Is GOAT Legit for Sneakerheads? We Tested It Out!

Many new players have made their way to the online marketplace landscape, thereby making the space more versatile and vibrant. The consumers now have more choices and options to explore than before. However, there is always a doubt in the minds of users about the legality of the platform. One such platform is GOAT. Is GOAT legit? This is the question I shall be answering!

What is GOAT?

GOAT is an online marketplace for sneakers, apparel, and accessories. This platform was founded in 2015. Over a period of time, it has established itself as a reputable marketplace. The platform is known for a strong presence in the sneaker community. It is used by millions and has partnerships with major brands. 

Is GOAT Legit? 

GOAT is a legitimate platform that you can choose to buy and sell sneakers and streetwear. It is a reputable marketplace with large user base and brand partnerships. Its authentication process, where items are verified before shipping, ensures legitimacy, a major plus in the sneaker market.

The number of years it has been in the fray, the verification mechanism, the return policy, ratings, and the customer reviews are good enough reasons to build on the claim of being a legit and authentic platform. 

How to Buy on GOAT?

Now, the pertinent question that you will ask as a consumer is how to buy on GOAT. Here are the steps that you must follow to purchase an item for this marketplace: 

1. Create an Account

• Download the GOAT app from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store, or visit GOAT.
• Sign up with your email, phone number, or social media account.
• Verify your account if prompted and complete your profile with payment and shipping details for faster checkout.

2. Browse or Search for Items

Explore sneakers, apparel, or accessories. Filter by brand, size, price, condition new or used, or release date. You can use the “Search Bar” to search for a specific item. Do check photos, condition, and seller ratings before you check out. 

3. Select Your Item and Place Order

Once you choose your size, review the price, which includes the item cost plus GOAT’s buyer fee. For used items, inspect photos for wear and tear.

When all that is done, click “Buy” or “Add to Cart” and proceed to checkout. Enter or confirm your shipping address. Select a payment method and double-check the order total and submit.

4. Order Processing

For “Instant” items, they ship directly from their facilities. The item is typically shipped within 1-2 business days. For non-instant items, the seller ships to GOAT for authentication first, which can take 1-7 days depending on the seller’s speed and the platform’s verification process. After verification, they ship to you.

Track your order in the app or website under “Orders.” Shipping times vary by location. It takes 3-7 days in the US, longer internationally. 

5. Receive and Inspect

Once delivered, check that the item matches the description and photos. If there is an issue, contact GOAT support within 3 days of delivery. 

Also, read Is KicksCrew Legit: A Sneakerhead’s Guide to Safe Shopping

How to Sell Items on GOAT?

If you want to sell an item on GOAT, here is what you need to do: 

1. Create or Log Into Your Account

Create your GOAT account. You can sign up with your email, phone number, or social media handle. Make sure that your profile includes a valid payment method. Once the account is created, log in to your account. 

2. Check Item Eligibility

Check the item eligibility. Check their guidelines on their website to confirm your item is eligible. Items must be new and in good condition, without any significant damage. You will need the original box for most sneakers, as it is often required for authentication.

3. List Your Item

To list your item, open the GOAT app or website. Tap “Sell” or navigate to the selling section. Search for your item by name, style code, or barcode to pull up the correct product page. Select the “Size and Condition.” Upload clear, well-lit photos of the item, including all angles, tags, box, and any flaws for used items. It requires specific photo guidelines, so follow prompts. Set your asking price or choose to match the lowest current listing.

4. Submit the Listing

Review your listing details, including price, photos, and condition, and submit them for approval. Once you submit, your listing will be reviewed by the concerned team to ensure that it meets the set standards. On approval by the platform, your item is live and visible to buyers. 

5. Ship the Item After a Sale

When your item sells, you will receive a notification with a prepaid shipping label. Properly pack the item so that it is delivered safely and securely. Ship the item to GOAT’s authentication facility within 3 business days. Check the deadline in your seller dashboard. Use the provided label to avoid extra costs. 

6. Authentication and Payout

GOAT verifies the item’s authenticity and condition at their facility, typically within 1-2 business days of receiving it. If it passes, the item is shipped to the buyer, and your payout is processed to your chosen method, including bank account or PayPal. Payouts usually take 2-5 business days, depending on the method.

What are the Features of GOAT?

The features of GOAT can be summed up under the following headings: 

1. Authentication Process

The platform has put in place a strict authentication process. Before the item is listed for sale, it goes through the verification process. The item is first delivered to the GOAT inspection center, where each item is inspected to ensure that no fake item is delivered. Used items are checked for condition accuracy, reducing buyer risk.

2. Extensive Product Catalog

The platform hosts a wide range of items, including sneakers and street wear. You can choose from a diverse range of items available from different reputable brands like Nike, Adidas, Jordan, Supreme, and more. It includes new, deadstock, and gently used items, with detailed listings showing size, condition, and photos. The platform features rare and limited-edition releases, often tied to high-demand drops.

