Selling On Mercari In 2023: Should You Try The Reselling Business?

Updated On: November 23, 2023

Welcome to my Selling On Mercari review. My goal is to answer common questions like: how much it costs, if it's a scam, and if you can actually make money with it. The end goal is to help you understand if it's a good fit for you personally, and if there are any better alternatives out there.
Mobile Selling App Review

This Selling On Mercari review has been throughly researched with information and testimonials that are available online to anyone in the public. Any conclusions drawn by myself are opinions.

Table of Contents

Program At A Glance

What I liked
A large variety of options
Listings that are simple and require little maintenance
Multiple shipping options 
What I Didn’t Like
The dashboard isn't user-friendly.
Slow sales

Mercari makes it simple to sell and buy online.

You probably have a few items lying around that you’d like to sell if you want to make money.

Putting them up for auction is one option, but thousands, if not millions, of people already do this. As a result, your items will be ignored.

Mercari is one of the best-selling platforms for selling stuff, but you may also find some great deals. The app was created in 2013 and is currently available in the United States and the United Kingdom.

In the absence of the auction component, you can still profit by marketing your goods and making them as cheap as possible.

The Mercari App, like any other money-making app, doesn’t require many resources. You have to download the app and sign up for a free account. To maximize profits from your items, you must take some steps.

Selling On Mercari is a training program that claims to turn you into a 6-figure earner by becoming a “high-ticket closer.”

Simply put, they teach you to do sales for online courses.

To clear the air here, you can, in fact, make 6-figures by doing high ticket sales.

The caveat? You’re essentially trading one job for another.

Competent salespeople will always be a need. And if you’re partnered with a good product to sell, you can earn some good income and work from pretty much anywhere you want.

The major downside here is that this all relies on things going 100% according to plan, i.e., people actually showing up to the phone calls that get booked for you and having the motivation (and financial qualification) to buy from you.

And unless you’re working with the cream-of-the-crop course sellers that REALLY know how to do their marketing and follow-up, this is most likely not going to be the case.

So therein lies my biggest issue with being a “closer”: no matter how much money you may make in one month, you’re entirely at the mercy of another person’s whims in the next month (AKA, your income can always be taken away from you).

The second biggest issue is lead quality. For most online programs, you’re looking at a 60% no-show rate (meaning people don’t show up to the call you have scheduled).

So if you set aside 8 hours for calls, you’ll maybe get to talk to 3-4 people at best. If you factor in only half of the people being financially qualified, you have maybe 2 people that could afford to buy from you (you then, of course, have to actually close them).

Keep in mind, that’s a best-case scenario.

Issue #3: commission rate. Most programs claim you’ll make $1,000+ per day in commissions.

The average commission for a coaching program will be around $500. That means you need to close 2 calls every single day to hit that number.

But if you’re only getting on calls with 2 people that could actually afford to buy from you, you’re going to need to have a 50-100% close rate. And to be frank, if you could do that… you should be selling your own stuff, not someone else’s.

The last issue is going to be consistency. Sales move in cycles; you’ll have high highs and very low lows. If you can deal with that emotional rollercoaster, then this one isn’t necessarily an issue for you.

If you’ve read some of my other articles, you’ll know that I recommend building a consistent, recurring income stream that comes in every single month.

What if you could build something that was mostly passive?

A reliable business that doesn’t require:

  • Talking all day on your phone
  • Wasting your life away with high no-show rates
  • Trading time for money
  • Living at the mercy of someone else’s decisions

An income stream that could drive consistent checks (anywhere from $500-$2,000 each) every single month, almost on autopilot?

One that you could build in your spare time, make as much (or as little) as you want to, and not have your head glued to a cell phone all day?

If that sounds interesting, you might want to look into using the Digital Rental Method

For the others, let’s get on with the review for Selling On Mercari.

What Is Mercari?

What Is Mercari

Mercari is an excellent online marketplace where you can buy and sell almost anything that can be shipped. Additionally, it’s an online marketplace where most products on Mercari sell within a few days after being listed.

This app differs from others in that sellers must ship their products to customers. Because Mercari handles all payments, there is less chance of either party being taken advantage of.

For each transaction, the platform does an identification verification and review to ensure that all parties are well-informed.

Mercari charges 10% of the sale price, and you may be charged additional fees; however, I’ll discuss this later.

With Mercari, I found it easy to see exactly how much money I’d make from a sale before the transaction even began.

How Do You Sell On Mercari?

How to Sell On Mercari

On Mercari, there are a few steps you must take either online or in the app to be able to sell your items. The entire process is outlined in the following steps:

Establish A Mercari Account

Establish An Account And Bundle Items

Sign up for a Mercari account. When you sign up, click your image at the top of the screen to view your profile.

