Wondering, 'Is Mercari legit?' Understanding Mercari's legitimacy and identifying potential scams is essential for anyone looking to sell on the platform. Whether you aim to make extra cash by decluttering or become a full-time reseller, Mercari is one of the most popular marketplaces for online selling?
In this article, we'll explore Mercari's reliability, how the platform has grown, and the key safety measures sellers should know to avoid scams.
📹 Prefer watching to reading? Check out our full YouTube video here.
Main Takeaways:
- Mercari is a legitimate, user-friendly platform with buyer protections in place to reduce risks.
- Stay cautious of common scams by keeping communication on-platform and reporting suspicious activity.
- Mercari’s refund policy covers non-delivery and misrepresented items, offering peace of mind to buyers.
- Quality photos, detailed descriptions, and competitive pricing help boost sales success on Mercari.
- Vendoo’s cross-listing tool streamlines selling on Mercari and other platforms, increasing your exposure and efficiency.
The Rise of Mercari: A Trusted Resale Platform
Mercari US, a dynamic subsidiary of Mercari Inc., a Japanese e-commerce powerhouse established in 2013, has witnessed remarkable growth since its launch.
Originally gaining immense popularity in Japan, Mercari achieved the distinguished status of being the first pre-IPO startup unicorn in the country, boasting a valuation exceeding $1 billion.
Expanding its horizons, Mercari entered the United States market in 2014 and has become one of the most well-known and lucrative resale marketplaces in the United States.
Mercari Offers Same-Day Local Delivery in Partnership with Uber and Doordash
Innovating further, Mercari stands out as the exclusive selling platform in the United States, offering a groundbreaking local delivery service. Launched in 2021, this service, in collaboration with Uber, FedEx SameDay, City, Dolly, and DoorDash, provides a unique solution for local sales: A designated driver picks up items from the seller, ensuring delivery to the buyer on the same day. This innovative approach is particularly advantageous for the shipment of bulky items like coffee machines and printers.
Mercari even extends this service to deliver furniture in select cities, offering unparalleled convenience in the e-commerce landscape.
Mercari's commitment to growth, innovation, and user-friendly services positions it as a standout choice in the competitive resale platform arena.
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Is Mercari Legit?
Yes! Mercari is a legitimate platform for buying and selling. In fact, it is one of the most popular among Vendoo users. Mercari has been around since 2013. It launched in Japan and quickly came to the United States, becoming a buyer and seller favorite.
Mercari is a great marketplace with expansive selling categories, ease of use, and a straightforward shipping process!
You might also be interested in the article: How to Sell on Mercari.
Is Mercari a Safe Online Marketplace? Transaction Security
Yes! Mercari is a safe marketplace for buying and selling.
Understanding how Mercari generates revenue sheds light on the platform's commitment to successful transactions. Mercari's financial success hinges on the completion of successful sales. Every Mercari transaction is subject to a Mercari selling (commission) and payment processing fees. The buyer now pays for both of these. Mercari also makes money when sellers withdraw their funds. Essentially, Mercari has a vested interest in curbing fraudulent activities, as its profitability aligns with the success of legitimate transactions.
Mercari Safety Measures:
- Account verification: Most platforms require some form of verification, like email, phone number, bank account, and tax information, to create an account. Mercari goes further with ID verification for sellers, offering a "verified" badge for added trust. This reduces fraud and scams in the marketplace.
- Payment protection: Most platforms hold funds until the buyer confirms satisfaction, protecting both parties. Mercari releases funds upon delivery confirmation or within three days if the buyer fails to acknowledge receipt.
- Dispute resolution: All platforms have processes to mediate disputes between buyers and sellers. Mercari has dedicated teams for this.
- Buyer/seller ratings and reviews: Most platforms have reviews, but you must rate your buyer to retrieve your funds as a seller on Mercari.
- Community guidelines: All platforms have rules prohibiting scams, fraud, and other harmful behavior. Mercari actively monitors and enforces these.
💡Tip: Do not use stock images on Mercari. This is against community guidelines, and your account will likely be suspended.
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Mercari's Buyer Protection and Refund Policies
Mercari offers strong buyer protection, ensuring secure transactions by withholding payment to the seller until the item is delivered and confirmed to match the listing description. If the item is not as described, buyers can request a full refund within three days of receiving it.
Refunds are granted under specific conditions, such as receiving an item that is damaged, incorrect, or counterfeit, and in cases where the item is never shipped. Mercari also protects delayed shipments—if tracking is not updated for seven or more days, buyers can cancel the transaction and request a refund.
