Deciding between Mercari and eBay as your go-to selling platform can feel overwhelming, especially since both offer unique advantages. Whether you're a seasoned reseller or just starting out, choosing the right marketplace is crucial to your success.
Mercari is known for its simplicity and diverse audience, while eBay boasts a massive global audience and advanced selling tools.
So, which platform will help you reach your goals in 2024? Let’s dive into the key differences between Mercari and eBay to help you decide which one suits your business best.
👀 Did you know that eBay and Mercari are both top-selling marketplaces for Vendoo sellers?
Key Takeaways:
- Mercari is Simple and User-Friendly
Mercari’s simple design and straightforward listing process make it great for casual sellers. - eBay Offers Global Reach and Advanced Tools
eBay provides a vast audience, diverse selling formats, and international shipping. - Optimize Listings for Visibility
Use clear titles, detailed descriptions, and high-quality images to improve your chances of selling across both platforms. - Set Competitive Prices
Research market trends and adjust your prices to stay competitive, while tools like Vendoo can help streamline this process. - Use Promotions and Offer Free Shipping
Promote your listings and consider offering free shipping to attract more buyers and boost your visibility. - Crosslisting with Vendoo Boosts Sales
Maximize your reach by listing on both Mercari and eBay using Vendoo to simplify cross-listing and manage inventory efficiently.
What is Mercari?
Mercari is a popular peer-to-peer e-commerce marketplace based in Japan and expanded to the US market. Mercari is known for its simplicity and user-friendly interface, making it easy to list and sell items quickly. Mercari also offers an impressively large range of selling categories. Although the app doesn't provide as many selling features as eBay, users appreciate its straightforward listing process and transparent fees.
Mercari reported reported they had reached over 23 million active users in 2023.
Mercari is in many ways a “mini-eBay.” It offers the broad range of selling categories and diverse buyers but with less tools and a smaller audience.
💡Tip: For a full guide with everything you need to know about Mercari check out the article Mastering Mercari.
What is eBay?
eBay is a household name around the morld with millions of customers and billions of annual transactions. It is the largest and most lucrative peer-to-peer e-commerce marketplace. eBay has been around since 1995, and today, it is estimated that there are over 138 million active users worldwide. eBay is available in 180 countries, and eBay's top user bases are the USA, UK, and Germany.
On eBay, you can sell almost anything, including clothes, electronics, furniture, home goods, beauty products, commercial/industrial products, and more. With simple global shipping, eBay allows sellers to reach a global audience of potential buyers. As a result, eBay is well-suited for both casual sellers and professional sellers.
Learn the ins and outs of eBay in the article How to Sell on eBay.
Mercari vs. eBay: In-Depth 2024 Review
When it comes to selling online, choosing the right marketplaces can make all the difference. Two of the most popular options for resellers in 2024 are Mercari and eBay—each with its unique features, audiences, and selling styles.
In this review, we'll break down everything you need to know, from fees and features to the items that sell best, so you can decide which platform fits your business goals in 2024.
Audiences
Understanding the audience and demographic of each marketplace is crucial to choosing where to sell. Both eBay and Mercari cater to distinct user bases, each with its own demographic trends and shopping preferences. Let’s dive into the details of who’s shopping on these platforms.
eBay's Audience
eBay remains the largest and most lucrative online reselling marketplace, with an impressive 159 million active users worldwide. The platform’s demographic skews toward a more mature audience, with 61% of users aged between 35-64 years old. This age group typically has greater spending power and often seeks a wide variety of products, from collectibles and electronics to fashion and home goods.
With eBay’s global reach and its broad range of categories, it's one of the best places to sell almost anything to a large, diverse audience.
Mercari’s Audience
Mercari boasts a growing user base, with recent statistics reporting over 50 million downloads in the United States alone. Mercari users tend to be younger, with a significant portion falling between the ages of 18 and 34. This younger demographic is drawn to affordable, pre-owned items like fashion, electronics, and home goods, often looking for bargains or unique, trendy finds. Mercari's users also appreciate the platform's simplicity and mobile-first approach, making it a favorite for casual sellers and buyers alike. The community leans toward a more laid-back shopping experience, and Mercari's emphasis on hassle-free shipping and lower fees appeals to this cost-conscious audience.
