How To Sell Used Socks Online?

How To Sell Used Socks Online?

As far as fetishes go, there are the ones we've all heard about, such as a foot fetish. But do you know there's also a sock fetish? Yep, sniffing worn socks is a thing — and a big one, judging by the online fan base. Finding pleasure in other people's dirty socks apparently goes way back, although nobody can say for sure who started this charming trend. 

In fact, it's almost impossible to estimate how big of a niche it really is because socks are pretty easy to come by. So, those who like to indulge themselves in such treats can often go unnoticed.

As a novice to the whole foot fetish scene, you might find the idea of smelly socks interesting. But, as a lady looking for a side hustle, you can see it as a great business opportunity. That is because there's a big market for selling used socks, just like there's one for used underwear or feet pics. It is driven mainly by those who have a sock fetish, and the demand is huge. 

Sounds tempting, right? If that's the case, we can tell you all you need to know about how to sell used socks online!

What Exactly Do People Mean By "Used Socks"?

No, it's not a euphemism for something more sinister or s**ual. It really is just about people willing to spend money on your well-used socks. Think in terms of filthy, stinky, and sweaty. For example, what your socks look like after you've finished a long run. 

Socks fetishists usually enjoy buying stinky socks that have been used for a long time the most. The longer you wear them, the better.

Aside from putting ordinary socks for sale, you can also consider selling other footwear like knee highs, fishnet stockings, leg, ankle, and foot warmers. Just remember, they should be notably smelly/dirty to satisfy your clients’ expectations.

Why Should You Sell Used Socks?

Before we get into details about how to sell used socks online, let's cover why you should do it at all. Although you won't hear about it in day-to-day life, selling smelly socks is actually quite profitable. It might even be the solution you seek to beat the current economic climate. A girl's gotta eat, right?

It Is Simple

The whole concept is as simple as it is unbelievable. All you have to do is find the right online platform, make a profile, and not throw your dirty socks in a washing machine with the rest of your workout gear. Just sell them to a willing customer and earn your monthly income. 

It Is an Untapped Market

We get that you are a bit suspicious. Not many of us are very keen on selling personal items to strangers — at least without washing our scents and other traces of use first. That's why there are still not enough sellers in the market to cover the ever-growing demand. At the same time, that's why selling your used pieces of clothing now is a smart business move.

It’s Not That Cringey — Compared to Other Used Items for Sale

But if you recoil from the idea that someone will get off by sniffing your worn underwear, selling socks might be just the thing for you. The fact that a buyer might find s**ual pleasure in smelling your dirty socks doesn't seem quite so intimate. So, you might feel more comfortable with it.

You Don’t Need a Big Budget

Another reason you should try getting into the business is that it doesn't require a large starting investment. You wear socks anyway. The only difference is that you will use them only one time, sell them, and earn enough to buy three more pairs. In the worst-case scenario, you will have fun buying plenty of new socks that will pay for themselves.

No One Has to Know

You can also keep everything private, so your buyers — or your family — never know who's behind your online business. You don't even have to show your face in the pics and ads you post! Keeping things anonymous might help you build confidence and your small business. But even if you decide to go public, you should know it's perfectly legal to sell used socks.

All in all, if you are thinking about starting your own business but don't really know what to sell yet, sell used socks. In time, you can get creative and expand the idea — or your offer. 

How Much Money Can You Earn This Way?

Honestly, there are no rules. On average, used socks sell for about £9–25, but the cost can range from £3 to more than £170 a pair. So, if you manage to sell one pair a day, you can make about up to £100 a week. And all you have to do is go about your day as usual, sans washing your socks in the evening. 

But the exact price depends on how long you've worn the socks and what kind of activity you were doing at the time. To get a better idea about pricing, we suggest you go over other sellers' profiles.

Basically, selling used socks is about establishing your own brand. Once you have a few regular clients, you may sell sock bundles and even offer custom orders of certain socks for a higher price. 

Why Do People Buy Used Socks?

Aside from being curious about how to sell used socks online, you are probably wondering why would anyone be interested in buying them. Well, people may wish to buy used socks for a variety of reasons. Some might enjoy wearing your dirty socks after you, while others might get turned on by the smell. 