There are many details on your profile. Like who is following you. Coupons and a “trust and verification” bar are also additional features.

This shows how much personal data you’ve given Mercari (some of which is optional). If you provide three different forms of identification, a purple shield will appear next to your name.

With a government ID, you can also obtain your money faster. But more on that later!

Customize personal and item preferences on your profile page.

On the site, you can view recent sales and popular items. A “trending” category appears. They exist to entice you to buy, but they can also inform you as a vendor. The more popular an item or genre, the faster it will sell.

You can also browse the platform for pricing ideas. Any item marked with a truck icon offers free shipping.

Create A Listing

Create A Listing

To add an item to your catalog for sale, click the orange “sell” icon on the Mercari app or website.

Add the listing info. Start by sending pictures of your item.

If the product has been used, make it appear new to attract buyers. When taking photos, adjust the lighting so that viewers can see the item properly.

Enter the item’s title, description, category, brand, size, and condition after uploading your images. Some fields might be auto-filled, but you can change them.

If a field is incorrect, you can keep updating the post.

You can then modify the shipping options for the item. Mercari computes shipping prices based on your other inputs when you enter your ZIP code. To get the estimate, click the “Nationwide Shipping” option under “Delivery.”

Mercari suggests a shipping label at the top of this page. Review the label before deciding to offer free shipping.

Free Shipping

It’s a tough call. To attract customers, you may need to reduce the price of the goods. So, if you’re going to provide free delivery, factor it into your sale price!

Mercari then requests a prepaid label with $200 shipping insurance. You can still file a claim if the item is lost or damaged in transit. The postage will reduce your sale.

Then enter the item’s weight (including packing). You can also enter the package’s dimensions. Check out this page for complete shipping instructions.

Choose “Calculate Shipping” for the best pricing. Click “Find” to find the nearest shipper. After making your choices, save them.

Now to set the price: Mercari may suggest a scale of a reasonable price for your item or manually set the price.

After setting the price, you can enable “Smart Pricing.” The site will notify potential buyers (those who “liked” your item) when the price changes, according to Mercari.

Set a floor price for Smart Pricing by leaving it on. You can later disable Smart Pricing. After selecting a price, click “Save.”

The fees and possible revenues are listed below the price you set. Remember that if you use Smart Pricing and Mercari decreases the cost, you lose money.

There is no charge to list an item. However, Mercari takes 10% of the sale price. Remember that 10% so you charge enough to make an effort worthwhile.

You’ll notice the selling fee, shipping fee, and if you used the Mercari shipping label. The last figure is your profit if the item sells at your pricing. Once you’re happy, click “List.”

Wait For Buyers

Wait For Buyers

All you have to do now is wait for a potential buyer. If your preferences remain unchanged, you will continue to get notifications whenever someone “likes,” “offers,” or messages your item.

You may easily modify your notification settings if you don’t want to see anything outside the app. You have the option of receiving notifications through email or a mobile device.

You can see how many views and likes each item has received under the listing. Before the item is sold, you can also change the listing.

By lowering the original price, you can attract buyers who have been waiting for a while to save money. Many other platforms will charge you to promote your business. Just lower the price points using Mercari, and avoid paying a fee.

You can make your promotion public or only available to those who like it. In either case, those who “like” the post will be notified, leading to sales.

You can also get offers from other people and see how much money you’d make if you accepted the offer. Offers expire in just one day, and you have three options: decline, counter, or accept.

Ship The Item

Ship The Item

Mercari will instantly mark your item as “sold” in the app if your item sells.

The Buyer Protection Guarantee does not cover sales made through Mercari.

Pack carefully and protect breakables with cushions. Shipping must be done within three days.

Then, on the app or in the sale confirmation email, select “Create Shipping Label” or “Print Shipping Label.”

To ship it, simply print the label, attach it to the box, and mail it. Substantial under-weighting may result in additional postage.

If you are mailing the item yourself, you must give Mercari the tracking information.

Send the item and wait for payment! And don’t worry, you can track it via the app.

When the item comes, the customer has three days to inspect it and assess you as a vendor. Buyers will use these ratings to determine your credibility.

Suppose the customer doesn’t rate you or doesn’t return the item within three days. In that case, Mercari automatically gives you a five-star rating.

Get Your Money

Get Your Money

After the review period or the three-day timeframe, the sale proceeds should be credited to your account.

Avoid spending your balance on Mercari’s platform and conserve your money! In the Mercari app, you can establish earnings targets.

Your balance is on your profile. Click it to see your sales earnings, deposit history, and cash out.

For cash, click “Transfer” under the balance. You can pay by direct deposit or quick pay.

