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Originally Posted On: 5 Insider Tips on How to Buy Sneakers Online – KicksCrew

 

By the year 2023, the US will see over 300 million online shoppers. Worldwide, that number is nearly 4 trillion!

Nothing beats the convenience of shopping online. You can browse thousands of products and compare prices from the comfort of your own home. You also have immediate access to newly released and exclusive items.

With a few clicks, everything you want is delivered right to your doorstep.

But there’s a knack to smart online shopping — especially when you decide to buy sneakers online.

From scoring the best deal to landing limited-edition sneakers, keep reading to uncover 5 insider tips for buying sneakers online.

1. Time it Right

Like with any new release or limited-edition item, timing is everything. You, along with thousands of other sneakerheads, are all vying for the same exclusive pairs.

Find out when new sneakers are being released, and have your laptop, smartphone, and payment method ready and waiting.

No matter how bad you want to buy sneakers online, you don’t want to break the bank. Sneaker prices are often higher in the evening and around noon. They also spike on weekends and during holidays.

Keep a close eye on the sneakers you want and pounce when you see a good deal. Retailers are notorious for increasing prices when an item is in high demand or there’s limited stock.

2. Size Them Right

The one downside to buying sneakers online is the inability to try them on. It’s important to know your sneaker size and only purchase ones that you know will fit.

That is, of course, unless you plan to buy rare sneakers online simply for show, to add to your collection, or for resale.

If you’re buying sneakers online to actually wear, check the size guide and go based on brand. Most sneakerheads know that certain styles might fit differently.

Do your Yeezys fit a little tighter than your Air Jordans? Take this into consideration when online sneaker shopping.

3. Know Where to Shop

Sometimes, buying sneakers online is all about finding the right seller. From apps and resellers to consignment shops, how do you know if you’re getting a good deal or getting ripped off?

Here are some rules to live by when choosing a reputable seller.

Apps

There’s an app for just about everything these days, so why not sneakers?

Apps like Nike SNKRS provides early release information and exclusive offers. Keep in mind that some apps only target big cities, like LA and New York.

While some people swear by these sneaker apps, others find the prices too high and stock limited. Some buyers use these apps for release dates and information but then make their final purchase elsewhere.

Consignment

Purchasing sneakers on consignment is a popular way to buy rare sneakers online without the hefty price tag.

Consignment shops offer affordable prices and hard-to-find pairs. If you’re not early out of the gate, you may miss out on limited-edition sneakers. These retired styles may turn-up at your favorite consigntment shop months or even years later!

The best part about consignment sneakers is the variety. You might be lucky enough to get your hands on a pair that came out 10 days or 10 years ago.

It all depends on your individual taste, style, and budget.

Resellers

Some sneakerheads choose to buy the hottest releases at top dollar and then resell them. This is risky business for resellers who may or may not make their money back.

The good news for you is if a reseller is desperate to sell, they might cut you a deal.

The downside? You have no protection or guarantee when buying from a stranger online.

Before you hand over a large sum of money for limited-edition sneakers, do your research.

Reputable Online Sneaker Shop

Your best bet for buying sneakers online is to visit a reputable online retailer. When it comes to variety, nothing beats a reliable sneaker website.

Here, you’ll have access to some of the most popular brands including:

• Nike
• Adidas
• Air Jordan
• Off-White
• Supreme

Websites carry sneakers in numerous sizes and styles so you’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for. Many sites also offer free shipping and returns.

If you want peace of mind, buying sneakers online from a well-known website is the way to go.

4. Join Exclusive Groups

If you want to stay ahead of the online sneaker buying market, you need to get insider info — and fast!

Joining exclusive groups and networking with other sneakerheads is a good place to start. Facebook has several groups that let you do just that.

Scoop208, WDYWT, MSX-Midwest Sneaker XChange, and Niketalk are some of the most popular. Here, you can find sneakers, swap ideas and tips with other sneaker enthusiasts, and even discover trade opportunities.

5. Shop Incognito

While networking and communicating online is one way to access limited-edition sneakers, you also need to shop under the radar.

A lot of online sellers use cookies and other software to track your IP address. This way, they can monitor your online shopping habits and behavior.

While this may not seem like that big of a deal, some retailers use this information to then increase sneaker prices each time you look at specific pair. This is a common technique sellers use to pressure customers into making a purchase.

Avoid overpaying by switching your browser to privacy mode when online sneaker shopping.

Buy Sneakers Online Without Worry

Are you looking for a specific pair of limited-edition sneakers? Or perhaps you want to trade or buy rare sneakers online from consignment?

Either way, with a little research and forethought, you can obtain insider information and awesome deals online.

Avoid unreliable resellers that you can’t trust.

At KicksCrew, we offer top-notch customer service, sales, free shipping, and plenty of options.

Check out our new arrivals here and buy sneakers online with confidence.