However, Mercari does not approve refunds for buyer's remorse, sizing issues, accurately described items, requests made after the 3-day window, or off-platform transactions. Understanding these policies empowers buyers to navigate Mercari confidently and securely.
💡Tip: If a buyer opens up a claim on Mercari, you will be notified and allowed to provide Mercari with additional information. Unlike other marketplaces, you won’t be able to communicate with the buyer directly.
How Can I Get a Refund on Mercari?
Let's delve into the qualifying conditions for a return or refund, which include:
- “Item Not As Described,” including undisclosed damage, receiving the wrong item, or a non-authentic item.
- “Item Not Received,” instances where the seller fails to ship the item entirely.
An additional layer of protection revolves around late shipments. While Mercari recommends a shipping timeframe of three (3) business days from purchase, unlike eBay, this is not strictly enforced. However, if a tracking number goes un-updated for seven (7) days or more, buyers hold the right to request a cancellation and refund, providing a safety net for delayed deliveries.
Conversely, Mercari will deny return requests for buyer's remorse, sizing issues, accurately described items, requests made beyond the 3-day window, or transactions conducted off the marketplace.
Empowering yourself as a buyer involves mastering these nuances of Mercari's protection policies, ensuring a confident and secure online shopping experience.
💡 Tip: Use Mercari prepaid labels for shipping so your parcels are eligible for Mercari Protection and include insurance. If you ship on your own, you’re only protected to the extent that the package or service is insured.
Can You Get a Refund from Mercari if Scammed?
Yes, Mercari has a buyer protection policy in place to help you secure a refund if you’re scammed or receive an item that isn’t as described. While scams are rare on the platform, Mercari takes these incidents seriously and offers a structured process to protect buyers.
Here’s how Mercari’s refund policy works in cases of scams or misrepresented items:
- Report Quickly: Report issues within 3 days of delivery.
- Request a Refund: Go to your order, select “Return/Refund,” and include photos and a description of the issue.
- Qualifying Issues: Refunds are generally approved if the item is misrepresented, counterfeit, or damaged.
- Mercari’s Review: Mercari reviews the case and if eligible, refunds your payment.
Most Common Scams Mercari Buyers and Sellers Face
While most buyers will not be scammers, scammers gonna’ scam.
Scammers target peer-to-peer marketplaces as they know that they are speaking with one person. New and inexperienced sellers are particularly vulnerable to scams.
You might be thinking, “Who falls for these?” The answer is that tons of people are scammed on marketplaces every day. Some people are certainly more gullible than others, but scammers are also skillful at how they trick, fool, and manipulate sellers.
Beware of These Common Mercari Scams
Read this list carefully, and be sure to protect yourself against fraudulent activity that will waste your time, compromise your personal information, jeopardize your selling account, threaten your bank account, and put your safety at risk.
Transactions Outside of Mercari
This scam occurs when someone asks you to communicate with them off of the marketplace ⚠️
This is the most common scam on peer-to-peer marketplaces. You have probably received a comment or message like this when you list a brand-new item for sale.
Scammers will ask you to contact them via email, phone, WhatsApp, or social media; the purpose is for them to get you to contact them privately so they can attempt fraudulent activity.
Mercari quickly deletes fraudulent accounts, so scammers are racing against the clock to initiate contact with you privately.
Similarly, Mercari has safeguards in place that do not allow users to exchange information that suggests transactions outside of Mercari. Because scammers generally cannot exchange words and phrases that contain personal information or payment processing, the scammers want to entice you to leave the app for unmonitored conversation.
💡Tip: Never take conversations or transactions off the marketplace where you sell. Not only is it against the TOS, you risk your account, but you risk getting scammed.
Unfortunately, I have seen vulnerable sellers be scammed out of hundreds of dollars as a victim of this common scam.
Counterfeit Items
This scam happens when you purchase a designer or luxury item and receive a fake replica. ⚠️
Counterfeit goods can sometimes be listed on Mercari, misrepresented as authentic items. Sellers may use vague descriptions or photos that hide characteristics, so it’s essential to stay vigilant, especially with high-value items.
Here are a few ways to verify authenticity before purchasing:
- Check Seller Reviews: Look for sellers with high ratings and positive feedback on previous high-value sales.
- Request More Photos: Ask for additional close-up photos of brand labels, serial numbers, or unique identifiers.
- Authenticate: Mercari has an authentication program for qualifying items. If it is available on an item, you can “request authentication” from Mercari for a small fee. For items that do not qualify, you can use third-party Authentication Services.
