You want to buy or sell products, and you want to cross-list or search on as many platforms as possible. What platforms are worth looking into?
With online shopping becoming more prevalent there are many different platforms out there, but the hard part is finding which ones are legit. I have been selling on Mercari for a few years, so I can tell you about my actual experience buying and selling on Mercari, but first let’s start with the basics.
What is Mercari?
Mercari is a Japan-based online marketplace that lets you buy and sell products. The platform allows you to buy or sell almost anything on making it a large marketplace with a high chance of profit. It has over 100 million downloads since its launch in February of 2013.
Pros and Cons of Buying on Mercari
Pros
- Extremely reasonable prices
- Easy Categorizing and Filtering
- Plethora of products and styles
- Three Day shipping and return policies
- Trusted sellers with good reviews
- Ability to make offers on products
Cons
- Shipping can get a little pricey
- Customer support is not the most resourceful
How to Buy on Mercari
Step 1: Browse through the Mercari Marketplace. There are plenty of different filters to use including brand, price, condition, color, and many more options.
Step 2: Choose the product you are interested and press the buy button.
Step 3: Make the payment using your credit card or debit card. You can also save your payment method for future uses.
Step 4: Wait for your product to arrive in the mail. The seller is urged to ship within three business days.
Step 5: Once you receive the item in the mail, you have three days to rate your seller for the transaction, and he will rate you as the buyer in return.
Step 6: If you are not satisfied, with the product, you may apply for a return within three days of receiving the product.
Pros and Cons of Selling on Mercari
Pros
- Reach over 100 million customers
- List a variety of items
- You don’t have to pay for shipping labels
- Great profit scale
- Can choose to ship items or do local pickup
- Send offers to people who liked your listing
Cons
- Large shipping label
- If you pay for shipping, it can cut into your profits
- Cannot promote listings or send offers under $9
How to Sell on Mercari
Step 1: Take high quality photos of the product you are selling. Make sure to get those angles!
Step 2: Write a brief description of your item. Try to include all the details so customers know exactly what they are getting.
Step 3: Fill out the rest of the categories including brand, condition, and make.
Step 4: Add your shipping address which you can save as your default.
Step 5: Set a reasonable price. Mercari will make price recommendations based on similar sold products.
Step 6: Once your item is purchased, you will have the option to print the shipping label.
Step 7: Pack your item and add the shipping label on the package.
Step 8: You will receive your funds once your buyer receives the item and rates you.
3 Keys to a Great Listing
- Take good photos: The more the better. Buyers like to see the product from every angle. Make the first photo your best because it will be front and center on your listing.
- Describe the item fully: including everything from condition, flaws, color, size, category and brand can increase the likelihood that it will sell.
- Price fairly – set a price that is in line with other listings on the app. Search similar listings to see what an item like yours sold for.
Benefits of Shipping with the Mercari Label
Save an average of 30% off retail rates. They offer flat-fee shipping for all 50 states. All Mercari labels include Shipping Protection up to $200. With the Mercari prepaid label, you can ship with USPS or FedEx.
Is Mercari Free?
Mercari charges sellers a market competitive rate of 2.9% plus $0.30 for each payment received from the buyer. They do so with the added convenience of not requiring you to sign up for a separate processing account. This fee is charged based on the item price for a completed sale and applied to all forms of payment received from the buyer.
