There are an estimated 12 to 24 million eCommerce websites on the Internet at any given time. The world of online shopping and convenience has expanded exponentially over the last several years. If you want or need a product, chances are, you’ll find it (or a dozen others like it) online.
When it comes to kinks and fetishes, the same theory applies. There are numerous websites that cater to specific fantasies and fetishes ranging from bondage and BDSM to furries, underwear fetishes, and more. You can purchase everything from used panties and lingerie to bondage accessories, feet pictures, and everything in between.
One fetish that’s grown in popularity in recent years is foot fetishism and everything that comes along with it. That means foot massages, foot bondage, and you guessed it, footwear – including socks! Socks are no longer a gift you get from a distant relative and toss in the trash. Instead, people are searching for (and paying top dollar for) worn socks online. Keep reading to learn more about how you can capitalize on this growing industry and make money doing it.
A sock fetish falls under the same category as a foot fetish which is defined as a sexual attraction to feet. In this case, it's the foot-covering that people find appealing more than what’s underneath. In 2021, there were nearly half a million posts on Instagram alone referring to socks and sock fetishes. From the look and feel of socks to the smell, people are flocking to the internet to snatch up socks worn by their favorite influencers, creators, models, and other popular sellers.
But it doesn’t stop there. While some people want to purchase actual socks to hold, smell, and use for their own personal pleasure, others are perfectly content buying feet pictures and videos online that show people wearing, removing, and performing various activities that involve socks. In fact, most sock fetishists look for socks worn during specific activities like hitting the gym, taking a walk, or having sex. For some people, the dirtier the better. From fuzzy and colorful socks to fishnet stockings and lace pantyhose, if you can wear them, people are willing to buy them.
With so many sock lovers online, there are plenty of ways to make money off this trending new footwear fixation.
Similar to selling used panties, feet pictures, or any other kink or niche items, you should only sell your used socks using a legitimate or verified platform. While you can (and should) promote your “business” on social media sites like Instagram and Facebook, most sales are made privately. This can be done through your personal website or by using a platform dedicated to foot fetishes and selling things like feet pics and accessories (socks).
Some of the best websites for selling used socks are:
You can also check out sites like Reddit, Craigslist, eBay, and Etsy but if you’re just starting out selling used socks online, stick with a reputable website that specializes in this niche market. Not only will it keep your identity and best interests protected but you’ll gain direct access to your target market — sock fetishists — looking to buy exactly what you’re selling.
You can also start an OnlyFans page dedicated to your feet and footwear. Here, users can pay a subscription fee ranging from $4.99 to $15.95 to view your exclusive and racy sock pics and videos. A lot of OnlyFans creators have two accounts – one paid and one free. The free account is what draws fans in and gets them hooked until they crave so much of your sexy content that they’re more than happy to pay a monthly fee to see what you produce and post.
Step one in launching any successful business is understanding the needs of your target audience. If you want to attract interested paying customers you need to know what they’re looking for and why.
When people search online for used socks they look for any number of things from dirty, sweaty, and smelly socks to socks that smell like perfume, soap, and sex. The more specific you are, the better. In the product description, tell buyers what you did while wearing the socks, how long since you’ve washed them, and how they feel. When selling used socks online you’re selling an entire experience, not just a piece of clothing. The more buyers know, the more personalized and satisfying the experience becomes. Sock fetishists use socks for various reasons to satisfy their needs and fantasies. While some will simply sniff them, others might wear them or incorporate them into their sex play in other ways.
While there’s an entire market out there for used socks, the same people who drool over these articles of clothing are usually open to other items as well. Sock fetishes range from ankle and athletic socks to knee socks, stockings, leg warmers, and pantyhose. Although there’s an entire market dedicated to selling feet pics, it doesn’t hurt to include a few images of your pretty or pedicured feet next to the socks you’re selling. If you’re advertising dirty, sweaty socks, include a picture that shows buyers just how dirty and nasty they really are!
When it comes to making money selling used socks, price is everything. Price your products too high and you won’t land any sales. Price them too low and you won’t make any money and potentially sell yourself short. So, what’s the “sweet spot” for pricing socks for sale and how much should you charge?
