Stadium Goods has emerged as a popular platform for buying and selling authentic sneakers, streetwear, and collectible items. With the sneaker resale market expected to reach $6 billion by 2030, it’s crucial for buyers and sellers to find reliable and trustworthy platforms to conduct their transactions. In this article, we’ll explore Stadium Goods’ methods and processes to determine its legitimacy and effectiveness in serving this booming market.
Through examining testimonials, interviews with co-founders, and their procedures, we aim to give you a comprehensive understanding of how Stadium Goods ensures a seamless and safe transaction process for users on both ends. We’ll dive into topics such as how the platform works, the profit potential for sellers, the authentication process, and much more.
Key Takeaways
- Stadium Goods provides a safe and reliable platform for buying and selling authentic streetwear items.
- The company has established strong authentication processes to ensure the quality and legitimacy of products.
- Despite some drawbacks like a strict return window and potential customer service issues, Stadium Goods’ benefits outweigh the cons for both buyers and sellers.
What Is Stadium Goods and How Did It Start?
Stadium Goods is a top-notch consignment marketplace, where you can buy sneakers and streetwear. Founded by branding experts John McPheters and Jed Stiller in 2015, it focuses on offering rare, mint-condition sneakers, as well as apparel and accessories.
Looking at an opportunity to create a safe digital platform for buying and selling authentic sneakers, McPheters noticed people were ready to pay luxury prices for rare sneakers like Air Yeezy 2 Red October – retailing at $245 but selling for up to $5,500 on Stadium Goods. By making transactions easy and secure, Stadium Goods was born.
You can buy and sell online via their e-commerce website, and if you’re in the US, you can also visit their physical stores in New York and Chicago. While these store locations are in strategic hotspots, it’s worth noting that more than 95% of their business comes from online sales!
In 2018, Stadium Goods received a boost in both visibility and resources when Farfetch, a luxury fashion platform, acquired the company for $250 million.
Is Stadium Goods Legitimate?
The Company’s Size and Reach
Stadium Goods has a strong presence with its headquarters in New York City, and high-traffic retail locations in SoHo and Chicago. According to Crunchbase, the company has over 51 employees, indicating a successful and expanding team.
Financial Support
Stadium Goods has received notable investments, ultimately being acquired for $250 million by Farfetch. This level of financial backing demonstrates the company’s legitimacy.
Notable Funding Rounds
- Seed Round: $1 million seed funding from SM Ventures in 2015
- Series A: $4.6 million in venture capital from The Chernin Group, Mark Cuban, and Forerunner Ventures in 2017
- Convertible Note: $11.8 million from Blisce, LVMH Luxury Ventures in 2018
Authentication and Verification Process
Stadium Goods has implemented measures to ensure the authenticity of products sold on its platform. They employ a team of experts skilled in verifying genuine items through careful inspection of materials and product details. They also offer a 100% authenticity guarantee for every item sold on their platform.
Building the Stadium Goods Brand and Community
The company’s branding emphasizes their expertise in the sneaker world, boasting a clean, modern website design and high-quality photography of their products. They maintain an active social media presence, frequently posting new product releases, collaborations, and engaging with customers through user-generated content and giveaways. Stadium Goods even launched their shoe collaboration, SG x BAPE, in partnership with the iconic streetwear brand A Bathing Ape.
Evidence of Sales and Prompt Payouts
Stadium Goods has a positive track record with sellers, offering efficient sales and valuable analytics to determine which items require restocking. They’re known for providing timely payouts to sellers, either through ACH or checks. Entrepreneur Matt Sokol documented netting over $6500 in sales from Stadium Goods within 30 days.
However, some buyers have expressed dissatisfaction with the company’s return policies and concerns over authenticity.
In conclusion, considering the company’s size, funding, positive seller experiences, and authentication policies, we can confidently say that Stadium Goods is a legitimate platform. However, buyers should be cautious and thoroughly read the fine print before making a purchase.
