Over the past couple of years, we have witnessed the glamorization of second hand shoes, wearing pre-loved footwears have become more normalized than ever before. You can even find celebrities and popular social media personalities getting in on their own bit of the second hand shoes action, putting their worn shoes up for sale.
Every year since 2017, ThredUP has published a report of their study on the global second hand market’s growth. In its most recent report, ThredUP noted that by 2027, the value of the second hand fashion industry would have received 100% growth from its current value.
Second Hand Shoes Market in Europe
Currently, the global second hand fashion market is valued at about €128 billion, and Europe alone accounts for up to one-third of it with up to €32 billion in total value. This evaluation was carried out by Tripartite, in collaboration with Waverstone. The startup also noted that the second hand shoes and used clothing market in Europe will have reached €86 billion by 2028.
An estimated 87% of Europeans claim to be involved either in the buying or selling of second hand products, and over 81% of young people between the ages of 18 and 24 appear to be especially engaged in the second hand shoes market in Europe.
It is estimated that more than 87% of Europeans already participate in the second-hand market. Young people appear to be especially engaged in the second-hand market, with 81% of respondents from 18 to 24 year olds saying they have bought or sold goods.
Popular Second Hand Shoes Types
One of the many reasons that the second hand shoes in bales in Europe is a burgeoning one is as a result of the numerous varieties of shoe types that are made available to consumers. Whatever style your target audience demands, it is already available somewhere in the market. Let’s take a look at some of the popular second hand shoes types that are in hot demand.
Second-Hand Tennis Shoes
Tennis shoes are red hot in Europe, consumers take special preference in these shoes due to their lightness and comfortability. Tennis shoes can be categorized according to several specifications and makers, from Nike to Adidas. You should prioritize used tennis shoes wholesale if you wish to build a successful second hand shoes empire in Europe, as it is one of the most profitable types of used shoes.
Second-Hand Sneakers
Sneakers are another type of popular second hand shoes in Europe . When you step outside, at least 2 out of every 5 persons most likely have a sneaker in, you can capitalize on this by getting quality second hand sneakers bales within the reach of European dwellers. Many people prefer to patronize second hand shoes for the great quality they offer, and the affordability.
Second-Hand Boots
Boots are originally designed to protect the legs and feets of people who do hazardous jobs, however, over the past few decades, it has become a strong fashion statement, especially for adults. They are very popular in Europe, and it is definitely a type of second hand shoes you want to have in your inventory when you get used shoe bales for sale.
Second-Hand High Heels
All kinds of high heels for women are available in second hand shoes stocks, ranging from block heels to stilettos. These second hand high heels give your look an extra and elegant lift, making your complete outfit look even more stylish.
Second-Hand Slippers
Second hand slippers are a used type of footwear that are very light and easy to slip on and take off. They are very popular for the comfort provided and are usually often worn indoors, although some slippers can be worn outside too, but not anywhere corporate or official.
Second-Hand Brand Shoes
Many people patronize second-hand shoe stores to find original second-hand brand shoes. Thrift shopping for shoes is the most affordable way of owning different kinds of brand names, both luxury and non-luxury. Some brands you will find as second-hand shoes include Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Puma, Clarks, Birkenstock, Converse, Skechers, etc.
Step #1: Sourcing Second Shoe Bales to Europe
Becoming successful in selling second hand shoes to Europe is actually an achievable feat, if you are able to find the best channels to source used branded shoes from. This is the first step to establish your business as a big game player in the second hand shoe market in Europe.
Finding Reliable Second Hand Suppliers
Firstly, you must find a second hand shoes supplier that will be your partner all the way. A potential second hand supplier must be reliable, as you want a supplier that can keep up with your demands, and is able to help your company nick its goals and objectives.
When looking for a supplier that deals in second hand shoes and second hand clothes wholesale, you have to be really observant while examining their capabilities.
A helpful tip that can help you find reliable second hand suppliers that are ideal for you is by going through the websites of various suppliers, and checking for the ones that maintain a well-designed second hand shoes website, this gives you an inkling into the quality of the service they provide. A supplier who cares about offering the best second hand shoes, clothes, and other fashion items to their customers will make sure the user experience of their website is smooth, and the products are well illustrated.
Ensuring Quality Of Second Shoe Bales
The success of a second hand shoes business, or any fashion retail outfit for that matter, is largely on the quality of the items in its inventory. The moment people are able to hold your second hand shoe store as being synonymous with premium quality, you become the primary avenue through which they get shoes. The only way to make this possible is to ensure that the second hand shoe bales you get from the supplier are of the best quality.
