GOAT is a marketplace where you buy and sell sneakers, streetwear, and collectibles through authenticated dealers
GOAT (Greatest of All Time) is an online resale platform that connects buyers and sellers of sneakers, apparel, and collectible items. Unlike a peer-to-peer marketplace where you sell directly to another person, GOAT operates as a consignment service: you send your items to GOAT's warehouse, they inspect and authenticate them, list them for sale, and handle the transaction when a buyer purchases. GOAT then takes a commission and sends you the remaining payment.
The platform is owned by Foot Locker and operates in the United States, Canada, Europe, and other regions. It's one of the larger resale marketplaces for sneakers specifically, competing with platforms like StockX, Grailed, and Depop. The main draw for sellers is that GOAT handles authentication, which reduces the risk of selling counterfeit items and protects you from buyer disputes over condition.
Key Takeaways
- You ship your items to GOAT's warehouse, where they authenticate and photograph them before listing.
- GOAT takes a seller commission (typically 8 to 12 percent depending on item category) plus a small processing fee from your sale price.
- Payment arrives in your account after the item sells and GOAT confirms it was received by the buyer in the condition promised.
- GOAT's authentication process protects you from counterfeit claims, but items must meet their condition standards or they may be returned to you.
- Shipping to GOAT is free, but you are responsible for getting your item to their warehouse safely.
How to list an item on GOAT
Start by downloading the GOAT app or visiting their website and signing in with an account. Tap or click "Sell" and search for the item you want to list—GOAT's database includes thousands of sneaker models, apparel pieces, and collectibles. Select the exact product (colorway, size, release year) so the listing matches what you're sending.
Next, you'll describe the condition of your item. GOAT uses a standard condition scale: Deadstock (never worn, original packaging), Near Deadstock (tried on only), Lightly Used, Used, and Heavy Use. Be honest here—GOAT's inspectors will verify your description when the item arrives, and if there's a significant mismatch, they may reject it or lower the asking price. You can also add photos and notes about any flaws, scuffs, or wear.
Once you've filled in the condition and details, GOAT generates a shipping label. Print it or use the label in the app, pack your item securely (GOAT recommends original packaging or a padded box), and drop it off at a carrier location. GOAT covers the shipping cost to their warehouse, so you don't pay to send it in.
What happens after you ship your item
When your package arrives at GOAT's warehouse, their team inspects it against the condition you reported. They check for authenticity, damage, missing parts, and overall wear. If everything matches your description, they photograph the item from multiple angles, add it to the live marketplace, and set a price based on recent sales of similar items in that condition.
If GOAT finds that the item's condition is worse than you described, they may contact you with options: accept a lower price, have the item returned to you, or authorize GOAT to list it at the corrected condition. This process typically takes 5 to 10 business days, though it can vary depending on warehouse volume.
Once the item is listed and a buyer purchases it, GOAT ships it to them. You don't handle this shipment—GOAT does. The buyer receives the item, inspects it, and confirms receipt. Only after the buyer confirms the item arrived in the promised condition does GOAT release payment to you.
How GOAT's fees work
GOAT charges two fees: a seller commission and a processing fee. The seller commission ranges from 8 to 12 percent of the sale price depending on the category (sneakers, apparel, collectibles, etc.). The processing fee is a flat amount, usually around $2.95 per transaction. Both are deducted from your sale price before payment is sent to you.
For example, if you sell a pair of sneakers for $100 and the seller commission is 10 percent, GOAT takes $10 plus $2.95, leaving you with $87.05. These fees are displayed before you confirm your listing, so you know exactly what you'll receive.
GOAT does not charge you to list items, and shipping to their warehouse is free. You only pay fees when an item actually sells.
Payment and payout timing
Once a buyer confirms receipt of your item, GOAT deposits the payment into your account. The timing depends on your payment method: direct deposit to a bank account typically arrives within 3 to 5 business days, while GOAT credit (store credit for future purchases) is when ready.
You can also request a payout to a digital wallet like PayPal or Apple Pay, though fees and timing vary by method. Check GOAT's payout options in your account settings to see what's available in your region.
What items GOAT will and won't accept
GOAT specializes in sneakers, apparel, and collectibles—primarily items from major brands like Nike, Adidas, Jordan, Supreme, and similar labels. They accept both new and used items as long as they're authentic and in resellable condition.
GOAT will not accept counterfeit items, items with major damage (torn seams, broken zippers, significant stains), recalled products, or items that violate intellectual property rights. They also don't accept certain categories like electronics, furniture, or perishables. If you're unsure whether your item qualifies, you can search for it on GOAT's platform—if it's not in their database, they likely don't sell it.
Risks and protections when selling on GOAT
The main protection GOAT offers is authentication. Because they verify items before listing, you're protected from counterfeit claims after the sale. If a buyer disputes the authenticity of an item you sold, GOAT's authentication report backs you up.
However, you are responsible for the item's condition during shipping to GOAT's warehouse. If it arrives damaged because of poor packing, GOAT may reject it or reduce the price. Use adequate padding, original packaging when possible, and consider insurance for high-value items.
You also can't control the final sale price—GOAT sets it based on market demand and recent comparable sales. If the market for your item drops while it's listed, the price may be lower than you expected. You can delist an item at any time before it sells and have it returned to you, though this takes a few business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get paid after I sell something?
Payment arrives 3 to 5 business days after the buyer confirms receipt of your item, assuming you chose direct deposit. GOAT credit is when ready. The entire process from shipping to payment usually takes 2 to 3 weeks because of warehouse processing and shipping time to the buyer.
What if GOAT rejects my item when it arrives?
If the condition doesn't match your description or the item fails authentication, GOAT will contact you with options. You can accept a lower price, authorize them to relist it at the corrected condition, or request it be returned to you. Return shipping is free.
Can I cancel a listing before it sells?
Yes. You can delist an item from your account at any time, and GOAT will return it to you. The return takes a few business days, and you won't be charged a fee for the return shipment.
Does GOAT accept items without original packaging?
Yes, but condition matters. Items without original packaging are typically listed as Lightly Used or Used rather than Deadstock. GOAT will still authenticate and sell them, but the price will reflect the missing box or tags.
What happens if a buyer claims the item arrived damaged?
GOAT handles the dispute. Because they photographed and authenticated the item before shipping, they have documentation of its condition when it left their warehouse. If the buyer's claim is valid, GOAT may refund them and charge back your account, or they may work with the shipping carrier on a damage claim.