Following these steps can help ensure a safer shopping experience and prevent the purchase of counterfeit items.
Switching Scams
This scam happens when a buyer purchases an item, swaps it out, and opens a claim that the item was “not as described.” ⚠️
To be clear, a buyer, in this instance, will purchase an item from you that they already own but in worse (or fake) condition. Then, they will claim that they received your item damaged and use the item that they already owned as “evidence” to conduct a scam.
This occurs occasionally with luxury items. Here is how it happens:
- Buyer purchases a designer bag.
- The buyer opens up a dispute with Mercari and claims it is damaged or inauthentic.
- Buyer then takes pictures of a different (fake or damaged) bag to use as “evidence.” The buyer lies and says you sent them this bag.
This is a tricky scam, as it becomes a he-said-she-said between the seller and buyer.
Unfortunately, if you do not have proof of the item you sent and its condition, Mercari does not have much of a choice but to believe the buyer. 😢 Mercari cannot just assume that the buyer is the scammer. Sellers can be scammers, too.
Some marketplaces handle this better than others, but there is no true way to prevent this scam.
💡Tip: As a habit, I photograph all items before shipment with the shipping label and a piece of paper with the buyer’s name and date. I also photograph all angles and tags to have photographic evidence of the condition in which the item was sent. This probably takes more time than it is worth, as scamming is fairly rare, but it has protected me against scams on Mercari, eBay, Depop, Etsy, and Poshmark.
Unfortunately, without proof of what you sent, the scammer might succeed. You might try to zealously pursue justice, and Mercari might protect you and refund the sale price, but it is an uphill battle that leaves legal recourse as your only choice. Unfortunately, Legal recourse is likely to be more costly than the amount you were scammed for.
Unfortunately, fraud and theft are part of business, and dishonest criminals are out there. Please do not be unnecessarily worried or suppose that every buyer is a scammer. It is not as common as you think. Most buyers buy your items because they want them!
Non-Delivery Scam
In a non-delivery scam, a seller takes payment but never ships the item, leaving the buyer without their purchase. ⚠️
Fortunately, Mercari has protections in place to help prevent this. Sellers must use a Mercari shipping label or provide Mercari with a tracking number if they opt for independent shipping. If tracking isn’t provided after ten days or the item doesn’t arrive, Mercari’s buyer protection policy allows you to request a refund, adding an extra layer of security against non-delivery scams.
False Claims for Refunds
In this scam, a buyer attempts to falsely claim an item was misrepresented to secure a refund. ⚠️
For instance, a buyer might claim the item was inaccurately described or had undisclosed damage, even if it matched the listing perfectly. These tactics can lead to disputes and potential seller losses, as platforms often require solid evidence to counter such claims.
To protect against these scenarios, detailed listings and clear communication are crucial. Here's why:
- Accurate Descriptions: Provide precise, honest descriptions covering all aspects of the item—size, color, condition, flaws, and unique features. Including these details helps set clear buyer expectations and minimizes misrepresentation claims.
- Quality Photos: High-quality, well-lit photos from multiple angles help illustrate the item’s true condition. Including close-ups of any imperfections shows transparency, reducing the chances of a buyer claiming the item was inaccurately represented.
- Shipping Documentation: Tracked and insured shipping is essential, particularly for valuable items. Keep records of shipping confirmation, tracking updates, and delivery confirmation to dispute any non-receipt claims.
- Clear Communication: Responding to buyer questions and clarifying item details before purchase can prevent misunderstandings. Transparent communication builds trust and makes it harder for dishonest buyers to argue the item was misrepresented.
By combining accurate listings with careful documentation and open communication, sellers can reduce the risk of false refund claims, protecting their reputation and revenue.
Phishing Scams
Phishing scams occur when scammers pose as official Mercari representatives to steal personal information or payment details. ⚠️
These scams often appear in emails or messages that look legitimate but may contain suspicious links or requests for sensitive information.
To stay safe, be cautious of any unusual emails or messages. Always verify the authenticity of communications by checking the sender’s email address and avoiding links in suspicious messages. Sometimes scammers make emails appear just like real emails from Mercari. When in doubt, contact Mercari directly through the app or website to confirm if a message is genuine.
Want to learn more about the most common e-commerce scams? Check out the article Beware of These Depop Scams! Protect Yourself as a Depop Seller!