There’s no set answer for this question. On average, a pair of decently used socks will sell for between $10 and $15. That means if you can sell a single pair of socks every day for a week, you can earn about $100. Your ultimate goal is to secure return customers and clients looking for very specific custom orders that you can fulfill for a higher rate.
Simply opening an account on any of the above-mentioned websites and posting pictures of your used socks isn’t enough. You need to market yourself in order to drum up interest, gain fans and followers, and convert them into paying customers.
There are countless ways for you to market yourself and your sock selling business. The first place to start is social media. From Instagram and Facebook to Twitter, Snapchat, and even TikTok, there are billions of users out there for you to tap into. The tricky part is weeding out the sock fetishists so you can dedicate your time and attention to them. There are a few ways to successfully promote yourself on social media, to your ideal demographic.
Once you become a well-known presence on social media, you can start increasing your prices. The more in-demand your content is, the more people are willing to pay for it. Take the time to engage with your fans, especially when you’re just starting out. Building your brand and reputation is the key to success when selling used socks online.
Just be mindful of the platform’s user and community guidelines. While some platforms like Twitter are more forgiving about adult content, Instagram and Facebook have some pretty strict rules. If it's suspected you’ve broken their rules, they can delete your account immediately and with that, delete all of your hard work. Your best bet is to meet and attract buyers on social media before directing them to your personal website, OnlyFans page, or another account for making the final purchase.
This is the question everyone wants to know. Can you realistically make a solid, dependable income selling used socks online? The answer isn’t as cut and dry as you might think. While most sock sellers do it as a side hustle, others have made enough money to rely on it as their sole income (no pun intended). Unfortunately, this is usually pretty rare and is determined by several factors like how active, popular, and engaged you are. Realistically, you won’t be able to retire off of your sock selling proceeds.
It’s important to take on this endeavor with realistic expectations. As mentioned previously, you can make around $100 a week if you sell a pair of socks every single day and they’re priced between $10 and $15. That’s only $400 per week – not nearly enough to live off of. On the other hand, if you’re active on multiple platforms and your socks are priced much higher – between $30 and $50 per pair – you could realistically bring in well over $1,000 per month.
It’s also important to consider which websites you’re using and what their cut of the profits are. Most sock-selling websites will keep 20% of your income as commission, which means you get to keep 80%. For a $10 sale, you’d make $8. Some websites let buyers leave you additional tips for a job well done or let you keep 100% of the proceeds but require registration or a monthly fee.
While most online sock sellers are women, men can get in on this business as well. One reason women’s socks sell best is that most foot fetishists are men. There are also more options when it comes to female socks and accessories like stockings, thigh- and knee-high socks, pantyhose, and elaborate footwear. Men’s socks are pretty basic, and let’s face it, not overly attractive or sexy to sniff. That’s not to say, however, that there’s no market for used men’s socks out there. If you look for it, chances are you’ll find both men and women looking to buy a man’s smelly gym socks or post-work dress socks.
Before you dive head (or foot) first into the business of selling used socks, there are a few things you should know, plus some tips and tricks of the trade.
While some people sell used socks online as themselves, most do so anonymously or using an alias. Using your real name not only opens you up to scammers and potential online stalkers, but it means your family, friends, and coworkers will all know what you do for a living (or side-hustle). If this doesn’t bother you, then go for it. But, it may be in your best interest to keep your sock selling life and your personal life separate.
Even while using an alias, avoid revealing personal information to buyers. Never share things like your location, address, banking, or credit card information. This can make doing business outside of a trusted platform a little tricky. Most sellers use trusted and secure cash payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App. These are the same services that many sock selling websites use, and for good reason. Never accept a cash or check payment from a buyer, regardless of how much over the asking price they offer. In many cases, they’re looking for more than just used socks and may have bad intentions.
Don’t be surprised when buyers contact you directly via private or direct message and want to strike up a conversation. Remember, this experience is personal for them so don’t be afraid to show off your personality and flirt a little. Just be careful not to cross the line between professional and personal or give them the wrong idea.
The last thing you want is for your account to get suspended, banned, or permanently deleted from the platform you’re selling on. In many cases, your pictures, followers, and contact information will be deleted along with it, virtually wiping out months or years of hard work. The best way to avoid this is by following the website or platform’s specific rules and regulations. In most cases, they’re pretty basic and easy to follow. They’re also in place for a reason – to keep sellers like yourself and buyers safe. If you think a buyer is breaking the rules or is harassing you, report them immediately.
