Last Updated: January 15, 2023
Want to buy sneakers from Stadium Goods but have doubts about its legitimacy?
If so, you’ve come to the right place.
By the end of this article, you’ll know EXACTLY if it’s a legitimate platform or a scam and what are the things you need to BEWARE of before placing your order.
Let’s get started.
Is Stadium Goods Legit?
Stadium Goods is definitely legit as it operates physical stores in New York and Chicago and is owned by Farfetch, a top luxury fashion brand. However, they don’t accept cancellations, exchanges, and returns are a hassle and often not accepted.
One of the major reason why it’s a hassle to return the item(s) and often refused is due to their strict return policy as follow:
- If you have worn, used, or washed the item(s), Stadium Goods won’t accept your return request.
- If the authenticity tags on footwear are removed even accidentally, they won’t accept the returns.
- You must return the footwear in the original box provided, and packaged inside a protective shipping box.
- The return request must be submitted within 14 days of the delivery date, and the item(s) must be returned within 7 days of approval. You won’t be refunded if you send an item outside of this window.
Despite following their return policy, customers are still dissatisfied with the return experience at Stadium Goods.
In addition to complicated returns, Stadium Goods does not accept exchanges and cancellations.
However, as far as customer service is concerned, I would say they’re good on that front since my experience with them was pretty good.
Although Stadium Goods does have flaws, especially in terms of returns, but as far as its legitimacy is concerned, it’s undoubtedly a legit marketplace for buying sneakers.
If you still have doubts about its legitimacy, take these solid facts into account:
- Has been in business since 2015
- Has physical stores in New York and Chicago
- Acquired by Farfetch for $250M
Now, just think for a moment:
- Can a scam company be in business for over seven years?
- Do scam companies have physical stores?
- Can a scam company be acquired by a well-known e-commerce company for $250m?
Obviously not!
Hence, Stadium Goods is a legitimate platform but the major drawback of buying from them is that they don’t accept exchanges, cancellations, and returning the item(s) for a refund is a hassle and often not accepted.
Does Stadium Goods Sell Fake Shoes?
In order to better understand whether Stadium Goods sells fake or authentic shoes, you need to know it works.
Stadium Good works as an intermediary between the buyer and seller.
It accepts brand new, never worn shoes from individual sellers on 80%/20% consignment.
This means once the item sells, Stadium Goods keeps a 20% commission from the seller and the other 80% payment goes to the seller.
Basically, it operates a consignment model.
Sellers sell their brand new, never worn shoes to Stadium Goods, however, they can’t list the items themselves.
Instead, they need to deliver their sneakers or streetwear to Stadium Goods or drop them off at the company’s physical stores in New York or Chicago for inspection and verification.
Once the item(s) are handed over to SG, they take great measures to ensure the shoes are authentic and brand new.
Sellers follow a ticketing system and need to go through a serious authentication process. It takes up to 48 hours, where their shoes are analyzed and closely examined by the Stadium Goods team.
If the criteria are met, their request is approved and shoes are up on the site for sale. If the footwear does not meet Stadium Goods’ standards, the request is denied and the seller is informed.
Now, coming to the main question: Does Stadium Goods sell fake shoes?
Since the examination is done manually by one of their employees, there are chances of human error.
Stadium Goods does not sell fake shoes intentionally, it only sells authentic and genuine pairs.
However, as it operates a consignment model, there are chances of a human error so a fake pair can slide through the process, but that is very rare.
So, Should I Buy From Stadium Goods?
Since Stadium Goods has physical stores in New York and Chicago, so if you live in the United States, do not order through their website.
Instead, I highly recommend visiting their physical stores in-person so that you can try out the sneakers yourself and avoid all the return hassle.
What if I don’t live in the United States?
In such a case, I suggest buying your desired sneakers from your local market if available, even if the price is slightly higher than those selling on Stadium Goods.
However, you should only consider buying the sneakers from Stadium Goods if they aren’t available locally.
But before you place your orders, please remember that shopping online from Stadium Goods involves these risks:
- No cancellations and exchanges.
- Returning the sneakers would be a hassle in case the size doesn’t fit properly or if you face any other problems.
Taking these two major risks into consideration, it’s up to you whether you want to purchase from Stadium Goods or not.
4 Tips for Buying Safely on Stadium Goods
To help you reduce the risks associated with shopping at Stadium Goods online, here are four tips:
1. Choose Your Foot Size Wisely
One of the most common reasons for a return is because of sizing issues, therefore, it’s extremely important to choose your size wisely and carefully.
Don’t make a bad judgment or mistake here. Mindfully choose your shoe size when ordering so you do not have to deal with their complicated returns.
2. Keep Their Return Policy In Mind
It’s exceptionally important to educate yourself about their return policy beforehand. With online shoe shopping, many things can go wrong.
The shoe can certainly not suit your foot or not fit perfectly. It might not appeal to you in person or just be in bad condition.
You should always know your options.
If things go south, know what can be done. Their policy is not very accommodating, therefore understand it well and then make your purchase.
Stadium Goods’ return policy is as follows:
- Return requests must be made within 14 days after delivery.
- Items need to be shipped back in these 7 days.
- The customer will bear the cost and be responsible for return shipping.
- Stadium Goods does not accept returns at their retail location, the items must be shipped only.
- Shoes and the boxes must be in perfect condition.
- All the labels should be intact.
- No returns on sale items, international orders, and items bought in stores.
- Once approved, the refund can take up to 10-14 days.
For more details, visit their official return policy page.
3. Make The Return Request ASAP
If you have received the wrong pair, it does not fit, is damaged, or has any other problems, make a hasty move.
Do not sit back, get lazy, and decide to return after a month or so.
Check your shoes as received and if you have any issues, make the return request as soon as possible.
Remember, returns are accepted only if requested within 14 days from the delivery date.
And my last tip for you is to:
4. Checkout with PayPal
Since Stadium Goods does accept PayPal as a payment method, therefore, I highly recommend making the payment using PayPal because it provides an extra level of protection for buyers.
One of the major reasons why I recommend making payments through PayPal is because of their buyer protection which helps in getting your money back if your argument is justifiable.
Conclusion
No doubt, Stadium Goods is legit and sells authentic shoes.
However, the major drawback of buying online from them is that they don’t accept exchanges, cancellations, and returning the item(s) for a refund is a hassle and often not accepted.
To avoid cancellations, exchanges, and all the return hassles, I suggest you visit their store in-person if you live in the United States, especially in New York and Chicago.
If you don’t live in the U.S. then your only option would be to shop online at Stadium Goods.
Shopping online from their website, however, involves these risks:
- Complicated returns
- No exchanges
- No cancellations
Keeping these risks into consideration, it’s up to you whether you want to buy from them or not.
However, to reduce the risks of issues, follow the buying tips I shared above.
That’s it from my side!
Have any questions? Want to share your buying experience with Stadium Goods?
Feel free to let me know in the comments below, I’d love to hear from you.