Step #2: Market Research and Planning
In the next step to achieving success in selling second hand shoes to Europe, you must take on one of the most important actions of the process- RESEARCH.
Before you embark on a trip, you have to confirm your destination, make findings about how to get there, what activities you will be engaging in, and where you would stay once there. This is called PLANNING, and must also be done when you’re starting a second hand shoe business, you must observe, ask questions, take cognisance of, and learn the terrain of the market you are delving into.
Below are two of the important things you must cover in your market research:
Analyzing the Competition
Let’s assume you are new in this business, it is very likely that there are other people/companies who have already established themselves in this field, considering how popular the second hand shoes market has grown.
One thing you must do is observe their business model, observe the things they are doing right that make customers always return, and the things they do wrong that you must do differently. This serves as the difference that will set your brand aside from theirs, and make you a favorite.
Another detail to also take note about your competition are the price ranges of their second hand shoes.
Identifying Target Customers
Identifying your target customers is an essential part of being a successful seller of second hand shoes in Europe. Knowing the people you are selling to, and what their demands are will make it easier for you to meet them.
Is your target audience one interested in luxury items, or one that likes to keep things as affordable as ever?Are they of a particular age grade? Etc. Whatever your answer is will give you an insight into what you’re building your business on because it guides you to find the right supplier who can meet the preferences of your target customers.
Step #3: Pricing Strategies of Second Hand Shoes
When we talk about pricing strategies of second hand shoes, this is a delicate yet very important aspect, because it puts all your business activities into numbers. The decisions that culminate into the difference between making profit and making loss are made at this point.
Competitive Pricing Models
Ensure to employ a competitive pricing model that helps you to stay at the top of the second hand shoes game. You can achieve this by implementing the results of your market research and creating a business strategy with it.
Maximizing Profit Margins
The purpose of doing business and wanting to succeed in it is to make profit, maximum profit in fact. Buying used shoes in bales from a major supplier helps you to achieve this. Ensure to look out for a good supplier who will offer you unbeatable discounts on your bales of second hand shoes, so that when you stock them, they’ll come at a much cheaper rate, and you can sell for as high as 100% of its original price.
Step #4: Marketing and Promotion
Without marketing, you can sell well. With marketing, you can sell 10 times more and faster. Why then not sell 10 times more? The role of marketing and promotions in making a successful brand can not be exaggerated, here are some things that can help you with marketing your second hand shoes store effectively.
Building a Brand
Do not just sell second hand shoes, tell a story. Building a brand that is synonymous with your idea and what your business is all about helps customers to relate to what you’re selling. Building a brand involves getting a dedicated website, theme, logo, social media presence, etc. this helps to set you aside from other brands who do the same business
Effective Advertising Techniques
Advertising techniques are a way to scale up your revenue, and earn a lot more than you currently do, if utilized correctly. Nike for example uses a storytelling type of marketing strategy, which comes off as compelling, and helps the target audience to establish an emotional connection with your brand. Some effective advertising techniques you can employ are:
- Offer juicy discounts and promotions.
- Create a loyalty program to help reward your best customers for staying true.
- Share quality and organic posts all through your social media pages.
- Employ social media influencers
Step #5: Selling Second Hand Shoes in Europe
The second hand shoe market in Europe is quite an expansive one, which provides multiple channels for the buying and selling of bales of second hand shoes to be carried out. Whether you are a new seller, or an already established one trying to scale up their business, you can employ one of these modes of selling second hand shoes in Europe if you haven’t already done so.
Selling Online
Sorting through bales of second hand shoes is a very exciting experience, now coupled with the convenience of shopping from the comfort of your house makes it an even more inviting idea. Online resale platforms have grown more popular over the past few years, and Europe is not an exception. You can start selling second hand shoes online on platforms like eBay, Vinted, Mercari, Poshmark, etc.
Selling Locally
Consignment stores, thrift shops, vintage shops, and flea markets are some of several ways you can sell bulk used shoes in Europe. Selling locally is the traditional way of selling, and does not include some of the difficulties that come with selling online, such as shipping .
Conclusion
While we are able to recognize the great economic opportunities provided by the second hand shoes and second hand clothes wholesale market, we can also acknowledge that business owners might face a little challenge in maximizing profits and succeeding in used shoes wholesale europe. In this article, we take you through the necessary steps that will help to establish your brand as the top seller of second hand shoes in bales to Europe