Olfactophilia is a paraphilia in which a person becomes s**ually aroused by bodily scents and odours, like those emanating from armpits or genitalia. That might be why some socks fetishists are keen on getting a whiff of your dirty feet.

In any case, the precise reasons shouldn’t really bother you, the seller. Just as with any other purchase, it is entirely up to the buyer to decide what they want to do with the item bought. If you wish to earn money selling used socks and someone wants to buy them, that's a win-win for everyone; no further questions are needed. 

But Where Did It All Start?

An urban legend says that the socks fetish started in Montana. Apparently, there was a guy (a nerd, to be more specific) in a bar who was attracted to a girl way out of his league. Knowing that he'll never get her, he refocused his game on getting a part of her that was more attainable — namely, her socks.

He succeeded and told his story online, sharing the details about all the fun he had with the unsuspecting lady's socks. His words quickly spread on the Internet, and soon the socks fetish officially became a thing. 

Of course, this story is probably not true, but the affinity for smelly socks does exist and is considered an underground fetish. Although the tag "underground" makes it sound secretive and mysterious, the niche is everything but. In fact, you can just type the right words into your favourite search engine, and you'll find various platforms and communities dedicated to the socks fetish. Even regular websites like Etsy, eBay, and Reddit have users selling/buying worn socks. 

In most cases, it's enough to search "how to sell used socks online" to find such websites, forums, and chatrooms. However, sometimes you have to type in synonyms like "well-worn socks" to get what you need. Some sellers are hiding in plain sight by writing descriptions such as "Going for a walk on a warm day wearing sneakers". While innocent viewers might never guess what that is all about, as of today, you will. 

What Are the Best Places to Sell Used Socks?

Now that you’ve seen that this business opportunity might be very lucrative, you are probably wondering: where and how to sell used socks online? Since there are buyers all over the world, your best bet is to sell smelly socks online, and there are several websites you can try. Below, we will talk about some options so that you can pick the best platform for you. 

How to Find a Good Place to Start Your Dirty Socks Business

On the one hand, you have websites that serve as marketplaces for those looking to purchase or offer worn products such as underwear or socks. They usually allow you to create your own store and sell dirty socks for cash. 

On the other hand, there are platforms where you can sell used socks, but they are not solely limited to used clothing items. That means you can sell other stuff too. 

The question is, how do you navigate through them all without accidentally ending up on the dark side of the Internet? Here are a few things we believe are essential when asking yourself how to sell used socks online.

Choose a Trustworthy Platform

Most ladies don't have their own web pages because it would be difficult to reach new customers that way. That's why they rely on existing platforms and websites to put dirty socks up for sale. As previously mentioned, some websites specialise in selling erotic items. Others, however, are common platforms that get a lot of traffic, making them suitable for socks fetishists looking to indulge their cravings. 

So, we recommend reviewing these options carefully and considering each site's pros and cons. That way, you will narrow down your choices and find one that you can easily manoeuvre. 

But make sure you choose a reliable website. On the best day, the Internet is shady, and things can get especially messy when you dive into this particular area. So, opt for a reputable platform to give yourself the best shot at succeeding and avoid future problems.

Consider Membership Prices

Most specialist sites will charge you a fee before allowing you to sell dirty socks. The price helps keep the platforms up and running and also urges you to take your business more seriously. The exact amount you'll have to pay depends on the platform, as do the terms of use. For instance, you could be paying a monthly subscription or a selling fee, and in some cases, you can buy coins that will boost your listing. 

We know that newbies in the socks-selling business might be reluctant to pay a fee before learning how to sell used socks online. Thankfully, there are platforms like Kinkie that don't take a cut of your profits. 

Learn About the Audience

The majority of these erotic platforms concentrate on a wide range of niches and submarkets. While this may bring in more visitors, your specific niche might not get too much exposure. So, we think it's best not to join a platform before learning if your target niche gets enough traffic. 

Check a Platform’s Visibility on the Internet

Look for used socks for sale-themed articles and ads. Any website you are considering should be listed on the first page of your search engine with their content. We advise against skipping this step when researching how to sell used socks online. How will shoppers find your business profile page if they can't locate the website?

