Mercari vs eBay: Comparison Of Their Fees And Much More!

In this post Mercari vs eBay, we will compare Mercari and eBay on a number of factors, including fees, selection, and ease of use. We will also provide some tips on how to get the most out of either platform.

Mercari and eBay are two of the most popular online marketplaces for buying and selling used goods. Both platforms have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to compare them carefully before deciding which one is right for you.

So, whether you’re a seller looking to get rid of some unwanted items or a buyer looking for a bargain, read on to learn more about Mercari vs eBay.

What is Mercari

Mercari is a popular online marketplace that allows users to buy and sell new and used items. The company was founded in 2013 in Japan and has since expanded to the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Mercari is a mobile-first platform, meaning that it is designed to be used on smartphones and tablets.

To use Mercari, users create an account and then list items for sale. Mercari charges a 10% commission on all sales. Buyers can pay for items using a credit card or PayPal.

Mercari offers a variety of shipping options, including standard shipping, priority shipping, and overnight shipping.

Mercari is a popular platform for both buyers and sellers. Buyers can find a wide variety of items on Mercari, including clothing, electronics, furniture, and home goods. Sellers can earn money by selling items they no longer need or want. Mercari is a safe and convenient way to buy and sell used items.

What is eBay

eBay is an online marketplace where people can buy and sell goods and services. It was founded in 1995 by Pierre Omidyar and is headquartered in San Jose, California. eBay is one of the most popular websites in the world, with over 180 million active users.

eBay allows users to list items for sale in a variety of categories, including electronics, clothing, furniture, and collectibles. Buyers can browse through the listings and make offers on items they are interested in. Once an offer is accepted, the buyer and seller can communicate with each other to arrange payment and shipping.

eBay charges sellers a fee for listing items for sale. The fee varies depending on the category of the item and the length of time the item is listed. Buyers do not pay any fees to use eBay.

eBay is a popular platform for both buyers and sellers. Buyers can find a wide variety of items on eBay at a variety of prices. Sellers can earn money by selling items they no longer need or want. eBay is a safe and convenient way to buy and sell goods and services.

Selling on Mercari vs selling on eBay

Mercari and eBay are two of the most popular online marketplaces for selling used goods. Both platforms have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to compare them carefully before deciding which one is right for you.

Here is a table comparing the two platforms:

Feature	Mercari	eBay
Founded	2013	1995
Listing fees	No	Yes
Commission	10%	None
Selection of items	Smaller	Larger
Global reach	No	Yes
Ease of use	Easy	More complex
Mobile-friendly	Yes	Yes

Mercari

Mercari is a newer marketplace that was founded in 2013. It is known for its easy-to-use interface and its focus on mobile. Mercari does not charge any listing fees, but it does take a 10% commission on each sale.

eBay

eBay is an older marketplace that was founded in 1995. It is known for its large selection of items and its global reach. eBay charges a listing fee, but it does not take a commission on sales.

Which Platform is Right for You?

The best platform for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for an easy-to-use platform with a focus on mobile, then Mercari is a good option. If you are looking for a platform with a large selection of items and a global reach, then eBay is a good option.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which platform is right for you is to try both of them out. Create an account on both Mercari and eBay and list a few items for sale. See which platform you prefer and which one gets you the most sales.

The following are the factors to consider when choosing a platform to sell on:

Fees: Mercari does not charge any listing fees, but it does take a 10% commission on each sale. eBay charges a listing fee, but it does not take a commission on sales.
Selection: Mercari has a smaller selection of items than eBay. However, Mercari’s selection is growing rapidly.

Ease of use: Mercari is known for its easy-to-use interface. eBay is more complex, but it offers more features.
Mobile-friendly: Mercari is a mobile-first platform. eBay is also mobile-friendly, but it is not as optimized for mobile as Mercari.
Customer support: Mercari’s customer support is known for being responsive and helpful. eBay’s customer support is also responsive, but it is not as helpful as Mercari’s.

No matter which you choose, I recommend you take note of the following tips. This will increase your chances of success when selling on Mercari or eBay.

Take good photos: When listing your items, be sure to take clear and well-lit photos. This will help buyers to see what they are getting and make them more likely to buy your item.
Write a detailed description: Be sure to write a detailed description of your item, including its condition, size, and any other relevant information. This will help buyers to make an informed decision about whether or not to buy your item.

Price your item competitively: Be sure to price your item competitively. If you price it too high, you may not get any buyers. If you price it too low, you may lose money.
Respond to messages promptly: When buyers message you, be sure to respond promptly. This will show them that you are serious about selling your item and that you are available to answer their questions.
Pack your item carefully: When shipping your item, be sure to pack it carefully. This will help to ensure that it arrives at its destination in good condition.

