How to Start Selling on Mercari: What You Need to Know
If you're thinking about starting your own business, selling on Mercari might be a great option. With over 20 million active users each month in 2023 alone, this site offers a broad audience for your products. However, while the platform provides attractive conditions for sellers, starting out may not be as straightforward as it seems.
In this guide, we'll share a step-by-step approach for beginners on how to sell on Mercari efficiently, covering everything from setting up your account to boosting sales.
Table of contents
What is Mercari?
Mercari is an online marketplace, available as both a website and a mobile app, launched in 2013. Currently, it operates in both Japan and the U.S., offering a simple and convenient platform for selling new and used items.
The marketplace features a wide range of categories, with fashion being the largest, along with furniture, electronics, food, and more. With no selling fees and revenue expected to reach approximately $302 million by 2025, Mercari presents a highly lucrative opportunity for sellers.
Now, let’s take a look at how to find products for sale that can help you make money on Mercari.
How Do I Decide What to Sell?
With a lot of items available, one might wonder, "What can you sell on Mercari to make a profit?" Here are the three main approaches:
Sell your own items: The easiest way to start is by listing gently-used items you no longer need, such as clothing, electronics, or home goods.
Resell top-brand products: Find luxury or limited-edition brand-name goods at outlets or secondhand stores, and resell them on Mercari.
Resell popular products: Purchase trendy items in bulk from manufacturers or suppliers, often in China.
Mercari caters to a wide range of sellers, from people decluttering their closets to entrepreneurs reselling items for profit. If you’re looking to move beyond selling personal items, choosing the right products is crucial.
Since Mercari doesn’t offer tools to help you assess demand, analyzing market trends on other platforms can help. In this article, we’ll look at Amazon as an example, as it is the leader in e-commerce and reflects customer preferences.
There are also several analytical tools designed specifically for Amazon, and one of the top choices is AMZScout. Known for its user-friendly interface and reliable data, AMZScout can help you identify products with strong demand and good potential for success across different platforms.
Find Winning Products to Sell on Mercari
AMZScout offers a comprehensive Bundle of tools for product research, and finding the right products to sell on Mercari begins by checking the Product Database. Here's how to use it to identify high-potential product ideas:
1. Access AMZScout Product Database. Sign up for a free trial by entering your email address to start exploring over 600 million products.
2. Set your product criteria. To narrow down your search, consider applying the following filters:
Category: Choose from 24 categories based on your interests. Popular choices include Kitchenware and Personal Care. You can refine your search further by adding keywords like “knives” or “perfume”.
Estimated Sales: Set a minimum of 1,000 sales/month to guarantee strong demand.
Weight: Limit your search to items weighing under 3 lbs for easier shipping.
![Which AMZScout Product Database Filters to choose]( "AMZScout Product Database Filters")
![image]()
Trick: Check the “New & Trending” section to view recently added products that have shown a surge in sales over the past month.
3. Review the results. Click "Find Products" to generate a list of items that match your criteria.
The AMZScout Product Database simplifies the initial stage of product research, giving you a solid starting point for identifying items with strong sales potential.
Note: You can also evaluate the Amazon Best Seller list directly on the Amazon website using the AMZScout PRO AI Extension. This tool provides sales data for each product, helps you assess alignment with your business model, evaluates profitability for your store, and more.
Since trends tend to be common across marketplaces, these insights can also be applied to Mercari, empowering you to make informed decisions and build a successful business.
How to Start Selling on Mercari: Six Key Steps
Exploring a new platform can be time-consuming, so we’ve prepared a quick guide to Mercari. This guide outlines the key steps needed to help you start selling faster, minimizing the learning curve.
#1 Set Up Your Account
You can access Mercari through the website or mobile app. Setting up an account is fast and straightforward. Just follow these steps:
Create an account. Click “Sign In”, enter your email address, and create a password.
![How to sell on mercari]( "How to sell on mercari")
![image]()
Verify your account. To confirm your identity and ensure safe usage, enter the SMS code sent to your phone.
Set up your profile. Go to “Settings” to upload a profile picture for your store, enter your tax information, and complete other required steps.
Once you’re verified, your account will be live, and you’ll be ready to start selling.
