Are you trying to decide between selling on Mercari vs eBay?
Both platforms offer a wide range of benefits and drawbacks for sellers.
In this article, we’ll compare the two platforms to help you determine which one is right for you.
One of the biggest differences between Mercari and eBay is the fees.
While eBay charges its sellers fees, Mercari doesn’t charge any listing fees for items, but keeps 10% of each sale a merchant makes.
This makes Mercari a better option for small businesses due to having easy and free listings. However, eBay offers a larger client base that benefits many eBay sellers.
Ultimately, the size of your eCommerce business may also greatly impact whether you choose Mercari vs eBay.
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Overview Of Mercari And eBay
If you’re looking to sell items online, two of the most popular platforms to consider are Mercari and eBay.
Both platforms have their pros and cons, and it’s important to understand their differences before deciding which one to use.
eBay is one of the oldest and largest online marketplaces, with over 159 million active users worldwide.
It offers a wide range of products, from electronics to clothing to collectibles. eBay charges sellers fees for listing items and takes a percentage of the sale price as a commission.
However, it also offers a range of tools and features to help sellers promote their listings and increase sales.
Mercari, on the other hand, is a newer platform with over 20 million active users each month.
It is known for its simplicity and ease of use, with no listing fees and a flat 10% commission on each sale. Mercari is a mobile-first platform, with a focus on selling items quickly and easily through its app.
When it comes to fees, Mercari is generally cheaper than eBay for small to medium-sized sellers.
However, eBay offers more advanced selling tools and features, such as promoted listings and bulk editing, which may be beneficial for larger sellers.
Ultimately, the choice between Mercari and eBay will depend on your specific needs and preferences as a seller.
Consider factors such as fees, audience size, and available features when making your decision.
Selling On Mercari Vs eBay
If you are looking to sell items online, two popular options are Mercari and eBay.
Here are some factors to consider when deciding between the two platforms.
Fees
One of the first things to think about is fees. Mercari does not charge listing fees, but they do take a 10% cut of each sale.
On the other hand, eBay charges sellers fees, but the amount varies depending on the product category. For some categories, eBay’s fees may be lower than Mercari’s.
Ease Of Use
Both Mercari and eBay have their pros and cons when it comes to ease of use.
Mercari is known for having a simple and straightforward listing process, making it a good option for beginners.
eBay, on the other hand, has a larger user base, which can be beneficial for sellers looking to reach a wider audience. However, eBay’s platform can be more complex and may require more time to learn and navigate.
Seller Protection
Another important factor to consider is seller protection. Both Mercari and eBay have policies in place to protect sellers from scams, difficult buyers, broken merchandise, and lost shipments.
However, the specifics of these policies vary between the two platforms. It’s important to read and understand the policies before deciding which platform to use.
In summary, deciding between Mercari and eBay depends on your priorities.
If you’re looking for a simple and free listing process, Mercari may be the better option.
If you want to reach a larger audience and are willing to pay fees, eBay may be the way to go. Either way, make sure to read and understand the platform’s policies to protect yourself as a seller.
Buying On Mercari Versus eBay
When it comes to buying on Mercari and eBay, both online marketplaces offer a vast selection of products to choose from.
However, there are some differences to consider before making a purchase.
Selection
eBay has been around for much longer than Mercari and has a larger user base, which means a wider selection of products to choose from.
eBay also offers a broader range of categories, including collectibles, antiques, and vintage items.
On the other hand, Mercari has a more streamlined selection, with a focus on fashion, beauty, and home goods.
Pricing
Both Mercari and eBay offer competitive pricing, but it’s essential to compare prices before making a purchase.
eBay has a bidding system, which means that prices can fluctuate depending on the demand for a particular item.
Mercari, on the other hand, has a fixed price system, which means that the price is set by the seller and cannot be negotiated.
Buyer Protection
Both Mercari and eBay offer buyer protection policies to ensure that buyers are protected in case of fraud or misrepresentation.
eBay has a Money Back Guarantee program, which means that buyers can get a full refund if the item they receive is not as described.