🧠 Think about it: eBay undoubtedly has a much larger audience, but remember that all marketplaces have unique audiences. Some Mercari shoppers don’t even have the eBay app—and vice versa!
Product Categories
eBay and Mercari's selling categories are very similar. On both, you can sell almost anything, so long as it is not illegal or hazardous.
eBay's Product Categories
On eBay, you can sell a very broad range of categories- everything from clothing and electronics to vehicles and real estate. eBay offers the largest range of selling categories and specific subcategories. You can sell almost anything!
The top-selling categories on eBay include:
- Automotive: cars, car parts, and accessories
- Jewelry and watches
- Electronics: including computers, tablets, phones, cameras, video game consoles, games and accessories
- Fashion: clothing and apparel
- Home Decor and household items
- Health and beauty products
Mercari’s Product Categories
Mercari also offers a broad range of categories. Sellers can sell almost anything that isn’t illegal, medical, or perishable.
Top selling categories on Mercari include:
- Electronics: Including computers, tablets, phones, cameras, video game consoles, games, and accessories
- Fashion: Clothing and apparel for all ages
- Home Decor and Household Items: A wide range of items from kitchenware to bedding
- Toys and Collectibles: From action figures to rare items
- Beauty Products: Including skincare, haircare, and makeup
Mercari vs. eBay Selling Fees
Understanding selling fees is crucial. Mercari and eBay have vastly different fee structures. Let’s examine fees on both marketplaces.
In a sentence: Mercari has no selling fees and eBay has a complicated fee structure- an estimated 15-20% of the sale price.
Mercari Fees: How much does Mercari Take?
Mercari has no sellling fees as of March 2024. For items listed after this date, there are no fees!
A few things to note:
- Sellers keep 100% of their sale price unless they offer free shipping and pay it themselves.
- There is a $2 fee to redeem your balance. Note that this is $2 per redemption, not per sale. So, if you sell something for $10 and choose to transfer your funds immediately, you will only get $8 in your bank account. However, if you sell 10 things at $10 each and patiently await your funds to transfer at once, you will get $98 in your bank account.
- A payment processing fee and service fee is paid by the buyer in each transaction.
You simply can’t beat Mercari fees! They’re the best. eBay fees are fairly complex…
eBay Fees: How Much Does eBay Take?
eBay fees are the most difficult to ascertain. They truly cannot be estimated due to all the factors contributing to them.
Here is a breakdown of eBay selling fees:
- eBay Insertion Fees: Without an eBay Store Subscription, you can list up to 250 monthly items for free. Thereafter, you will incur an insertion fee of $0.35 per listing (for most categories).
- eBay Store Subscription Fees (optional) There are various types of eBay store subscriptions, each with a different monthly rate. Of course, there is a fee if you have a store, but it also affects your insertion fees and final value fees.
- eBay Final Value Fees: eBay final value fees are the fees charged at the final sale price. This fee is calculated as a percentage based on the total sale amount plus a $.30 payment processing fee per order. Note that the total amount of your sale includes the item price, handling charges, and shipping services that are selected by customers.
💡Tip: For example, eBay charges a final value fee of 13.25% plus $0.30 for most clothing categories.
- Other eBay Fees: There are several other fees that you may or may not be subjected to, including promotional fees. It’s not likely that you will make a high volume of daily sales without promoting your listings. A major eBay seller would say this is part of the fee because it is not optional. Depending on the rate at which you promote your listings, your total fees can exceed 20%.
eBay fees are complicated. We could write an entire blog about eBay selling fees; in fact, we did! Check out the article eBay Fee Calculator: How Much Does eBay Take & How to Save for more information!
Remember… just because eBay fees are high does not mean it’s not worth it. eBay is the largest and most lucrative marketplace in the world. Those fees likely help to pay for the thriving marketplace and their team.
Listing Process
Posting an item for sale on Mercari is very straightforward while creating a listing on eBay requires more time and effort. However, the number of potential buyers on eBay is substantially higher - approximately eight times larger than Mercari! So, it's definitely worth taking the time to complete all of the listing details for your item on eBay. Plus, once you get the hang of it, it will be easier next time.