#2 Explore the policy and fees
When you’re selling on Mercari, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the platform’s rules and policies to avoid any complications. Here’s what you need to know before you start listing products :
Prohibited items: Mercari has strict guidelines on what can and cannot be sold, such as drugs and weapons. Also, be mindful of the language you use in your product descriptions. Any content that incites or supports hatred, violence, racism, or discrimination is strictly prohibited. Be sure to check Mercari’s full list of prohibited items and themes to ensure compliance.
Cancellations: Sellers can cancel orders, but a 5% fee of the order total may apply. If the buyer cancels, there’s no fee, and the item will be relisted automatically.
Return and refund policy: Mercari offers a three-day return window for buyers if the item doesn’t match the description. After this timeframe, returns are no longer allowed.
Fees: You can list items on Mercari for free, and there are no selling fees. However, a payment processing fee of 2.9% + $0.50 is charged for each transaction.
Earning revenue: Once the buyer receives the item and confirms its condition, you’ll get paid. Payments are processed through Mercari’s system and can be transferred to your bank account.
Listing limits: Be aware that Mercari has a price limit of $2,000 for listings without additional identity verification.
It’s important to keep up with any policy updates, as Mercari may revise them over time. Reviewing their policies regularly ensures a smooth and successful selling experience.
#3 Create High-Quality Listings
To increase your sales, it’s important to craft an effective listing. It should not only attract customers but also be optimized for search engines. Here’s what to focus on:
High-quality visual content: Use professional photos that are consistent in style. Good visuals help customers trust your product.
Competitive pricing: Price your items competitively—not too low to undermine your profitability, but reasonable enough to attract buyers.
Efficient keywords: Include relevant keywords that potential customers are likely to search for. This will improve your product’s visibility on the platform.
Appealing texts: Your descriptions should be clear, concise, and customer-friendly, emphasizing the product’s best features.
Be sure to describe the condition of your items accurately, especially when you plan to sell used stuff. Ensure that your photos show any defects clearly to avoid returns and negative reviews.
#4 Efficiently Manage Inventory and Shipping
To run a successful selling business, an efficient supply chain is essential. Focus on three key areas to optimize your operations:
Shipping: Take advantage of Mercari’s shipping system for streamlined processes and timely deliveries, saving you both time and effort.
Suppliers: Partner with trustworthy suppliers to ensure fast delivery, high-quality products, and smooth communication, avoiding potential delays.
Inventory management: Use inventory management apps to track your stock levels, ensuring you avoid overstocking or running out of products, and keeping your business running smoothly.
Mastering these aspects will help you streamline your costs, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive business growth.
#5 Use Promoting Features
With so many available products on Mercari, standing out is key. To increase visibility, consider using these promoting features:
Offers to Likers: This feature allows you to send personalized discounts to users who have "liked" your products, providing targeted offers to encourage conversions.
Promote: You pay to increase your visibility among search results, helping your listings reach a wider audience and attract more potential buyers.
Here are several additional tips to help you drive traffic to your listings further:
Use relevant hashtags to reach a broader audience.
Relist your products to improve their ranking among search results.
Offer free shipping by absorbing the costs to make your listing more appealing.
By strategically using these features, you can increase your chances of making a sale and getting noticed.
#6 Provide Good Customer Service
To boost sales and ensure long-term success, providing excellent customer service is key. Here are a few things that will make your business work more efficiently:
Respond quickly: Aim to reply to messages within 24 hours, even on weekends and holidays. Consider uploading size guides to reduce the frequency of questions.
Ship promptly: The faster you ship, the sooner customers receive their orders, which improves their experience and boosts positive feedback.
Be transparent: Always answer questions honestly and provide accurate descriptions, especially when selling used items. This helps you avoid returns and builds trust with buyers.
Keep an eye on customer reviews to help you identify areas for improvement and elevate your service. In time, you'll be able to build a loyal customer base that returns for future purchases.
By following these steps consistently and applying a smart approach, you’ll create opportunities for business growth and boost your revenue.
Which is Better: Mercari or Other Marketplaces?
When evaluating whether selling on Mercari is a good idea, it’s important to consider its selling policies and reach. Here are a few key points:
Customer base: Mercari operates in two countries, with 23 million active users.
