Operating Mercari Japan Marketplace - Step by step Guide

Mercari, alongside platforms like Yahoo! Shopping and Amazon Japan, ranks among the top marketplaces for sourcing Japanese products. For sellers aiming to tap into the Japanese product niche, understanding how to effectively operate on Mercari is essential. 

That is why this guide is written, walking you through everything to get started and succeed with “Operating Mercari Japan marketplace”. You’ll learn:

• An overview of Mercari
• What makes Mercari stand out
• The key challenges
• A breakdown of costs and fees
• Step-by-step instructions
• Fulfillment and shipping methods suitable
• Expert tips

Whether you're a beginner or looking to scale your operations, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the insights to make the most of Mercari Japan.

1. About Mercari Japan Marketplace

Mercari is one of Japan’s largest C2C marketplaces, with over 20 million monthly users. It’s designed for individuals and small businesses to easily list and sell new or secondhand items via a simple, mobile-friendly interface.

For sellers, Mercari offers a low-risk entry into Japan’s e-commerce space—no listing fees, built-in domestic shipping options, and an active local customer base. It’s ideal for testing products, moving inventory, or building a niche store.

While the platform is Japan-focused, international sellers can operate through local partners or proxy services—unlocking access to a growing, product-hungry market with global potential.

2. Why Operating Mercari Japan marketplace Stands Out

Mercari Japan isn’t just one of the most popular e-commerce platforms in the country—it’s also one of the most seller-friendly. For those looking to build a store on Mercari, here are the key advantages that make the platform stand out:

Massive Active User Base

With over 20 million monthly users, Mercari offers sellers immediate exposure to a large, engaged customer base. Whether you're selling fashion, electronics, collectibles, or niche items, your listings benefit from the platform’s high traffic and consistent demand.

Low Barrier to Entry

Unlike many other marketplaces, Mercari requires no upfront listing fees. Sellers can start small without worrying about fixed costs, making it perfect for testing new product ideas, managing excess inventory, or launching a store with minimal risk.

High Turnover Rate

Mercari’s mobile-first interface encourages fast purchases and frequent user activity. Listings can sell within minutes, and trending items often gain visibility quickly—helping new sellers achieve momentum early.

Simplified Domestic Shipping

Sellers on Mercari enjoy streamlined logistics thanks to integrated shipping options like RakuRaku Mercari Bin and YuYu Mercari Bin. These services come with discounted rates, tracking, and insurance—making fulfillment fast and cost-effective.

Flexible for Store Types & Sizes

Whether you're a casual seller or managing a larger online store, Mercari offers flexibility. You can sell single items or run a full storefront with consistent inventory. Plus, with tools for managing listings and orders efficiently, scaling becomes easier over time.

Trusted Platform with Buyer Loyalty

Mercari’s strong reputation among Japanese consumers translates to trust in sellers. High product standards and a built-in rating system help store owners build credibility and repeat customers faster.

3. Challenges of Operating Mercari Japan marketplace

Everything has two sides—and while Mercari Japan offers exciting opportunities, it also presents real challenges that require sellers to stay deliberate and well-prepared.

Platform Language and Interface

Mercari’s interface, customer service, and user interactions are entirely in Japanese. For non-speakers, this becomes a significant hurdle. Translating product listings, responding to messages, and handling disputes all require careful language support to avoid costly miscommunication.

Limited Support for International Transactions

Mercari is built for domestic use only. It doesn’t accept international payment methods or offer cross-border buyer protections. Sellers aiming to reach global customers must rely on proxy services (Like Ezbuy’s Janbox) or third-party logistics solutions to handle everything from shipping to customer service.

Account Registration and Verification

Setting up a seller account usually requires a Japanese phone number, address, and in some cases, verification through local documents. This process is a barrier for foreign sellers unless they work with a local partner or use a proxy setup.

Strict Listing and Selling Policies

Mercari enforces strict rules about what can be sold—covering everything from prohibited brands to item conditions. Listings can be flagged or removed for violations, even accidental ones, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the Japanese-only policy documentation.

Price Sensitivity and Competition

As a C2C platform, Mercari users are highly price-sensitive. Many list items at very low prices simply to declutter, making it tough for resellers to compete unless they offer unique value, such as product bundling, better presentation, or niche targeting.

Shipping and Fulfillment Complexity

Domestic shipping is efficient due to Mercari’s partnerships with Yamato and Japan Post. However, international fulfillment requires additional layers—customs declarations, tracking, returns handling—all of which can strain resources and profit margins.