💡 Tip: Don’t forget that you can list to both in seconds with Vendoo!
Mercari's Listing Process
Listing an item on the Mercari app is a simple and quick process. Just take some pictures (up to 12 images), fill in a few details, and you are ready to list your items.
Mercari provides two promotional features called Smart Pricing and Smart Offers that could potentially attract buyers and save time.
- Smart Pricing: Mercari's Smart Pricing feature automatically adjusts the listing price over time until it reaches the floor price or the item sells, promoting the listing and increasing exposure with each price update. However, there are numerous complaints from sellers that the price drops too soon, and it does not prevent customers from sending an offer on an already discounted item.
- Smart Offers: Mercari's new Smart Offers allow sellers to quickly and easily set a minimum price for their listing. When an offer arrives, Mercari will either accept it as is or send a one-time counteroffer within a predetermined range for the seller. Say goodbye to hours of negotiation and back-and-forth – Mercari takes the hassle out of haggling and ensures that you get the fair price you deserve.
eBay's Listing Process
Overwhelming is an understatement when describing eBay's listing process. Creating a listing is a long and daunting process if you’re not used to the platform. Going through all of the drop-downs and choosing the right options for your items can take some trial and error, but it’s well worth your time. 🙌🏼
You can upload up to 24 images per listing, as well as include a video, so there’s plenty of room to highlight all of the features your item has to offer. Furthermore, being strategic with your titles is key, since eBay only allows 80 characters; using keywords that are most relevant to potential buyers will help you increase visibility!
Take your time with the eBay listing form. Do no skip any relevant fields- even if they are optional. The item specifics are crucial to your success on eBay and your listings appearing in relevant searches.
You also have the option to list an item as an “auction” or a “BIN” (Buy it Now) on eBay:
- Auction: In an auction-style listing on eBay, sellers set a starting price, and buyers place bids, with the highest bidder at the end of the auction winning and paying for the item. Although auction-style listings are not as popular as they once were, they are still commonly used by antique sellers.
- Buy It Now: eBay's Buy It Now feature is the simplest way to price your item quickly and efficiently. This is standard listing- where users can just purchase the item!
Payment Processing & Balance Redemption
A smooth payment process is essential for buyers and sellers on any platform. How payments are handled can affect your cash flow, fees, and overall selling experience.
Let's explore how eBay and Mercari manage payment processing and what to expect regarding fees and policies.
eBay's Payment Processing
eBay uses a managed payments system, meaning all transactions are processed directly through eBay rather than third-party services like PayPal.
Once a buyer makes a purchase, eBay processes the payment and deposits the funds directly into your bank account, usually within 2-3 business days after the item is confirmed as delivered. eBay’s unified payment system offers a more streamlined experience, but sellers must be mindful of the combined fees.
Mercari's Payment Processing
Mercari's payment system is similarly straightforward. Once an item is sold and confirmed delivered, funds are released to your Mercari balance, which you can either withdraw to your bank account or use for future purchases. Transfers to your bank account typically take 1-5 business days. Mercari charges only a withdrawal fee. For standard withdrawals, you pay $2. That is the only fee on Mercari.
Mercari's fees are obviously lower than eBay's, making it a more cost-effective option for sellers of lower-priced items or those looking to keep more earnings.
Promotional Tools
Promotional tools can be game-changers for sellers looking to boost visibility and increase sales. Both eBay and Mercari offer sellers various ways to promote their listings, although the strategies differ slightly.
Let’s break down the tools each platform provides and how they can help you stand out in a crowded marketplace.
eBay's Promotional Tools
eBay offers several robust promotional tools to help sellers enhance their visibility. eBay allows sellers to send offers to recent watchers. The Promoted Listings feature allows sellers to pay for additional exposure in search results, increasing the chances of their items being seen by potential buyers. Sellers can choose to promote items using either a flat fee or a percentage of the sale, depending on the visibility they want.