Mercari has a similar policy, but it’s called the Buyer Protection Program, which covers items that are not as described, damaged, or lost in transit.
In conclusion, both Mercari and eBay offer a great buying experience with their own unique features.
When deciding between the two, consider the selection, pricing, and buyer protection policies to make an informed decision.
Shipping And Returns On Mercari Versus eBay
When it comes to shipping and returns, both Mercari and eBay have their own policies and options. Here’s what you need to know:
Shipping Options
Mercari offers a prepaid shipping plan that delivers to all 50 states for items up to 150 pounds and with a maximum length and width of 45″ and 20″, respectively.
They also have the Mercari Pack & Ship option for larger items.
Shipping fees are calculated based on the weight and size of the item, as well as the buyer’s location.
eBay, on the other hand, offers a variety of shipping options, including USPS, UPS, FedEx, and more.
Sellers can choose to offer free shipping or charge the buyer for shipping fees. eBay also offers discounted shipping rates for sellers who use their shipping labels.
Returns And Refunds
Mercari has a strict no return policy, but they do offer a buyer protection program.
If the item is not as described or damaged during shipping, buyers can file a claim within 3 days of receiving the item. Mercari will then review the claim and issue a refund if necessary.
eBay has a more flexible return policy, with options for both the buyer and seller to initiate a return.
Buyers can return items for any reason within 30 days of receiving them, and sellers can choose to accept returns or not.
eBay also has a money-back guarantee for buyers, which ensures that they receive the item they ordered or get their money back.
In conclusion, both Mercari and eBay have their own shipping and return policies, so it’s important to read and understand them before making a purchase or listing an item.
Mercari offers a prepaid shipping plan and has a strict no return policy, while eBay has a variety of shipping options and a more flexible return policy.
Customer Support On Mercari Versus eBay
When it comes to selling online, customer support is a crucial aspect. Let’s take a look at how Mercari and eBay compare in terms of customer support.
Contacting Support
Mercari has a help center on their website, where you can find answers to frequently asked questions.
However, there is no phone number to reach a customer service agent directly. If you need to contact support, you can submit a request through the help center, and a support agent will get back to you via email.
On the other hand, eBay offers a help center as well as a phone number to reach the eBay customer service team. You can also contact eBay support through live chat or email.
eBay’s customer service is available 24/7, which is a significant advantage over Mercari.
Response Time
Mercari’s response time can vary, depending on the nature of your request.
Generally, it takes 1-2 business days for a support agent to respond to your inquiry.
However, during peak periods, such as holidays, the response time may be longer.
eBay’s response time is generally faster than Mercari’s. If you contact eBay support during business hours, you can expect a response within a few hours.
eBay also offers a callback service, where you can request a call from a support agent.
In summary, eBay offers better customer support than Mercari, with a wider range of contact options and faster response times.
However, Mercari’s help center is still a useful resource for finding answers to common questions.
Key Takeaways
When it comes to selling items online, two of the most popular platforms are Mercari and eBay.
Each has its own pros and cons, and the choice between the two ultimately depends on your specific needs as a seller.
Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:
- Fees: Mercari charges a flat 13% total on all purchases and sales, while eBay charges sellers fees that vary depending on the item and selling price. Mercari is a better option for small businesses due to having easy and free listings, while eBay may be better for larger businesses with a larger client base.
- Local Selling: Mercari Local allows you to sell items locally and get paid through the app, while eBay classified ads require you to meet the buyer in person and agree on payment. Keep in mind that Mercari Local charges a $7.99 delivery fee, while eBay classified ads are free.
- Listing Process: Mercari offers a free and simple listing process, while eBay may require more time and effort to create a listing. However, eBay offers more advanced selling options and tools, such as auction-style listings and the ability to set your own shipping options.
- Audience: eBay has a larger client base than Mercari, which can be beneficial for sellers looking to reach a wider audience. However, Mercari has a younger demographic and is known for its focus on fashion and beauty items.
Overall, both Mercari and eBay have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Consider your specific needs as a seller and the type of items you are selling to determine which platform is the best fit for you.
