Mercari is a Japanese online marketplace where users can buy and sell new and used items. It is one of the most popular online marketplaces in Japan and is also gaining popularity in other countries, such as the United States and Canada.
How does Mercari work?
Mercari is a mobile-first marketplace, so users need to download the Mercari app to create an account and start buying and selling. Once you have created an account, you can start listing items for sale or browsing the marketplace to find items to buy.
To list an item for sale, you need to take photos of the item, write a description, and set a price. You can also choose to offer shipping or require buyers to pick up the item in person.
When a buyer purchases an item from you, Mercari will hold the buyer’s payment in escrow until you ship the item and the buyer confirms that they have received it. Once the buyer has confirmed that they have received the item, Mercari will release the payment to you.
Mercari charges a 10% selling fee on all items sold. There are no listing fees or monthly fees associated with using Mercari.
Is Mercari the best marketplace?
Mercari is a great marketplace for buying and selling a wide variety of items. It is especially popular for selling clothes, shoes, and other fashion items. Mercari is also a good place to sell electronics, home goods, and other items.
One of the biggest advantages of Mercari is that it is very easy to use. The app is well-designed and easy to navigate. Mercari also offers a variety of features to help buyers and sellers, such as buyer protection and seller protection.
However, there are some potential drawbacks to using Mercari. One drawback is that the shipping fees can be high, especially for larger items. Another drawback is that Mercari is a relatively new marketplace, so there is a smaller selection of items available than on some other marketplaces, such as eBay.
Overall, Mercari is a great marketplace for buying and selling a wide variety of items. It is especially popular for selling clothes, shoes, and other fashion items. Mercari is also a good place to sell electronics, home goods, and other items.
Here are some tips for using Mercari effectively:
- Take high-quality photos of your items. This will help buyers to see what they are buying and to make sure that the items are in good condition.
- Write clear and informative descriptions of your items. Include all relevant information, such as the size, condition, and any defects.
- Set competitive prices. Do some research to see what other similar items are selling for on Mercari.
- Offer shipping on your items. This will make your items more attractive to buyers.
- Be responsive to buyer messages. Answer questions promptly and be polite and professional.
- Ship your items quickly and securely. Once a buyer purchases an item from you, ship it as soon as possible. Package the item carefully to avoid damage in transit.
How to sell on Mercari
To sell on Mercari, follow these steps:
- Download the Mercari app and create an account.
- Take photos of the item you want to sell. Be sure to take clear and well-lit photos of the item from all angles.
- Write a description of the item. Be sure to include the size, condition, and any other relevant information.
- Set a price for the item. Be sure to research similar items that have sold on Mercari to get an idea of what a fair price is.
- Choose a shipping method. You can offer shipping or require buyers to pick up the item in person.
- List your item! Once you have completed all of the above steps, you are ready to list your item on Mercari.
Once your item is listed, you can start promoting it to potential buyers. You can do this by sharing your listing on social media or by sending it to friends and family. You can also offer discounts or promotions to attract buyers.
When a buyer purchases your item, you will receive a notification from Mercari. You will then need to ship the item to the buyer within 3 business days. Mercari will provide you with a shipping label.
Once you have shipped the item, you will need to confirm the shipment on the Mercari app. Mercari will hold the buyer’s payment in escrow until the buyer confirms that they have received the item. Once the buyer has confirmed that they have received the item, Mercari will release the payment to you.
Make Shipping Simple
Here are some tips for making shipping simple on Mercari:
- Use Mercari’s prepaid shipping labels. Mercari offers prepaid shipping labels that you can purchase directly from the Mercari app. This makes it easy to ship your items without having to worry about calculating shipping costs or going to the post office.
- Offer multiple shipping options. When you list your item for sale, you can offer buyers the choice of multiple shipping methods, such as USPS Priority Mail, USPS First Class Package Service, and FedEx Ground. This will give buyers more flexibility and make it more likely that they will purchase your item.
- Ship your items quickly. Once a buyer purchases your item, ship it as soon as possible. Mercari requires sellers to ship items within 3 business days of purchase. However, it is a good idea to ship items even sooner if possible. This will show buyers that you are a reliable seller and will help you to get good ratings.
- Package your items carefully. Make sure to package your items carefully to avoid damage in transit. Use packing materials such as bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and air cushions to protect your items. You should also use a sturdy shipping box.
Is Mercari Legitimate and Are There Any Risks?
Yes, Mercari is a legitimate marketplace. It is a popular platform for buying and selling new and used items. Mercari has a good reputation among users and has been in business for several years.
There are some risks associated with using Mercari, just like any other online marketplace. One risk is that you could buy a counterfeit or defective item. Another risk is that you could be scammed by a dishonest seller.
However, Mercari offers buyer protection to help protect buyers from fraud. If you are not satisfied with an item that you purchased on Mercari, you can return it for a refund.
Here are some tips to help you reduce the risk of fraud when using Mercari:
- Read the seller’s profile carefully. Look for positive ratings and reviews from other buyers.
- Ask the seller questions about the item. Be sure to ask about the condition of the item, the shipping method, and the return policy.
- Inspect the item carefully when you receive it. If you find any defects, contact the seller immediately.
- File a dispute with Mercari if you are not satisfied with the item. Mercari will investigate the dispute and help you to resolve it.
What about customer service?
Mercari has a customer service team that is available to help users with questions and problems. You can contact Mercari customer service through the Mercari app or website.
Mercari customer service is known for being responsive and helpful. Many users have reported that Mercari customer service has been able to resolve their problems quickly and efficiently.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about Mercari:
Q: What fees does Mercari charge?
A: Mercari charges a 10% selling fee on all items sold. There are no listing fees or monthly fees associated with using Mercari.
Q: How do I get paid on Mercari?
A: Once a buyer has received and accepted an item, Mercari will release the payment to the seller within 24 hours. Sellers can then withdraw their funds to their bank account or PayPal account.
Q: What is Mercari’s return policy?
A: Buyers can return items for a refund within 3 days of receiving them. Items must be returned in the same condition in which they were received.
Q: What is Mercari’s buyer protection program?
A: Mercari’s buyer protection program protects buyers from fraud and counterfeit items. If a buyer is not satisfied with an item that they purchased on Mercari, they can file a dispute with Mercari. Mercari will investigate the dispute and help the buyer to resolve it.
Q: How do I contact Mercari customer service?
A: You can contact Mercari customer service through the Mercari app or website.
Conclusion
Mercari is a legitimate and popular online marketplace for buying and selling new and used items. It is easy to use and offers a variety of features to help buyers and sellers. However, there are some risks associated with using Mercari, such as the risk of fraud. Buyers and sellers can reduce the risk of fraud by being aware of the risks and taking precautions.
Mercari offers good customer service that is responsive and helpful. Customers can contact Mercari customer service through the Mercari app or website.
Overall, Mercari is a good option for buying and selling items. It is easy to use, offers a variety of features, and has good customer service. However, buyers and sellers should be aware of the risks associated with using Mercari and take steps to reduce the risk of fraud.