Additionally, eBay’s Coupons feature lets sellers create and share custom discount codes, either publicly or privately, to attract more buyers. This tool is great for encouraging repeat purchases or offering seasonal discounts.
💡Tip: You can also attach a coupon to any offers you send to watchers on eBay!
eBay also offers Promotions Manager, where sellers can create discounts, bundle deals, or special offers to entice buyers. Additionally, sellers can leverage Volume Pricing, encouraging buyers to purchase more by offering discounts on multiple items. Combined with Coupons, these tools are highly effective for increasing traffic and conversions, especially for high-competition items.
Mercari's Promotional Tools
Mercari offers a more limited set of promotional tools aimed at increasing visibility for your listings. The platform features Promotions, where sellers can offer discounts on items that appear in the “Promoted” section of the app, boosting exposure to potential buyers. This feature is free, but limited to 10 items each day.
Sellers can also use Offer to Likers, a tool that allows them to send private discounts to users who have liked their listings, encouraging quicker sales. In addition, Mercari's Smart Pricing feature automatically lowers your item’s price over time to keep it competitive in the marketplace, ensuring it stays visible as users search for deals. These tools are easy to use and help sellers move items faster, particularly for those targeting budget-conscious buyers.
💡Tip: One of the most important things you can do on both eBay and Mercari is delist and relist your items. That is, totally delete a listing and repost a fresh, brand new one (this is better for exposure than doing the “end and sell similar” on eBay).
Shipping
Both eBay and Mercari marketplaces have multiple shipping options, allowing sellers great flexibility in their rates and choice of carrier.
The key difference is that eBay offers international shipping, while Mercari offers local delivery.
eBay Shipping
Selling on eBay is an attractive e-commerce option for many sellers because of its flexibility regarding shipping. You can choose from a variety of options, including free shipping or charged shipping. Calculated shipping allows buyers to pay a fee based on their chosen delivery method, location, and the order’s weight and dimensions. You can also create business policies for shipping to create standard rules to apply to listings.
This is the list of carriers that eBay has partnered with:
- USPS
- UPS
- FedEx
- DHL
- OnTrac
- Lasership
- Spee-Dee Delivery
👀 Did you know that eBay offers the simplest global shipping of any marketplace? You simply ship to the eBay Global shipping hub in the U.S. From there, they handle the packaging, customs, and international shipping. They also handle returns.
Mercari Shipping
While Mercari does not offer global shipping, it does provide flexibility for sellers. As a seller, you have many ways to ship on Mercari. You can decide whether to:
- Ship with Mercari or ship on your own;
- Offer free shipping or charge shipping; and
- Use USPS, FedEx, or UPS.
If you ship with Mercari, they will provide a label upon sale. However, the approximate weight and dimensions of the item in the packaging are required when listing. Mercari is very strict; if you do not put the correct weight in the listing and your package is even a single ounce over, you will be charged the difference- and Mercari is not exactly known for affordable shipping. 🥴
Electing to ship on your own requires purchasing a shipping label and providing Mercari with the tracking number for the package. Usually, the rates on PirateShip are significantly more affordable than those on Mercari. So, if you’re offering free shipping and must pay out of pocket, it might be worth considering self-shipping to reduce costs.
💡Tip: Shipping with Mercari labels is more convenient, and your packages qualify for Mercari protection. If you ship on your own, you don’t necessarily have Mercari protection, and you might consider adding insurance to your parcels.
Mercari also offers local pick-up in select areas faciliated by Uber. This is amazing for large, bulky, and heavy items that it would not be practical to ship.
Return Policies
Despite the considerable discrepancies in their return policies, both eBay and Mercari prioritize customer satisfaction.
Let’s explore how returns work on both Mercari and eBay.
Mercari’s Return Policy
Mercari doesn’t offer returns. On Mercari, all sales are final unless the item(s) is not as described, damaged, or never sent. Mercari does not allow returns when an item is accurately described, so a buyer cannot return items that do not fit, that they do not like, because they have changed their mind, etc. However, buyers may attempt to initiate a return request, which takes several days to resolve, when your funds are held up. If a buyer requests a return, Mercari might ask for your input. Ultimately, Mercari will rule on the case and inform you of the next steps.
eBay’s Return Policy
eBay allows sellers to set their return policies, including whether they accept returns, the return window, and who pays for return shipping. However, eBay’s buyer protection program may override seller policies in certain situations.