Comparison of Shipping: eBay vs Mercari

Let’s see how the shipping on eBay and Mercari compare.

Mercari offers a variety of shipping options, including:

Standard shipping: This is the most basic shipping option and is typically the least expensive.

Priority shipping: This is a faster shipping option that typically costs more than standard shipping.
Overnight shipping: This is the fastest shipping option and typically costs the most.

Mercari sellers are responsible for shipping their items to buyers. Mercari provides shipping labels that sellers can print out and attach to their packages. Mercari also offers a shipping calculator that sellers can use to estimate the cost of shipping their items.

On the other hand, eBay also offers a variety of shipping options, including:

Standard shipping: This is the most basic shipping option and is typically the least expensive.
Priority shipping: This is a faster shipping option that typically costs more than standard shipping.

Expedited shipping: This is the fastest shipping option and typically costs the most.

eBay sellers can choose to offer free shipping or charge a shipping fee to buyers. If a seller chooses to charge a shipping fee, they can set their own shipping rates. eBay also offers a shipping calculator that sellers can use to estimate the cost of shipping their items.

So, which Shipping Option is Right for You?

The best shipping option for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for the most affordable shipping option, then standard shipping is a good choice. If you are looking for a faster shipping option, then priority shipping or expedited shipping are good choices. If you are selling a high-value item, then you may want to offer free shipping to attract buyers.

You have to experiment and see which one best suits you. Try listing a few items for sale and see which shipping option works best for you.

Consider the following factors when choosing a shipping option:

Weight and size of your item: The weight and size of your item will affect the cost of shipping.
Distance to your buyer: The distance to your buyer will also affect the cost of shipping.
Time-sensitive: If you are selling an item that needs to be shipped quickly, then you may want to choose a faster shipping option.

Budget: How much are you willing to spend on shipping?

Comparison of fees on eBay vs Mercari

Mercari charges a 10% commission on all sales. There are no listing fees. On the other hand, eBay charges a listing fee for each item you list. The listing fee varies depending on the category of the item and the length of time you list the item. eBay also charges a final value fee of 10% on all sales.

Which Fee Structure is Right for You?

The best fee structure for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are selling a large number of items, then the flat 10% commission on sales charged by Mercari may be more affordable than the listing fees and final value fees charged by eBay. However, if you are only selling a few items, then the listing fees and final value fees charged by eBay may be more affordable than the 10% commission charged by Mercari.

Consider these when choosing a fee structure:

Number of items you are selling: If you are selling a large number of items, then the flat 10% commission on sales charged by Mercari may be more affordable than the listing fees and final value fees charged by eBay.

Price of your items: If you are selling high-priced items, then the listing fees and final value fees charged by eBay may be more affordable than the 10% commission charged by Mercari.
Budget: How much are you willing to spend on fees?

How to save money as a seller – Mercari Vs eBay

Now, we know what are the features of Mercari and eBay, you should note down the following tips which will help you save money as a seller.

List your items during off-peak hours. Mercari and eBay charge higher fees during peak hours, such as weekends and evenings. If you can, list your items during off-peak hours to save money.
Use the right shipping method. Mercari and eBay offer a variety of shipping methods, each with its own price. Choose the shipping method that is most affordable for you and your buyer.
Offer free shipping. Offering free shipping is a great way to attract buyers and increase your sales. However, it is important to factor in the cost of shipping when pricing your items.

Negotiate with buyers. If a buyer makes an offer on your item, be willing to negotiate. You may be able to agree on a price that is lower than your asking price, which will save you money on fees.
Use coupons and promo codes. Mercari and eBay often offer coupons and promo codes that can save you money on fees. Be sure to check for these offers before you list your items.
Sell in bulk. If you have a large number of items to sell, consider selling them in bulk. This can save you money on shipping and fees.

Use a shipping calculator. Mercari and eBay offer shipping calculators that can help you estimate the cost of shipping your items. Use these calculators to choose the most affordable shipping method for your needs.
Pack your items carefully. The better you pack your items, the less likely they are to be damaged in transit. This will help to ensure that you do not have to issue a refund, which can save you money.
Respond to messages promptly. When buyers message you, be sure to respond promptly. This will show them that you are serious about selling your items and that you are available to answer their questions.

Provide excellent customer service. Providing excellent customer service is essential for building a good reputation and attracting repeat buyers. This will help you to sell more items and save money on fees in the long run.

Conclusion of Mercari vs EBay

In conclusion, choosing between Mercari and eBay will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for an easy-to-use platform with a focus on mobile, then Mercari is a good option. If you are looking for a platform with a large selection of items and a global reach, then eBay is a good option.

You might also want to consider Poshmark and also check out my comparison of Poshmark vs Mercari.