Everything About Mercari + Why You Should Start ASAP

Looking for an easy way to turn unwanted items into cash? Mercari is a simple and user-friendly platform that allows you to list and sell a variety of products, from clothing and accessories to electronics and household goods. With no listing fees and a straightforward pricing structure, it’s a great alternative to other online marketplaces. Plus, if you’re already listing on other platforms like eBay, you can cross-list on Mercari for even more exposure. This guide covers everything you need to start selling on Mercari successfully.

What is Mercari?

Mercari is an online marketplace that makes it easy to list and sell items. Unlike eBay, Mercari doesn’t use auction-style listings—all items are listed at a fixed price, and buyers can make offers. With millions of active users and competitive fees, Mercari provides an efficient way to sell without hidden costs.

Why Sell on Mercari?

User-Friendly Listing Process – Simply snap a few photos, fill in the details, set a price, and your listing is live.
No Listing Fees – Mercari allows you to list items for free, which is a great perk for sellers.
Transparent Fee Structure – Mercari charges a 10% selling fee on the item price, and there’s no payment processing fee for either buyers or sellers.
Fixed Price Listings – All listings are sold at a fixed price, simplifying transactions.

How to List Items on Mercari

1. Take High-Quality Photos

Great photos are essential for attracting buyers. Mercari allows up to 12 photos per listing—make use of all of them to show the item from different angles. A clean, neutral background (like a white or wooden surface) enhances your item’s appeal and helps it stand out.

2. Write a Detailed Description

To make your listing stand out, include:

The brand, size, and condition of the item.
Any flaws or imperfections.
Three relevant hashtags to boost search visibility.
Product specifics like color, material, and category.

3. Set Shipping Preferences

When you list an item, Mercari provides a prepaid shipping label once it sells. You can choose to offer free shipping or have the buyer cover the shipping costs. Be sure to weigh your item accurately and select the correct shipping method to avoid complications later.

Bubble Wrap | Air pockets are essential for protecting most items in a box. We save all bubble wrap and air pockets from incoming packages, but if you’re starting fresh, Amazon offers affordable options to stock up. It ensures your products are secure during shipping and arrive in perfect condition.

Thank You Stickers | These stickers are a perfect way to show appreciation to your customers. Adding a “Thank You for Supporting My Small Business” sticker to your packages adds a personal touch that makes a big impact. They’re budget-friendly, making it easy to elevate your packaging without breaking the bank. Amazon offers hundreds of fun, stylish design options.

Label Printer | A label printer is a must-have for streamlining your shipping process. It allows you to print professional, easy-to-read shipping labels quickly and accurately, saving you time and ensuring your packages are labeled correctly. Label printers are very expensive, but this one offers quality printing at an amazing price, plus it is available in pink.

Boosting Sales on Mercari

Accept Offers – Buyers can send offers, and accepting reasonable ones can help you sell faster.
Use the Promote Feature – Mercari allows you to run promotions by lowering prices publicly or sending private offers to users who’ve liked your item.
Cross-List for More Visibility – Listing on multiple platforms like eBay and Poshmark can increase your chances of making a sale. Tools like Vendoo can make cross-listing simpler.

What to Do After a Sale

Print the prepaid shipping label provided by Mercari.
Pack the item carefully and drop it off at the post office or schedule a USPS pickup.
Confirm shipment in the Mercari app.
Once the buyer confirms receipt within three days, the funds will be added to your balance.

