Mercari has quickly gained popularity in the U.S. as a mobile-first, user-friendly platform where individuals can buy and sell almost anything—from fashion and electronics to home goods and collectibles. It’s the go-to for casual sellers who want to declutter or earn a side income without dealing with local meetups.
If you’re considering listing items on Mercari—or already are—this guide will walk you through the platform’s pros and cons, what sells best, how to write listings that convert, and how Wakewall can help you stay organized, track performance, and grow your reach across platforms.
✅ Pros of Selling on Mercari
1. Easy to Use
Mercari’s app is beginner-friendly and intuitive. Creating listings takes just a few minutes, and the platform guides you through shipping, pricing, and communication.
2. No In-Person Meetups Required
Mercari is a ship-only platform—no need to arrange local pickup or deal with no-shows. Just print a label and drop it off.
3. Prepaid Shipping Options
Sellers can choose from multiple prepaid shipping options with discounted rates through USPS, FedEx, or UPS, making it easy to fulfill orders.
4. Broad Range of Product Categories
Unlike niche platforms, Mercari lets you list nearly anything: fashion, gadgets, home décor, kitchenware, books, toys, beauty products, and more.
5. Low Barrier to Entry
No seller subscription needed. Just sign up and list. There’s no need for a storefront, followers, or advanced setup.
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- Click here for more information on other platforms: Wakewall Seller’s Guide for Online Marketplaces
- Official Link: Mercari
For to view more platforms, click to expand below:
| Platform | Category | Type | Fee Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| ebay | General Goods | Auction & Fixed Price | Fees apply |
| Facebook Marketplace | General Goods | Local & National | Free |
| Craigslist | General Goods | Local Classifieds | Free |
| OfferUp | General Goods | Local | Free / Optional Fees |
| Mercari | General Goods | Shipping or Local | Fees apply |
| Bonanza | General Goods | Fixed Price | Fees apply |
| Etsy | Handmade & Artisan | Online Marketplace | Fees apply |
| Lucasgift | Handmade & Artisan | Online Marketplace | Fees apply |
| Redbubble | Print-on-Demand | Custom Products | Commission-based |
| Spring (TeeSpring) | Print-on-Demand | Custom Products | Free / Commission |
| Society6 | Print-on-Demand | Custom Products | Commission-based |
| Gumroad | Digital Goods | Downloads & Subscriptions | Fees apply |
| Sellfy | Digital Goods | Digital & Physical | Subscription |
| Ko-fi | Digital Goods | Donations & Sales | Free / Optional Fees |
| Buy Me a Coffee | Digital Goods | Donations & Sales | Free / Optional Fees |
| Payhip | Digital Goods | Downloads & Memberships | Fees apply |
| Poshmark | Fashion | Mobile Fashion Marketplace | Fees apply |
| Depop | Fashion | Vintage & Trendy | Fees apply |
| Vinted | Fashion | Clothing Resale | No Seller Fees |
| Curtsy | Fashion | Women’s Fashion | Fees apply |
| 5miles | Fashion & General | Local Marketplace | Free / Optional Fees |
| BookScouter | Books | Price Comparison | Free |
| Amazon | Books & Goods | Individual Seller | Fees apply |
| eBid | General Goods | Auction | Low Fees |
| Autotrader | Vehicles | For Sale Listings | Listing Fee |
| Cars.com | Vehicles | For Sale Listings | Listing Fee |
| PartingOut | Auto Parts | Marketplace | Free / Optional Fees |
| Chairish | Furniture & Decor | Curated Marketplace | Commission-based |
| AptDeco | Furniture | Local Delivery | Fees apply |
| Reverb | Musical Gear | Specialty Platform | Fees apply |
| StockX | Sneakers & Apparel | Authentication Based | Fees apply |
| GOAT | Sneakers & Apparel | Authentication Based | Fees apply |
| TheRealReal | Designer Goods | Consignment | Commission-based |
| ThredUp | Clothing | Consignment | Commission-based |
❌ Cons of Selling on Mercari
1. Fees Add Up
Mercari takes a 10% selling fee, plus a 2.9% + $0.50 payment processing fee. While lower than eBay for some categories, it still eats into your margin.
2. Shipping Is Mandatory
If you prefer local, cash-based sales, Mercari might not be for you. Every sale requires packaging and shipping (or arranging a Mercari Local delivery with DoorDash in limited areas).
