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If you’re looking to declutter and make extra cash, selling on Mercari is a great option. Mercari is a popular online marketplace where you can list items from the comfort of your home and sell to buyers across the country. Whether you’re a first-time seller or an experienced online merchant, this guide will walk you through the steps to successfully sell your items on Mercari.
1. Create an Account
Before you start selling, you’ll need to set up an account. Mercari makes it easy to get started:
- Download the App: Mercari is available for iOS and Android devices. You can also create an account via their website. If you use my special link here, you will save $20 when you sell $100!
- Sign Up: You can sign up using your email, Facebook, Google, or Apple account.
- Set Up Your Profile: Make sure to fill out your profile with a photo and bio. This helps build trust with potential buyers.
2. List Your Items
Once your account is set up, you’re ready to start listing your items. Here’s how:
- Tap the “Sell” Button: This button is usually located at the bottom of the app or on the top of the website.
- Take Clear Photos: Mercari allows you to upload up to 12 photos of your item. Use natural lighting and take photos from multiple angles. Don’t forget close-ups of any unique details or flaws.
- Write an Accurate Title & Description:
- Be specific in your title. For example, instead of “Shirt,” write “Brand New Nike Running Shirt – Size M.”
- In the description, mention important details like size, color, condition, and any special features.
- Disclose any wear and tear or defects to avoid disputes later.
- Choose a Category: Selecting the right category helps buyers find your item more easily.
- Set a Price:
- Research similar items to get an idea of market value.
- Mercari also suggests a price range based on your item’s category and condition.
- You can choose “Smart Pricing,” where Mercari will automatically lower the price over time to help you sell faster.
- Keep Organized: Staying organized when selling items is key to managing inventory efficiently and avoiding mistakes.
- One helpful method is to assign stock item numbers to each product. This allows you to easily track and locate items, especially if you have a large inventory.
- Pair this system with clear, labeled plastic containers for storage.
- Group similar items together in each container and label them with the corresponding stock numbers. This way, when an item sells, you can quickly find it, package it, and ship it without hassle, keeping your selling process smooth and stress-free.
- I recently purchased these inventory stickers and these clear cellophane plastic bags to keep organized!
Bargain Briana Tip: If you have a large quantity of items to sell and you feel overwhelmed, challenge yourself to list 5 items a day or whatever number seems manageable!
3. Shipping Options
Shipping is a crucial part of selling on Mercari. The platform offers a few options:
- Ship on Your Own: You can arrange shipping yourself using your preferred carrier, but you will have to track and manage shipping costs.
- Mercari Shipping Labels: Mercari offers discounted shipping labels through USPS, FedEx, and UPS. You simply print the label, attach it to your package, and drop it off at the nearest location. (This is the option I use for simplicity!)
- Offer Free Shipping: You can attract more buyers by covering the shipping cost, but remember to factor this into your pricing.
4. Promote Your Listings
To boost your chances of selling, you can promote your items:
- Promotions & Offers: You can use Mercari’s promotional tools to offer buyers a discount or negotiate directly if they send you an offer.
- Renew Listings: If your listing has been sitting for a while, you can “renew” it, which refreshes your item’s visibility in search results.
5. Communicate with Buyers
Good communication is key to building a positive reputation on Mercari:
- Respond to any buyer questions promptly and politely.
- If a buyer submits an offer, consider negotiating politely to reach a fair price.
- Keep buyers updated if there are any delays in shipping or changes to your listing.
6. Package & Ship Your Item
Once your item sells, it’s time to package it:
- Package Securely: Make sure to wrap the item well, especially if it’s fragile. Reuse boxes or padded mailers if you have them. I use two different sizes of poly mailers for the clothing I sell. Amazon has a ton of inexpensive options that have fun designs too! I use 10″x13″ poly mailers for smaller size items like shirts, bathing suits, leggings. I use a larger size of 14.5″ x 19″ for jeans, sweaters, and bundled items.
- Ship Promptly: Buyers appreciate fast shipping. Try to mail the item within one to two days of the sale. I buy half sheet labels for ease – makes shipping a breeze!
- Update Shipping Info: If you’re using your own shipping method, make sure to update the buyer with the tracking number.
7. Get Paid
Mercari holds the funds from the buyer until they confirm receipt of the item or after three days of delivery, whichever comes first. Here’s how you can access your earnings:
- Rate the Buyer: Once the item is delivered, rate the buyer so they can rate you in return.
- Receive Payment: After both parties have rated each other, the payment will be released to your Mercari balance.
- Withdraw Your Earnings: You can transfer your earnings to your bank account or use them for purchases within Mercari.
8. Build a Good Reputation
Your reputation on Mercari is essential to continued sales success. The more positive reviews you get, the more likely people will trust you as a seller. Ensure you provide good customer service, ship items promptly, and describe your items accurately to maintain a strong seller rating.
Final Tips for Selling on Mercari
- Price Competitively: While you want to make money, remember that competitive pricing will help you sell faster.
- Bundle Items: If you have multiple similar items, consider bundling them to attract buyers and save on shipping.
- Be Patient: Some items may take a while to sell. Keep refreshing your listings, adjust pricing, and stay active on the app.
Selling on Mercari is a convenient and profitable way to declutter your home, make extra cash, or even start a side hustle. With a user-friendly platform and built-in promotional tools, it’s easy to get started and reach buyers nationwide.
Happy selling! 😊