While you don’t have to allow returns on eBay, most top sellers would argue that you basically do. To become a member of the eBay Top Rated Seller Plus program, you must offer free returns. Even if you aren’t interested in achieving that milestone, failing to offer returns can be very risky for eBay sellers. Basically- if your buyer wants a return, they will get one. To circumvent your “no return” policy, buyers may open an “INAD” (item not as described return claim) and eBay will likely side with the buyer. Yes- even if your item is exactly as described, the eBay buyer is always right. You are highly unlikely to “win” a case on eBay.
When a buyer successfully opens an INAD claim, you must accept the return, pay the return shipping, and have an infraction on your account. So, you might as well offer free returns because either way, a determined buyer will force one upon you.
As such, most high-volume eBay sellers accept returns.
Seller Protection
When selling online, ensuring that transactions are secure and disputes are resolved fairly is crucial for maintaining trust and success. Both eBay and Mercari offer seller protection policies aimed at safeguarding sellers from fraudulent claims and ensuring fair outcomes in case of disputes. Let’s explore how each platform protects its sellers.
eBay Seller Protection
eBay provides a robust Seller Protection policy to shield sellers from fraudulent claims and unfair disputes. Sellers who adhere to eBay’s guidelines—such as timely shipping, using valid tracking, and providing accurate descriptions—are eligible for protection against chargebacks, false claims, and other buyer-related issues. If a buyer claims they didn’t receive an item, eBay will investigate the case and side with the seller if tracking shows the item was delivered.
eBay’s Money Back Guarantee applies to buyers but offers sellers protection by ensuring both parties follow fair transaction practices. Sellers who can provide proof of delivery and meet eBay’s selling requirements are protected from losing their funds in disputes. Additionally, eBay offers chargeback protection, covering sellers from financial loss if a buyer files an unauthorized transaction claim. These protections help sellers focus on their business without the fear of unfair losses or dishonest buyer activity.
Mercari Seller Protection
Mercari’s Seller Protection Program ensures that sellers are protected once an item has been delivered and either confirmed by the buyer or automatically accepted after three days. To qualify for protection, sellers must ship items on time and provide tracking information. If a dispute arises, such as claims about item condition, Mercari steps in to mediate and resolves the issue based on evidence from both sides.
Mercari also safeguards sellers from fraudulent chargebacks and buyer abuse. As long as sellers follow the platform’s guidelines and accurately represent their items, they are only responsible for legitimate claims, like shipping the wrong item or failing to disclose flaws. Once the transaction is complete, sellers can confidently receive their payment without risk of a chargeback or withheld funds. These protections give Mercari sellers peace of mind, knowing their sales are secure and disputes will be handled fairly.
Remember that, if it’s a he-said-she-said, almost every marketplace is going to side with the buyer. They have to prioritize buyers to remain in business. Remember that occasional disputes an losses are simple part of doing business.
Customer Support
Strong customer support is essential for resolving issues quickly and ensuring a smooth selling experience. Both eBay and Mercari offer customer support to assist sellers when problems arise, but the accessibility and responsiveness of their services vary. Let's take a closer look at how each platform provides support to its sellers.
To be frank, eBay is the leader in customer support. They have the resources, market share, and audience to offer unparalleled customer support- even on the phone! 📱
eBay's Customer Support
eBay offers a variety of customer support options for sellers, including a comprehensive Help Center, where sellers can find answers to frequently asked questions and access step-by-step guides on common issues. For more personalized support, sellers can contact eBay through live chat, phone support, or the eBay community forum. eBay also offers a resolution center for handling buyer disputes, such as unpaid items or return requests.
Sellers can access these support options via the Help & Contact page, where they can select their issue and be directed to the most appropriate resource. eBay’s support is available 24/7 for most issues, ensuring sellers can get help whenever they need it. The platform also prioritizes fast dispute resolution, often intervening directly to ensure that sellers are protected according to eBay’s policies.