How Does Stadium Goods Work? An Overview
Submitting a Sale Request
As a seller, you’ll begin by submitting a request to sell your rare sneakers or collectibles. During this process, you’ll provide information about your item, such as size, model, and condition. After choosing your price, Stadium Goods will either approve it or propose a counteroffer. Once approved, you can print a shipping label and send the item to Stadium Goods for authentication.
Posting Your Item for Sale
Stadium Goods makes your product visible to potential buyers by listing it through various platforms. These include their own website, eBay, Amazon, GOAT, TMALL.hk (Alibaba), FANCY, JET.com, and more. When an interested buyer sees your listing and offers to purchase it, the payment will go to Stadium Goods. After the transaction is complete, they’ll ship your sneakers to the buyer.
What Happens Once Your Item Sells?
Following the sale of your item, Stadium Goods will handle the shipping process and provide you with tracking information. You can keep an eye on the sale through your account dashboard, which updates inventory reports every Wednesday. As for receiving your payment, you can choose to visit the store location, have a check mailed to you, or register for ACH transfer.
How Much Money Can Sellers Make With Stadium Goods?
By reselling sneakers on Stadium Goods, top sellers have the potential to earn up to $30,000 per month. You’ll retain 80% of the proceeds while the company takes a 20% commission. To maintain a consistent inventory of fresh stock like Jordans, Yeezys, and other rare streetwear items, many successful resellers invest a considerable portion of their earnings back into their business. While reselling premium sneakers can be profitable, it’s essential to remember that it’s not a quick path to riches.
Stadium Goods Authentication Process
Becoming a Seller
At Stadium Goods, you can trust their authenticity because they begin by thoroughly vetting all potential sellers. To join as a seller, you must present a government-issued photo ID and proof of purchase for the items you want to consign. This helps ensure every item starts with a solid foundation of genuine origins.
Expertise Spanning Decades
With years of experience in the sneaker industry, Stadium Goods employees have the knowledge and skills to identify authentic products and spot counterfeit ones. Their expertise makes them well-equipped to protect you from fake items.
Hands-On Item Inspection
Unlike some marketplaces that simply rely on seller-provided information, Stadium Goods goes a step further by physically inspecting every item to make sure it meets their standards. They closely examine materials, stitching, sole molding, and other telltale signs of authenticity.
Cutting-edge Authentication Tech
In addition to physical inspections, Stadium Goods uses advanced technology to verify the authenticity of products. They cross-reference each item with verified, authentic versions in their database and utilize tools like infrared light to detect inconsistencies. Items that don’t pass the test are immediately rejected and returned to the seller.
Guaranteed Genuine Products
The Stadium Goods Authenticity Guarantee ensures that all products sold on their website and in their retail stores are 100% genuine, or you will receive a full refund. This promise gives you the confidence to make your purchases, knowing that only authentic items will reach your hands.
What It Means for You as a Buyer or Seller
As a buyer, this rigorous authentication process guarantees a safe and secure shopping experience, allowing you to shop with confidence. For sellers, this means you can achieve the highest value for your items while being protected from buyers disputing authenticity. The pre-sale authentication process eliminates any potential issues or disputes, ensuring a smooth transaction for everyone involved.
Does Stadium Goods Sell Counterfeit Shoes and Products?
What Do Stadium Goods Users Have to Say?
It seems user experiences with Stadium Goods vary – sellers often appreciate the platform, while buyers can either love it or feel disappointed.
As a seller, you might like the authentication process, receive fair offers for your items, and benefit from quick payments once items are sold.
However, a few buyers occasionally report receiving counterfeit or damaged products, causing frustration. Still, Stadium Goods does offer refunds for any items proven inauthentic.
There’s a chance that their strict inspection policies may not be implemented as thoroughly as intended, possibly causing problems for buyers.
For instance, on Trust Pilot, a customer mentions receiving “damaged/worn shoes” and couldn’t get a refund, likely due to breaking return policies. Most negative reviews mention similar experiences.