Reviews from Mercari Users
Here are some reviews from buyers and sellers that we found online:
Here’s a snapshot of what real Mercari users are saying about their experiences on the platform, showcasing both positive feedback and constructive critiques:
- No Selling Fees: Tons of Mercari sellers expressed how much they love no selling fees, allowing them to maximize their profits! On the flip side, there are some complaints online about buyer fees.
- Positive Experience with Buyer Protection: One Mercari buyer and seller explained: “I’ve had a great experience on Mercari as both a buyer and a seller. The buyer protection gives me peace of mind, and the platform makes it easy to list items. When I did encounter an issue, customer service was quick to help.” — Trustpilot
- Smooth Selling Process: Another review stated, “Mercari is my go-to for selling! The listing process is simple, and I like that they handle the shipping options for you. I’ve had smooth transactions, and I appreciate the easy access to shipping labels.” — Sitejabber
- Critique on Customer Service Response: An angry Mercari user explained, “Mercari is a decent platform, but customer service can be slow to respond. I had an issue with a buyer that took days to resolve. When they did reply, they were helpful, but faster responses would improve the experience.” — Trustpilot
- Mixed Feelings About Fees and Returns: Another review stated, “Mercari is mostly good, but the fees can add up, and sometimes returns are difficult to handle. It’s fine for buying and selling small items, but high-value sales need more protections.” — Sitejabber
These reviews highlight Mercari’s legitimacy as a platform with positive features like buyer protection and ease of use while also noting areas for improvement, such as response times and handling high-value transactions.
👀Did you know that Mercari is one of the top 5 reselling marketplaces for Vendoo users?
10 Tips to Avoid Scams on Mercari
Peer-to-peer marketplaces like Mercari can be prime targets for scammers, as they often deal directly with individual users. New and inexperienced sellers are especially vulnerable to these tactics. While some people may be more susceptible, scammers are highly skilled at deceiving both buyers and sellers.
To help protect yourself, here are some tips to avoid common scams on Mercari:
Keep All Transactions on Mercari
One of the most effective ways to avoid scams is to keep all transactions within the Mercari platform. Most fraudulent activities occur when users are lured into completing transactions off-platform, often in an attempt to avoid fees or gain quicker payment. This practice voids Mercari's protections and can lead to account suspension or a permanent ban.
Additionally, taking the transaction off-platform eliminates the option of refunds, buyer protection, and dispute resolution, leaving both buyers and sellers vulnerable. Always use Mercari's built-in payment and messaging systems to ensure a safe and secure transaction.
Practice Common Sense & Due Diligence
Avoiding scams on Mercari often comes down to using common sense and practicing due diligence. A significant risk is sharing personal information, such as your phone number or email, with buyers or sellers, as scammers may use this to exploit you.
It's also important to be cautious when purchasing items without clear, real photos or proof that the seller owns them. Requesting additional photos or details can help ensure the legitimacy of the listing and protect you from potential scams.
Get Your Profile Verified
If you are a Mercari seller, it is recommended that you get your profile verified. If you’re a buyer, you might check if the sellers you purchase with have verified accounts.
Here is what a verified account looks like:
Tips and Tricks to Guard Against Scams on Mercari
In the digital marketplace landscape, ensuring the security of your Mercari account is crucial. Here are some essential tips and tricks to safeguard your Mercari experience, helping you to avoid common scams. From the importance of verifying seller badges and reviews to the advantages of keeping transactions within the Mercari platform, we'll delve into actionable insights to fortify your online presence and make your Mercari journey not just convenient but also secure
Mercari isn't just safe; it's designed with transparency in mind. Detailed seller reviews, clear listing descriptions, and buyer protection policies all contribute to a trustworthy experience, allowing you to shop (and sell) with confidence.
Mercari Profile Verification
If you are a Mercari seller, it is recommended that you get your profile verified. If you’re a buyer, you might check if the sellers you purchase with have verified accounts.
Here is what a verified account looks like:
Although sellers are not required to get their profile verified, it is in their best interest to do so. To earn the profile verification badge, a seller must verify their email, SMS, and government ID. Of course, this badge does not prevent fraud, but it does help to reduce it.
Look For Mercari Seller Badges
Mercari offers various badges to allow buyers to shop with confidence.
There are three (3) badges that you should look for in a seller's profile:
- Fast Responder badge: this seller responds to messages in an average of 12 hours.
- Quick Shipper badge: this seller ships off items within 24 hours, not including weekends or holidays. This metric is based on when a carrier scans the shipping label.
- Reliable badge: this seller rarely cancels a transaction.
Again, these badges do not stop fraud, but they do help to reduce it. If a seller has performed at this level, they are more likely to be a legitimate seller.