Mercari's Customer Support
One must be patient with Mercari’s customer support.
Mercari’s customer support system is designed to offer quick assistance through its Help Center, which contains articles on everything from shipping and payments to handling disputes. Sellers can also contact Mercari’s support team directly via email or through the in-app support request form. While Mercari does not offer phone support, they respond to inquiries through their in-app system, typically within a few business days.
For more urgent issues, such as disputes over items not as described or shipping problems, sellers can use the Resolution Center, where Mercari steps in to mediate between buyers and sellers. While response times may vary, the platform aims to resolve issues in a fair and timely manner. Sellers can also use the app to track the progress of their support requests and communicate with the Mercari team if further assistance is needed.
List, grow, and manage - all in one place with Vendoo.
eBay vs. Mercari Special Features
Both eBay and Mercari offer unique features that differentiate them from other reselling platforms. These features enhance the selling experience and provide additional tools to help sellers succeed. Let’s explore the standout features of each platform and how they can benefit your reselling business.
eBay's Special Features
One of eBay’s most notable features is its auction-style listings, which allow sellers to list items for bidding. This format can lead to higher sale prices, especially for rare or collectible items, as interested buyers compete to win. In addition to auctions, eBay also offers Buy It Now options, giving sellers flexibility to set fixed prices.
eBay’s global reach is another key advantage. With the eBay Global Shipping Program, sellers can effortlessly ship items internationally without dealing with international shipping and customs complexities. eBay handles everything after you send the item to a domestic shipping center, opening up your business to millions of international buyers.
Other standout features include eBay Stores, which allow sellers to create a personalized storefront with customized branding and advanced marketing tools. Sellers can use this feature to build a loyal customer base and stand out from competitors. Additionally, eBay’s Promotions Manager allows sellers to create targeted offers and discounts to boost sales, while its analytics tools help sellers track performance and optimize their listings.
These features give eBay sellers a competitive edge, providing diverse selling formats, extensive global exposure, and the tools to run a professional, data-driven business.
Mercari's Special Features
Mercari offers a unique set of features tailored to a more streamlined and user-friendly experience. Smart Pricing is a standout feature that automatically adjusts the price of your listings over time to ensure they remain competitive in the marketplace. This feature helps sellers increase their chances of selling without constantly monitoring and adjusting their prices manually.
Another great feature is Instant Pay, which allows sellers to access their earnings immediately after a buyer confirms receipt of the item—bypassing the usual waiting period. This is especially useful for sellers who want quick access to their funds.
Mercari also excels with its mobile-first design, making it incredibly easy for sellers to list items on the go. With a simple app interface, sellers can take photos, create listings, and manage orders from their phones, making it ideal for casual sellers or those who prefer managing their business from a mobile device.
Lastly, Mercari’s Local Delivery option allows sellers to offer items for sale locally, with same-day or next-day delivery through services like Uber. This feature enables sellers to reach buyers who want quick access to items, adding another layer of convenience for both sellers and buyers, especially for large or hard-to-ship items.
Mercari’s features emphasize simplicity and efficiency, making it an appealing option for sellers looking for hassle-free management and quick sales.
Pros and Cons: eBay vs. Mercari
When choosing between eBay and Mercari, it is important to weigh each platform’s pros and cons to determine which best fits your reselling needs. Both platforms offer distinct advantages and disadvantages that can impact your overall selling experience.
Let’s take a closer look at each's strengths and potential drawbacks.
eBay Pros and Cons
Benefits of eBay include:
- Massive global audience: With 159 million active users, eBay provides access to a vast marketplace, increasing the potential for sales.
- Flexible selling formats: Offers auction-style and Buy It Now options, allowing sellers to choose the best strategy for their items.
- Wide variety of categories: Sellers can list virtually anything, from electronics to collectibles and fashion.
- International selling: The eBay Global Shipping Program makes it easy to sell to buyers worldwide without the hassle of handling customs.
- Advanced seller tools: Features like eBay Stores, Promotions Manager, and analytics help sellers build a brand and optimize their business.
Some potential downsides to eBay include:
- Higher fees: eBay’s combined selling and payment processing fees (12.9% to 15% plus $0.30 per sale) can significantly reduce profits, especially for lower-priced items.
