How much does a reseller make?

Jayson Garcia (on the left) posing at Coachella 2019. Via Lily Velazquez.

A very controversial conversation within the sneaker world is about resellers. They are those who buy limited and rare shoes with the mere intent of selling them for a higher price than paid for. Though they are criticized, many believe that resellers are the reason why hype even exists and that they are a big part of the streetwear community. 

Though what do resellers actually think of all the criticism that they receive? Most people question how important their part is in the world of hype and fashion. 

“I think resellers are just as important as anyone else when it comes to streetwear,” Jayson Garcia said, a veteran reseller. “The reason why there is hype when it comes to certain shoes is due to how fast they sell out. We add a lot of what makes it so intense to obtain certain sneakers.” 

Also, a question many people have is wondering how much money does a reseller even make. With shoes and clothing already being so expensive, most people believe that the struggle of waiting in line for hours can even be worth it. Regardless of it being a line outside in the cold or online lines that open up at around as early as 5am pst. 

“I mean it all depends on how unique the drop is and what brands are attached to the specific piece,” Jayson said. “At times I can sell a somewhat limited shoe and only get about $100 for it. However, other times I can sell a shoe and make over $1,000, though I have to admit that at the time shoes that make me that much money are harder to find nowadays.” 

Although Jayson adds difficulty to obtain these shoes for other people, he doesn't feel bad. On the contrary he believes he is doing something good for those who aren't even able to have a fighting chance to get in line for the shoes in the first place. 

“For example when drops were being released in stores only it was harder for people to get them who aren't from big cities,” Jayson said. “Think of it this way, Supreme has only a handful of stores in the U.S. and all are in California or New York. By being in line, yeah I might take the chance of getting the shoe from someone behind me who actually wants it, but the opportunities open up for some kid who lives in Ohio to get the shoe from me since they can't get in line them themselves.” 

Even though Jayson obtains super rare shoes, he also has to go through the same steps as everyone else to get them. He doesn't get any freebies nor does he have any way of cheating the system, he waits in lines, enters raffles and even buys from other resellers if he has to just as much as the next person. 

“It’s understandable why people don’t like resellers but I wake up earlier than others to get to that line first,” Jayson Garcia said. “If other people are bummed about not getting a certain shoe then they should have gone the extra mile to get there before me. When it comes to online drops, yeah I use bots but anyone else can easily purchase them as well so it's all fair play around here.” 

Regardless of this being seen as a way of business for Jayson, he also loves the streetwear lifestyle and does this because he appreciates the culture of it. He chooses streetwear because he knows streetwear due to the many years of investing his time and money on it. 

“I buy many stuff to resell but honestly I buy more stuff for the personal,” Jayson said. “Most of the time I'm in line for the things I like so that I can actually wear them. Anyways part of the things I resell are things I actually wore at some point and no longer do, I feel that it's smart to buy clothes that can make you money even when used if taken care of correctly.” 

Even though most of the reasons to obtain these rare items are for himself or to make money, Jayson says he does lots of good with it. He knows how rare these items are, and he can use his skills to help those who want the new pair of Nikes but doesn't know how to do it. 

“Sometimes I have little cousins who say they want the new Kanye West shoe or the new Jordan shoe, so i'm able to get them cool gifts for the holidays or birthdays,” Jayson said. “Also, lots of the times I'm helping out friends to get shoes they want, the more people entering a raffle the higher chance to win, ya know? At the end of the day I go to school and have a job, so I ain't doing anything bad, it's just a fun hobby I like that happens to make me money and there's nothing wrong with that.” 

At the end of the day this is nothing more than a hobby for Jayson. He buys what he likes and resells what he doesn't like. It’s fair game when it comes to the streetwear game and Jayson is just another player who plays the game well.