The Australian footwear market is worth over 4.4 USD in 2023, and consumer spending on footwear is also on the rise, up by 1.1% year on year. eBay is one of the popular platforms for e-commerce entrepreneurs and resellers to set up their online stores and sell shoes in Australia. eBay offers a large audience of potential buyers, and sellers have the ability to set their own prices.
There are a number of benefits to selling shoes on eBay. First, eBay has a large and active user base in Australia and also gives your brand global exposure. The e-commerce platform is the second most visited online marketplace in the region based on monthly search volume. Second, eBay allows sellers to set their own prices, giving them the flexibility to gauge reception and fine-tune pricing accordingly. Third, eBay offers a variety of shipping options in-house and through a network of third-party logistics providers that help you save costs and list products at remarkably lower pricing.
In this article, we will discuss the process of selling shoes on eBay in detail. We will also cover best practices for selling shoes on eBay, eBay’s selling fees for shoes, and eBay’s sneaker authentication services for reselling sneakers.
Whether you are new to selling shoes on eBay or you are an experienced seller, this article will provide you with the information you need to be successful in the Australian market.
How to Start Selling Shoes on eBay
Before setting up an online store on eBay, it is important to verify if the shoe you are selling has a demand on the platform. This is particularly important for new sellers who are entering the Australian market or entrepreneurs who are exploring eBay as a new channel to sell.
- Pick your focus
What kind of shoes do you want to sell? Do you want to specialise in a particular type of shoe, such as sneakers, dress shoes, or boots? Or do you want to sell a variety of different types of shoes?
It is important to choose a focus so that you can cater to what shoppers are looking for on the platform. This will help you to better understand the needs of your customers and to find the best shoes to sell.
- Target a category
Once you have chosen a focus, you need to decide which category on eBay you want to target. eBay has a wide variety of categories for shoes, so be sure to choose the one that is most relevant to the shoes you are selling.
For example, if you are selling sneakers, you would target the “Sneakers” category. If you are selling dress shoes, you would target the “Dress Shoes” category.
- Learn the ins and outs of your offering
Once you have chosen a category, you need to learn the ins and outs of your offering. This includes understanding the different brands, styles, and sizes of shoes that are available. You should also learn about the latest trends in the footwear industry.
The more you know about the shoes you are selling, the better equipped you will be to create compelling product listings that will rank well, answer customer questions and sell your shoes quickly and for a good price.
- Look for shoes to sell
Once you have a good understanding of the shoes you want to sell, you create a product listing on the platform and list shoes to sell. For resellers and new entrepreneurs, you can begin sourcing shoes at a variety of places, such as thrift stores, garage sales, and online retailers.
When looking for shoes to sell, be sure to inspect them carefully for any damage. You should also avoid selling shoes that are counterfeit or that are in poor condition.
- Decide pricing
Once you have found some shoes to sell, you need to decide on a price. It is important to set a price that is competitive and profitable.
To determine a competitive price, you can use eBay’s Completed Listings feature to see how much similar shoes have sold for recently. You should also factor in your shipping costs and eBay’s selling fees when setting your prices.
Best Practices for Selling Shoes on eBay
Now that you know how to sell your shoes on eBay. Let’s look at some absolute best practices that can make your selling experience and the purchaser’s buying experience better. ‘
Eliminate Zero Feedback Buyers on eBay
Zero-feedback buyers are buyers who have never purchased anything on eBay before. While some zero feedback buyers may be legitimate buyers, there is also a higher risk of fraud with zero feedback buyers.
To eliminate zero-feedback buyers, you can set buyer preferences to filter out zero-feedback buyers. To do this, go to My eBay > Account > Site Preferences > Buyer Requirements. Under the “Feedback score” section, select “At least 1.” This will prevent zero-feedback buyers from bidding on or purchasing your shoes.
By filtering out zero-feedback buyers, you can increase your chances of dealing with more experienced and reliable buyers.
Mandate Immediate Payment
Mandating immediate payments helps to reduce the risk of unpaid shoes. When buyers are required to pay immediately, they are more likely to follow through with their purchase.
They also help to protect sellers from fraud. When buyers are required to pay immediately, they have less time to cancel their payment or to file a fraudulent claim. Moreover, sellers can ship items sooner, leading to faster delivery times for buyers and happier customers.
To enable the immediate payment requirement for your eBay listings, follow these steps:
- Go to My eBay > Seller Center > Listings > Active.
- Select the listings that you want to require immediate payment for.
- Click the “Revise” button.
- Under the “Payment Options” section, select “Immediate Payment Required.”
- Click “List Item.”
Once you have enabled the immediate payment requirement, buyers will be required to pay for their shoes immediately after they win or purchase the item. If a buyer does not pay for their item immediately, you will have the option to cancel the sale and relist the item.
Always Provide A Tracking Number When Shipping on eBay
Tracking numbers are significant in providing transparency and security in eBay transactions. With live tracking, both sellers and buyers can minimise the occurrence of missed or stolen orders during transit since they’ll have access to the record of who had possession of the shipment at all times.
Live tracking gives buyers a heads-up on when the order is expected to arrive so that they can plan ahead. if a buyer knows that their purchase is expected to arrive on a certain day, they can make arrangements to be home to receive it.
