Is Mercari Legit?

Are you looking for an easy way to make some cash from your unwanted items?

Regularly decluttering your home is a good way to stay organized and can make your environment more pleasant. But after you have finished cleaning and tidying, you may find that you have a whole pile of unwanted items.

Mercari promises to make it easy to get rid of unwanted items and get some extra cash. This online platform offers thousands of pre-loved products that buyers can access with just a few clicks. 

So, let’s find out, is Mercari legit?

About Mercari 

This Japanese e-commerce company was founded in 2013. Their app became popular in Japan almost overnight because it was the first pre-ISO startup of its type. The company launched in the United States in 2015, followed by the United Kingdom a year later.

From then on…

The app experienced significant growth in the Japanese and US markets. This is the only retail platform in the United States that offers local delivery. Their full service was launched in 2021 and proved to be an instant hit. 

The company partnered with FedEx SameDay, Uber, DoorDash, Dolly, and City to offer rapid local delivery. And this fast and efficient service has proven to be very popular with both buyers and sellers, because buyers are guaranteed to receive their orders quickly, while sellers receive a fast additional revenue stream. 

How does Mercari make money on this?

While Mercari does not manufacture or stock products, the company makes money from each transaction. The company works closely with buyers and sellers to make transactions as smooth and safe as possible. And today, the platform generates more than 350,000 listings each and every day. 

Ok, but I’m still not 100% sure, is Mercari legit?

Merrcari is definitely legit. However, it is the buyers and sellers who might not always be. But we’re going to take you through everything you need to know to conduct safe transactions through Mercari. As well as how to avoid scammers on Mercari, when using the platform.

Starting with…

About Mercari Buyer Protection 

The company offers buyer protection, which is designed to stop buyers from getting scammed. Payment is not released to the seller until the buyer confirms it has been received. So, if the item does not arrive or is not as advertised, the buyer can apply for a full refund or exchange. However, the request has to be made within three days of receiving the item. 

Requests are usually honored when:

How to Choose a Legitimate Seller?

If you are planning to purchase an item from a seller, you need to make sure they are genuine. The last thing you want is to get scammed. So, here are some ways to make sure the Mercari seller you choose is the real deal. 

Check Out the Seller’s Profile

Each seller is required to create a detailed profile page. Legitimate sellers also have to go through a strict verification process. The verification information is provided on the seller’s profile page and provides extra peace of mind. 

Check out Customer Reviews

Experienced sellers should have several reviews from satisfied customers. While these reviews don’t always tell the full story, they help you know if the seller is legitimate. And if you see a long list of satisfied customers, the seller is more likely to be genuine. 

Profile Badges

Sellers who have a strong reputation for performing well are awarded badges by Mercari. These badges help customers know that a seller is trustworthy and reliable. So, let’s take a closer look at the different profile badges and their meaning.

Fast Responder

Sellers are awarded this badge for responding quickly to questions from customers. This badge indicates that the majority of questions are answered within twelve hours. So, dealing with a seller with this badge saves you from having to wait around to get the answers you need. 

Quick Shipper

Some sellers can wait several days before shipping an order after it has been received. This can be frustrating, especially if you need the item for a special occasion. Seeing this badge indicates that the seller usually ships orders within 24 hours. 

Reliable

This badge is awarded to sellers who usually complete their orders. So, when you see this badge, you are likely to find that the transaction goes smoothly. 

Go Getter

This badge is awarded to experienced sellers who have achieved a particular selling goal. This indicates that the seller has received numerous orders and has completed them successfully. So, you are sure to have more confidence when you place an order with the seller. 

But what if you’re thinking about selling your stuff on Mercari, rather than buying?

Up next…

How Sellers Can Protect Themselves?

One of the biggest issues for sellers is that the buyer may request a refund or exchange. If this happens, you will lose the sale and will have also lost the shipping costs.

Here are some ways to help make sure that transactions go smoothly every time. 

Upload Detailed Descriptions and Photos

It is important to take the time to describe the products you sell in as much detail as possible. Be transparent about any flaws or damage that the products have. This will help to make sure the buyer knows exactly what they are getting. 

Include detailed photos and take photos before you ship products to customers. This includes photos of serial numbers and special markings. It will help to prevent customers from switching products if they request a return or exchange. 

Use the Company’s Prepaid Label or Buy Insurance

If the product you are selling has a high value, it may be worth purchasing insurance. This helps to protect you if the buyer claims they didn’t receive the product. Plus, using the company’s prepaid shipping label will also help to make sure the product reaches the desired destination. 

Establish a Good Seller Reputation

This is particularly important if you are planning to sell a lot of products on the platform. You need to try and get as many positive reviews as possible to encourage other buyers to trust you. Additionally, taking the time to connect with customers and answer their questions can also lead to repeat business. 

How to Avoid Scams?

No matter how careful you are, buying products online always comes with a certain amount of risk. Unfortunately, some people are very skilled and experienced at parting people from their hard-earned money. Here are some simple ways to recognize and avoid the most common scams. 

Only Send Payments Through the Platform

Some scammers create adverts for products that are not actually available for sale. The seller will message potential buyers and try to convince them to send payment without using the platform. But be aware; if you choose to do this, the transaction is not protected by the company. 

Avoid Very Cheap Items

If a deal seems too good to be true, there’s a good chance it’s a scam. Some fake sellers list products for very low rates to entice customers. The aim of the game is to get the buyer’s bank details without actually sending the product. 

Avoid Ambiguous Listings

The product description should make it clear exactly what you are buying. Details should include the make, size, color, and condition of the product. If details are vague or incomplete, it’s best to look for a listing from another seller. 

Don’t be Afraid to Ask Questions

Experienced sellers know that answering questions and providing more information is an important part of the process. And the platform makes it easy to connect with sellers and ask questions before making a purchase. If the seller refuses to answer your questions or gives vague answers, it’s best to avoid buying from them. 

Use PayPal or Merpay Smart Payments 

It is essential to make sure that sellers don’t have access to your bank account details. The easiest way to do this is by using PayPal to make the transaction. This ensures that your account details are hidden. And if you want to delay payment to the following month, using Merpay Smart Payments is a safe and secure option.

Carefully Check Your Purchases

You only have three days to confirm your purchase when you receive it to make sure it meets your needs. Once three days have passed, your payment will automatically be released to the seller. So, carefully check the product as soon as you receive it to make sure that it is exactly as advertised.

More on Selling Used Items

If you’re still not sure Mercari is for you, fortunately, these days, there are many options out there for selling your extra stuff for cash.

For example, if you’re clearing out your garage, why not take a look at our guides to the 12 Best Sites to Sell a Car Fast, where to Sell Used Car Batteries, and the Best Places to Sell Used Rims for Cash? Or how about the Best Places to Sell a Broken TV, plus the Best Places to Sell Your Used Bike for Cash in 2023?

If it’s all about making or saving extra cash on the side…

Then, find out How to Make $500 Fast, How to Make Money on Instacart, How To Buy Amazon Returns, or take a look at these Legit Online Side Jobs!

Ok, back to…

Final Thoughts

Mercari is a legitimate company, and it goes the extra mile to protect people who use the platform. And this is a good place to save money when searching for second-hand products that are in good condition.

However, there are certain people who try to scam other users to make a quick buck.

Fortunately, a series of steps are taken to protect both buyers and sellers who use the platform. But it is best to carefully read the official safety guidelines before you sign up to use the platform. These guidelines clearly outline ways to stay safe when using the platform to buy or sell items.

Happy Mercari shopping!