How to start a limited edition sneaker business

Reselling limited-edition sneakers is a booming business! It’s a business you can start and run from home, but before you rush out and buy sneakers to resell, you need to know about limited releases—that’s when the big sneaker companies only release a select number of their newest, most hyped sneakers (think the Nike Jordan collabs or the new Adidas Yeezys).


Start with a Business Plan

A few of the things you may want to include are:

  • How you price your products

  • Your target demographic

  • Costs associated with licensing and certification

  • Your monthly budget and break-even rate

  • Your business objectives and goals

Tips to Succeed

Work with a mentor to increase your chance of success!

Entrepreneurs who work with mentors are 5 times more likely to succeed! Mentors can connect you with information and contacts to help you get your business started, share their experiences to help you get started, stay on track and avoid obstacles. The best thing about having a mentor is that they believe in you and your dream! Find a mentor to help you succeed with Sky’s the Limit. 

  • Start by following some of the trendiest websites and blogs so you don’t miss out on release dates.

    • HYPEBEAST. An online website for men’s contemporary streetwear to high-end fashion based in Hong-Kong. It mainly focuses on the latest releases in men’s footwear with brands like Adidas, Nike, Jordan Brand, YEEZY, New Balance, Vans, ASICS, Visvim, PUMA and Rebook.

    • HighSnobiety. A blog covering streetwear fashion, art and music based in Berlin. It offers in-depth articles, detailed sneakers collaborations and the newest releases.

    • KicksOnFire. One of the largest websites for sneakerheads and the second most downloaded sneaker app in the world after Nike SNKRS. Its main focus is the latest sneakers release dates. Its website gives a release calendar and even a price guide.

    • Complex. A media platform covering news in style, sports, music, entertainment and sneakers. The sneaker column discusses the latest sneaker trends, what’s being worn by rappers and athletes and release dates.

  • Timing is everything! If you’re quick enough and among the first people getting them, you’ll be able to sell them for a higher price. Here are a few of the signs to look for to know which sneakers will likely be in high demand:

    • Lots of buzz on blogs, brand’s website, websites specialized in the latest sneaker news.

    • Sneakers with high ratings on websites like Kicks on Fire and Sneakernews will likely have a good resale value. Sneakers with high ratings will most likely have a good resale value.

    • Limited edition products and collaborations.

    • Sneakers that get mentioned on tons of social media posts on influencers’ platforms in collaboration with specific brands.

    • Sneakers in high demand will mean a bigger profit. 

Set your price

Before deciding on a price, run a search on resellers websites such as StockX, Stadium Goods or Flight Club. Your price should be in the same range as the market price. Also:

  • Check out the market value on eBay or StockX. Type the model name plus pre-order. Based on the results that come out, you’ll be able to determine how many are in pre-order and the average price.

  • If the average price on those results is over $50 retail price, it’s worth buying the shoe.

  • Find out how much money sneakers sold for on eBay by looking at completed sales.

  • If you underprice your shoes it can ruin your reputation for future sales. 

Marketing & Selling Sneakers

When reselling a pair of sneakers you just bought, consider websites such as Stadium Goods, Flight Club or StockX.

Business licenses or special permits

Check local business rules and regulations to see if you need any licensing.

What can help you be 5X more successful?

Working with a mentor can make you 5 times more likely to succeed! Entrepreneurs who work with a mentor can help you get started and help you grow. They have experience in business and can help connect you with information and contacts and avoid obstacles. Best of all, a mentor believes in you and your dream and will listen to any ideas or concerns you have. 


Entrepreneurs with mentors are 5X more likely to launch, grow, and stay in business.

As a member, you’ll get:

One-on-one Mentorship

One-on-one Mentorship

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Tools & Resources

Tools & Resources

Not sure where to start with your business? Our step-by-step guides will help break down important business milestones into manageable steps you can work on with a volunteer.

Funding Opportunities

Funding Opportunities

We offer monthly micro-grant opportunities through our Friends & Family Fund, plus exclusive invitation to pitch for larger grants throughout the year.


Friends and Family Fund

Friends and Family Fund

Each month, our members vote for at least one Sky’s the Limit entrepreneur to receive a $2,500 startup grant. We’ve given over $100,000 in grants so far and plan to fund millions more.

Do I qualify for the program? 

If you have a business or business idea, are between the ages of 18-29, and from a group that is statistically underrepresented in traditional entrepreneurship, you likely qualify for full membership. Entrepreneur FAQ.

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As a member of Skysthelimit.org, you’ll be able to message, meet, and collaborate with other members to work on projects and complete important business milestones.

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