Mercari, the popular online marketplace, offers a convenient platform for buying and selling a wide range of items, from second-hand clothes and electronics to video games and more. And now, the long-awaited feature that users have been eagerly anticipating has finally arrived on Mercari - the bundling feature!
In this comprehensive blog post, we will delve into the world of bundling on Mercari, providing valuable insights and tips for both seasoned sellers and newcomers alike. By learning how to bundle your listings effectively, you can boost your sales and enhance the appeal of your items to potential buyers.
So, without further ado, let's explore the exciting world of bundling on Mercari and discover how this feature can take your selling experience to new heights!
What is Bundling on Mercari?
Just like Poshmark's bundle feature, you can easily add up to 10 items from the same seller to your cart on Mercari. This awesome new feature is a win-win for both buyers and sellers. It's super convenient for buyers because they can purchase multiple items they want from the same seller in just one transaction, eliminating the hassle of messaging the seller to create a custom "reserved" listing for them.
And here's the exciting part - sellers can benefit too! Bundling is a smart way to move inventory faster, especially when offering attractive deals with multiple items in one listing. This gives sellers a great chance of increasing their sales and reaching more buyers.
Moreover, bundling also helps with shipping costs. If you're selling items that don't fall into the same category or weight class, then bundling them together can help save on shipping costs since it will be considered one package and shipped for a lower rate than if each item were shipped separately.
However, it's important to note that Mercari doesn't have an automatic bundle creation feature. The process is done manually, where the buyer adds the items they want from a seller to their cart and then checks out or makes an offer.
The Old Way to Bundle on Mercari
Before the introduction of the new feature, the process of creating bundle offers on Mercari was manually done and time-consuming for sellers. Buyers would have to initiate communication if they were interested in multiple items. The buyer would then need to specify the desired items and communicate this via chat to the seller. Any negotiation between the parties would take place within this chat. Once an agreement was reached, the seller was responsible for manually setting up the bundle listing.
This process could involve either altering an existing listing or generating a new one, incorporating images of the products into the updated or new listing, providing a description for each item, adjusting the shipping costs, and then waiting for the buyer to finalize the purchase. While it wasn't mandatory for sellers to follow all these steps, it was considered good practice for seller protection. If a buyer received the bundle and claimed there was an issue without a comprehensive listing as evidence, the seller might be at a disadvantage.
Who Can Send a Bundle Offer?
Unfortunately, on Mercari, only the buyer has the ability to initiate and send a bundle offer. Unlike Poshmark, where the seller has the option to create a bundle for a potential buyer, Mercari currently lacks this feature. However, it is possible that Mercari may consider adding this option for buyers in the near future, providing a more convenient and flexible buying experience.
How Can Buyers Make a Bundle Offer?
To make a bundle, the buyer is required to add at least two (2) items from the same seller into their shopping cart. They can easily view their cart by clicking the above shopping cart icon. Once in the cart, the buyer will be presented with two options: they can either make an offer or proceed to checkout. Making an offer allows for negotiation and potentially obtaining a better price while proceeding to checkout finalizes the purchase.
If the Buyer Chooses to Send an Offer
When you make a bundle offer, the seller will have a 24-hour window to respond. During this time, they can choose to accept, decline, or counter your offer. It's important to note that if any item from the bundle gets sold before the seller responds, your bundle offer will be automatically canceled. However, you have the option to send a revised offer if needed.
Once an offer or counteroffer is accepted, the agreed-upon price will be charged immediately (eBay please take notes!). It's worth mentioning that any item discounts or coupons, including promotional coupons from Mercari, won't be applicable to the bundle if your offer is accepted. This ensures transparency in the pricing and terms of the transaction.
Benefits of Bundling on Mercari
As an active reseller on Mercari, I cannot count the number of times I have been 'ghosted' by potential buyers. It's incredibly frustrating when I create a custom "reserved" listing for them, only to be left waiting with no response. It not only wastes my time but also leaves me feeling disappointed. This is a great chance to clear out stagnant inventory, boost your sell-through rate (STR), and include items that were previously not worth the effort to list.
On the flip side, as a buyer on Mercari, I've encountered countless instances when a seller simply does not respond to any of my messages. It can be frustrating, especially when I come across a few items that I want to purchase, each weighing less than a pound. However, I'm hesitant to proceed with the transactions because I don't want to incur the cost of separate shipping for each item.
You might also be interested in: 10 Great Marketplaces Every Reseller Should Consider
How Shipping Works for Bundled Items
The buyer is responsible for the shipping cost of a bundle unless the seller offers free shipping. As buyers have the flexibility to tailor their bundles, the shipping cost will be determined based on the specific combination of items and will be shown to the buyer during the transaction process. The calculation for the shipping cost of a bundle depends on the total weight of all the items, taking into account the heaviest item in the bundle. Mercari uses the most cost-effective shipping carrier within the anticipated weight category for its prepaid labels.