- Complex listing process: eBay’s listing system can be time-consuming and complex, especially for new sellers or those unfamiliar with the platform.
- High competition: With a massive marketplace comes fierce competition, making it harder for new or small-scale sellers to stand out.
- Stricter return policies: eBay’s return policies may favor buyers, potentially leading to higher return rates or disputes.
Mercari Pros and Cons
Benefits of Mercari include:
- Low selling fees: Mercari’s 10% selling fee, combined with a 2.9% + $0.50 payment processing fee, is generally lower than eBay’s, allowing sellers to keep more of their earnings.
- User-friendly mobile app: Mercari’s mobile-first design makes listing and managing items quick and easy, ideal for casual or part-time sellers.
- Simple and straightforward listing process: The platform is known for its simplicity, making it less intimidating for new sellers.
- Instant Pay option: Sellers can access their earnings immediately after the buyer confirms receipt, offering faster payment than other platforms.
- Smart Pricing: This feature automatically adjusts prices to stay competitive, helping sellers make more sales without constant monitoring.
Some potential downsides to Mercari include:
- Smaller audience: While Mercari has grown, its user base is significantly smaller than eBay’s, limiting the number of potential buyers.
- Limited product categories: Mercari focuses mainly on secondhand goods and popular categories like fashion, electronics, and home goods, which may not suit sellers with niche or high-end items.
- No auctions: Mercari lacks an auction-style selling format, which could be a drawback for those selling rare or collectible items that might fetch higher prices in a bidding war.
- No phone support: Unlike eBay, Mercari doesn’t offer phone-based customer support, which can lead to slower response times for resolving issues.
Which Online Marketplace Is Right For You?
Overall, selling on Mercari is great for those looking to branch out from eBay, offering many of the same top-selling categories but with fewer audience numbers and simpler seller tools. For resellers who aren’t quite ready to dive into eBay’s vast and feature-filled marketplace, Mercari presents a user-friendly alternative that allows you to get your feet wet in e-commerce. With handy tools like Smart Pricing and Smart Offers, Mercari makes it easy to list and adjust prices without too much hassle, giving sellers the flexibility they need to succeed. That said, eBay remains the top dog with its unmatched list of features, diverse selling formats, and expansive global audience.
When deciding which marketplace is right for you, it’s essential to consider a few key factors:
- Audience Reach: eBay’s massive user base offers exposure to a global audience, which can increase the likelihood of sales, especially for rare or niche items. On the other hand, Mercari local is great for sellers of large and bulky iems.
- Selling Format & Flexibility: If you want to experiment with auction-style listings or need more flexibility with pricing and offers, eBay’s various selling formats might be the best fit. However, if simplicity is your priority, Mercari’s straightforward listing process, mobile-friendly interface, and Smart Pricing feature could be more appealing.
- Product Types: Consider the types of items you plan to sell. eBay accommodates a broader range of product categories, from high-value electronics to collectibles, while Mercari is more focused on secondhand goods and everyday items. If your inventory leans toward niche or high-end items, eBay might be a better fit. If you're selling popular, in-demand items, Mercari could offer just what you need.
- Fees and Profit Margins: eBay’s higher fees may cut into your profits, especially on lower-priced items, but it comes with the added benefit of wider exposure and a more advanced suite of seller tools. Mercari’s lower selling fees make it attractive for those looking to maximize profits without the need for extensive marketing efforts.
- Seller Tools and Features: For those seeking advanced features like storefronts, analytics, and international shipping options, eBay is likely the better choice. But if you’re just starting out and want a simpler platform with useful but straightforward tools like Smart Offers, Mercari might be the way to go.
Ultimately, the right platform for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. Sellers with a diverse product range and global aspirations may find more success on eBay, while those looking for a simpler, hassle-free selling experience might thrive on Mercari. Evaluate your inventory, selling goals, and how much time you want to invest in managing your listings to choose the marketplace that best aligns with your business strategy.
Why choose just one? Why limit your potential profit? Use Vendoo to crosslist to both (any many other major marketplaces) quickly and easily!