3. Customer Support

One of the biggest features of GOAT is the robust customer support mechanism. It includes the in-app and website support for issues like order disputes, returns, or refunds. You can choose any of the customer support options, like Live chat and email support, though response times vary. A dedicated team of customer support representatives helps you in resolving the issue. The services are available around the clock throughout the week. 

4. Mobile App Functionality

Mobile App functionality is yet another important feature. The platform is available on iOS and Android with a user-friendly interface for browsing, buying, and selling. It features push notifications for order updates, price drops, or new releases. In order to quickly find and list the items, you can use the Barcode scanning features. This is aimed at making the search option viable, and that too quickly. 

5. Selling Features

GOAT is known for the selling features it hosts, which can be summed up as under: 

• Easy Listing: Create listings by searching for your item, uploading photos, and setting a price. GOAT provides product details to streamline the process.
• Flexible Pricing: Set your own price or match the lowest listing. View recent sales to price competitively.
• Prepaid Shipping Labels: After a sale, GOAT provides labels to ship items to their authentication centers.
• Payout Options: Receive funds via bank transfer or PayPal after authentication, typically within 2-5 business days.
• Seller Dashboard: Track listings, sales, and payouts in the app or website.

6. Return Policy 

GOAT focuses on ensuring buyer satisfaction while maintaining strict guidelines due to the nature of its sneaker and streetwear marketplace. Returns are accepted only if the item is not as described, inauthentic, or damaged upon delivery. Items must be in the same condition as received, including all original packaging. 

GOAT does not accept returns for buyer’s remorse, fit issues, or minor flaws disclosed in the listing, especially for used items. Always review photos and descriptions before buying.

Note: You must report an issue and initiate a return request within 3 days of receiving the item. This is a strict deadline, so inspect your order promptly.

Pros & Cons of GOAT

Below is a concise overview of the pros and cons of GOAT, the sneaker and streetwear marketplace: 

Pros

• GOAT verifies all items at its facilities before the items are shipped to the buyers. A thorough inspection of the items is carried out to mitigate the chance that a fake item will be delivered. 
• It hosts an extensive catalog of sneakers, streetwear, and accessories from brands like Nike, Adidas, Jordan, and Supreme, including rare and limited-edition items.
• Intuitive app and website with robust search, filters, and price tracking tools.
• Refunds are offered for inauthentic items, incorrect orders, or undisclosed damage if reported within 3 days of delivery.

Cons 

• Returns are only accepted within 3 days of delivery for inauthentic, incorrect, or damaged items. No returns for buyer’s remorse or disclosed flaws. 
• Non-Instant items rely on sellers shipping to GOAT for authentication, which can take 1-7 days. 
• Prices for popular items can be high due to demand, fees, and market trends, making some purchases less affordable.
• Sellers may need to price competitively, reducing profit margins on saturated listings.

Ratings of GOAT

Below is an overview of GOAT’s ratings, focusing on the sneaker and streetwear marketplace: 

1. Trustpilot

GOAT has received approximately 4.0 out of 5 stars across various Trustpilot regional pages, including the US, UK, and Canada, based on 30,000–32,000 reviews. 

Users praise GOAT’s authentication process, ensuring authentic sneakers and apparel. Many highlight receiving items “new in box” with tags and accessories, especially for gifts.

However, there are complaints that include slow shipping for non-Instant items taking 2-3 weeks, making GOAT unsuitable for last-minute purchases.

2. Sitejabber

GOAT has received 1.1 out of 5 stars based on around 253 reviews on Sitejabber. Low ratings on Sitejabber highlight issues with defective items, strict returns, which allow a 3-day window, store credit, high fees, and poor customer service. The FTC fine underscores past shipping and refund problems. 

My Take: Is GOAT Legit?

At the outset, let me address the core question of whether GOAT is legit or not. The answer to this is simple and straight: Yes, GOAT is legit. The platform has been in the fray for slightly over a decade now. It has become an established and reputable name in the Sneaker community. 

Going through the different sources available, it can be said that it is safe to buy from this online marketplace. The platform has put in place a robust authentication process to ensure that a genuine and authentic item is delivered to the buyers. Having said that, be cautious for the reason that getting duped can’t be ruled out while dealing with online entities. 

Also, read Is StockX Legit and Safe? Honest Reviews and Insights

Wrapping Up

So, it has come to the fore that GOAT is a name to reckon with in the field of online marketplace. The platform allows you to buy and sell new and used sneakers. In addition to this, you can buy streetwear and accessories. The platform is legit and has a robust authentication mechanism, which is aimed at ensuring that buyers, in no uncertain terms, receive an inauthentic item contrary to what is described. This article deals with different questions concerning GOAT, including the one whether it is legit or not. The questions have been answered comprehensively. You can go through the article to know more about it. 

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