Direct deposit requests under $10 and fast pay requests are a $2 flat fee. Direct deposit requests over $10 are free. However, the funds may take a few business days to appear in your account.

Instant pay is only available with a validated government ID.

Mercari Is Your Marketplace

Mercari Your Marketplace

It’s the ideal spot to declutter or find a fresh style, and it’s almost as good as discovering a new favorite hobby.

The Mercari team is continually looking for innovative methods to make selling easier, which means in-home pickup, same-day delivery, and a personalized shopping list.

Want to sell or buy on Mercari? This is how it works.

Selling On Mercari

Selling On Mercari

Mercari is a great place to sell your unwanted items, whether trying to clear up some space or make some extra cash. We recommend opting into messages from the Mercari team to stay up-to-date on your listings and orders.

What You Can Sell

What You Can Sell

Almost anything that can ship can be listed. Check out their Prohibited Items list to find out what they don’t allow in the marketplace.

Starting A Listing

Start A Listing

It’s easy to list: take images, write a description, and name your brand.

Taking great photos

  • Use natural light to capture the item’s hue.
  • Make the first photo your finest – shoppers will see it.

Defining the item

  • Include the item’s condition, color, size, category, and any defects.
  • If you know the brand name, add it.

Right pricing

  • Examine similar sold items to see how much yours might sell.
  • From the listing page, enable Smart Pricing. Just set a starting and ending price, and we’ll adjust based on market demand.

Picking A Shipping Option

Picking A Shipping Option

They recommend a shipping weight and the cheapest transportation choice for each item. You can cover delivery or let the consumer pay at checkout.

There is a set price of $20 for all 50 states for Mercari labeling. You’ll also save 30% off retail prices.

You have options when delivering huge, bulky, or fragile items.

Your Item Sold. What’s Next?

Whats Next After Sold Items

Then they’ll email you your Mercari pre-paid label. The customer expects the item within 3 business days.

Mercari Tips: Weigh the item while it’s still in its box. Shipping fees depend on package size and weight.

  1. Package with care: Carefully pack the item for safe delivery and attach the tracking number shipping label. You can also see Mercari’s packaging recommendations for the best advice.
  2. 3 business day delivery: If you opt to ship your own package, include a tracking number and shipping information. However, you must ship within 3 days and give a valid tracking number if you are mailing alone.
  3. Confirm delivery: Notify the buyer if there is a delay. Then tap “I’ve shipped it” from your Order Status page.

Getting Paid

Getting Paid

The buyer has 3 days to open the product and rate the transaction. They can contact Mercari via the assistance center if they have any concerns.

The buyer will be reminded to rate you. If they don’t respond after 3 days, Mercari automatically gives you a 5-star rating, and you’ll be paid!

With Instant Pay, you may pay out in minutes. You can also arrange a direct deposit from your balance page if you don’t mind waiting.

Go to Profile> Balance to see your balance.

You’ll need the following items for Instant Pay:

  • A valid debit card
  • A valid government-issued ID
  • An ID Check badge

Please keep in mind that Instant Pay is only available in the most recent version of the Mercari app.

You’ll need the following items to cash out:

  • A current bank account in the name of the account holder
  • A checking account number
  • A routing number

Shopping On Mercari

Shopping On Mercari

Mercari’s marketplace has thousands of offers on your favorite brands. They offer new kitchenware, outdoor activities, and more.

Finding That Perfect Thing

Browse hundreds of things on the marketplace by brand or keyword. Save your searches, and they’ll notify you of new listings.

If you like something, you can contact the vendor for more information.

Like an item to get notified if the price reduces, it’ll also add items to your “Likes” area in the app.

Purchasing An Item

Purchasing An Item

Have you found it? Add it to your cart to pay in one go. Make an offer to the vendor if you want a better deal.

Orders must be shipped within 3 business days.

Buyer Protection

To receive a refund, your order must match the description.

Accepted Payment Methods

They accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Apple Pay. You can also pay in full or partial with Mercari credit or your Mercari balance.

Mercari currently does not accept payment methods issued outside of the US.

My Mercari Review

Mercari Review Conclusion

Generally, many people liked selling on Mercari. The app’s information is thorough and simple to understand.

The app’s functionality that lets you set an earnings goal is great. Setting goals and monitoring progress are easy.

You can also advertise your products for free on Mercari. You also receive emails and notifications to assist you in performing your duties as a seller.

The tracking feature of the app assured me throughout the delivery process.

While choosing items, take into account the 10% selling fee, the shipping label cost, and potential cash transfer fees. Selling $10 and transferring by direct deposit will save you the transfer fee.

