Is GOAT Legit? What You Need to Know About the Global Marketplace for Sneakers, Apparel and Accessories
Learn all about GOAT, the marketplace that has revolutionised the way we buy and sell sneakers. Is GOAT safe and trustworthy? Find the answers to your questions here.
Who or what is GOAT?
Since its inception in 2015, GOAT has established itself as the world's leading and most trusted platform for sneakers, expanding its assortment to include apparel and accessories from a carefully selected mix of emerging, modern and iconic brands. The platform is characterised by its unique position in both the primary and secondary markets, showcasing a variety of styles from different eras through its digital offerings and physical shops. It reaches over 50 million members in more than 170 countries worldwide. The platform guarantees the authenticity of each item through a rigorous authentication process, which builds trust with both buyers and sellers.
How GOAT works
GOAT acts as a marketplace that brings sellers and buyers together to trade sneakers, clothing and accessories. Sellers, including retailers and boutiques, can post their products, while buyers can choose from over one million listings.
Resale products, such as sneakers, are sent to GOAT for inspection to confirm authenticity and condition description before being shipped to the buyer. If confirmed, the item will be dispatched, in case of discrepancies a full refund will be given to the buyer. Retail products and "instant" products are shipped directly from trusted partners or GOAT facilities as they are already verified. This efficient process ensures a high level of security and trust when shopping online by only trading authentic items.
Resale products, such as sneakers, are sent to GOAT for inspection to confirm authenticity and condition description before being shipped to the buyer. If confirmed, the item will be dispatched, in case of discrepancies a full refund will be given to the buyer. Retail products and "instant" products are shipped directly from trusted partners or GOAT facilities as they are already verified. This efficient process ensures a high level of security and trust when shopping online by only trading authentic items.
How long does the delivery take at GOAT?
Delivery times at GOAT vary depending on the item type and location. Here is a summary:
Non-US orders:
Non-US orders:
-
Standard and "Instant" items are first sent to a GOAT facility for review and typically take 7-10 business days for delivery outside the US, with up to 30 days possible in some cases.
For buyers in the United Kingdom, France and Japan, delivery of "Instant" items with standard shipping generally takes 3-5 business days if ordered before 11:00 am local time and 4-5 business days if ordered later. For all other international buyers, the delivery time is typically 5-30 working days.
US orders:
- Standard items typically take 7-10 business days to ship within the US as they are first sent to a GOAT facility for review. In some cases, this process can take up to 30 days.
- "Instant" items are pre-verified and shipped directly from their facilities, which typically takes 3-4 business days if the order is placed before 11:00am PT. Orders placed after 11:00am PT may take 4-5 business days.
- "Instant" items with next-day shipping typically reach buyers in the contiguous US within one business day if ordered before 11:00 a.m. PT, and within two business days if ordered later.
- Priority upgrade orders receive priority processing and next-day shipping after verification at their facilities, with delivery typically taking 1-3 business days.
- Get our app without an "Instant" label typically take 7-10 business days for delivery within the US. "Instant" items in these categories will ship within 3-5 business days if ordered before 11:00am PT and 4-5 business days if ordered later.
Please note that all delivery times are estimates and may be affected by weather or other unforeseen events.
Can I cancel a GOAT sale?
GOAT strives to offer customers the best possible experience when buying sneakers. Therefore, the platform generally advises against cancelling orders to ensure the smooth running and satisfaction of all parties involved.
Nevertheless, there are situations where a cancellation may be unavoidable. If for any reason you need to cancel an order, GOAT offers the option to do so via the "Orders" tab in the GOAT app within 24 hours of the buyer's payment and before the order has been confirmed.
There is an additional automatic cancellation policy that will take effect if your order has not been confirmed within 24 hours of placing the order and shipped within 3 business days (Monday to Friday for FedEx, UPS and USPS, excluding holidays). In such cases, the order will be automatically cancelled.
