The resale market is booming, with projections estimating the global secondhand apparel market alone will surpass $350 billion by 2027. As more consumers embrace the circular economy and move away from fast fashion, selling your unwanted items online has become a lucrative opportunity. But with so many platforms to choose from, it can be tough to decide where to start. Two of the most popular options are eBay and Mercari—both well-established, with millions of users and extensive product ranges. So, which one is right for you? Let’s break down the differences between eBay and Mercari to help you make an informed choice.
What is Mercari?
Mercari is a relatively new player in the online reselling space, launching in Japan in 2013 and expanding to the U.S. in 2014. Known for its ease of use, Mercari allows users to quickly list a wide variety of items, from electronics to clothing, with most products being secondhand. It’s often described as an online flea market, making it a popular choice for people looking to declutter and make some extra cash.
What is eBay?
eBay, on the other hand, has been around since 1995 and is one of the original platforms for online selling. It has a massive global reach, enabling sellers to list items both domestically and internationally. Known for its auction-style listings, eBay is a go-to marketplace for both casual sellers and professional resellers looking to flip items for profit. Whether you're selling vintage collectibles, electronics, or everyday items, eBay offers a robust platform with a large buyer base.
Key Features: Mercari vs eBay
Though both platforms are designed for buying and selling, they differ in key areas:
Signing Up & Listing Items
Mercari: Signing up is simple. You just need an email address to get started, and the listing process is straightforward. Input a few details about your item, upload photos, and you’re ready to sell.
eBay: While eBay also allows you to sign up using an email or Facebook account, the listing process is more involved. You’ll need to provide more detailed information about your item, including weight, dimensions, and item specifics. eBay’s desktop version is often preferred for listing, as the mobile app can be challenging to navigate.
Winner: Mercari takes the lead in terms of ease and speed, especially for casual sellers.
Fees
Mercari: Mercari charges a flat 10% commission on sales, along with a $0.30 fee and a 2.9% payment processing charge. There are no listing fees, making it an affordable option for new sellers. However, there are limits on how many listings you can have as a new seller, though these caps increase with more sales.
eBay: eBay allows 200 free listings per month, but after that, it charges a $0.35 insertion fee per listing. The platform also takes a final value fee of 10-12% on most sales. Sellers who list large quantities or higher-value items might benefit from eBay’s Store subscription plans, which offer lower fees and additional perks.
Winner: For beginners, Mercari is generally cheaper. However, for high-volume sellers, eBay’s subscription plans can be more cost-effective.
Seller Protection
Mercari: Mercari tends to favor buyers in disputes, and payments are held until both buyer and seller rate the transaction. While this protects buyers, it may delay access to your earnings.
eBay: eBay has a stricter seller rating system that can impact your account if you receive negative feedback or ship late. However, it does offer a Money Back Guarantee for sellers in case of non-payment or delivery issues.
Winner: It’s a tie here, as both platforms offer buyer-focused protection, but Mercari’s system might cause delays for sellers, while eBay is stricter about seller performance.
Shipping
Mercari: Mercari simplifies the shipping process by offering prepaid, weight-based shipping labels for packages up to 150 lbs. Sellers can also choose to ship on their own, but it requires more manual input for weights and dimensions.
eBay: eBay provides more shipping options, allowing sellers to choose different carriers, shipping classes, and whether to offer international shipping. While this offers more flexibility, it also requires more attention to detail when setting up shipments.
Winner: For simplicity, Mercari is the clear winner. However, more experienced sellers on eBay can leverage its flexibility to optimize shipping costs.
Local Selling
Mercari: In 2021, Mercari introduced Mercari Local, which allows sellers to arrange contact-free local deliveries via Uber. It’s a convenient option for sellers who want to avoid shipping altogether.
eBay: eBay offers local selling through classified ads, but sellers must arrange in-person meetups and handle payment directly with buyers.
Winner: Mercari Local is the more convenient option, making local selling easier and safer through a third-party delivery service.
Customer Support
Mercari: Mercari offers email support and a Help Center, though response times can be slow. In some serious cases, you may be able to contact a representative by phone.
eBay: eBay has more comprehensive customer support, with 24/7 access to phone and email representatives. Its guidelines are also extensive, making it easier to resolve issues.
Winner: eBay offers more accessible support, giving it the edge here.
Pros and Cons: eBay vs Mercari
Mercari Pros:
- Simple and fast listing process
- Low fees and no listing costs
- Prepaid shipping labels make shipping easy
- Local selling with Uber delivery
- Beginner-friendly
Mercari Cons:
- Seller payments can be delayed
- Limited seller protection
- Listings can get lost in search results quickly
- Frequent relisting may be required
eBay Pros:
- Massive international customer base
- Store subscriptions for professional sellers
- Listings stay active until they sell
- Accessible customer service with 24/7 support
eBay Cons:
- More complex listing process
- Higher fees for certain categories
- Market saturation means higher competition
- Complicated shipping setup
Dropshipping on Mercari: Is It Possible?
While Mercari's policies may seem restrictive regarding dropshipping, the reality is that many successful dropshippers have found ways to thrive on the platform. Here are some tips to help you establish your dropshipping business on Mercari while minimizing risks:
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Ship Locally: Mercari prohibits international shipping, so always ensure that you’re shipping items locally. This helps you avoid any potential issues that could arise from violating shipping policies.
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Use Original Photos and Descriptions: Avoid using stock photos and copied product descriptions. These can be clear indicators that you’re dropshipping, which could raise red flags for Mercari. Instead, create your own high-quality images and unique product descriptions.
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Never Cancel Orders: Frequent cancellations can signal to Mercari that you don’t have the listed products in stock. Always ensure that you can fulfill orders before listing them to maintain a good seller reputation.
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Consistent Shipping Address: Use the same address for every order to create consistency. This not only helps you avoid suspicion but also ensures a smoother fulfillment process.
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Process Returns Quickly: If a return is necessary, act swiftly to manage it. Ensure that the returned products don’t go back to your supplier's address, which might differ from your listed shipping address. Quick returns help maintain your seller standing.
By following these tips, you can successfully navigate the dropshipping landscape on Mercari while minimizing the risks of account suspension or termination. It’s all about staying compliant with platform policies while effectively managing your listings!
Final Verdict: Is Mercari or eBay Better?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to whether Mercari or eBay is the better platform—it largely depends on your needs as a seller.
Mercari is ideal for beginners who want a simple, low-cost platform with easy listing and shipping. It’s a great choice if you’re looking to quickly sell a few items and prefer a hassle-free experience.
eBay, however, is better suited for experienced sellers or those looking to scale their business internationally. Its larger customer base, professional seller tools, and flexible shipping options make it the go-to platform for high-volume sellers.
Ultimately, many sellers find success by cross-listing their items on both platforms, maximizing their exposure and sales opportunities. Whatever your choice, both Mercari and eBay offer powerful options for getting started in the reselling world.
With ZeeDrop best dropshipping tool, you can confidently list your products on eBay and Mercari, maximizing your exposure and sales potential while simplifying the entire process. Whether you’re a seasoned seller or just starting out, ZeeDrop is your go-to solution for efficient cross-listing.
