buyers are collectors, while others have specific interests. Not all marketplaces are very welcoming of such sales and whilst there are a few other wonderful well known dedicated sites, I want to offer something slightly different and step away ever so slightly from the word fetish and embrace the word enthusiasts! Not to say, I have an issue with the term Fetish I just want to break down any stereotypes or negative connotation attached to this niche area. I also want the seller to feel liberated in cashing in on passing on their shoes to enthusiasts. When I sold on ebay, my listings were removed within hours I (very wrongly) I hated how this made me feel, as though I was doing something wrong almost illicit or dirty, where in fact it was the complete opposite and this spurred me on to launch More Than Soles.
- Extra Income: It truly is an easy way to make money from items you might otherwise throw away.
- Sustainability: Selling second-hand shoes promotes recycling and reduces waste, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Steps to Selling Smelly Shoes
1. Gather Your Stock
Collect shoes that are well-worn and have a distinct odour (or not necessarily always, but a smell does indicate that the shoe has been recently worn). Ensure they are still wearable and not falling apart completely.
2. Take Authentic Photos
Good photos are crucial. Take clear, well-lit pictures from multiple angles. Highlight the wear and tear, as this is often what buyers are looking for. You will gain more interest from images showing you wearing the shoes. You don't need to show anything above your knee to attract attention. Buyers may be interested in seeing other angles, such as more images of the soles - this is where providing a contact email address comes in handy as this may increase likelihood of a sale.
4. Write Honest Descriptions
Be honest about the condition of the shoes. Include details about the brand, size, and how long they’ve been worn. This builds trust with the buyers and potentially future sales. You can leave the padding out of words etc to us
5. Price.
Footwear can sell from anywhere between £10 and £70. You are welcome to propose a price otherwise we will list based on our own extensive knowledge and research
7. Promote Your Listings
Share your listings on social media and join online communities related to this niche market. The more exposure, the better your chances of making a sale.
Tips for Success
- Stay Anonymous: Use separate email when engaging with buyers
- Be Responsive: Answer potential buyers’ questions promptly to build trust and encourage sales.
- Be open minded
- Enjoy the experience
- Post on time :)
Conclusion
Selling smelly shoes might not be for everyone, but it can be a profitable and sustainable way to make extra money. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to turning your old shoes into cash. Happy selling!