While selling used socks and other clothing items online isn’t illegal, it could be considered a subcategory of adult entertainment reserved for people 18 years of age and older. Avoid being accused of underage prostitution or anything else illegal by only dealing with legally aged buyers.
Always be clear about exactly what you’re selling and what condition they're in. Most people buying used socks online are looking for a particular style or scent. Many sellers become skilled in sealing their socks in vacuum-packed bags that preserve the smell. Whenever you sell something online, it’s important to be upfront and honest about the condition of the item and exactly what it is. After all, once the buyer receives it, if it’s not what they expected, they could request a refund. Now, you’re stuck in a back-and-forth exchange and may be responsible for shipping fees that will cost you more trouble than it’s worth.
Avoid confusion by including vivid details about the socks including the size, color, when they were worn, for how long, what material they’re made out of, and exactly what they smell like. This will guarantee your customers are satisfied and return in the future to buy more. Add a personal touch to your shipment by putting a thank-you note or other sign of your appreciation that leaves a lasting impression.
The foot and sock fetish community is far-reaching, with countless subsets, niches, and categories to choose from. This can seem overwhelming if you’re just starting out. The best way to shrink your demographic and give your sock selling business the attention it deserves is to choose a specific niche or category to focus on first.
Examples include socks worn during exercise, MILF or DILF socks, socks worn to work, or holey socks. By honing in on one specific niche, you can really perfect your craft and post high-quality photos and descriptions that instantly draw buyers in.
Speaking of high-quality photos, this is a must for any online retail business – including the used sock business. The pictures you post and your descriptions are all buyers have to go on. Most sock fetishists are looking for a very specific kind of sock, which is why you have to post a variety of detailed, quality photos. Take pictures wearing the socks, of the socks by themselves, of your feet in or near the socks, etc. The more, the better.
You should also encrypt your sock pictures or add watermarks to protect them against theft. Be sure that the watermarks don’t interfere with the beauty or integrity of the content. Add a small, inconspicuous logo or name near the bottom or along the side of the picture. This way, you get credit for your work without taking away from its appeal or originality.
Everyone loves a good deal. A popular way to sell used socks online is to create packages. For example, put together a single pair of gym socks you wore for a week, thigh-high stockings you wore on a recent date, and pantyhose you wore to work. Instead of pricing them individually for $10 each, create a special bundle price of $25 for all 3. The buyer saves $5, gets a variety of delicious-looking and smelling items, and you secure the sale. Just be sure to pack these items very carefully so as to not cross-contaminate the smells.
Once your business picks up and you’re selling and shipping multiple pairs of socks a week, you’ll need to start replenishing your inventory. Don’t break the bank when buying these socks. Stores like Walmart and Target sell bundles of socks and pantyhose for a reasonable price. You can also order in bulk from Amazon. Most sellers buy garments specifically to wear and sell. Keep these items separate from your personal, everyday items. Choose which socks you’ll wear for what purpose, do so, bag them to preserve the scent, and then post them. This timeline of events is extremely important when it comes to giving your customers the specific item they asked for. You can also post what you intend to do with the socks BEFORE wearing them. This helps keep the scent even fresher. Experiment with both techniques and see which works best for both you and the buyer.
While most sock fetishists buy used socks that smell or look a certain way, it’s not the only content they’re after. Many people enjoy looking at socks and feet and so they buy feet pictures online. You can make a pretty penny selling feet pictures online and never have to ship a single package!
Other buyers just love socks and everything about them! They may have an extensive sock collection at home that includes fancy socks, fuzzy socks, slipper socks, and more. If you have a creative eye for design, why not design and sell socks for a profit? Websites like Etsy and Craigslist are perfect for these beautiful and innovative creations.
Foot and sock fetishes have become surprisingly popular in recent years. That, or the world has just become more accepting of taboo and non-traditional forms of self-expression and sexual exploration. Either way, this new realm of foot and sock fetishism has opened up the doors of opportunity for online sellers. With a little know-how, creativity, and hard work, you can make money selling used socks, sock pictures, and even traditional socks.
Looking for more side-hustle job opportunities? Check out this article and find more useful tips, tricks, and info on our blog.
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