How To Sell Things on Mercari for Beginners

Mercari is one of the easiest online marketplaces to navigate with a simple listing process and helpful tips as you go. Think of Mercari as an online garage sale. Most buyers on Mercari are looking for a great deal on almost everything you can think of. From character-driven novels to collectible vintage coins, Mercari has it all. Keep reading this Mercari for beginners guide for more tips.

A Mercari For Beginners Easy How-To Guide

In this blog, you'll learn about Mercari's new fee structure, tips for being successful, and how to list items with the best titles and descriptions for this particular online marketplace.

Why Choose Mercari?

Mercari is a popular online marketplace for several reasons:

• Ease of Use: The app and website are intuitive, making it easy to list and sell items.
• Low Fees: Mercari charges a flat 10% selling fee and a small payment processing fee, which is competitive compared to other platforms.
• Wide Audience: With millions of active users, you can reach a diverse group of buyers.
• Variety of Items: You can sell almost anything on Mercari, from fashion and accessories to toys, home goods, and electronics.

What Sells Well on Mercari?

Certain categories tend to perform exceptionally well on Mercari. Here are a few examples:

• Clothing and Accessories: Popular brands like Nike, Lululemon, Patagonia, and Zara sell quickly. Vintage and unique items also attract buyers.
• Electronics: Phones, gaming consoles, headphones, and small gadgets are in high demand.
• Home Goods: Kitchen appliances, decor, and organizational tools are sought after by buyers.
• Toys and Collectibles: Items like LEGO sets, Funko Pops, and action figures often fetch good prices.
• Beauty Products: Unused or lightly used makeup and skincare products from brands like Sephora or Ulta are popular.

• Shoes: Sneakers, boots, and sandals from recognized brands like Adidas, Vans, or Dr. Martens perform well.

Getting Started on Mercari Step-by-Step

Step 1: Create an Account

To start selling, download the Mercari app or visit their website. Sign up with your email address or link your account to Google, Facebook, or Apple.

Step 2: Set Up Your Profile

A complete profile builds trust with buyers. Add a clear profile picture, write a friendly bio, and set your location preferences. Mercari also offers identity verification for added credibility.

Step 3: Gather Your Items

Begin by selling items you already own, such as gently used clothing, household goods, or tech gadgets. Focus on clean, functional items that are free from significant damage.

Step 4: Take Quality Photos

Good photos are essential to attract buyers. Follow these tips:

• Use natural lighting or a ring light.
• Photograph against a plain background.
• Take multiple shots, including close-ups of any flaws or labels.
• Show the item from different angles.

Step 5: Write an Accurate Description

Your description should be detailed and honest. Include:

• The brand and model name.
• Size, color, and material.
• Condition (e.g., new with tags, gently used, or pre-owned with flaws).
• Any special features or flaws.

For example: "Lululemon Define Jacket, Size M, Black. Excellent condition with no visible flaws. Lightweight and perfect for layering during workouts or casual outings."

Step 6: Set a Competitive Price

Research similar items on Mercari to gauge pricing. If your item is pre-owned, aim for 30-50% of the retail price. For new items, you can price closer to retail but slightly lower to attract buyers.

Step 7: List Your Item

Once you’ve prepared your photos, description, and price, create your listing. Be sure to select the appropriate category and tags to improve visibility.

Step 8: Communicate with Buyers

Respond promptly to questions or offers. Being polite and professional can lead to faster sales and positive reviews.

Step 9: Ship Your Item

When your item sells, Mercari provides you with a prepaid shipping label. Package your item securely and drop it off at your chosen shipping carrier.

Pro Tip: Use bubble wrap or padded envelopes for fragile items. For clothing, a poly mailer is lightweight and affordable.

Step 10: Get Paid

After the buyer confirms they’ve received the item and everything is as described, your earnings will be released. You can transfer funds to your bank account or use them to shop on Mercari.

Tips for Success on Mercari

Follow these simple tips for successful selling on Mercari:

Optimize Your Listings

Use descriptive keywords to improve searchability. For example, instead of "black purse," write "Michael Kors Jet Set Crossbody Bag Black Leather."

Bundle Discounts

Offer discounts for buyers purchasing multiple items. This encourages larger sales and helps clear inventory.

Promote Your Listings

Mercari allows you to promote items by dropping prices. When you lower the price, buyers who "liked" the item get a notification, which may prompt them to purchase.

Stay Active

Regularly update your listings and add new items. Active sellers tend to get more visibility on the platform.

Provide Excellent Customer Service

Fast shipping, honest descriptions, and prompt communication lead to positive reviews, which attract more buyers.

Experiment with Pricing

If an item isn’t selling, try adjusting the price or refreshing the photos and description.

Follow Trends

Keep an eye on popular categories and seasonal trends. For example, swimsuits sell well in spring, while coats and boots perform better in winter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Poor Quality Photos: Dark or blurry photos can deter buyers.
• Overpricing: Research the market to avoid listing items too high.
• Ignoring Shipping Costs: Be mindful of the package’s weight and size, as this impacts your profits.
• Neglecting Communication: Slow responses can result in missed sales opportunities.
• Misleading Descriptions: Always disclose flaws to avoid disputes and negative feedback.

Selling on Mercari Offers Easy Listing Features & More

Mercari does their best to assist new resellers by offering helpful advice throughout the listing process. They also provide a good price range for your listing. If you want to try the resale business out, Mercari can be a decent place to start, or there are multiple other online marketplaces that offer the same features. Never put all your eggs in one basket. Mercari might not be a good fit for you, or somewhere you want to sell, but give it a try first.

Enjoy How To Sell Things on Mercari for Beginners? Check out our blog, Resale Life: The Stuff Other Resellers Won't Tell You.