Are you obsessed with finding out all about the latest sneakers that are being released on the market? Do you want to grow the size of your sneaker collection? If so, then you need to learn all that you can about becoming a sneakerhead.
Doing so can help you turn one of your biggest passions into a hobby. You’ll be able to grow your collection and turn it into a social media business if you’d like. Even if you have a low budget, you can make it work!
See below for an in-depth guide on how to become a sneakerhead on a budget.
1. Get a Side Hustle
This first step isn’t sexy. However, if you’re going to be a sneakerhead, then there needs to be some more room created financially.
As a sneakerhead, you want to be in a position where you could afford most brands and models. There will always be those moments where you’ll need to be prepared to walk away, but getting a side hustle can help you grow your shoe budget.
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel for the side gig you find. You could easily start a gig on rideshare apps such as Uber or Lyft. You could also consider a food delivery job, such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Postmates. These will help you make good money, while also having a bit more freedom with your time.
There’s also the idea of getting a part-time job at a sneaker store. Assuming all your needs are being met financially, you can use your paycheck from the shoe store to fuel your sneaker collecting budget. Also… you get to hang around shoes, which seems like a match made in heaven!
With a side hustle, you’ll find the next step to be way easier. That way, you won’t be scrounging for scraps.
2. Create a Budget
When your first starting up as a sneakerhead, it’s important to look at this from a business perspective. To grow your collection, you need profit (which we covered in the previous step).
If you’re able to grow a significant collection and social media presence, this hobby will soon pay for itself. However, just like a business, you’ll need to create a budget before you start searching.
Creating a budget will help you have a firm understanding of your finances. You’ll know exactly how much you have to spend and where you’re looking to allocate that money.
Say you have $500 to spend and you’re looking for a pair of Jordans and Yeezys. You could choose to split the budget down the middle: $250 to buy a pair of Jordans and $250 to buy a pair of Yeezys. You could prioritize one over the other, like spending $300 on the Jordans and $200 on the Yeezys (or holding off on buying the Yeezys until your next paycheck).
Having a budget will give you more accountability as you shop. It can also help you in negotiations. For example, if you only have room for a $300 purchase, the seller might be willing to lower their price to fit it.
3. Know What’s Out There
Contrary to what most people believe, the most famous and successful sneakerheads out there are very strategic with the shoes they buy.
They’ll all tell you the same thing: it’s a waiting game. However, you need to educate yourself on the shoes that are out there, what they’re going for, and how to keep an eye out for counterfeits.
You’ll also want to put a newfound focus on upcoming releases, when they’re coming out, how much they’ll be, and how you can get your hands on a pair. That last part can be tricky!
So, how do you learn what’s out there? There are many actions you can take! You can start by going to a sneaker convention, watching YouTube videos from experienced sneakerheads, and even reaching out to them to build your network of savvy sneakerheads that can give you pointers.
4. Start Shopping Around
Now that you’ve spent the first three steps of this article preparing to be a sneakerhead, it’s time to take action! You’ll find it a lot more freeing to shop around with a budget and plan in place.
Start by choosing to shop this site for some great deals on major brands. They have some awesome collabs available, which will make your collection seem more legitimate.
To get props from other sneakerheads, you should focus on having each of the following in your arsenal: classic models, limited-edition collabs, limited-edition colorways, and name brands.
5. Create a Profitable Business
Believe it or not, you can actually turn your sneakerhead hobby into a full-fledged business if you play your cards right.
Be sure to consider things like starting a social media page for your sneaker collection, starting a blog, starting a podcast, or starting a YouTube channel—which is technically social media.
What you’ll find is that people will want to live vicariously through you. The followers you develop will grow attached to your collection and your brand.
Sneaker-related companies know the impression that sneakerheads have on the industry, and will be happy to pay you for your input or marketing skills once you grow a following.
Become a Sneakerhead the Right Way
Now that you have seen an in-depth guide on how to become a sneakerhead on a budget, be sure to start with step one.
Even if you just start by selling some things around the house, it’s important to start with some seed money for your collection. Be sure to browse our website for more articles on shoe collecting.