Use Buyer and Seller Ratings to Evaluate Risk
Before finalizing a transaction on Mercari, check the buyer or seller's ratings and feedback. Consistently high ratings suggest reliability, while repeated negative reviews or low scores can signal potential problems like poor communication or misrepresented items. Focusing on users with solid ratings reduces the chance of encountering issues or scams.
Leverage Mercari Authenticate
Mercari offers authentication for some high-value items. Certain luxury items qualify for Mercari Authenticate, such as wallets, eyewear, handbags, jewelry, and watches. The seller pays for the item to get the item authenticated by an independent third party that will carefully inspect photos of the items.
You will know an item has passed the authentication process when it has a diamond logo on the listing. This helps buyers to shop with confidence.
Provide Detailed Descriptions and Photos
Creating detailed and accurate listings on Mercari is crucial for building trust with potential buyers. The more information you provide about the item, including its condition, size, color, and imperfections, the more confident buyers will feel in purchasing. High-quality photos from multiple angles are equally important, as they offer transparency and assure buyers that your listing is legitimate.
Additionally, detailed descriptions and photos protect you in the event of a dispute, as they serve as evidence if a buyer falsely claims the item was misrepresented or attempts a return scam. Clear, thorough listings not only attract more buyers but also safeguard your transactions.
💡 Tip: Before you ship an item, take pictures of your item with the shipping label present. Be sure to photograph all angles thoroughly to show the condition and include any special markings or serial numbers of the item. This might help to prevent buyers from claiming an item was not as described or performing a “switch” where they try to return a different item than they received.
Use Mercari's Prepaid Label or Purchase Insurance
Choosing the right shipping options is essential, especially for high-value items. Mercari offers up to $200 in shipping insurance when you purchase a prepaid label directly through the platform, giving you added protection in case of loss or damage during transit.
For even more security, consider adding signature delivery confirmation, which ensures that the buyer must physically receive and sign for the package. This not only reduces the risk of disputes but also provides an extra layer of confidence for both parties in the transaction.
Avoid Requests for Off-Platform Communication
It’s essential to keep all communication and transactions within Mercari’s platform. Scammers may try to move conversations to email, text, or other apps, which removes Mercari’s protections and can expose you to fraud. To stay safe, always use Mercari’s messaging and payment systems—this way, any issues that arise are documented and protected by Mercari’s policies.
Report Suspicious Activity Immediately
If you encounter suspicious listings, messages, or transactions, report them to Mercari immediately. Prompt reporting helps prevent further scams, allowing Mercari to protect other users on the platform. By staying vigilant, you’re contributing to a safer community for everyone.
Want to crosslist your inventory to Mercari?
How to Start Selling on Mercari
Starting to sell on Mercari is simple, making it a fantastic choice for new sellers looking to earn extra income. Its user-friendly setup and flexible options, Mercari allow anyone to begin selling easily. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:
- Create an Account
Begin by downloading the Mercari app or visiting the website to sign up. You’ll be prompted to enter basic information, and completing account verification helps build trust with buyers. - Set Up Your Payment Method
Link a bank account or debit card to your Mercari account to streamline payment processing. This ensures that you can receive payments directly and without delays once your items sell. - List Your Items
Take clear, high-quality photos showcasing your items, and write detailed descriptions highlighting any features or flaws. Setting a competitive price can help your items attract more buyers. - Manage Your Listings
Stay active on the platform by responding to buyer questions, handling offers, and keeping your listings current. Regular interaction and updates show buyers you’re engaged and ready to make a sale.
Following these steps will set you up for a smooth selling experience on Mercari. Happy selling!
For more information about how to master Mercari, check out the article How to Sell on Mercari: Become an Expert in 9 Steps
Sell on Mercari and Other Online Marketplaces with Vendoo
Mercari is a trusted and legitimate platform, popular for its buyer protection features and ease of use. With safeguards in place, Mercari helps protect buyers against scams and misrepresented items, making it a safe choice for both new and experienced users. However, staying aware of common scams and following safe practices—like keeping communication on-platform and reporting suspicious activity—is key to a secure experience.
Vendoo offers powerful cross-listing capabilities for sellers looking to expand that simplify managing listings across Mercari and multiple platforms. By using Vendoo, sellers can streamline their processes, reach a wider audience, and increase their chances of making sales—all while managing everything in one place. Whether you’re just starting or a seasoned seller, Vendoo is the ideal tool to help boost your success on Mercari and beyond.
Want to share your own experiences with Mercari? Let us know in the comments below! 👇🏽