Seller fees: Mercari charges no listing or selling fees and offers transparent fees of 2.9% + $0.50 per transaction.
Shipping: Mercari provides prepaid shipping labels and additional shipping options, including Mercari Local.
Return policy: Mercari has a three-day return policy, offering balanced protection for both buyers and sellers.
Now, let’s see how Mercari stacks up against other platforms that could serve as alternatives for selling.
Selling on Mercari vs. Other Marketplaces
Each platform has its own pros and cons. Below is a brief overview of key criteria top sellers consider when choosing where to sell:
eBay
eBay is a well-established marketplace that offers products from a variety of categories, with handmade and collectible items being among its bestsellers. Key differences between eBay and Mercari include:
Customer base: In 2024, eBay had nearly 132 million users across almost 200 countries.
Seller fees: eBay charges sellers to list, sell, complete transactions, and more.
Shipping: Sellers are responsible for shipping on eBay, which can be inconvenient, since you must arrange couriers yourself.
Return policy: eBay’s customer-oriented approach often favors customers.
Selling formats: eBay allows auction-style and "Buy Now" formats, offering more flexibility in sales.
While eBay boasts a strong reputation and a larger audience, Mercari is more cost-effective and has simple rules for sellers.
Depop
Depop, part of the Etsy family, focuses on vintage and secondhand items. Here’s how this platform differs from Mercari:
Target audience: Depop caters heavily to Gen Z, while Mercari attracts a broader audience, with nearly 30% of its users between ages 25–34.
Customer base: Depop is more global, with around 35 million active users across 150 countries.
Seller fees: Depop has a flat 10% commission, which is slightly higher than Mercari's total fees.
Shipping: Depop sellers can opt to arrange their own shipping or use its services.
Return policy: Depop allows returns within 180 days for items that don’t match descriptions or fail to arrive.
Depop and Mercari cater to different audiences but share some drawbacks, including occasional replica items and inconsistent customer service, according to Reddit discussions.
Sellers need to stay vigilant about authenticity and handle disputes carefully to build buyer trust.
Poshmark
Poshmark is a popular platform specializing in clothes, jewelry, home goods, and art. Here’s how it differs from Mercari:
Customer base: Poshmark has over 130 million registered users across the U.S. and Canada.
Seller fees: Listing is free, but Poshmark charges a flat fee of $2.95 for sales under $15, and a 20% fee for sales over $15.
Shipping: Buyers pay a flat fee of $7.97 for expedited 1–3 day shipping via USPS Priority Mail.
Engagement: Poshmark encourages social interactions through features like virtual "parties", and offers packaging customization services.
Limitations: Poshmark restricts certain categories, depending on location, with separate prohibited lists for places like California.
While Poshmark shines in social engagement and community features, Mercari offers a broader category range and enjoys a higher rating on Trustpilot.
Choosing the right platform depends on your goals and personal preferences. Selling on multiple platforms can increase your reach and improve your chances of success.
FAQs
How much does it cost to sell on Mercari?
While listing an item on Mercari is free, sellers must pay certain fees. Mandatory fees include a 2.9% payment processing fee, plus $0.50/sale and a $3 fee to transfer funds to your wallet. Additional fees may apply in situations like shipping non-standard packages or a penalty for canceling an order.
How does Mercari Local work?
Mercari Local is a delivery service provided in partnership with Uber that streamlines local transactions. A driver picks up the item from the seller and delivers it directly to the buyer, saving time for both parties. For items under 50 lbs, the buyer pays $15.99 for delivery, while the seller incurs no costs as long as packaging standards are met.
How old do you have to be to sell on Mercari?
To sell on Mercari, you must be at least 18 years old or the legal age of majority in your state. Teens aged 13 to 18 years can use the platform with parental permission, provided the account is registered under the parent’s name. Violating these rules may result in account suspension or deletion.
Conclusion
While Mercari is a cost-effective platform for getting started, success depends largely on selecting the right products. Consider using the AMZScout toolkit to help you identify the best items to sell and maximize your profits. This will ensure that your efforts and investments are worth it, improving your chances of success and setting your business up for long-term growth.