Despite these challenges, many successful sellers continue to thrive on Mercari by combining strong product knowledge, careful planning, and smart use of support services. For those looking to streamline operations, partnering with a service like Ezbuy—which can manage everything from product sourcing and purchasing to warehousing and international shipping—can effectively eliminate many of the barriers mentioned above.

4. Costs and Fees of Operating Mercari Japan Marketplace

Everything comes at a cost—including the convenience and exposure that Mercari offers. To ensure profitability, sellers need to clearly understand the fee structure and related costs associated with operating on Mercari Japan. While the listing is free, several other fees apply throughout the transaction process:

• Listing Fee: Free
• Sales Commission: 10% of Sale Price
• Payment Withdrawal Fee: ¥200 per Transfer
• Shipping Costs: Vary Based on Method
• Optional Fees: Boosted Listings and Packaging Materials
• Proxy/Third-Party Service Fees (for international sellers)
  A proxy buying or fulfillment service usually include:Handling fee per order or item; Domestic shipping to the proxy warehouse; International shipping and customs charges.

Important Note for International Sellers: These third-party service fees can significantly affect your profit margins, so always calculate your total landed cost (product + all fees + shipping) before setting your resale price.

>>> Read more: Operating Amazon Japan Marketplace – Ultimate Guide For Sellers

5. How to Start Operating Mercari Japan Marketplace

Getting started with Mercari Japan can seem overwhelming at first—especially for international sellers—but with the right steps and tools, the process becomes much more manageable. Here's a simplified breakdown of how to begin:

5.1. Create a Mercari Account

To sell on Mercari Japan, you’ll first need to register for an account through the Mercari app or website. This typically requires:

• A Japanese phone number
• A Japanese mailing address
• ID verification (such as a Japanese residence card or driver's license)

For non-residents, this step may require support from a local partner or proxy service.

5.2. Set Up a Japanese Payment Method

To receive payouts, you'll need a Japanese bank account. If you're not based in Japan, you can consider using a trusted third-party service like Ezbuy, which can manage transactions on your behalf.

5.3. Understand What You Can Sell

Review Mercari's listing policies carefully. Certain categories like counterfeit goods, restricted brands, or prohibited items are strictly regulated. Stick to approved product types and use accurate photos and descriptions in Japanese.

5.4. List Products

You can list items manually through the app by uploading images, writing a description, setting the price, and selecting a shipping method. Be sure to:

• Use high-quality images
• Translate product information properly
• Price competitively based on similar listings

5.5. Manage Orders and Ship Efficiently

Once a sale is made, you’ll need to ship the product promptly using Mercari’s shipping partners (e.g., Yamato or Japan Post). If you’re selling from abroad, you’ll need a local fulfillment solution to handle domestic shipping and any returns.

5.6. Provide Good Customer Service

Buyers on Mercari value clear communication and fast response times. Positive ratings from buyers help build trust and increase your visibility on the platform.

5.7. Scale with a Local Partner (Optional but Recommended)

For sellers outside Japan or those wanting to scale quickly, partnering with a local service like Ezbuy can streamline your operations. There are two main approaches sellers can take:

a. Open a Mercari Store and Use Ezbuy’s Purchasing & Fulfillment Service

In this model, you create and manage your own Mercari Japan account, maintaining full control over your brand, listings, and customer interactions. Ezbuy supports you by handling multi-channel integration (maybe along with your Ebay, Yahoo account for Centralized management, warehousing, packing, and shipping. This approach allows you to build a direct presence on Mercari while leveraging Ezbuy's logistical expertise.​

b. Sell on Ezbuy’s Janbox Marketplace with Mercari Products Crawler

Alternatively, you can list your products on Ezbuy's Janbox platform, which integrates directly with Mercari. Ezbuy manages the entire sales process on your behalf, including product listing, pricing and the fulfillment process (purchasing, shipping, and customer service). 

This hands-off approach is ideal for sellers who prefer a simplified entry into the Japanese market without the need to manage a Mercari account directly.