It is important to note that multiple cancellations by the buyer may result in an increase in the commission fee. This serves as an incentive to minimise the number of cancellations and to ensure the stability and reliability of the marketplace for all users.
Nevertheless, there are situations where a cancellation may be unavoidable. If for any reason you need to cancel an order, GOAT offers the option to do so via the "Orders" tab in the GOAT app within 24 hours of the buyer's payment and before the order has been confirmed.
There is an additional automatic cancellation policy that will take effect if your order has not been confirmed within 24 hours of placing the order and shipped within 3 business days (Monday to Friday for FedEx, UPS and USPS, excluding holidays). In such cases, the order will be automatically cancelled.
It is important to note that multiple cancellations by the buyer may result in an increase in the commission fee. This serves as an incentive to minimise the number of cancellations and to ensure the stability and reliability of the marketplace for all users.
Can I cancel a GOAT order?
For sneaker orders, GOAT offers the option to cancel within 3 hours of placing the order or before it is confirmed by the seller, whichever comes first. If 3 hours have elapsed or the seller has already confirmed the order, the order can no longer be cancelled. If neither of these applies, the cancellation can be made via the "Cancel" button on the order overview page. An offer that has already been accepted by a seller cannot be cancelled.
Different rules apply to orders for clothing and accessories: All orders in these categories are automatically confirmed and cannot be cancelled.
Different rules apply to orders for clothing and accessories: All orders in these categories are automatically confirmed and cannot be cancelled.
How to sell on GOAT
To list items for sale on GOAT, start by selecting the "Sell" tab in the app and filling out the required information. GOAT places great importance on the quality and authenticity of the items offered, so only a select group of sellers are currently given the opportunity to list their products. After your request has been reviewed and approved, you will receive a notification of your approval as a seller both by email and via the app.
How to buy on GOAT
To shop at GOAT, browse the items for sale either via the GOAT app or on the website. When you have found an item, click on it, select your size and tap on "Buy". Once you've clicked 'Buy', enter your contact details, select a payment method and your item will be on its way to you!
In some cases, you have the option of submitting a price offer ("Offer") for an item. This offer must be accepted by the seller before the purchase can be finalised and the item dispatched. This process gives buyers the opportunity to purchase items at a lower price than the list price and sellers the flexibility to respond to market demand.
The 10 Best Sweatpants:
Air Max 95.
In our example, we will use the Air Jordan 4 "Bred Reimagined". Then select the desired shoe size.
Below the size selection, you can decide whether you want to buy a new pair of shoes directly (Buy New) or place a bid (Make Offer). The instant option only involves a pair that has already been authenticated. Shipping is therefore faster here.
Once you have made your decision, you will be taken to the point where you enter your shipping details. Please make sure that your details are correct, otherwise there may be problems with delivery.
Click on "SAVE AND CONTINUE" and select your payment method.
In the last section, you will see the final price for the sneakers you have ordered. Click on "SECURELY PLACE ORDER" and your order is complete.
In some cases, you have the option of submitting a price offer ("Offer") for an item. This offer must be accepted by the seller before the purchase can be finalised and the item dispatched. This process gives buyers the opportunity to purchase items at a lower price than the list price and sellers the flexibility to respond to market demand.
The 10 Best Sweatpants:
Air Max 95.
In our example, we will use the Air Jordan 4 "Bred Reimagined". Then select the desired shoe size.
Below the size selection, you can decide whether you want to buy a new pair of shoes directly (Buy New) or place a bid (Make Offer). The instant option only involves a pair that has already been authenticated. Shipping is therefore faster here.
Once you have made your decision, you will be taken to the point where you enter your shipping details. Please make sure that your details are correct, otherwise there may be problems with delivery.
Click on "SAVE AND CONTINUE" and select your payment method.
In the last section, you will see the final price for the sneakers you have ordered. Click on "SECURELY PLACE ORDER" and your order is complete.
