How To Sell On Mercari: A Comprehensive Guide For Beginners

Mercari is a popular online marketplace where people can buy and sell a wide variety of items, from clothing and electronics to home goods and collectibles. With millions of users, Mercari offers a great opportunity for beginners to start their own online selling business. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of how to sell on Mercari, including selling on Mercari tips and how to start selling on Mercari, price your items, and ship your products.

1. What Is Mercari?

Mercari started as a Japanese platform designed to sell used goods and promote environmental sustainability. It has since broadened its presence to the US and UK markets, with the US platform boasting 4.93 million active users and generating over a billion dollars in transactions in 2023.

Similar to other secondhand e-commerce sites, Mercari is designed to be simple for beginners, with easy-to-understand selling fees and shipping procedures. With its wide variety of product categories, sellers have the freedom to choose from many different niches, allowing for a broad selection of items to sell.

Overall, Mercari is a great entry platform for those new to online selling and reselling, with tremendous growth potential ahead.

2. How Does Mercari Work?

Before you can figure out how to sell on Mercari Japan, it's important to have a clear understanding of how the platform works.

Mercari allows users to buy and sell products that are eiFsellther brand new or gently used. Unlike large retailers like Amazon or Walmart, Mercari does not sell its own inventory. Instead, it serves as an intermediary platform for users to list, buy, and ship items.

It is open to anyone looking to sell on Mercari with many items, from apparel to electronics. The platform features its own shipping system to streamline order fulfillment, an easy-to-use listing process, and an optional service to authenticate high-priced items.

>>> Read more: How to Sell on Yahoo Japan: Step-by-Step Beginners Guide

3. How To Sell On Mercari: 10 Simple Steps

Selling on Mercari for beginners can seem daunting, but this guide can make it surprisingly simple. Below are 10 easy-to-follow steps on how to sell on Mercari for beginners, from creating an account to shipping your products.

3.1. Create Your Profile

First, set up an account on Mercari, either via the desktop site or the app. We suggest using the app, as it offers a more convenient way to list items and manage your account on the go.

When registering for Mercari, you’re required to provide details like your full name, birthday address, SSN/TIN, and upload a government-issued ID, as the platform verifies every user. When your account is set up, you can begin listing. 

3.2. Take Professional Photos Of Your Items

As you create your listing, the first thing you’ll be asked to do is upload pictures of your item, and that’s because they are a key element in persuading buyers to finalize a purchase. 

Take as many photos as you can from different angles and zoom in on key details. The main image should show the complete item, preferably against a plain background with plenty of lighting. If the item has any imperfections, be sure to include close-up photos of those as well.

Mercari permits up to 12 photos per listing, and we recommend using all of them. Buyers are more inclined to buy when they have a wide selection of detailed pictures, since they can’t see or touch the item in person before purchasing.

3.3. Write Thorough Descriptions

It’s essential to provide a thorough description of your item for both potential buyers and SEO purposes. Even though Mercari’s algorithm decreases your listing’s ranking over time, unlike traditional search engines, it's still important to use relevant keywords. Ensure they are naturally woven into the description and avoid the temptation to add trending but irrelevant keywords simply to increase views.

Include any imperfections in your descriptions, and make sure to reference the photo that displays the flaw by its number (e.g., "big stain on right sleeve, check photo three").

3.4. Set Competitive Prices For Your Products

Pricing your item online can feel like a guessing game, but it’s important to improve your chances by making an informed decision. Browse similar listings on Mercari to see how other sellers are pricing their items and choose a competitive price. If the item doesn’t sell, you can always lower the price.

3.5. Select Your Shipping Methods

Although Mercari provides its own shipping services, you can choose to ship the items yourself as long as they are shipped within three days and a valid tracking number is provided. You’ll have to make two decisions when listing: whether you’ll use Mercari for shipping and whether to provide free shipping for your buyers.

If you select Mercari's shipping service, you’ll have different shipping options to choose from, and Mercari will recommend the best one after you provide the weight and size of the packed item. This step isn’t mandatory, but it’s a good idea not to skip it  as knowing your shipping costs in advance will help you forecast your overall profit for each transaction.

Should you prefer not to ship with Mercari, Ezbuy cross-border shipping services are a great option. We have partnerships with major couriers like Japan Post, Sagawa, and Nippon Express, offering international shipping by air and sea to over 220 countries. 

Ezbuy offers several shipping methods and additional services to ensure your goods are delivered on time, economically, and safely. Our full range of shipping and tracking services ensures we meet all your requirements.

3.6. Take Advantage Of Promotional Tools

Mercari offers two promotional features for sellers: Offers to Likers and Promote. These options are simple to use, making them suitable for sellers of all experience levels. However, it can be a bit confusing as both options are accessed by selecting "Promote" on the item, and then deciding between Offers to Likers or Promote.

