17 Business Ideas For Sneakerheads [2024]
Are you a sneakerhead with a knack for business? In 2024, there are more opportunities than ever to turn your passion for sneakers into a profitable venture. Whether you're into collecting, customizing, or even designing, the sneaker world offers various ways to make money.
You could start your own resale business, capitalizing on the booming market for limited edition and high-demand sneakers. Another option is to create a customization service, offering unique and personalized designs that cater to sneaker enthusiasts looking for one-of-a-kind pairs.
If you're more creatively inclined, you might consider designing and launching your own sneaker brand. With the right approach, your love for sneakers could transform into a successful business, allowing you to do what you love while making a profit.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other sneakerhead businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
Starting a dropshipping business as a sneakerhead is an excellent way to convert your passion for sneakers into a profitable venture. With dropshipping, you don't need to worry about maintaining inventory—when a customer makes a purchase, you order the product from a third-party supplier who handles the shipping. By focusing on niche sneaker-related products, you could cater to a like-minded audience without the overhead of traditional retail, all while leveraging your expertise in the sneaker world. For more details on how to get started, check out dropshipping success stories.
Why start a dropshipping business?
- Minimal upfront costs: You won't need to invest in inventory, making it easier to start and scale.
- Flexibility: Work from anywhere with an internet connection while building a business around your passion.
- Focus on marketing: Spend more time on marketing and customer engagement rather than managing stock levels and shipping logistics.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
2. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
As a sneakerhead, delving into an ecommerce reselling business allows you to turn your passion for exclusive and hard-to-find sneakers into a profitable side hustle or even a full-fledged business. With a keen sense of market trends and insider knowledge of sneaker culture, you could curate a unique inventory that attracts fellow enthusiasts. Moreover, starting this type of business can be done with minimal upfront costs since you can initially focus on social media platforms to build your customer base before investing in a dedicated website. Explore the opportunities and challenges of starting an ecommerce reselling business.
Why starting an ecommerce reselling business?
- You could leverage your sneaker expertise to create a niche market position.
- Minimal upfront costs can make it easier to start, allowing you to grow your business gradually.
- Reselling exclusive sneakers can provide high-profit margins, turning your knowledge and passion into a lucrative income stream.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $150,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,999 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Empyre Off-Road, an e-commerce business founded by Greg Shuey which sells aftermarket parts for Toyota Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners, generated approximately $100,000 a month in revenue and was able to expand its product offering, focusing on content marketing, email marketing campaigns, and organic social media to attract and retain customers.
3. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Starting a YouTube channel might be your next big move if you're a sneakerhead with a knack for creating compelling video content. You could share your expertise, passions, and insights about sneakers, while potentially earning revenue through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. Your channel can focus on sneaker reviews, unboxings, styling tips, and interviews with other sneaker enthusiasts.
A successful YouTube channel requires consistency, quality content, and engagement with your audience. If you're ready to dedicate the time and effort, this could be a fulfilling way to supplement your income or even start a side business. To get started, you can check out how to launch a profitable YouTube channel.
Why start a YouTube channel as a sneakerhead? - You’ll turn your passion into content that could generate income through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. - You’ll build a community of like-minded sneaker enthusiasts and position yourself as an expert in the sneaker world. - You’ll have the flexibility to share your unique voice and creative perspectives on sneakers, which might open doors to other opportunities in the sneaker industry.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
4. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
As a sneakerhead, starting a print-on-demand business can be an excellent way to supplement your income or establish a side business. By leveraging your passion for sneaker culture, you could create and sell unique designs inspired by your favorite kicks on apparel, phone cases, and home goods without the hassle of managing inventory. Moreover, platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy provide you with access to a global audience, allowing you to monetize your creativity while enjoying minimal startup costs.
If you want to explore how much you could earn from a print-on-demand business, be sure to check out how-much-do-they-make.
Why start a print-on-demand business?
- Low initial investment: With minimal startup costs, you could launch your business without significant financial risk.
- Creative expression: Turn your sneakerhead passion into unique products that appeal to other enthusiasts.
