How to Sell on Mercari: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

How to Sell on Mercari: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

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Have a closet full of clothes you never wear or a shelf of items gathering dust? Mercari is your marketplace to turn that clutter into cash. As a platform connecting millions across the U.S., Mercari makes it incredibly simple to say ‘goodbye’ to things you no longer use and ‘hello’ to extra money in your pocket. With over 50 million downloads in the U.S. and more than 350,000 new items listed every day, it’s a bustling hub for both seasoned resellers and first-time sellers.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to sell on mercari step by step. We’ll cover everything from creating an account to listing your first item, understanding fees, shipping like a pro, and getting paid. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your strategy, this is your ultimate resource for selling on mercari.

Table of Contents

Getting Started: Setting Up Your Mercari Seller Account

Before you can start making money, you need to set up your account. The process is straightforward and designed to get you listing in minutes. Here’s how to get started selling on mercari.

  1. Sign Up: Download the Mercari app or visit the website. You’ll be prompted to create an account. During this process, you must verify your phone number with a 4-digit code sent via text or call. This is a crucial step for account security and recovery. You will also need to verify a valid email address, as this is where your shipping labels and receipts will be sent.
  2. Create Your Profile: Your profile is your storefront. You’ll have both a Profile Name and a Username.
    • Profile Name: This is displayed prominently on your page and can include special characters and emojis.
    • Username: This must be a unique name between 6-20 characters (letters, numbers, hyphens, underscores, periods) and is used to create a direct URL to your profile: https://www.mercari.com/u/[your_username_here]/.
  3. Age Requirements: You must be 18 or older to sell on Mercari. Users between the ages of 13-17 can use the platform but require a parent or guardian’s approval and supervision to use payout features like Direct Deposit or Instant Pay.
  4. Enable 2-Step Verification: For an added layer of security, navigate to Settings > Account Security and enable 2-step verification. This sends a code to your phone each time you log in, helping to keep your account protected.

How to Sell Stuff on Mercari: Creating the Perfect Listing

Creating a great listing is the single most important part of the mercari selling process. A clear, detailed, and attractive listing is what separates a quick sale from an item that lingers for weeks. The mercari listing app makes this simple.

Step 1: Take Excellent Photos

Shoppers want to see exactly what they’re buying. Mercari allows you to upload up to 12 photos, and you should use as many as you need to showcase your item thoroughly.

  • Use Natural Light: Find a well-lit area, preferably near a window, to avoid harsh shadows and accurately represent colors.
  • Show Every Angle: Capture the front, back, sides, top, and bottom.
  • Highlight Details: Take close-ups of brand tags, labels, unique features, and any flaws or imperfections. Transparency is key to building trust and avoiding returns.
  • Use a Clean Background: A simple, uncluttered background (like a white wall or a clean floor) makes your item the star of the show.

Step 2: Write a Detailed and Honest Description

Your description is your sales pitch. Include all the information a buyer might need. If there’s one trick to selling on mercari, it’s being thorough and honest here.

  • Title: Make your title clear and descriptive. Include the brand, item name, and key features like color or size (e.g., “Apple iPhone 13 Pro – 128GB – Sierra Blue” or “Coach Signature Canvas Handbag”).
  • Description: Be comprehensive. Describe the item’s condition, dimensions, materials, and any other relevant details. Crucially, disclose any flaws, such as scratches, stains, or signs of wear. Honesty leads to better mercari reviews for sellers.
  • Condition: Select the appropriate condition from the dropdown menu (New, Like New, Good, Fair, Poor). Be realistic and adhere to Mercari’s condition guidelines.
  • Brand and Category: Fill these fields out accurately to help your item appear in relevant searches.

Step 3: Price Your Item to Sell

Fair pricing is crucial for how to sell on mercari fast.

  • Research: Search for similar items that have recently sold on Mercari to see what buyers are willing to pay. Filter your search by “Sold Items” to get the most accurate data.
  • Factor in Fees: Remember that fees will be deducted from your final sale price. Price your item to ensure you make a profit you’re happy with. We’ll cover the mercari selling fee in detail below.

Step 4: Choose Your Shipping Options

Mercari gives you two main options for shipping.