3.7. Respond To Your Customers Promptly

On Mercari, buyers have the option to message sellers directly via the seller profile or item listings. Although answering pre-sale questions doesn’t impact your seller metrics or Fast Responder status, we encourage quick responses, ideally within 24 hours. Good pre-sale customer service can be a key factor in influencing purchases and improving your standing as a seller.

Mercari allows buyer offers on all listings, but there’s a limit: buyers can’t offer less than 75% of the listed price for individual items. In the case of bundle offers, however, buyers are free to offer any amount they like.

For sellers who prefer not to manage offers on their own, Mercari provides the Smart Offers feature. This allows you to set the lowest acceptable price, and the platform will automatically make a counteroffers to buyers, saving you time and effort.

3.8. Ship Your Items Out Quickly and Securely

Once an order is confirmed, it must be shipped out within 3 days, and you must confirm shipment with a valid tracking number. Package the item securely and ensure the packaging is appropriate for the selected shipping method.

Mercari’s Help Center includes packing recommendations for those using Mercari Shipping. By reviewing these tips in advance, you can ensure your packaging is compliant and prevent delays or packages being returned.

3.9. Leave Reviews For Your Buyers

On Mercari, ratings play a crucial role, and buyers are expected to rate sellers within three days after the delivery of the order. Once you've received your seller rating, you'll have the opportunity to rate the buyer as well. The transaction is only deemed complete once both ratings are submitted, and the payment will then be transferred to your Mercari balance.

3.10. Keep Your Inventory Updated Consistently

To keep your buyers engaged, it’s important to not only relist older items but also ensure your inventory remains fresh and appealing. A focused niche can help you attract repeat customers and develop a loyal base. Keep looking for new products to add to your listings and make bulk listing hassle-free with ExportYourStore.

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

4. How Much Does It Cost To Sell On Mercari?

If you want to make sure you can actually make money when selling on Mercari, you need to understand how much to sell on Mercari. Below is a clear breakdown of sell on Mercari fees, empowering you to go deeper in “How do you sell on mercari effectively”:

4.1. Payment Processing Fees

Mercari’s Payment Processing Fee, also called a transaction fee, is charged for managing the buyer's payment and ensuring payment protections. The fee is 2.9% of the entire transaction (including the sale price and shipping), plus a $0.50 fee per transaction. For example, if your sale price is $50, the processing fee would be $1.95.

4.2. Delivery Fees

Once a sale is made, you can choose to either ship through Mercari or handle the shipping yourself. Mercari provides automatic protection for you if there’s an issue with the delivery. Should you decide to ship with Mercari, you'll be charged for the shipping label, which serves as your shipping fee. Shipping fees are influenced by the weight, dimensions, and kind of item you're sending. 

Should you prefer to handle shipping yourself, Ezbuy offers a solution for both small and large, heavy items. With our range of shipping services including economy, standard, and express, you can select the best option that matches your shipment's requirements and your budget.

4.3. Mercari Authenticate & Warranty Fees

Specializing in secondhand and pre-owned goods, Mercari gives sellers the opportunity to increase buyer trust by using an authentication service called Mercari Authenticate. This is particularly beneficial for high-priced items, such as designer goods and vintage luxury handbags, as it gives buyers peace of mind.

When using Mercari Authenticate, a flat $5 fee is charged for authentication at the time of listing. You’ll also need to upload photos for third-party authenticators to examine. Your item will then receive a Mercari Authenticated badge, improving its position in searches. After the sale, a $10 fee is required for a digital certificate of authentication.

4.4. Earnings Withdrawal Fees

When your products sell and you receive payments, the earnings will be transferred to your Mercari balance. However, in some instances, there could be withdrawal fees when you access these funds.

If you use Instant Pay to withdraw, expect a $3 fee for each transaction. However, for direct bank deposits, fees are only charged if your bank rejects the withdrawal or if the amount transferred is under $10. Direct deposits of $10 or greater are free of charge.

4.5. Cancellation Fees

On Mercari, cancellations are strongly discouraged for both buyers and sellers. Sellers who cancel an order because they cannot fulfill it might be required to pay a cancellation fee, which is 5% of the transaction total, with a limit of $25 per cancellation.

Mercari has the discretion to apply this fee, and you will be warned in advance before cancellation fees are charged or any further restrictions are enforced on your selling account because of cancellations.