- Scalability: Easily grow your business by offering new designs and reaching a broader audience through online marketplaces.
How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.
5. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast is an excellent way for sneakerheads to supplement their income or launch a side business. With the rapidly growing popularity of podcasts as a medium for both entertainment and information-sharing, there's significant potential to reach and engage an audience passionate about sneakers. By discussing the latest releases, sneaker culture, and industry news, you could carve out a niche and attract listeners who share your passion, potentially leading to sponsorships and advertising revenue.
Why consider starting a podcast?
- You'll reach a dedicated community of sneaker enthusiasts who crave insider knowledge and updates.
- It's a low-cost endeavor—you only need basic recording equipment and a hosting platform to get started.
- By sharing your passion and expertise, you can establish yourself as an authority in the sneaker world, leading to further business opportunities.
For more information on the profitability and success stories of starting a podcast, check out this Starter Story on podcast profitability.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
6. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
Starting a subscription box business could be an excellent opportunity for sneakerheads to channel their passion into a profitable venture. By curating and delivering a niche set of sneaker-related products monthly, you could provide exclusive items, add value to customer service, and create a recurring revenue stream. This business model leverages your knowledge of and connections within the sneaker community, making it an accessible and exciting opportunity.
Why consider a subscription box business?
- Steady Income: Subscription models generate dependable, recurring revenue, which can stabilize your finances.
- Community Building: Foster a loyal customer base that shares your passion for sneakers and looks forward to your curated selections.
- Exclusive Access: Offer unique and limited-edition items that attract true sneaker enthusiasts and differentiate your service.
To explore more about launching a subscription box business, check out some success stories on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.
7. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog devoted to sneakers is a fantastic way to engage with a passionate community of fellow sneakerheads while sharing your expertise. By creating content such as reviews, news updates, how-to guides, and interviews with industry insiders, you could establish yourself as a go-to resource in the sneaker community. Additionally, once you've built a significant following, monetization avenues such as affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and brand partnerships can turn your niche blog into a lucrative side hustle or full-time business. For more inspiration, you could look into niche blog success stories here.
Why start a sneaker-focused niche blog?
- You could influence and connect with a passionate, engaged audience that shares your love for sneakers.
- Writing about what you love could build your reputation as an industry expert and open up collaboration opportunities.
- Monetizing through affiliate links, sponsored content, and partnerships with sneaker brands could generate a significant income.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
8. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
Starting a mobile app as a sneakerhead could open a world of opportunities to turn your passion into a profitable venture. Whether it's an app for tracking sneaker releases, a marketplace for buying and selling rare kicks, or even a community-focused platform for sneaker enthusiasts, there's immense potential for engagement and revenue. Developing an app caters perfectly to the tech-savvy, trend-aware nature of today's sneaker culture, allowing you to connect with fellow aficionados while earning extra income.
Why develop a mobile app?
- You could solve a common problem or fulfill a specific need, like helping users find authentic sneakers or connect with other sneakerheads.
- Mobile apps have the potential for high revenue, with in-app purchases, ads, and premium features catering to sneaker enthusiasts who are willing to invest.
- Your app could reach a global audience, giving you unlimited potential to grow your user base and brand recognition.
For more inspiration on making your mobile app idea a reality, check out these success stories and gain insights into effective marketing strategies.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
9. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
If you're a sneakerhead looking to blend your love for kicks with entrepreneurial endeavors, consider launching an AI-based business solution. Leveraging AI technology brings advantages such as automating repetitive tasks, refining inventory management, and providing personalized marketing strategies. Even without a tech background, user-friendly platforms make it accessible for anyone to start, allowing you to focus on your passion while enhancing business efficiency and cutting costs. For a deeper dive, see these success stories.
Why consider launching an AI-based business solution?
- Automate and streamline: AI can take over tedious tasks, from customer service to stock management, freeing you up to focus on growth and innovation.
- Data-driven insights: Use AI to gather and analyze data, helping you predict market trends and tailor marketing strategies for better results.