My item has been purchased. What do I do now?
Congratulations on the sale! Firstly, please confirm your purchase. Then select "Create shipping label". GOAT will then send you a prepaid, pre-addressed shipping label. Each shipping label has a tracking number that both you and the buyer can use to track the shipment.
Please note that items must be shipped in the same condition in which they were originally listed. If there are any changes to the condition of the item compared to when it was posted, for example due to damage or wear and tear, you have the option of cancelling the order in the app under the "Sell" tab.
Air Max 1:
- Air Max 90: Please note the shipping information for sellers from China.
- The 10 Best Longsleeves: Information on drop-off in Hong Kong can be found in the GOAT app.
Please note that items must be shipped in the same condition in which they were originally listed. If there are any changes to the condition of the item compared to when it was posted, for example due to damage or wear and tear, you have the option of cancelling the order in the app under the "Sell" tab.
Air Max 1:
- Air Max 90: Please note the shipping information for sellers from China.
- The 10 Best Longsleeves: Information on drop-off in Hong Kong can be found in the GOAT app.
How much is my seller fee at GOAT?
The seller fee on GOAT is an important aspect that potential sellers should understand before listing their items. This fee is based on the seller's location and the address associated with the account. Currently, listing items for sale from outside the United States is only available to select sellers.
Here is a detailed breakdown of seller fees by country, giving you a comprehensive overview of what you can expect:
Here is a detailed breakdown of seller fees by country, giving you a comprehensive overview of what you can expect:
-
United States: $5
Australia: $8
Austria: $6
Belgium: $6
Bulgaria: $12
Canada: $5
China: $15 (standard shipping), $10 (drop-off)
Croatia: $12
Cyprus: $24
Czech Republic: $6
Denmark: $10
Estonia: $12
Finland: $10
France: $6
Germany: $5
Greece: $12
Guam: $25
Hong Kong: $10 (standard shipping), $5 (drop-off)
Hungary: $12
Indonesia: $10
Ireland: $12
Italy: $8
Japan: $10 (standard shipping), $5 (drop-off)
Latvia: $12
Lithuania: $12
Luxembourg: $10
Malaysia: $10
Malta: $24
Netherlands: $6
Philippines: $10
Poland: $6
Portugal: $12
Romania: $12
Singapore: $5
Slovakia: $6
Slovenia: $12
South Korea: $5
Spain: $8
Sweden: $10
Taiwan: $5
Thailand: $10
United Kingdom: $5
Other countries: $30
How can I delete my GOAT account?
To delete your GOAT account, simply contact GOAT support. The team is ready to take care of this process for you.
Security and trust at GOAT
GOAT aims to be the most trusted platform for shoes, clothing and accessories. Products are sourced only from top boutiques, retailers and a vetted group of partners to offer only authentic, high-quality goods.
To guarantee authenticity, the platform relies on digital authentication, on-site verification and machine learning. The point is that you get exactly what is described.
GOAT has collected countless data on the products to ensure their authenticity. The team of experts checks everything from labels to stitching and colours for products sent for verification.
If a product is found to be fake or not as described via "Ship-to-Verify", GOAT will look for the same item from another source and refund you the full purchase price if necessary.
In the case of direct shipping by partners or sellers, report problems via GOAT customer service or the GOAT Assist function in the app. If the item is fake or not as listed, our buyer protection policy applies.
To guarantee authenticity, the platform relies on digital authentication, on-site verification and machine learning. The point is that you get exactly what is described.
GOAT has collected countless data on the products to ensure their authenticity. The team of experts checks everything from labels to stitching and colours for products sent for verification.
If a product is found to be fake or not as described via "Ship-to-Verify", GOAT will look for the same item from another source and refund you the full purchase price if necessary.
In the case of direct shipping by partners or sellers, report problems via GOAT customer service or the GOAT Assist function in the app. If the item is fake or not as listed, our buyer protection policy applies.