How to Start a Shoe Reselling Business in 2025 – Complete Guide

Learn how to start a shoe reselling business in 2025. Step-by-step guide covering suppliers, investment, marketing, profit margins, and common mistakes. The shoe reselling business has become one of the most exciting opportunities in recent years. From limited-edition sneakers to affordable wholesale shoes, reselling allows entrepreneurs to earn profits without heavy investments in manufacturing. In 2025, with the rise of e-commerce and social media, starting a shoe reselling business is easier than ever.

This guide will show you:

• Why shoe reselling is profitable

• Step-by-step process to start reselling shoes

• Costs and profit margins you can expect

• Best suppliers for resellers

• Mistakes to avoid for long-term success

Why Start a Shoe Reselling Business?

• Low investment: You don’t need machinery or a factory.

• Quick setup: Start with stock from wholesalers or dropshipping suppliers.

• Flexible model: Sell online, offline, or both.

• High demand: Footwear is an evergreen product with year-round demand.

• Scalability: Begin small and grow into a full brand or boutique.

As a result, reselling is one of the easiest entry points into the footwear industry.

Step-by-Step Process to Start a Shoe Reselling Business

Step 1 – Choose Your Reselling Model

You can pick one of these models:

• Online reselling: Sell on Amazon, Flipkart, or your own Shopify store.

• Offline reselling: Buy from wholesalers and sell locally.

• Sneaker reselling: Focus on rare or branded sneakers with high resale value.

• Dropshipping: Supplier ships directly to customers, so you avoid inventory.

Step 2 – Find Reliable Suppliers

Suppliers determine your success. Options include:

• Wholesale markets in Agra, Kanpur, Mumbai, and Delhi.

• B2B platforms like IndiaMART and TradeIndia.

• Global suppliers on Alibaba for imported shoes.

• Niche sneaker platforms for limited-edition collections.

Tip: Always test product quality before scaling.

Step 3 – Register Your Business

Even as a reseller, basic registration helps you grow.

• GST number: Needed for marketplaces like Amazon/Flipkart.

• Business entity: Sole Proprietorship is enough for small setups; scale later.

• Trademark (optional): Useful if you want to resell under a brand name.

Step 4 – Build Sales Channels

You can sell shoes through:

• Marketplaces: Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra (wider reach, but platform fees).

• Social media: Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp Business catalogs.

• Own store: Shopify or WooCommerce for more control.

• Offline: Small shops or kiosks in high-footfall areas.

Step 5 – Branding & Marketing

Even resellers can stand out with branding.

• Create a unique Instagram page showcasing new arrivals.

• Use influencer marketing to build credibility.

• Run Facebook/Instagram ads for wider reach.

• Offer bundle deals or discounts to attract repeat buyers.

In addition, focus on customer reviews to build trust.

Step 6 – Deliver & Provide Service

• Partner with courier companies like Shiprocket or Delhivery.

• Offer COD for customer trust.

• Provide hassle-free exchanges or returns.

Good service keeps customers coming back, which is essential in reselling.

Costs of Starting a Shoe Reselling Business

👉 Minimum investment: ₹10,000–₹20,000 if you start small.

Is Shoe Reselling Profitable?

Yes, reselling shoes can be very profitable.

• Margins: 20%–50% depending on the category.

• Example: Buy at ₹800, sell at ₹1,400 → Profit = ₹600.

• Selling 200 pairs monthly = ₹2.8 lakh revenue and ₹1.2 lakh profit.

Therefore, with the right suppliers and marketing, reselling can turn into a full-time income.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Choosing poor-quality suppliers without testing products.

• Relying only on friends and family for sales.

• Ignoring online marketing and social media.

• Not keeping track of inventory and finances.

By avoiding these mistakes, you can scale faster and build a trusted reseller brand.

FAQs About Shoe Reselling Business

1. How much investment is required for a shoe reselling business?
You can start with ₹10,000–₹20,000. Dropshipping requires almost no upfront stock cost.

2. Is reselling shoes legal in India?
Yes, as long as you buy from genuine suppliers and provide bills/invoices if required.

3. Which platform is best for shoe reselling?
Amazon and Flipkart are popular, but Instagram and Shopify are also profitable for building a brand.

4. What is the profit margin in shoe reselling?
Margins range from 20%–50%, depending on whether you resell wholesale or branded shoes.

5. Can I start a shoe reselling business part-time?
Yes, many resellers start part-time online before scaling into a full-time business.

Conclusion

A shoe reselling business is one of the easiest ways to enter the footwear industry in 2025. With low investment, flexible models, and huge demand, you can start small and grow into a boutique or even your own brand.

To succeed:

• Choose your reselling model and find reliable suppliers.

• Register your business for long-term growth.

• Build online and offline sales channels.

• Invest in branding, marketing, and customer service.

👉 Next Steps:

• Download the Free Shoe Business Checklist (PDF).

• Check our guide to Top Shoe Manufacturers in India.

• Read the Pillar Guide: How to Start a Shoe Business in 2025.

Start today, and your reselling side hustle could grow into a profitable footwear brand.