What Sells: Women's Shoes
Women’s Shoes
Women’s shoe styles are quite varied, and change with every season along with the
rest of women’s fashion. While basic shapes (like the pump, flat and clog) are always
popular, the materials, colors and decorative accents are continually evolving.
Many women sell last year’s shoes online in order to fund this year’s footwear purchases.
And, unlike most men, many women are willing to purchase used shoes from their favorite
designers as long as they have minimal wear and tear.
What Sells
Top-selling brands include:
Cowboy boots are very trendy right now; top brands include Frye, Lucchese and vintage
boots by Acme, Dingo and Miss Capezio:
Research Resources
For the latest in women’s shoes, scour the pages of People or US magazine — designers
monitor celebrity fashion trends closely for ideas about what to add to their lines;
what you see in the gossip rags often makes its way to the department store. InStyle
Magazine remains a great source of information on current trends. Also, be sure
to visit the websites of the top designers listed above for their current portfolios.
Sell heavy sweaters, fur coats, boots and ski apparel from September through December.
You may still get buyers in January, but you’re competing with store sales (and
many people curtail their spending after the holidays).
Research Resources
For the latest in women’s apparel, look through the pages of People or US magazine
— designers monitor celebrity fashion trends closely for ideas about what to add
to their lines; what you see in the gossip rags often makes its way to the department
store. InStyle magazine remains a great source of information on current trends.
Also, be sure to visit the websites of the top designers listed above to view their
current portfolios.
It is best to search Google or eBay to learn what’s being offered for sale online,
how items are bundled and marketed, and what’s selling..
Condition
Inspect shoes carefully for these signs of wear and tear:
- Scuffs and scratches
- Stains and dirt
- Worn soles
- Crease marks at the toes and heels
- Broken or missing laces
- Odors
- Torn, faded or missing labels
Shoes that show a lot of wear or that are very broken in are harder to sell; shoes
that are NWT or have only been worn a few times and that carry a name brand sell
best.
Key Details
Include these details in your listing:
- Brand
- Style or model (if known)
- Type of shoe (pump, loafers, sandals, etc.)
- Material(s)
- Size
- Predominant color(s)
- Condition (New with Tags, New without Tags, etc.)
Authenticity
Designer shoes are frequently counterfeited. If someone asks you to sell a pair
of expensive designer shoes, ask them if they can provide a store receipt (with
personal information removed) as proof of purchase.
Storage and Shipping
Keep shoes and accessories in a well-ventilated room, away from children, pets,
moisture, smoke and cooking odors. Never place items in direct sunlight or next
to heating vents or air conditioners, since temperature changes can cause damage.
Designer shoes are usually sold with a ‘dust’ bag or ‘sleeper’ bag to protect the
item and a shoe box in which to store them. If included with the item, use the bag
and box for storage and shipment.
Place the shoes in the bag inside the shoe box or the item directly into a plastic
bag, and place the bag in a box for shipment to the buyer.