For sellers, tracking numbers provide proof that they shipped the item. This can protect sellers from claims of non-delivery, and it can also help sellers resolve any disputes that may arise. Additionally, tracking numbers can help sellers to identify and avoid problem buyers.
Tips for businesses that resell shoes
eBay is a thriving community for resellers in Australia. While vintage shoes are received well on the platform, the country is also enjoying the rising sneaker culture, thanks to it being a staple element of relaxed outfits. With its large and active user base, eBay is the perfect platform to reach a wide range of potential buyers. It also offers a variety of features to help resellers succeed, such as free listings, discounts, and buyer protection.
If you’re a reseller in Australia, eBay is the place to be. With its supportive community and powerful features, eBay can help you take your reselling business to the next level.
- Clean your shoes: Buyers want to receive their shoes in clean condition. Take the time to clean your shoes before you list them for sale. You can use a variety of shoe-cleaning products and tools to clean your shoes. Be sure to follow the instructions on the cleaning product label.
- Replace laces if needed: Old, worn-out laces can make your shoes look less attractive. If the laces on the shoes you are selling are old or worn out, replace them with new laces.
- Repair welt-edge: The welt-edge is the strip of leather that runs around the sole of the shoe. Over time, the welt edge can become damaged or worn out. If the welt-edge on the shoes you are selling is damaged or worn out, you can repair it yourself or take it to a shoe repair shop.
- Check soles and assess the condition: The soles of the shoes you are selling should be in good condition. Check for any signs of wear and tear, such as holes or cracks. If the soles are worn out, you can replace them or have them repaired.
List Honestly
Accurate and detailed item descriptions are important for a number of reasons. First, they help buyers to understand what they are buying. Second, they help to reduce the likelihood of returns and disputes. Third, they help to improve your search engine rankings.
When writing an item description, be sure to include the following information:
- Brand: The brand of the item
- Size: The size of the item
- Condition: The condition of the item, including any flaws or damage
- Unique features: Any unique features of the item, such as a rare colour or a limited edition design
In addition to this, ensure that you have clear and concise information about shipping, returns, and payment to avoid conflict with the buyer.
Upload good-quality pictures
High-quality images are essential for attracting buyers on eBay. Buyers are more likely to purchase an item if they can see clear and detailed photos of it. Good photos can also help to reduce the likelihood of returns and disputes, as buyers can see exactly what they are buying before they purchase it.
Here are some tips to ensure high-quality pictures for selling shoes on eBay.
- Lighting: Use natural light whenever possible. Natural light is soft and even, and it will help to show the true colours of your shoes. If you are shooting indoors, try to position your shoes near a window.
- Angles: Take photos from different angles to show the shoes from all sides. Be sure to include a close-up of the soles and any unique features of the shoes.
- Camera settings: Use a high aperture setting to get a sharp focus. You should also use a white balance setting that is appropriate for the lighting conditions.
- Use a tripod and reflector: A tripod will help to keep your camera steady and prevent blurry photos. Adding a reflector to the mix can help to bounce light back onto your shoes and reduce shadows.
- Edit your photos: You can use basic photo editing programs such as Picsart and Adobe Lightroom to crop, resize, and adjust the brightness and contrast of your photos.
Selling Fees for Shoes on eBay
eBay, like any other marketplace, has a set fee structure for sellers based on the type of product they intend to list on the platform. The fee structure for selling shoes is given below:
- Final value fee: 8% for shoes selling for $150 or more or 13.25% for shoes selling for under $150.
- Insertion fee: Waived for shoes.
- Per order fee: Waived for shoes selling for $150 or more or $0.30 for shoes selling for under $150.
Store subscribers may receive lower final value fees on shoes. For example, Basic store subscribers on eBay receive a 5% discount on final value fees, and Premium store subscribers receive a 10% discount on final value fees.
eBay’s Sneaker Authentication Service
eBay’s sneaker authentication service is a program that verifies the authenticity of sneakers sold on the platform. The service is available for select sneakers that are listed for $75 or more.
To have your sneakers authenticated, you must ship them to eBay’s authentication center. Once the sneakers arrive at the center, they will be inspected by a team of experts. The experts will look at the following factors:
- Construction and materials
- Stitching and glue work
- Logos and Trademarks
- Size and style
- Packaging
If the sneakers are authenticated, they will be shipped to the buyer with a certificate of authenticity. If the sneakers are not authenticated, they will be shipped back to you.
There is a fee for eBay’s sneaker authentication service. The fee is based on the value of the sneakers. For sneakers valued at $75-$499, the fee is $10. For sneakers valued at $500-$999, the fee is $20. For sneakers valued at $1,000 or more, the fee is $30.
Closing Thoughts
Selling shoes on eBay is a great way to make extra money or even start your own business. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to be successful, such as choosing the right category, listing your shoes accurately, and setting competitive prices.
Moreover, if you are selling high-end sneakers, you may want to consider using eBay’s sneaker authentication service. This service verifies the authenticity of sneakers, which can give buyers peace of mind and help them avoid disputes.
Overall, selling shoes on eBay is a great way to reach a large audience of potential buyers and make money. By following the tips in this article, you can increase your chances of success. So get to it today!