The Best Places to Sell Used Socks

If everything mentioned above seems like too much work, don't worry — we've got your back and will help you learn how to sell used socks online. We ladies have to stick together, after all! That's why we created a list of the best platforms you can use to sell your smelly footwear. 

Kinkie

Kinkie, which was created in 2014, is an adult item-sharing website that prioritises user pleasure for both buyers and sellers. Originally, only people from the UK could use it, but that's no longer the case. Instead, Kinkie is now a worldwide sensation. Buyers and sellers from all around the globe are flocking to this site to sell their used socks, underwear, and other pieces of clothing.

One of the big advantages Kinkie has over its competitors is that it doesn't take commissions on your transactions. That means you get to keep 100% of your revenue. However, you have to pay a monthly fee of £3.75, which is not much considering how much you'll earn. 

Naughty Connection

Naughty Connection is another website that has a whole category dedicated to selling worn socks and footwear. The socks range in price from £7 to £17, depending on the kind and condition. Just a quick reminder: when it comes to the socks fetish, people like it smelly and dirty. That means a bad condition is actually good.

However, unlike Kinkie, this platform will take 15% of your sales. So, Naughty Connection might not be the best option if you sell many pairs each month. 

AllThingsWorn

So, how to sell used socks online? One answer is: through AllThingsWorn. This website has a section dedicated to dirty socks and other footwear. Generally speaking, AllThingsWorn is a good place to set up your used socks shop because one sock there sells for about £17. Talking about easy money!

Joining the platform is free. However, if you want to sell things, smelly socks included, you have to pay for a Premium Seller package, which costs about £12. It is roughly twice as much as Kinkie's one-month subscription (£3.75), making it a more pricey option.

How to Sell Used Socks Online: 8 Tips

Your target audience are people who have a socks fetish and are hunting for worn socks. So, super stinky will get the job done. Most clients also want the socks "delivered zipped", which means in a zip-lock bag and bubble-wrapped. That way, the socks will still smell like you when they reach them. 

There are no restrictions on the kind of socks you can put up for sale online. Dress socks, workout socks, and wacky socks are all viable options. They each have their own market.

So, how to sell used socks online? Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Choose a Niche

While you are learning how to sell used socks online, take some time to check out Kinkie, AllThingsWorn, and other platforms. Find the top sellers and see what they do that makes them successful. Pay attention to their prices and find ways to outbid them. 

In our experience, finding a niche and sticking to it is the best strategy. For instance, you can focus only on running socks or socks for the gym. Or you can cash in the fact that you are a MILF who wears fishnets around the home. 

People love a good story and want to connect with the person behind the used item they are buying. So, we strongly suggest creating a "personality" that you can freely display in your listings and ads. It doesn't have to resemble you in any way. Just imagine a girl bold enough to let the world sniff her feet and her shine.

Some sellers play on their good looks. You can use that as well — at least the parts you are comfortable sharing with the Internet. 

In any case, you must be as unique as possible to distinguish yourself from the competitors. You'll get more "fans" if you manage to offer something that no one else has before you. More fans equals more profits.

That being said, you should always check if your buyers are legally adults before completing the transaction. That is because you might face prosecution if you sell such items to minors, even though it is an online platform and used socks are not really an erotic product.

Use Only High-Quality Pictures

The most important tip on how to sell used socks online is to post high-quality pics. You want to offer the potential customers a variety of pictures for each listing. But it would help if you tried to be creative about it. 

For example, take photos of your naked feet, with the socks in question, and of the socks alone. Experiment with different poses and positions. 

Smartphones these days come with various photo-enhancing tools. It won't harm to improve the brightness or contrast of the captured image. For an even better effect, try free online picture editing software. No one is interested in cheap, so polish your content well.

Likewise, be graphic when describing how sweaty or dirty your feet got during a specific activity. Provide photos as "evidence". White socks are the best for this because your customers can really see the dirt. So, make sure to take a pic of those filthy soles. 

All in all, try to imagine what a socks fetishist would find appealing. When you take into account what your ideal client wants and needs, you'll know how to present your product to them.

