Fickle Fancies

Navigating the Rollercoaster of Volatile Resell Markets

The sneaker resale market: a land of goldmines and quicksand, where fortunes are made and dreams are crushed with the click of a “buy” button. While some brands reign supreme with consistent resell value, others experience wild fluctuations, leaving collectors wondering: should I buy or bail? Let’s delve into the world of “fickle fancies,” those brands with volatile resell markets, and explore the factors driving their unpredictable nature.

Hype Cycle Hijinks:

• Trend Chasers vs. True Believers: Some brands rely heavily on fleeting trends, generating initial hype that quickly fades. Think chunky dad shoes of yesteryear. While early adopters might score big, long-term value plummets as the trend cools.
• Limited Edition Frenzy: Scarcity fuels desire, but not always value. Excessively limited drops create artificial hype, leading to inflated resale prices that might not hold over time. Remember the Yeezy Foam RNN RNNR “Ararat”? The initial frenzy subsided, leaving some sellers stuck with deflated dreams.
• Celebrity Endorsement Rollercoaster: A celebrity shoutout can send prices soaring, but their fickle nature can lead to equally swift crashes. Remember the short-lived hype surrounding Kylie Jenner’s Adidas Falcon collab?

Beyond the Hype: Unpredictable Factors:

• Quality & Performance: Flashy designs might grab attention, but subpar quality leads to disappointment and declining resale value. Remember the early quality issues with some Yeezy releases?
• Brand Missteps & Controversies: Brand blunders or ethical controversies can erode trust and tank resale value. Remember the New Balance boycott over comments on immigration?
• Economic Downturns & Market Saturation: When wallets tighten or the market overflows with similar options, even hyped brands can see their resale value plummet. Remember the dip in resell prices during the pandemic?

Navigating the Fickle Market:

• Do your research: Understand the brand’s history, quality, and community sentiment before investing.
• Beware of FOMO: Don’t get swept away by hype; buy what you genuinely like and can afford to hold.
• Diversify your portfolio: Don’t put all your eggs in one volatile basket. Invest in brands with proven staying power.
• Remember, it’s not just about resale: Enjoy the shoes, wear them with pride, and let the resell value be a bonus, not the sole focus.