Is SidelineSwap Legit? And What Should You Buy?

If you’re looking for an affordable way to buy and sell sports equipment, you may have come across SidelineSwap. But is SidelineSwap legit? And if so, what should you consider buying from the platform? In this guide, we’ll answer those questions and provide recommendations on the best baseball and softball gear to purchase on SidelineSwap.

Note: This post does contain affiliate links to the SidelineSwap marketplace. If you click on a link and make a purchase, RBI Gear will make a small profit.

How Does SidelineSwap Work?

SidelineSwap (our link) is a peer-to-peer marketplace where athletes can buy and sell new and used sports gear. Whether you’re looking to offload old equipment or score a great deal on popular brands, the platform makes the selling process straightforward.

Here’s how to start selling on SidelineSwap:

1. Create a SidelineSwap Listing – Sellers can easily list items by uploading pictures, adding a description, and setting a listing price. The platform supports a wide range of products, including gear from the most popular sports, like baseball, softball, football, and hockey.
2. Buyer Interest and Purchase – With hundreds of thousands of users, buyers browse listings and make purchases. Items from popular brands tend to sell quickly.
3. Shipping Process – Once an item sells, SidelineSwap provides shipping labels, making it easy to ship to the buyer.
4. Payment and Seller Fees – After delivery and buyer confirmation, SidelineSwap processes the payment. The platform charges a seller fee, which varies based on the seller’s history and item price.

SidelineSwap has grown into one of the most popular sports marketplaces, making it an excellent place to start selling or find quality sports gear at a fraction of retail prices.

Is SidelineSwap Legit?

SidelineSwap is a peer-to-peer marketplace where athletes buy and sell new and used equipment. Founded in 2015, the platform has grown into a popular spot for finding great deals on sports gear (particularly used sports equipment). But just how trustworthy is it?

The platform has positive reviews from many buyers and sellers, but it’s important to be aware of a few things before making a purchase:

• Buyer Protection: SidelineSwap offers a buyer protection policy, which means you can receive a full refund if the item you receive is not as advertised.
• Seller Protection: The seller protection policy means that sellers also have safeguards in place, such as shipping labels provided through the platform to make the selling process easier.
• Better Business Bureau: It’s worth noting that SidelineSwap is not accredited by the BBB (Better Business Bureau), which some buyers might find concerning. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s unsafe—it just means you should do your due diligence when making purchases. However, it does carry a 4.4-star rating with TrustPilot.
• Check Seller Reviews: Before buying anything, check the seller’s review history and rating. A seller with positive reviews and a track record of successful transactions is generally more reliable.
• Payment Processing Fee: There is a payment processing fee applied to transactions, but that’s common with most online marketplaces.
• Shipping and Delivery: Since items are shipped by individual sellers, the process might take longer than ordering from a retail store. Be sure to check expected delivery times and whether the seller has a good track record for prompt shipping.

Overall, SidelineSwap is a legit platform for buying and selling sports gear, but like any online marketplace, you should proceed with caution and check seller ratings before making a purchase.

7 Baseball or Softball Things to Buy on SidelineSwap

SidelineSwap is one of my favorite places to shop these days. With three kids playing travel sports (baseball, softball, and volleyball), our need for new gear is almost unpredictable. We go a few weeks without needing anything, and then a few weeks when all three kids need several items all at once. And that adds up in a hurry.

Luckily, SidelineSwap exists. We can shop available items and purchase them for often less than half of their cost when new. In this guide, we’ll go over seven baseball and softball items that you should buy on SidelineSwap if you can.

1. The (Almost) Latest Bats

Kids outgrow baseball bats and softball bats quickly, and new ones are expensive. Many people list their used bats on SidelineSwap to get some of their investment back, making it a great place to find great deals.

What to look for:

• Research the bat’s durability before buying. Some bats have a reputation for breaking easily.
• BBCOR bats are typically more durable, while USSSA bats are more commonly available and a bit less durable.
• Be cautious about paying retail prices for “new” bats—sometimes stores list brand-new bats on SidelineSwap for more than their standard retail price.

2. Catcher’s Mitts

High-quality catcher’s mitts are pricey and hard to break in. Buying a used one means someone else has already done most of the work for you.

What to check:

• Ask the seller about the break-in style (single hinge vs. box-style break-in).
• Find out how the glove was worn (straight-up or two-in-the-pinky) to ensure a good fit.

3. Youth Catcher’s Equipment

Catcher’s gear is durable, making it a smart item to buy used. Most gear is built to last beyond a single season, and lightly used sets can be a great deal.

Things to watch for:

• Check the helmet and mask for damage. If they’re dented or heavily scratched, it may be unsafe.
• Look for gear made in the last two to three years to meet safety standards.

4. Fielder’s Gloves

Just like catcher’s mitts, fielder’s gloves can be expensive and take time to break in. A used glove is often game-ready and more affordable.

Before purchasing, ask:

• What kind of break-in does the glove have?
• How was it worn (two-in-the-pinky, straight-up, etc.)?

5. Training Tools

Training aids can be costly, and many athletes lose interest in them quickly. SidelineSwap is full of training bats, hitting nets, tees, pitching machines, resistance bands, and other strength training tools that still have plenty of life left in them.

6. Bat Bags

A good bat bag is worth investing in, but new ones can be pricey. Buying a used high-quality bag is often better than buying a cheap new one.

Why buy used?

• High-end bags last longer than new budget options.
• Your player may need a new team-branded bag soon anyway, so buying used can save money.

7. Pants, Socks, and Belts

If your kids play baseball or softball long enough, you’ll go through multiple pairs of pants each season. Buying practice pants used can keep game pants in good shape longer.

• Pants: Great for practice, buy used.
• Belts: Get extras since they frequently get lost.
• Socks: Only buy new—used socks are weird.

Final Thoughts: Should You Buy on SidelineSwap?

So, is Sideline Swap legit? Yes, it is. It’s a great marketplace for athletes and parents looking to buy sports equipment at a fair price. However, just like any resale site, it’s important to check seller reviews, understand the payment processing fee, and ensure you’re getting the best deal before making a purchase.

If you’re looking to buy and sell sports gear, SidelineSwap (that’s our link) is a great option. Whether you need a baseball bat, fielder’s glove, or training tools, you can find great deals and save money while keeping your players equipped for the season.