Be Detailed

When making a listing to sell used socks, try adding as many details as you can. As mentioned before, people crave a good story and a connection point with you — or at least the persona you created for your business profile. So, give them a juicy tale with many specifics about how long, when, and where you wore the socks you are trying to sell. We suggest you include the following:

  • What type of socks you are offering, which brand, and where can people buy them; what designs and patterns are on them. For instance, pink popcorn & drinks socks from Happy Socks. 
  • When exactly did you wear them, how, and what shoes did you have on (if any), including brand details. For example, you wore the tights for a night out clubbing with s**y boots or those running socks for a sweaty gym session.
  • How long you've been wearing them (days, weeks).

However, make sure to be very clear on what you are selling. Even though it seems like a moot point, state that the socks are used, unwashed, and dirty/smelly. By describing the exact condition of your product, you can avoid misunderstandings and potential legal issues. 

Some sellers also offer free shipping to boost their sales. You can use this trick as well, but keep in mind that it will decrease your profits. Hence, you should really think before committing to it.

Try Not to Flirt

Another vital tip on how to sell used socks online is not to flirt with your fans and buyers. Charming your way into the customers' hearts is a common and proven tactic many vendors use. Nonetheless, we do not recommend you apply it when dealing with your clients. Here's why.

Although used socks are not considered as openly s**ual items, they do target a specific niche that sees them as such. So, appearing even a bit too flirtatious can send the wrong message. For this reason, we think it's best to keep the transactions strictly professional.

Buy in Large Quantities

Since you'll be needing lots of tights or socks, it is wise to buy them in bulk before reselling them. Buying socks is the only actual expense you'll have (aside from monthly subscriptions to platforms). So, the less money you invest, the more you get to keep. 

Moreover, you still need to wear each pair before you put it up for sale. If your feet don't sweat very much, you might even need to wear them for several days to get the right effect. That's why you need to plan the time required as well.

Advertise Your Socks

The right marketing strategy can mean the difference between making a profit and seeing your business fail. So, you should also consider advertising your used shoes, stockings, and socks on social media. Research Facebook groups and promote your smelly socks on Instagram and TikTok. Perhaps you can even start your own website or a blog and sell your old socks from there.

The more exposure you build, the more people you will reach. That means more new customers, increasing your market share, and consistent income. 

Be Active in the Community

You won't get too far if you just appear out of nowhere to put up your next sale and then disappear again. Take part in the community, comment, follow, like, and connect with people you want to turn into loyal customers. That way, you will make your business known and reap the sympathies of many sock fetishists.

Don't Share Personal Details

Of course, you can use your real name and other personal information like a phone number, address, and workplace in creating your online business profile. But that's not the way to go if you want to protect your privacy. It's the Internet, after all, and you never know who you might be dealing with. And you don't want to end up on amateur porn site without your own approval.

Keep in mind that some buyers will ask you for more than your socks and make inappropriate comments. They might even request to meet with you in person. For this reason, you should consider how far you are willing to go. But no matter what, we believe you should stand your ground and never agree to something that makes you uncomfortable.

If you plan to sell your filthy socks on Kinkie or another online marketplace, you must decide how you will send them. We suggest you rent a PO box from a local post office to avoid having to provide a return address on packages. Some shippers do not demand a return address on packages, so you can work with those.

Is It Legal to Sell Used Socks?

Socks are considered regular clothing and are not x-rated. That means there are no restrictions prohibiting their sale in most countries.

However, just because it's not illegal to sell them in the UK, USA, Australia, or Canada, that doesn't mean it's the same in your country. We suggest double-checking your own country's laws first. We are not lawyers, after all, so don't take our words as legal advice. 

How to Sell Used Socks Online: Takeaway

Selling dirty socks might not be a business you can brag about at a family dinner, but it is definitely profitable. It requires little investment, even less work, and you earn ridiculous amounts of money. The market is legal, the niche huge, and there are plenty of potential customers looking to buy your smelly footwear. 

All you have to do is find reliable platforms like Kinkie or Naughty Connection and open your business profile. Then, it's all about collecting sweaty socks and making them look good and dirty online. We recommend you to be creative about content and smart about marketing strategy. Just make sure to know your limits and protect any personal information.

How to sell used socks online? Ultimately, it is mostly up to you. Just like with any other online business, you'll need to invest some time, hard work, and lots of patience to succeed. But it will be worth it!


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