On the other hand, several customers vouch for Stadium Goods’ authenticity. One Youtuber from the “Sneaker Talk” channel spent $400 on Jordan VIs and shared his unboxing experience, praising the leather quality as the “best he’s ever seen”.
Another customer from the “A Sneaker Life” Youtube Channel bought a pair of $900 Off-White Jordan Vs and found them to be highly authentic, intending to keep them.
A Trust Pilot user also expressed satisfaction after receiving genuine Jordan 3s, suggesting that you should buy higher-priced Jordans instead of those in the $200 range. According to them, “you get what you pay for” with Stadium Goods.
Important Consideration When Using Stadium Goods
If you plan to buy, always review the return and refund policies before making any purchase. Should you receive a fake or damaged item, don’t hesitate to use any guarantee offered by Stadium Goods. If you’re a seller, make sure your items meet the authentication standards!
How Long Does It Take to Process a Stadium Goods Order?
Your order at Stadium Goods typically takes around three days to process. They ship orders from Monday to Saturday, excluding major U.S. holidays. So, if you place an order on Monday, expect it to be shipped by Wednesday or Thursday at the latest. Keep in mind that actual delivery times vary based on your location and the shipping method you select. You’ll receive tracking information once it’s shipped, whether it’s through UPS, DHL, or another courier.
Stadium Goods Return and Refund Policy
If you find yourself dissatisfied with a purchase from Stadium Goods, don’t worry – they do offer refunds. However, their policy is quite stringent. To initiate the return process, submit a return request within 3 days of the item’s delivery.
Once approved, you have 7 days to send the item(s) back to Stadium Goods. Keep in mind, you can’t use the item beforehand, and it must have all original tags attached. Moreover, place the item in its original box and use a protective box for shipping to prevent any damage during transit.
Please note that items labeled as “Final Sale” are not eligible for returns. After Stadium Goods receives and reauthenticates the returned item, they will issue a refund to the original payment method.
Bear in mind that Stadium Goods does not accommodate cancellation or change requests once an order is completed.
How Does Stadium Goods Generate Income?
Stadium Goods earns money through a combination of methods. When you sell an item, they take a 20% commission, leaving you with 80% of the list price. For instance, if your item sells for $100, you’ll get $80, while they receive $20. Additionally, they make revenue from merchandise sales, collaborations with other brands, and advertising or sponsorship agreements.
Pros Vs. Cons
For Buyers
- Access to exclusive shoes and streetwear
- Reputed brand with a solid history
- Offers an Authenticity Guarantee
- User-friendly platform
- Strict return policy (pay attention to details)
- Sluggish or unhelpful customer service
- Elevated selling prices
- Small chance of receiving counterfeit or damaged items
For Sellers
- Real-time analytics on “in-demand” shoes
- Attractive commission rates
- Quick sales and payouts
- High selling prices
- Mediocre customer service
- Occasional lost sneakers and lengthy issue resolution
The Final Verdict: Can You Trust Stadium Goods?
Indeed, Stadium Goods is a trustworthy platform offering genuine products. As a seller, you can confidently use their consignment services. Meanwhile, buyers should be aware of counterfeit shoes risks but can utilize the Authenticity Guarantee for protection.
It’s essential to familiarize yourself with their strict return policy and adhere to the guidelines. Otherwise, customers who unknowingly breach return policies may not enjoy the same security. Here’s a brief summary:
- Contact Stadium Goods within 3 days after receiving the item
- If approved, you have 7 days to ship the item(s) back
- Shoes must remain in their original condition, including tags and boxes
- Final Sale items are not eligible for return!
If you’re interested in more sneaker-related content, consider exploring:
- StockX Legitness: All About the Sneaker Reselling Platform
- KicksCrew Authenticity: Find Out More About the Popular Sneaker Site
- Trusting GOAT: Pros, Cons, and Alternatives of the Sneaker Marketplace
- Reselling Sneakers 101: A Simple Guide to Profitable Shoe Flipping