Success Tips for Mercari and eBay Sellers
Whether you're selling on Mercari, eBay, or both, knowing how to optimize your listings and reach more buyers is key to maximizing your sales. From cross-listing your inventory to offering great customer service, these success tips will help you thrive as a seller on both platforms.
Crosslist with Vendoo
One of the best ways to increase your chances of making a sale is to crosslist your items across multiple marketplaces. By listing the same item on both Mercari and eBay, you expose it to two different audiences, doubling your potential reach. Cross-listing can be time-consuming, but with tools like Vendoo, you can streamline the process. Vendoo makes it easy to manage listings, sync updates, and keep track of inventory across multiple platforms, ensuring you never accidentally sell the same item twice. Cross-listing also gives you the flexibility to find which platform works best for specific types of items.
Optimize Listings
To attract more buyers and ensure your items stand out, it’s essential to optimize your listings. Start with clear, keyword-rich titles that describe the item accurately. Detailed and informative descriptions are also crucial—mention the item’s condition, brand, size, and any other relevant details to help potential buyers make informed decisions. High-quality photos from multiple angles are equally important; ensure the images are well-lit and show any flaws or unique features. On both platforms, optimized listings rank higher in search results, boosting your visibility.
💡Tip: Learn how to maximize your listings for search engine optimization in The Reseller’s Guide to Keywords & SEO.
Price Competitively
Setting the right price is key to staying competitive. Start by researching market trends and looking at similar items on Mercari and eBay to gauge the average selling price. Pricing too high might deter buyers, while pricing too low could eat into your profits. Consider using Vendoo’s price adjustment tools to tweak prices as needed, and keep an eye on the market so you can stay competitive. Offering bundle deals or discounts can also encourage buyers to purchase more, especially on platforms like eBay where volume pricing options are available.
Promote Your Listings
Promoting your listings is essential to boost visibility and attract more buyers. Both eBay and Mercari offer in-platform promotional tools, such as Promoted Listings on eBay and Offer to Likers on Mercari, which can help you get your items in front of a larger audience. Additionally, consider promoting your listings on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to reach an even broader audience. Sharing your items with your followers or in relevant groups can create extra buzz and bring more traffic to your listings.
Cover Shipping Fees and Offer Free Shipping
One of the simplest ways to attract buyers is by offering free shipping. Buyers love free shipping because it reduces the final cost of the purchase and gives them a more straightforward shopping experience. To manage shipping costs effectively, factor them into your pricing strategy or use platform shipping discounts (such as those offered by eBay) to keep expenses low. On Mercari, consider using Mercari's prepaid labels to simplify the process and reduce shipping costs.
By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to success on Mercari, eBay, or both marketplaces. 🤑
Enhance Your Mercari or eBay Store with Vendoo
Throughout this article, we've explored the main differences between Mercari and eBay, two of the most popular online marketplaces for resellers.
While eBay offers a massive global audience, extensive product categories, and advanced seller tools, it comes with higher fees and a more complex listing process. On the other hand, Mercari appeals to sellers looking for simplicity, with lower fees and an easy-to-use mobile interface, but with a smaller audience and fewer advanced features. Both platforms cater to different audiences—eBay skews towards a more mature, global buyer base, while Mercari attracts younger, deal-seeking shoppers.
Managing listings on multiple platforms can be time-consuming, but that’s where Vendoo comes in. Vendoo's powerful crosslisting capabilities allow you to seamlessly list items on both Mercari and eBay, as well as other popular marketplaces, expanding your reach and increasing your chances of making sales.
With Vendoo’s inventory management tools, you can easily track your items, update listings, and avoid double-selling. Additionally, Vendoo’s professional analytics provide valuable insights into your sales performance, helping you make informed decisions about pricing, promotions, and strategy.
Ready to take your reselling business to the next level? Vendoo simplifies the entire process, saving you time and allowing you to focus on what matters—growing your business. Whether you're a seasoned reseller or just starting out, Vendoo offers the tools you need to succeed on Mercari, eBay, and beyond.
If you sell on Mercari and/or eBay, please share a tip below! 👇🏽
