Mercari is a secure and trusted marketplace that give users the ability to sell various items from candles and electronics to sneakers and other secondhand items. As of 2020, it was downloaded over 50 million times in the United States and features a large list of over 300,000 items for sale. The marketplace was founded by Shinbator Yamada, and was initially launched in japan back in 2013. As of 2020, the app has been downloaded more than 120 million times around the world, and serves over 94% of Japanese users who utilize marketplace apps.

Features and Benefits

Users are able to list their items through the Mercari app via smartphone device. The app is available on both the iOS and Googleplay App store. In order for you to become a seller, you have to complete an application which asks for basic information such as your mailing address, full name and credit card in order to verify your account. Additionally, you'll need a dedicated email address and mobile phone number. It's important to note that the company does this in effort to enhance security for buyers and sellers alike which helps to provide a stress free process. Once you provide the necessary information, you are then able to use written descriptions and photos, to create a listing which will include information such as the description of the item, title, price, brand, shipping fees and more.

Individuals who only wish to purchase items through Mercari have to get their account verified as well. Once that is completed and a purchase is made, the seller has up to 4 days to ship the item. Once the customer receives the product, the buyer and seller need to give each other a rating, in order for the transaction to be completed. The rating feature of the platform consists of a 5 star system as to which buyers and sellers can leave comments about a given transaction. Feedback from previous transactions can be seen on the seller and buyer's profile. Once a transaction has been marked as being complete, the funds are released and the seller gains the option of being able to transfer it to their bank account, or to use it as credit to make purchases on the platform. To get paid as a seller on Mercari, you'll have to link your bank account. In order for you to do this you'll have to provide an account and routing number. Once funds have been released, you can either wait for the funds to be processed into your account within 48 hours, or you can pay a transfer fee of 1% to get it much sooner.

Pros

• Low Shipping Rates - For an item that weighs less than 4 ounces, you can ship it for as little as $2.99.
• Auto Rating System - In the past many people complained about their rating system because users had leave a rating before a seller could get paid. Now, the platform uses an auto rating system. If the buyer doesn't provide a rating within 72 hours, the listing is automatically given 5 stars and funds are released to the seller.
• Easy Access Customer Support - Some platforms allow you to contact customer support via email only. Mercari, gives access to customer support through the app. They typically take anywhere from 24-48 hours to respond.
• Accepts Multiple Forms Of Payments - Users can use their debit or credit card to make purchases. They also accept third party wallets such as PayPal and Venmo.

Cons

• In-app Customer Support Only - Even though the platform gives you the ability to access customer service through the app, there's no option to email or call them. Due to the fact that they can take up to 2 days to respond to each query, this can prove to be very frustrating to some users.
• Desktop Software Lacks Functionality - Mercari's desktop version lets you update shipping information and browse different listings. But, you can't list a new item from your desktop.
• Actual Photos - Mercair doesn't allow you to upload photos that you've downloaded from another source. All photos must be taken from a smartphone through the app.
• Low Selling Fees Mercari has one of the best selling fees in the industry. While other platforms charge more than 20% in fees, they only charge 10%.

Conclusion

Mercari provides an extensive amount of benefits that other platforms do not. Users are able to list as many items as they desire for free and those listings never expire. Based on the fact that the app uses a verification system for sellers and buyers alike, you can be rest assured that you have a lower chance of getting scammed through Mercari, in comparison to a marketplace which does not verify their buyers. When it's all said and done, with over 100 million users across the world and over 50 million users in the United States, it's a great platform to utilize as a buyer or seller.