5. Top 5 Best Things To Sell On Mercari

Let’s break down what to sell on Mercari and highlight some of the most sought-after items:

• Women's Fashion: While men make up the majority of Mercari's demographic, women's fashion still stands out as a popular choice among buyers. Popular items include dresses, handbags, and activewear.
• Smartphones & Accessories: Smartphones and smartphone accessories are good things to sell on Mercari. iPhones, high-end Samsung models, phone cases, and chargers are particularly sought after.
• Sneakers: Mercari is a go-to platform for sneakerheads seeking their next pair of sneakers. If you sell sneakers here, you may be eligible for authentication through Mercari Authenticate, giving buyers added trust. Nike and Jordan are some of the  best-selling brands.
• Pet Supplies: For many, pets are considered family, and Mercari provides a variety of products to cater to their needs. Some of the top items include dog beds, chew toys, litter scoops, and collars.
• Video Games & Consoles: For gamers, Mercari is a popular platform, offering a wide range of products from collectible figurines to secondhand consoles. Some of the most in-demand subcategories include Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo 64 cartridges, and many others.

6. Best Tips To Sell On Mercari Effectively

You might be wondering how to sell fast on Mercari. Below are four effective tips that will guide you on the best way to sell on Mercari: 

Optimize SEO

As everything in your description is searchable on Mercari, it’s important to include all relevant keywords and phrases so buyers can easily find your listings. Providing accurate and detailed information in your descriptions can make your listings stand out.

Give Discounts and Run Promotions

Discounts and promotions play a major role in driving sales on all platforms. Mercari provides two promotional options for sellers: Offers to Likers and Promote, as we’ve noted earlier:

• With Offers to Likers: you’ll need to lower your item’s price by at least 10%. Mercari will then notify the last 50 users who liked your item about the price drop. The new price is valid for 24 hours before the listing reverts back to its original amount.
• With Promote: reducing the price by at least 5% boosts your listing in buyer search results. This option allows you to promote ten listings per day, with each item eligible for promotion once every 24 hours as long as the price reduction meets the 5% requirement of the lowest historical price.

Provide Free Delivery

Providing free shipping can help make your listings more competitive. A banner appears across the cover photo of items with free shipping, drawing attention to this benefit. There’s also a search filter on Mercari that allows buyers to specifically find items that come with free shipping.

Remain Engaged and Participative on the platform

Though selling on Mercari isn’t overly challenging or exhausting, it does demand dedication. Keeping track of orders and ensuring timely shipments is necessary, as well as maintaining an active presence on the platform. Mercari needs your daily engagement whether you’re keeping your listings fresh and with ExportYourStore, responding to offers and messages from buyers, or leaving ratings on time to get paid.

7. FAQs

• Do I Need To Speak Japanese To Sell On Mercari?

No, you don’t need to know Japanese to sell on Mercari. The platform operates in both Japan and the U.S., with English-language options for U.S. sellers. Though understanding Japanese might improve communication with Japanese buyers, translation services can help if you don’t speak the language.

• What Common Mistakes Should You Avoid When Selling On Mercari?

Don’t set prices too high, skip over providing detailed descriptions or high-quality photos, or neglect responding quickly to buyers. These mistakes can lead to lower sales and dissatisfied customers.

• Is Ezbuy’s Warehouse A Good Option For Keeping Inventory To Sell On Mercari?

Ezbuy’s warehouse can be a good option for storing inventory when selling on Mercari, especially if you have high volumes or need international shipping support. We offer flexible storage for various item types, provide cost-effective shipping options, and handle international deliveries, making it easier to manage logistics.

• Does Mercari Have Returns Policy?

Yes, Mercari’s return policy allows no returns unless the item is misrepresented, damaged, or never shipped. Returns are not permitted if the item matches its description, so buyers cannot return items for reasons like a poor fit or simply changing their mind.

To return, buyers can submit a return request, which may take several days to resolve. Mercari generally supports the buyer in disputes, even when the buyer doesn't follow the platform’s rules, as they place a high emphasis on buyer satisfaction.

• Is It Safe To Sell On Mercari?

Yes, it is safe to sell things on Mercari. Mercari provides payment protection, tracking for shipments, and a dispute resolution system. Sellers can also use Mercari’s shipping options to ensure the safe delivery of products. 

To ensure a successful selling experience, it’s important to follow the platform's rules (e.g: what can you sell on Mercari), accurately describe items, and communicate with buyers. Staying cautious about scams and familiar with the platform’s policies will help keep your selling experience secure.

>>> Read more: Your guide to open online business in Japan

Conclusion

If you're ready to sell on Mercari, this guide has given you the foundational knowledge you need to start strong. By following the outlined steps and staying active on the platform, you’ll be able to build a profitable shop and reach a wide audience. If international shipping or fulfillment solutions are what you need, contact Ezbuy right away and consult with one of our experts.

Website: https://ezbuy.jp/en

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