When reselling on Mercari or any other platform, one thing you learn quickly is that knowing what sells well is the number one key to making money. Even the best listing won’t sell if no one is searching for that item. However, finding out what’s in demand takes a little extra effort.
As a seller in 2025, it’s essential to stay ahead by knowing exactly what sells best on Mercari. The key to moving inventory and maximizing profits isn’t guesswork; it’s strategy. This guide will help you identify the top-selling categories and smart strategies so you can list with confidence and boost your sales on Mercari.
One of the best things about Mercari is that it attracts a wide range of buyers looking for everything from the latest tech to clothing to collectibles. While Mercari thrives on variety, certain categories consistently attract more buyers.
Here are Mercari’s best categories in 2025:
Popular Items: Gaming consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch), controllers, headsets, and accessories.
Gaming is a huge industry, and gamers are always upgrading, making gaming gear a strong seller. Whether it’s people upgrading to the newest system, collectors looking for retro gaming gear, or casual gamers looking for a discount on older models, there is always demand for nearly everything in this category.
Popular Items: Action figures (anime, superheroes, vintage toys), Funko Pop! collectibles, and model kits.
Collectibles retain value and sometimes appreciate over time. This is especially true for limited-edition and discontinued items. Fans and collectors are always looking for rare figures to complete collections and, of course, nostalgia plays a huge role in demand. Popular franchises and remakes of old movies or TV shows often spark renewed interest in popular characters, which can drive up prices, too.
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Popular Items: Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Magic: The Gathering, and sports trading cards.
Even though the trading card market has always been around, it seems to have exploded in recent years. Rare and graded cards sell for hundreds, and sometimes even thousands, of dollars. But there are plenty of buyers in the lower price ranges as well, from casual collectors to kids just getting into trading cards who need to start their own collections.
Popular Items: Smartphones (Apple, Samsung), laptops, tablets, and headphones (Sony, Bose).
Electronics are always in demand because people are constantly upgrading their devices. While some people jump into the latest technology, others are waiting for previous models to be available at a discount. The market for things like cell phones, laptops, tablets, and headphones tends to stay pretty steady throughout the year.
Popular Items: High-end makeup (NARS, MAC), perfumes (like Versace Bright Crystal), and skincare sets.
Luxury beauty products are expensive at retail and are consumable, so the costs can add up over time. That’s why lots of buyers turn to Mercari for discounted or gently used items. Things like fragrances are popular to buy used because people can try out high-end perfumes without committing to a full-price bottle.
💡Tip: Cosmetics must be brand new and unopened to sell on Mercari.
Image Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Popular Items: Designer bags (Prada, YSL, Coach, Michael Kors).
For many, designer handbags can be a status symbol and a long-term investment. That’s why there’s always a strong resale market for high-end designer bags on pretty much any resale marketplace, including Mercari. Mid-tier brands like Coach and Kate Spade sell well due to their affordability, while luxury brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton attract high-end buyers. Condition, style, and authenticity play a big role in resale value.
Popular Items: LEGO, Barbie dolls, plushies, and building blocks.
The great thing about selling toys is that you’re marketing to two types of buyers: parents and collectors. Parents shop for affordable or specialty toys for their kids, while collectors hunt for limited-edition or vintage pieces to add to their collections.
Popular Brands: Lululemon, Alo Yoga, Vuori.
Athleisure remains a strong trend, even years after becoming popular. Higher-quality brands like Lululemon, Vuori, and Also hold their value well and can be relatively easy for resellers to source.
💡Tip: Be sure to list activewear under the activewear category. For example, you want to list Lululemon leggings under Women's Activewear> Leggings rather than just Women's pants > leggings.
Popular Brands: Nike, Jordan, Adidas
Sneakers are one of the strongest resale categories, especially in the Fashion category. From those who buy based on comfort to those who want to buy limited edition drops, there’s always demand for everyday styles and collector pairs.
💡Tip: When listing sneakers, include the style name, model, and number in the title.
Popular Items: Strollers, baby carriers, monitors, diaper bags, and baby swings.
New parents are always looking for a deal! Baby items are expensive when purchased new and often used for a short period, which makes them perfect for resale. Items that are lightweight, easy to ship, and from well-known brands like Graco, BabyBjörn, and UPPAbaby tend to sell quickly.
Popular Items: Wall art, mirrors, throw pillows, vases, and storage baskets.
Home decor is a growing category on Mercari, especially for shoppers looking to refresh their space without overspending. Maximalist, retro, modern, vintage, and farmhouse-style decor items tend to do especially well.
💡Tip: Sellers who stage their listings with good lighting and neutral backgrounds often see faster sales.
Popular Items: Air fryers, blenders, coffee makers, and mixing bowls.
Compact kitchen gadgets and accessories are in constant demand. Buyers are often looking for secondhand or lightly used versions of popular appliances like Ninja blenders, Keurig coffee machines, or Instant Pots. Even basic tools like measuring cups, utensils, and mixing bowls sell well if bundled attractively.
Popular Items: Bestsellers, manga, textbooks, and homeschooling materials.
Books continue to be a solid, low-cost category that appeals to readers, students, and parents. Manga and graphic novels are especially popular. Textbooks and educational resources can command high resale prices if kept in good condition.
💡Tip: When selling textbooks, include the edition, ISBN, and condition in your listing.
Popular Items: Halloween costumes, Christmas decor, Valentine’s Day gifts, and Easter baskets.
Holiday-specific items see spikes in demand at certain times of year, especially during Q4! Planning and listing these items early can result in quick sales. Handmade or themed items also perform well when bundled or curated by aesthetic.
Popular Items: Gold-plated jewelry, minimalist necklaces, fashion earrings, and watches.
Affordable fashion jewelry sells well on Mercari, especially when photographed attractively. Popular styles include layering necklaces, personalized pieces, and dainty rings. Watches (particularly smartwatches and brands like Fossil or Casio) also perform well.
💡Tip: When selling jewelry that is gold or silver in color, but not fine metal, be sure to use "gold tone" and "silver tone."
When considering top sellers, it’s helpful to know what brands to be on the look out for. These brands consistently appear on Mercari's homepage and category landing pages as high-demand brands across multiple categories:
💡Tip: College textbooks of any brand are a good seller!
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With the right strategy and tools, selling on Mercari in 2025 can be both profitable and efficient. Focus on in-demand items, stay consistent, and let Vendoo help you take your business to the next level.
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