- Competitive edge: Implementing AI gives you a significant advantage, helping you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.
10. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
Imagine combining your passion for sneakers with a strong interest in health and wellness by creating a health and wellness app. As a sneakerhead, you understand the importance of comfort and performance, which are directly related to overall physical well-being. This app could guide users through fitness routines, nutrition plans, and mental wellness exercises, while incorporating tips on the best sneakers to support their health goals.
This venture involves market research, collaboration with health experts, and app development, but the potential rewards are significant. You could positively impact lives by offering personalized guidance and tapping into the growing health and wellness market. For more information on what it takes to start this business, visit Health and Wellness App Success Stories.
Why start a health and wellness app?
- You could leverage your unique insights as a sneakerhead to recommend the best footwear for various health and fitness activities.
- You’d be offering a one-stop solution that helps people improve their overall well-being, both physically and mentally.
- The booming health and wellness industry offers substantial market potential, making this a lucrative and impactful business idea.
How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
Founder and CEO of SelfDecode, Joe Cohen, explains how his company helps people discover personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on DNA and lab tests; generating about $2.7 million in revenue over the past year and raising $8 million in a crowdfunding campaign, SelfDecode provides personalized health recommendations prioritized on unique genetic variants, marking the future of healthcare.
11. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
For sneakerheads looking to combine their passion with entrepreneurial opportunities, starting a niche website can be an excellent way to supplement your income or even build a full-time business. By creating a website dedicated to specific aspects of the sneaker world—such as rare releases, sneaker maintenance tips, or industry news—you could attract a dedicated audience eager for specialized, high-quality content. Monetization strategies like affiliate marketing, ad placements, and selling exclusive digital products can turn your expertise into a profitable venture, serving both your love for sneakers and your financial goals.
Building a niche website involves selecting a segment you're knowledgeable and passionate about, generating engaging content, and leveraging SEO to attract consistent traffic. If done right, a niche website can become a reliable source of passive income as it grows. Check out some success stories for inspiration.
Why starting a niche website?
- You're already passionate and knowledgeable about sneakers, making content creation enjoyable and authentic.
- Potential to earn passive income through various monetization strategies such as affiliate marketing and ad placements.
- Establishing a niche website allows you to engage with a community of like-minded sneaker enthusiasts and build a dedicated following.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.
12. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)
Starting a social media automation business can be a strategic move for sneakerheads looking to supplement their income or even build a full-time venture. This business involves creating tools and services to schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data across various platforms, helping clients—from small businesses to influencers—enhance their social media presence. Imagine managing multiple social media accounts effortlessly while driving engagement and growth; your tech and marketing skills combined with a passion for sneakers can serve as a unique selling point.
For more details, check out how to start your own social media automation business.
Why starting a social media automation business?
- Leveraging your tech and marketing skills along with a sneakerhead's understanding of trends, you could effectively engage niche markets.
- The growing need for consistent social media engagement ensures a significant demand and potentially lucrative client base.
- Automating social media frees up time for businesses and influencers, adding substantial value to your service offerings.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
13. Start a volleyball accessories business
For sneakerheads looking to diversify their income streams, venturing into a volleyball accessories business is a practical and innovative move. The world of sports accessories, particularly for volleyball, demands high-quality gear like knee pads, wristbands, and custom jerseys, paralleling the passion and attention to detail sneakerheads bring to their sneaker collections. By leveraging your expertise in sports fashion and trends, you could tap into a growing market that consistently seeks the best in performance and style.
Why consider a volleyball accessories business as a sneakerhead?
- You could utilize your eye for design and quality, applying it to a broader range of sports gear.
- There's a growing market for recreational sports accessories, offering ample business opportunities.
- You already understand the market dynamics of sports enthusiasts, making it easier to identify and meet the needs of volleyball players.
For more details, check out some volleyball accessories business success stories.
How much you can make: $1,000,000/month
CROSSNET, the world's first four-way volleyball game, went from $74,000 in revenue in 2018 to $2,250,000 in sales in just one year by attracting customers through social media, email marketing, and exclusive distribution agreements with retailers like Target.
14. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)
If you're a sneakerhead with extensive knowledge about the sneaker industry, starting an online course sales business could be a highly profitable venture for you. By creating and selling online courses that cover topics like sneaker culture, sneaker customization, or how to start a sneaker resale business, you can monetize your expertise while helping others learn more about their passion. With the e-learning market expected to be worth over $645 Billion in the next few years, this presents a great opportunity for turning your sneaker knowledge into a consistent income stream.
Why start an online course sales business?
- You could turn your passion for sneakers into a source of passive income.
- You already have the expertise; now you just need to package it as a learning experience.
- The e-learning industry is booming, providing you a scalable platform to reach sneaker enthusiasts globally.
How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.
15. Start a real estate investment firm ($398K/month)
Starting a real estate investment firm offers unique opportunities for sneakerheads who are adept at spotting trends and value. Much like the sneaker reselling market, real estate investment involves recognizing undervalued assets and transforming them into profitable ventures. With a keen eye for the market and strategic planning, you could diversify your income streams and tap into substantial wealth potential.
For sneakerheads, the skillsets gained from flipping sneakers can translate well into property investments. You'll be equipped to negotiate deals, manage property renovations, and eventually sell or rent out properties for a profit. To see more about the possibilities, you can check out inspiring real estate investment- firm success stories.
Why starting a real estate investment firm?
- Real estate offers substantial long-term profit potential.
- Your negotiation and market-tracking skills from the sneaker world are directly transferable.
- Diversification into real estate provides a steady income stream through rentals and property appreciation.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 210 days (?)
Equity Residences is a luxury real estate investment fund that has raised $40 million from over 200 investors, offering them access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for investment and personal use, with a minimum investment of $161,500 and plans to acquire a further twenty residences ranging from $1.5M to $4M.
16. Develop a lead generation tool ($108K/month)
As a sneakerhead, starting a lead generation tool business could be a smart way to supplement your income and turn your passion into profit. By creating a platform that helps businesses capture potential customer leads, you’ll be leveraging your expertise in digital marketing and audience engagement. Implementing your tool could streamline the often time-consuming process of finding new clients, allowing companies to focus on converting leads to customers. Check out some examples on Starter Story here.
Why develop a lead generation tool? - You understand the importance of community and engagement, which is critical for lead generation. - The demand for effective marketing tools is high, providing significant business potential. - Creating such a tool leverages your tech skills and marketing savvy to help other businesses succeed.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Dux-Soup is a LinkedIn automation tool that helps business owners and sales & marketing professionals generate more leads, increase efficiency, and save time; with over 70,000 users and revenue of nearly $5 million, it offers automated top-of-the-funnel LinkedIn outreach activities, targeted LinkedIn campaigns and multi-touch & personalized LinkedIn drip campaigns for lead generation.
17. Create an AI writing tool ($255K/month)
If you're a sneakerhead wanting to dive into entrepreneurship, consider using an AI writing tool to supplement your income, make extra money, or even start a full-fledged business. By developing a digital tool powered by Artificial Intelligence, you could revolutionize content creation for businesses, bloggers, and students, generating engaging and accurate content with ease. This forward-thinking business idea could streamline the writing processes for many, thereby offering a valuable service in a market with a high demand for quality content.
Why create an AI writing tool?
- Capitalize on technological advancements: With the growing need for automated, error-free writing solutions, an AI writing tool offers a cutting-edge alternative to traditional methods.
- Meet the demand for quality content: Help writers around the globe by providing them with a tool that boosts productivity and eases their workload, allowing them to focus on creativity rather than mechanics.
- Be part of the future: An AI writing tool aligns with current trends towards digitization and automation, setting you up for success in an evolving marketplace.
For more on starting an AI writing tool business, including profitability, startup costs, and marketing ideas, visit: AI Writing Tool Business Ideas.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)
Rytr, a new AI writing assistant developed by a startup platform and business incubator, has become a market leader, serving over 300,000 customers across the world and doing seven figures in ARR.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