  • Mercari Prepaid Label (Recommended): This is the easiest option for most sellers. Mercari offers discounted rates with USPS, UPS, and FedEx that can save you up to 40% compared to retail prices. The label is emailed to you, includes tracking, and comes with up to $200 in Shipping Protection. You simply select the carrier and the correct weight class.
  • Ship on Your Own: This option is best for experienced sellers or for items that are oversized (over 50 lbs or 34″ in length). You are responsible for choosing a service, purchasing the label, and providing a valid tracking number to get paid.

Understanding Mercari Fees for Selling

One of the most common questions from new sellers is “how much does mercari take?” Mercari’s fee structure is transparent and straightforward. The following fees apply to listings created or updated on or after January 6, 2025.

  • Selling Fee: Mercari charges a flat 10% selling fee based on the item’s final price plus any buyer-paid shipping cost. This fee is only charged when your sale is complete. There are no listing fees, so is mercari free to sell? Yes, listing is always free.
  • Withdrawal Fees: When you’re ready to cash out your balance, you have two options:
    • Direct Deposit: Free for successful transfers to your checking account, which typically arrive in 5-7 business days. A $2 fee is charged for failed or rejected deposits due to incorrect bank information.
    • Instant Pay: For a $3 fee, you can transfer funds to your debit card in about 30 minutes. This service can be used once per day for up to $600 per month.
  • Cancellation Fee: If you cancel transactions frequently, Mercari may charge a cancellation fee of 5% of the item price (up to $25) to cover incurred costs. This is rare and is intended to discourage unreliable seller behavior.

So, how much does it cost to sell on mercari? Primarily, it’s the 10% selling fee on completed sales and a potential $3 fee if you choose to get your money instantly.

You Made a Sale! The Mercari Selling Process for Shipping

Congratulations! A buyer has purchased your item. Now it’s time to get it ready and ship it out. Here’s how to sell and ship on mercari.

  1. Package Your Item with Care: Your job is to ensure the item arrives safely. Use a sturdy box or poly mailer and add cushioning like bubble wrap or packing paper to prevent movement. If you’re reusing a box, make sure to remove or cover all old labels and hazardous material markings.
  2. Attach the Shipping Label: If you’re using a Mercari prepaid label, it will be emailed to you. You can print it on standard 8.5″x11″ paper or select the 4″x6″ size for thermal printers.
    • No Printer? No Problem: For USPS and UPS labels, Mercari provides a QR code. Simply take your packaged item to a staffed USPS Post Office or The UPS Store, show them the QR code on your phone, and they will print and attach the label for you.
  3. Ship Within 3 Business Days: This is a firm deadline. Buyers can request to cancel an order if it hasn’t shipped on time. Prompt shipping is a key part of good customer service and helps you earn the “Quick Shipper” badge.
  4. Confirm Shipment: After you’ve dropped off the package with the correct carrier, go to the Order Status page in the app and tap the “I Shipped It” button. This notifies the buyer and starts the tracking process. If you ship on your own, you must enter a valid tracking number here.

How Do Sellers Get Paid on Mercari?

The final step in how does selling on mercari work is getting your earnings. The platform is designed with seller protection in mind, ensuring a secure and reliable payment process.

  1. Item is Delivered: The shipping carrier’s tracking will update to show the item has been delivered to the buyer.
  2. Buyer’s Review Period: The buyer has three days (72 hours) from the delivery time to inspect the item and confirm it is as described in your listing.
  3. Buyer Rates You: Once the buyer is satisfied, they will rate you as a seller. This completes the transaction and immediately releases the funds (your sale price minus the 10% selling fee) to your Mercari Balance.
  4. Auto-Rating: If the buyer doesn’t rate you within the 72-hour window and doesn’t file a return request, Mercari will automatically rate the transaction to ensure you get paid.
  5. Access Your Funds: Your earnings will appear in your Mercari Balance. From there, you can use the balance to shop on Mercari or cash out via Direct Deposit or Instant Pay. This is how to get paid on mercari.

How to Be Successful on Mercari: Tips and Tricks

Now that you know the basics of how to use mercari, let’s explore some mercari selling tips to help you stand out and how to increase sales on mercari.

