How to Sell Shoes Online
9th Jan, 2025
4 MIN
Selling shoes online can be an exciting and profitable venture, but like any business, it requires careful planning. Learning how to sell shoes online effectively can help in standing out in a competitive market. From finding the right suppliers to creating an engaging online store, this guide will walk you through the steps needed to build a shoe business.
What Kind of Shoes Should You Sell?
The online shoe market is massive! With so many styles and brands, finding your style can help you target the right customers and stand out from the crowd. So, where do you start? Think about what gets you excited about shoes. Are you passionate about sustainability? Maybe you're a fitness fanatic who lives in trainers. Consider your ideal customer too – who are you trying to reach? And don't forget to tap into current shoe trends to see what's hot right now.
Examples of Shoe Niches:
• Sustainable and ethical footwear: Appeal to the eco-conscious shopper with shoes made from recycled materials or produced under fair labour conditions.
• Shoes for specific activities: Think running shoes, hiking boots, dance shoes – catering to a specific activity can help you become the go-to for a particular audience.
• Luxury or designer shoes: If high-end brands and exclusive designs are your thing, this could be your niche.
• Children's shoes: From tiny sandals to funky trainers, the children's shoe market offers plenty of opportunities.
• Vintage or retro shoes: Tap into the love of all things nostalgic with a curated selection of pre-loved or vintage-inspired footwear.
Examples of Shoe Niches:
• Sustainable and ethical footwear: Appeal to the eco-conscious shopper with shoes made from recycled materials or produced under fair labour conditions.
• Shoes for specific activities: Think running shoes, hiking boots, dance shoes – catering to a specific activity can help you become the go-to for a particular audience.
• Luxury or designer shoes: If high-end brands and exclusive designs are your thing, this could be your niche.
• Children's shoes: From tiny sandals to funky trainers, the children's shoe market offers plenty of opportunities.
• Vintage or retro shoes: Tap into the love of all things nostalgic with a curated selection of pre-loved or vintage-inspired footwear.
Where to Find Source Shoes From?
Finding high-quality shoes to sell can be important to building a strong, trustworthy brand. Whether you're designing your own line or partnering with suppliers, sourcing the right footwear ensures your customers will love what you offer and come back for more.
Designing Your Own Shoe Line
Designing your own shoes can give you complete creative control over your brand, allowing you to build something truly unique. Whether you're focused on innovation or classic designs, working with reliable manufacturers is essential. Look for local or overseas manufacturers who offer consistent quality, and make sure to communicate your vision clearly. Consider attending trade shows or using trusted online directories to find potential partners.
Partnering with Wholesalers and Suppliers
Partnering with wholesalers can help you quickly build your inventory. To find reputable wholesalers, explore industry trade shows, directories, and online platforms. Make sure to order samples first to check for quality and ensure the shoes meet your standards. Building strong relationships with suppliers can make a big difference in getting competitive pricing and reliable stock.
Selling Shoes on Consignment
Selling shoes on consignment can be a good way to offer high-quality products without buying inventory upfront. With this model, a brand or manufacturer gives you the shoes, and you pay them only when they sell. This can help reduce financial risk and can help give you access to premium products. However, you’ll need to manage the agreement terms carefully, ensuring both parties are clear on pricing, payment timelines, and unsold stock returns.
How to Create an Online Shoe Store
Now that you've got your shoes sorted, it's time to build a digital storefront that's as stylish as your footwear!
Choosing to Sell on the Amazon Store
Selling shoes on the Amazon store can simplify your e-commerce journey, especially with features like Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) which can take care of shipping, returns, and customer service. The ease of use, combined with logistics, means you can focus more on your products and less on the operational side of things. It’s worth considering if you want a streamlined process to reach shoppers quickly.
Showcasing Your Shoes with Stunning Photography
Remember, online shoppers can't physically touch or try on your shoes, so high-quality photos are everything! Customers want to see every detail, so it’s important to showcase your shoes from multiple angles—top, side, and close-up shots. You can try your hand at DIY photography or consider hiring a pro to really make your shoes shine.
Writing Shoe Descriptions That Sell
Think of your shoe descriptions as your sales pitch. Go beyond the basics and paint a picture with words. Talk about the materials, the fit, the comfort – how do these shoes make someone feel? And don't forget to sprinkle in some keywords to help shoppers find you online.
Marketing Your Online Shoe Business
Marketing your online shoe business effectively can help in driving traffic and building brand awareness. With the right strategies, you can connect with potential customers and boost your sales.
Stepping Up Your Social Media Game
When it comes to shoes, visuals are everything! Platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok can be your new best mates. Show off your shoes in all their glory with eye-catching photos and videos. You can even run targeted ads to reach the right shoe lovers. And hey, don't underestimate the power of influencer marketing – partnering with fashion-forward folks can help give your brand a boost.
Email Marketing for Exclusive Shoe Deals
Building an email list can be an effective way to engage with your customers directly. Send out newsletters featuring new arrivals, exclusive offers, and tips on how to care for different types of shoes. Personalising your emails based on customer preferences, such as their favourite shoe styles or sizes, can help create a more engaging experience and encourage repeat business.
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) for Shoe Lovers
Imagine someone searching online for the exact type of shoes you sell – SEO can help them find you! By using the right keywords in your product descriptions, website content, and even blog posts, you can help boost your chances of showing up in those all-important search results.