There was no immediate gratification in making a deal and getting paid. Still, you didn’t have to meet anyone or arrange payment. The only disadvantage is that you are giving a stranger your address.

Read Our In Depth Breakdown Of The Top 5 Start BusinessOpp Courses For 2024

Did Selling On Mercari Make The List?

Mercari is a terrific way to generate extra money online because it simplifies the selling process.

List your items on numerous channels like Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp to increase your chances of selling rapidly. Once an item sells, remove it from all of your marketplace profiles.

Are There Any Alternatives To Mercari?

Alternatives

Yes, there are plenty of other online business models to choose from if you want to pursue making money online. Here are just a few:

Is Mercari A Scam?

Is It A Scam

Time for the $1,000,000 question: is Mercari a scam?

No, it’s not a “scam,” technically speaking. You can 100% make money with Mercari, and to be honest, if you’re already stuck trading your time for money in some 9-5, it’s not a bad gig.

The thing to keep in mind is that you are NOT creating a lasting business. You’re changing jobs. You’re not going to have the luxury of sippin’ coconuts on the beach because you will always be trading your time for money.

That doesn’t mean Selling On Mercari is bad. You just need to be realistic with what you’re buying.

If half of your day is spent twiddling your thumbs because your scheduled call didn’t pick up, you could easily have spent that time building a reliable recurring income stream.

Wouldn’t you rather spend a few hours of your free time each day to generate a $500-$2,000 check that would continue to come in month after month?

And what if you could get that first payment within a week?

And what if you could double or triple it by the end of that month?

Well, that’s what’s possible when you become a Digital Landlord

All you need is a laptop and some internet.

Some of my friends are Digital Rental Method that run their 6-figure businesses from:

  • Camping trips at national parks
  • Beachfront in Hawaii
  • On the road in a camper van (with a pet pig!)

They focus on living an enjoyable life first, and focus on income second. All thanks to this program

They can take weeks or months off, and money keeps rolling in.

Living happily is the top priority.

If the thought of living perpetually at your dream vacation spot interests you, using the Digital Rental Method might be for you!

What Is My Top Recommendation For Making Money Online In 2022?

Make Money Online With Digital Landlord

I’ve personally tried all of the major online business models:

  • I’ve sold high-ticket coaching programs
  • I’ve sold fidget spinners through Amazon FBA
  • I’ve dropshipped a toilet bowl putting green on Shopify
  • I’ve sold women’s health supplements via Clickbank affiliate marketing

And I made money with all of them, so trust me when I say: there is no “perfect” business model.

That being said, my #1 recommendation for making real money online is, hands-down: being a Digital Landlord

Whether you’re a complete newbie or you’ve been around the block before but have never had that “big win” to propel you forward, using the Digital Rental Method is for you.

Why?

Time commitment: If you have an hour or two per day, you can do this. Even if you want to drop everything and commit fully, that works too.

You don’t have to be constantly working to make money. The income you generate is recurring.

Imagine taking off for a month to places like Hawaii, Paris, National Parks, & other spots people only dream about – all while collecting dozens of little $500-$2,000 checks. It’s like a dream come true.

But it’s only possible to do it when you’ve separated your income from your time.

Complete control: When you work as a salesperson, you don’t own or control a thing. You can’t even decide what type of leads you get, how many you get, or how much you get paid for them.
When you own and control Digital Rental Properties, YOU own the assets, which means YOU are in control.

It’s Effectively Copy-Paste: Here’s my favorite part: once you have your first Digital Rental Property up, you can literally copy-paste another version of it and find another willing “renter” in a few days. DOUBLING your income doesn’t get much easier than that…

If you wanted to double your income with high ticket sales, you would need to work double the hours or double your close rate. And I can guarantee you that’s a lot harder than a few clicks & a phone call.

You’re Helping REAL People: My biggest gripe with high ticket sales is that it’s just another job.

But With the Digital Rental Method, you’re building a lasting business by helping solve REAL problems that people are ASKING for help with:

Small local businesses around the world need one thing: customers. Without them, their business would fall apart. If you can provide those customers, they’re going to be really happy – and they’re going to pay you for it.

You’re helping a struggling mother or father put food on the table for their families, put their kids through college, or simply live life a little bit more comfortably.

Having this type of impact on the world is what will help you sleep soundly at night.

So, the rest is up to you. You could keep looking at other high ticket sales programs like selling on Mercari, which might work out.

You could keep researching and researching for the next few months (or few years), never making a concrete decision.

OR, you can look deep inside, think about those dreams, hopes, & desires, and make the decision to ACTUALLY make it happen, just like it has for thousands of other students before you.

Making a fortune while actually helping real people that need it.

If this sounds like you, click here to see how it all works.

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