Selling Online Requires Consistency, But Small Adjustments Can Help Maintain Motivation

Selling online can be a rewarding venture, but it’s important to stay motivated as the process can sometimes feel slow. The key is consistency, paired with smart strategies that keep the energy up. Here are a few ways to keep things fresh and help your sales stay steady:

1. Price Items Competitively to Attract More Buyers

Setting the right price can make all the difference in attracting buyers. Too high, and buyers might shy away; too low, and you could be leaving money on the table. To find the sweet spot, research similar listings on platforms like Mercari, eBay, and Poshmark to see how other sellers are pricing comparable items. Use the following strategies to keep your prices competitive:

Monitor Trends: If your item is seasonal, adjust the price to reflect the demand, increasing it during peak seasons or offering a discount during off-peak times.
Consider the Buyer’s Perception: If you’re selling high-end items, pricing them just below retail can make them more attractive without significantly hurting your profit margin.
Use Offers to Your Advantage: On Mercari, buyers often make offers. Accepting a reasonable offer can speed up sales, especially when buyers feel they’re getting a good deal. If you have a lower-priced item, consider offering a “bundle discount” to increase your sales volume.

2. List New Items Regularly to Keep Your Inventory Fresh

New listings are essential to maintain visibility on the platform and attract repeat customers. A stale inventory can cause your shop to lose momentum, but listing new items regularly keeps your profile fresh in the eyes of potential buyers. Here are a few ways to ensure you’re adding fresh content:

Set a Listing Schedule: Whether it’s daily, weekly, or bi-weekly, set a consistent schedule for new listings. This helps you stay organized and prevents you from neglecting your shop.
Rotate Seasonal and Trending Items: Regularly swapping in items that match the season or capitalize on trends will keep your inventory relevant. For example, during the holidays, make sure your store is stocked with seasonal decor or gifts, and when new fashion trends emerge, update your clothing items to reflect that.
Repurpose Old Items: If you have items that haven’t sold in a while, repackage them with new, more compelling descriptions or rephotograph them to make them stand out. Sometimes a small change can rejuvenate interest.

3. Enhance Your Packaging by Adding Thank-You Notes or Branded Inserts for a Professional Touch

The packaging of your items is more than just protection—it’s your chance to make a lasting impression on buyers. When an item arrives safely and professionally packaged, it builds trust and may lead to repeat customers or positive reviews. To go above and beyond, try adding:

Personalized Thank-You Notes: A handwritten or printed note expressing gratitude for the purchase can help build a personal connection with the buyer. A little extra care and attention to detail can make a big difference in customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Branded Inserts: If you’re serious about building your business, consider adding branded materials like business cards, postcards, or discount coupons for future purchases. Branded inserts can help establish your brand identity and encourage repeat purchases.
Creative Packaging: Use quality packaging materials that align with your brand. For example, eco-friendly packaging or unique boxes can give your brand a distinctive feel and make your item feel even more special to the buyer. The goal is to offer an unboxing experience that makes buyers excited to leave a review or share their purchase on social media.

4. Stay Organized by Maintaining an Efficient Inventory System to Simplify Shipping and Order Fulfillment

An organized system makes the entire selling process smoother, from tracking items to fulfilling orders efficiently. When you stay on top of your inventory, you avoid over-selling or shipping delays. Consider these practices:

- Use Inventory Management Tools: There are various apps and platforms designed to track inventory, sales, and orders. Tools like Vendoo, GoDaddy Bookkeeping, or even simple spreadsheets can help you keep track of what’s in stock and what needs to be restocked.
- Label and Sort Your Products: Labeling items and storing them in a way that makes sense—such as by category, size, or color—can save you time when fulfilling orders. You’ll be able to quickly find items, package them, and ship them without unnecessary delays.
- Shipping Preparation: Consider pre-packing popular items into boxes or envelopes that are ready to go, so when a sale occurs, you only need to print the label and ship. This will make your order fulfillment process faster and more efficient.
- Automate Where Possible: If you have a high volume of sales, explore automation tools that integrate with your selling platforms. These can help automatically update your inventory levels, send tracking numbers to customers, and manage orders with minimal effort on your part.

Final Thoughts About Mercari

Mercari provides a simple, low-risk way to sell items online. By taking high-quality photos, writing detailed descriptions, and using Mercari’s promotional tools, you can maximize your earnings and streamline the selling process. With consistent listings and competitive pricing, Mercari can be a great platform for both casual and experienced resellers.