Providing Excellent Service When You Sell Shoes Online
You've got the perfect shoes lined up and your online shop is looking schmick. But selling shoes online is about more than just great photos and descriptions – it's about giving your customers an awesome experience from checkout to doorstep. Let's dive into how providing good customer service can help boost your sales and have shoppers coming back for more.
Providing Excellent Customer Service
Think about the last time you bought something online. Did you have a question about sizing? Were you worried about when your package would arrive? This is where excellent customer service comes in.
Answer questions promptly and be helpful. Be friendly and approachable in your messages – just like you would be in person! A little personality goes a long way in building trust.
Answer questions promptly and be helpful. Be friendly and approachable in your messages – just like you would be in person! A little personality goes a long way in building trust.
Shipping and Handling with Care
Getting those new kicks safely to your customer's doorstep can be important. Here's how to make it a smooth ride:
• Research shipping options and offer competitive rates: No one likes a nasty surprise at checkout. Compare different shipping providers and see what works best for you and your customers.
• Ensure secure packaging to prevent damage during transit: No one wants to open a box to find their new shoes are scuffed or damaged. Use sturdy boxes and consider adding extra padding for protection.
• Provide clear delivery timeframes and order tracking information: Keep your customers in the loop! Give them a realistic delivery window and send them tracking info so they can follow their package's journey.
• Research shipping options and offer competitive rates: No one likes a nasty surprise at checkout. Compare different shipping providers and see what works best for you and your customers.
• Ensure secure packaging to prevent damage during transit: No one wants to open a box to find their new shoes are scuffed or damaged. Use sturdy boxes and consider adding extra padding for protection.
• Provide clear delivery timeframes and order tracking information: Keep your customers in the loop! Give them a realistic delivery window and send them tracking info so they can follow their package's journey.
Returns and Exchanges Made Easy
Let's face it, sometimes shoes just don't fit quite right. Making the returns process easy peasy is key to keeping customers happy:
• Offer a clear and fair return policy, especially for shoes: Clearly outline your return window and any conditions. This builds trust with your buyers
• Provide excellent customer support to resolve issues promptly: Be understanding and helpful if a customer has a return or exchange. Responding quickly to their queries can turn a potentially negative experience into a positive one.
• Offer a clear and fair return policy, especially for shoes: Clearly outline your return window and any conditions. This builds trust with your buyers
• Provide excellent customer support to resolve issues promptly: Be understanding and helpful if a customer has a return or exchange. Responding quickly to their queries can turn a potentially negative experience into a positive one.
How Amazon Can Help
Juggling shipping, handling, and returns can be a lot, especially if you're just starting out. Selling on Amazon and utilising the Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) service can potentially simplify this process. With FBA, Amazon handles the storage, packing, shipping, and even returns for you. This can free up your time and resources, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your business, like sourcing new shoes or marketing your brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about launching your online shoe empire? You're in the right place! Let's tackle some common queries to help you put your best foot forward.
What are some cost-effective ways to market my shoe business online?
Marketing doesn't have to break the bank! Here are a few budget-friendly ideas to get you started:
- Social Media Marketing: Share eye-catching photos, run contests, and engage with your followers to help build buzz around your brand.
- Content Marketing: Share your shoe knowledge! Write blog posts about shoe care tips, styling advice, or the latest trends. This can help draw people to your website.
- Email Marketing: Build an email list and keep your customers in the loop about new arrivals, sales, and special offers.
- Influencer Collaborations: Team up with fashion influencers or bloggers who align with your brand. They can help spread the word about your awesome shoes to their followers.
How do I determine the right shoe sizes to offer?
Getting the size right can help with happy customers. Here are a few tips:
- Provide a detailed size chart: Include measurements in both centimetres and standard shoe sizes. This helps customers find their perfect fit.
- Consider offering a wider range of sizes if possible: This can make your shop more inclusive and cater to a broader customer base.
Put Your Best Foot Forward in the Shoe Market
Selling shoes online can be a rewarding venture, whether you're a seasoned retailer or just starting out. With the right mix of stylish products, a user-friendly website, and a focus on excellent customer service, you can build a thriving business that brings joy (and fabulous footwear) to customers.
Ready to turn your passion for shoes into a successful online business? Carefully consider your options for managing shipping and returns – this is where selling on the Amazon store could come in handy. FBA can help simplify logistics, giving you more time to focus on sourcing fantastic shoes and building your brand. Whatever path you choose, approach it with passion, creativity, and a commitment to providing a stellar customer experience. Happy selling!
Ready to turn your passion for shoes into a successful online business? Carefully consider your options for managing shipping and returns – this is where selling on the Amazon store could come in handy. FBA can help simplify logistics, giving you more time to focus on sourcing fantastic shoes and building your brand. Whatever path you choose, approach it with passion, creativity, and a commitment to providing a stellar customer experience. Happy selling!
Important: The above information is provided for convenience and general reference purposes only. It is not tax, legal, or other professional advice and must not be used as such. You should consult your professional advisers if you have any questions about your individual circumstances or need further detail.
$49.95 (excl. GST) per month + selling fees.
Cancel anytime.
Cancel anytime.
Get Started
Start selling today
List your first products and launch your business online.
$49.95 (excl. GST) per month.
Cancel anytime.
Cancel anytime.

© 2025 Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. All rights reserved