3. No Negotiation Features
Unlike Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp, you can’t haggle in real time. Buyers must send an offer or buy it at your listed price.
4. High Return Risk Without Seller Protection
Although Mercari has seller protections, disputes can be unpredictable. Sellers are required to ship quickly and accurately or risk refunds.
5. Manual Inventory Management
Like many peer-to-peer platforms, there’s no built-in inventory system. You’ll need to track your items, prices, and relisting schedule manually.
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📦 What Sells Best on Mercari?
Mercari is a digital version of a garage sale meets department store. Buyers look for bargains, brand names, and lightly used everyday items.
Popular selling categories:
- Fashion & Accessories: brand-name clothing, handbags, shoes, watches
- Electronics: phones, gaming consoles, headphones, tablets
- Home & Kitchen: décor, small appliances, cookware
- Toys & Collectibles: Funko Pops, LEGOs, trading cards, vintage toys
- Beauty Products: unopened skincare, fragrances, and hair tools
- Books & Media: textbooks, DVDs, manga, and video games
- Baby & Kids’ Items: clothing, toys, baby monitors, carriers
Mercari buyers are deal-driven and often shop across categories. If you price competitively and present your items clearly, they’ll sell quickly.
📝 How to Create High-Converting Listings on Mercari
Titles: Searchable and Specific
Mercari’s search favors strong titles with relevant keywords.
Good Title Examples:
- “Nike Air Max 270 Men’s Size 10 – Barely Worn”
- “Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Pressure Cooker – 6 Qt – New”
- “Apple iPad Mini 4 – 128GB – Space Gray – Wi-Fi”
Title Tips:
- Use full brand names
- Include condition, model, size, or variant
- Don’t use emojis or all caps
- Avoid vague phrases like “Awesome Deal!” or “Look!”
Descriptions: Accurate, Honest, and Useful
Your description should tell the buyer what they need to know at a glance—especially if they’re browsing quickly on their phone.
Include:
- Item condition (new, like new, good, fair)
- Brand, size, color, and specs
- Any flaws or missing parts
- What’s included (charger, box, etc.)
- Shipping timeframe
Example Description:
Like new Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen). Used for about a week—no scratches or issues. Includes original box, charging case, and cable.
Ships within 1 business day via USPS Priority.
Photo Tips:
- Use natural light
- Include 4–6 photos minimum
- Show item from multiple angles
- Photograph any wear or damage
Mercari buyers want transparency. The more you show and explain, the less likely you’ll get returns or disputes.
🚀 How Wakewall Helps You Succeed on Mercari
While Mercari handles transactions, Wakewall gives you the tools to manage your sales, organize your listings, and build a business presence outside of the app.
1. Track Listings Across Multiple Platforms
Selling on more than just Mercari? Use Wakewall to:
- Log which items are listed where (eBay, Poshmark, Facebook Marketplace, etc.)
- Keep track of pricing, inventory count, and relisting schedules
- Add notes about item condition or buyer interest
Stay on top of your side hustle without drowning in spreadsheets.
2. Use Reminders to Stay Consistent
Mercari rewards fast, reliable sellers. With Wakewall, you can:
- Set reminders for shipping deadlines
- Schedule follow-ups for buyer offers
- Get alerts to relist expired or unsold items
- Plan weekly sourcing or listing sessions
3. Post Business Updates, Drops, and Content
Mercari doesn’t let you build a community. Wakewall does. You can:
- Post about upcoming drops or restocks
- Share sourcing stories or repair before-and-afters
- Link to your top listings
- Use hashtags to get discovered (e.g., #resellerlife, #fashionfinds)
This turns your selling hobby into a brand with identity and momentum.
4. Build a Public Profile Beyond the App
Your Wakewall profile lets you:
- Showcase items without the clutter of a marketplace feed
- Create a business presence buyers can follow
- Grow a community that stays with you—even if you move platforms later
You can even use it to offer bundle deals, promote new arrivals, or run local pickup specials that Mercari doesn’t support.
💡 Final Thoughts
Mercari is one of the easiest platforms to start selling online. It handles shipping, payments, and visibility with little setup—making it ideal for part-time sellers or declutterers looking to make extra cash.
But if you’re managing multiple listings or building a serious side hustle, Wakewall helps keep everything organized, professional, and scalable.
Mercari handles the transaction. Wakewall helps you build the business behind it.