  • Earn Seller Badges: Mercari rewards reliable sellers with badges on their profile. These build trust with buyers.
    • Quick Shipper: Awarded for shipping items within 24 hours (excluding weekends/holidays).
    • Reliable: Earned by completing orders as promised with minimal cancellations.
    • Fast Responder: Given to sellers who answer buyer questions in an average of 12 hours.
  • Be a Great Communicator: Respond to questions from potential buyers quickly and politely. If there’s a shipping delay, message the buyer to keep them informed. Good communication can prevent cancellations and lead to positive reviews.
  • Use Vacation Mode: If you’re going away and can’t ship items, go to Account Settings > Vacation to temporarily hide your listings. This prevents sales you can’t fulfill and protects your seller metrics.
  • Keep Your Listings Fresh: While there isn’t a specific mercari listing tool to bulk edit in-app, you can easily edit listings from the “My Listings” page. If an item has been sitting for a while, consider updating the photos, title, or price to attract new interest. The best time to list on mercari is often during evenings and weekends when more users are active.
  • Research What Sells: Pay attention to trends. While selling clothes on mercari is always popular, other categories like electronics, collectibles, and home goods do very well. Looking at the “Sold” feed can give you an idea of the best selling items on mercari.

Is Selling on Mercari Safe? Seller Protection Explained

Mercari is designed to be a trusted marketplace with protections in place for both buyers and sellers. When you follow the rules and keep all transactions within the platform, is selling on mercari safe? Absolutely.

  • Trusted Transactions: Mercari holds the buyer’s payment until the transaction is complete. This means you never have to worry about not getting paid for a delivered item.
  • Shipping Protection: When you use a Mercari prepaid label, you’re covered for up to $200 if your item is lost or damaged in transit by the carrier.
  • No Offline Transactions: Never agree to communicate, trade, or accept payment outside of the Mercari platform. Doing so voids all protections and is against the rules. Mercari’s in-app messaging creates a record of all communication to protect both parties.
  • Seller Support: If you encounter an issue, Mercari’s Customer Support is available 24/7 via the Help Center, with phone support available on weekdays.

By understanding the process and following these guidelines, you’ll find that reselling on mercari is a simple, secure, and rewarding way to declutter your home and earn extra income.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I sell on mercari?
You can sell on mercari almost anything that can be shipped, from clothing and electronics to collectibles and home decor. However, there is a list of mercari prohibited items which includes illegal items, stolen goods, counterfeit products, weapons, alcohol, and hazardous materials, among others. Always check the official Prohibited Items list before listing.

How much can you sell on mercari before paying taxes?
Mercari is required by law to report gross sales to the IRS for sellers who meet certain thresholds. You will be asked to provide your W-9 tax information if you are approaching these thresholds. The INFORM Consumers Act also has requirements for “high-volume” sellers (200+ transactions and $5,000+ in sales of new/like new items). The laws around taxes for selling on mercari can be complex, so it’s always best to consult with a tax advisor for your specific situation.

What is the trick to selling on mercari?
The real what is the trick to selling on mercari is consistently applying best practices: take bright, clear photos that show every detail; write honest, keyword-rich descriptions; price your items competitively by researching sold listings; and ship your items quickly (within 3 business days). Great customer service is also key.

Is selling on mercari worth it?
For most people, yes. Is selling on mercari worth it depends on your goals, but it’s an excellent platform for casual decluttering and for more serious resellers. The pros include a massive user base, an easy-to-use listing process, and a simple fee structure. It’s an accessible way for anyone to make money on mercari.

Can you do dropshipping on mercari?
No, dropshipping on mercari is strictly prohibited. Sellers must be in physical possession of the items they are listing. Engaging in mercari drop shipping can lead to account suspension.

What sells best on mercari?
While trends change, certain categories are consistently popular. What sells fast on mercari often includes popular clothing brands, electronics (like phones, headphones, and gaming consoles), collectibles (like trading cards and figurines), and small home goods. Researching sold items in your preferred categories will give you the best real-time data on what sells best on mercari.

How do I sell on mercari?
The process is simple! 1. List your item with photos, a description, and a price. 2. When it sells, ship it using either a Mercari prepaid label or on your own within 3 business days. 3. Once the buyer receives the item and rates you (or 3 days pass), the money is added to your account balance. This guide provides all the details you need to know for how do you sell on mercari.