Important Things You Should Know
If one of the three items in the bundle is not labeled as eligible for free shipping, the buyer will be responsible for paying the shipping cost for the entire bundle. It is worth noting that there have been numerous reports from sellers regarding the discrepancy between the actual weight of the items and the weight reflected on the Mercari prepaid label. In response to this concern, Mercari's customer service has explicitly confirmed that neither the buyer nor the seller will incur any additional shipping charges due to shipping overage by Mercari.
(Image source: Reddit)
I am confident that this will soon change as Mercari diligently addresses any glitches in the newly introduced feature. Mercari aims to provide a seamless experience for its users by continuously improving and fine-tuning the system. In the meantime, I highly recommend weighing and accurately inputting the correct weight for the item to avoid any penalties in the future.
Shipping Protection
The shipping protection provided by Mercari is a valuable feature that ensures the safety of your items during transit. It covers up to $200 on the standard prepaid label, offering peace of mind to both buyers and sellers. What's even better is that this protection extends to bundles as well, allowing you to confidently ship multiple items together.
However, it's important to note that if your bundle exceeds the $200 insurance coverage, I highly recommend taking the extra step of shipping it on your own. By doing so, you have the flexibility to purchase additional insurance protection, safeguarding your valuable items against any unforeseen circumstances.
How Returns Work for Bundled Items on Mercari
When it comes to bundles on Mercari, it's important to note that partial returns are not allowed. This means that if a buyer wants to return an item from a bundle, they will need to return the entire bundle in order to qualify for a refund. To make the process smoother, it is highly recommended to take a photograph of the items included in the package when sending or receiving a bundle. This way, you can easily remember the contents and ensure a seamless transaction.
Who Pays for the Return Shipping?
Once a return is accepted, Mercari offers a complimentary shipping label for the buyer to use. The buyer is then given a period of three calendar days to hand over the item to the specified shipping carrier; failure to do so may result in the return being invalidated. In cases where the shipped item is confirmed by the designated shipping carrier but doesn't reach the seller, the buyer will be reimbursed no later than 15 calendar days from the date of the first scan. However, if the buyer chooses not to use the return label provided by Mercari and the seller has already rated the order, then the buyer will not be eligible for a refund.
Tips to Attract Buyers to Bundling
Since the bundling feature is relatively new to the platform, many buyers may not be aware of this amazing opportunity yet. To help spread the word and raise awareness, consider adding a line in your Mercari listing description to let potential buyers know that you are not only accepting bundle offers, but also offering an irresistible discount on bundles. By doing so, you can attract more attention and entice buyers to take advantage of the incredible savings that come with bundling multiple items together.
Sell the Same Type of Items
The great news is that Mercari does promote the bundling feature. However, it's worth noting that the bundling option becomes available to the buyer only after they have added an item to their cart. This means that if you happen to be a Funko Pop seller, for example, you have a higher chance of enticing buyers to create a bundle compared to sellers who offer a variety of random items. This unique advantage can potentially boost your sales and attract more customers looking for bundled deals.
List $1 Items (shipping not included)
Okay, this may be an unpopular opinion, but bear with me here. I am positive that we all have some items in our inventory that have been delisted and relisted so many times that it's becoming frustrating (guilty!). As a last-minute attempt before that item goes into the donation pile, why not try a different approach? List that item for just $1; yes, you read that right! The goal is not to make a profit from that item but rather to leverage it as a "loss leader" and attract potential buyers who might be interested in other items as well. By offering such a ridiculously low price, you're creating a sense of urgency and curiosity among potential buyers, encouraging them to explore your inventory further.
In conclusion, the benefits of bundling on Mercari are manifold for both buyers and sellers. Buyers get the advantage of cost-effective shopping by saving on shipping costs and enjoying the convenience of purchasing multiple items in one transaction. On the other hand, sellers can boost their sales, increase their profit margins (with a strategy!), and enhance their ratings by offering bundles. However, when it comes to shipping, it's essential to remember that buyers typically bear the shipping costs, which are calculated based on the total weight of the bundle. Sellers should also be mindful of following Mercari's shipping protection guidelines, especially when dealing with high-value bundles, to ensure they're within the allowable limits.
Let me know in the comments below if you are changing up your selling strategy to encourage potential buyers to create a bundle!
Want to know more about Mercari? Check out these articles:
- Is Mercari Legit? 10 Things to Know to Avoid Mercari Scams
- Mastering Mercari in 2023: Is Mercari Safe? Mercari Reviews & More