Both methods are supported by Ezbuy's comprehensive services, including domestic and international shipping, proxy purchasing, and end-to-end fulfillment solutions, making it a versatile partner for scaling your Mercari Japan business.​

6. Fulfillment and Shipping when Operating Mercari Japan marketplace

Shipping is a critical component when selling on Mercari Japan, especially for international sellers. Understanding the available options and challenges can help streamline your operations.​

6.1. Domestic Shipping in Japan

Mercari offers several domestic shipping options through partnerships with major carriers like Yamato Transport and Japan Post. Sellers can utilize services such as "Mercari RakuRaku Mercari Bin" and "YuYu Mercari Bin," which allow for convenient drop-offs at convenience stores and provide tracking and insurance. These services are designed to simplify the shipping process for sellers within Japan. 

6.2. International Shipping Challenges

Mercari Japan is primarily a domestic platform and does not natively support international shipping. This limitation poses challenges for sellers aiming to reach a global customer base. To overcome this, sellers often rely on proxy services or third-party logistics providers to handle international fulfillment. ​

6.3. Utilizing Proxy Services

Proxy services like Buyee and CDJapan facilitate international shipping by purchasing items on behalf of international buyers and forwarding them overseas. These services handle the complexities of international logistics, including customs clearance and shipping documentation, making it easier for sellers to reach customers outside Japan.

6.4. Partnering with Fulfillment Services

For sellers looking to streamline their operations, partnering with fulfillment services such as Ezbuy can be beneficial. These services offer comprehensive solutions, including product sourcing, warehousing, and international shipping, allowing sellers to focus on other aspects of their business.​

The special fact is that Ezbuy Japan supports all of the fulfillment formats mentioned above, offering a comprehensive suite of services tailored for sellers operating on Mercari Japan.

 Their offerings include:

• Domestic Shipping within Japan: Ezbuy Japan's fulfillment centers are equipped with advanced technology and efficient processes to handle order processing quickly and accurately, ensuring prompt delivery to customers across Japan.
• International Shipping Logistics: By partnering with top couriers like FedEx, DHL, UPS, and Yamato Transport, Ezbuy Japan provides cost-effective and reliable international shipping solutions, enabling sellers to reach customers worldwide.
• Proxy Purchasing Services: Ezbuy Japan offers proxy services that allow international sellers to purchase items from Japanese markets, facilitating access to a wide range of products for resale.
• End-to-End Fulfillment Solutions: From receiving inventory to storage, picking, packing, shipping, and handling returns, Ezbuy Japan manages the entire fulfillment process. Their services include climate-controlled storage, customized packaging, real-time inventory tracking through their Order Management System (OMS), and efficient returns management.

By leveraging Ezbuy Japan's comprehensive services, sellers can effectively eliminate language barriers, streamline logistics, and ensure compliance with local regulations, making it a one-stop partner for simplifying operations and scaling their Mercari Japan business.

7. Tips to Succeed in Operating Mercari Japan Marketplace

Operating Mercari Japan marketplace offers great opportunities for sellers who approach Japan strategically. Here are key tips to enhance your success:​

• Research Market Trends: Identify popular categories and seasonal demands to align your listings with buyer interests.​
• Use Quality Images: Clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles help buyers assess item condition and authenticity.​
• Provide Accurate Descriptions: Detail the product's condition, size, brand, and any flaws. If you're not fluent in Japanese, consider using translation tools or partnering with services like Ezbuy for assistance.​
• Price Competitively: Set prices based on similar listings, and consider including shipping costs to attract more buyers.​
• Respond Promptly: Timely and polite communication with buyers can lead to positive reviews and repeat business.​
• Utilize Mercari’s Shipping Options: Take advantage of Mercari's discounted shipping services like RakuRaku and YuYu for efficient deliveries.​
• Maintain High Seller Ratings: Consistent quality service and accurate listings contribute to better visibility and trust on the platform.​
• Stay Informed on Policies: Regularly review Mercari's rules to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties.​

Bonus Tip: To overcome language barriers and streamline logistics, partnering with an End-to-end service like Ezbuy can provide comprehensive support, from Mercari store setup to fulfillment.​

>>> Read more: How to Successfully Sell in Japan - A Detailed Guide

8. Conclusion

Operating Mercari Japan marketplace offers sellers a unique gateway into the Japanese market and access to a wide range of local products with global appeal. While the platform presents challenges—like language barriers, domestic-only features, and complex logistics—it also opens the door to highly engaged buyers, niche product sourcing, and strong resale potential.

With the right strategy, tools, and local partnerships, especially with fulfillment services like Ezbuy, sellers can overcome obstacles and scale confidently. Whether you're just starting or ready to grow, Mercari Japan is a marketplace worth mastering.

Website: https://ezbuy.jp/en

Email: [email protected]