Mercari vs eBay: Which is Better for Sellers in 2023?

Last updated Jul. 4, 2024 by Peter Jakes

Mercari vs eBay: Which is Better for Sellers in 2023?

In 2023, selling used, vintage, or even new items online can be a lucrative venture, given the right platform. Two of the most prominent online marketplaces for sellers are Mercari and eBay. Each platform has distinct advantages and disadvantages, which are crucial to understanding before deciding where to list your items. In this comprehensive article, we will dissect both platforms, highlighting their key features, fees, user experiences, customer support, and more, providing you with the insights needed to make an informed choice.

Introduction to Mercari and eBay

Mercari

Founded in Japan in 2013, Mercari has rapidly grown to become a significant player in the online resale market. It boasts a straightforward, user-friendly interface designed to make the selling process seamless and convenient. Mercari’s primary market is the United States, and it is known for low fees and a simplified selling process. The main strength of Mercari lies in its ease of use, making it a popular choice among casual sellers and buyers.

eBay

Established in 1995, eBay is a giant in the online selling space, with a presence in over 100 countries and millions of users. It offers a versatile platform where sellers can list anything from vintage collectibles to brand-new gadgets. eBay is renowned for its auction-style listings, although fixed-price selling is equally prevalent. The platform’s extensive reach and diverse customer base make it a favorable option for sellers looking to tap into a large market.

Key Features and Seller Tools

Mercari

Ease of Listing: Listing items on Mercari is incredibly simple. The platform provides a streamlined, step-by-step process that allows sellers to upload photos, write descriptions, and set prices quickly.

Affordability: Mercari charges a flat 10% fee per sale, making it one of the more cost-effective platforms for sellers.

Flexible Shipping Options: Sellers can choose to handle shipping themselves or use Mercari’s prepaid shipping labels, which can be a convenient option for those new to selling.

Buyer-Seller Interaction: Mercari maintains a straightforward direct messaging system, which helps facilitate communication between buyers and sellers.

Customer Support: Mercari offers email-based customer support, and their help center covers a broad range of topics, providing solutions to common issues.

Security Features: Mercari includes Buyer Protection and Mercari Authenticate, the latter of which verifies high-end items like luxury bags and electronics.

eBay

Diverse Listing Formats: eBay provides several listing options, including auction-style, fixed-price, and classified advertisements. This gives sellers the flexibility to choose the format best suited for their products.

Global Reach: With an extensive international customer base, sellers have the potential to reach buyers worldwide.

Advanced Tools: eBay offers an array of seller tools such as the eBay Seller Hub, analytics, and promotional tools, which can help sellers optimize their listings and increase sales.

Fee Structure: eBay’s fee structure is more complex than Mercari’s, including insertion fees, final value fees, and additional costs for listing upgrades and other services.

Buyer-Seller Interaction: eBay also provides robust messaging tools and resolution centers to handle disputes and interactions.

Customer Support: eBay provides comprehensive customer service, including live chat, email, and phone support.

Security Features: eBay ensures the safety of transactions with its eBay Money Back Guarantee and other protective measures.

Fee Comparison

Understanding the fee structure is crucial for maximizing profits.

Mercari Fees

• Selling Fee: 10% of the sale price.
• Payment Processing Fee: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.
• Optional Fees: Additional services such as promoted listings might carry extra charges.

eBay Fees

• Insertion Fee: Generally $0.30 per listing, but it can vary for high-volume sellers or high-priced items.
• Final Value Fee: Varies by category but is approximately 10% of the total sale price, including shipping.
• Payment Processing Fee: Handled through managed payments, equivalent to 2.9% + $0.30.
• Optional Fees: Numerous optional fees for listing upgrades, promotional tools, and store subscriptions.

User Interface and Experience

Mercari User Experience

Mercari’s mobile-first design is highly appreciated by users for its simplicity and ease of use. The app’s modern, clean interface allows for easy navigation, making it quick and efficient to list items and manage sales.

eBay User Experience

eBay’s platform, although a bit more complex due to its extensive features, provides a highly customizable selling experience. Advanced sellers can benefit from features such as bulk listing tools and detailed analytics, but new users might find the interface a bit overwhelming initially.

Market Reach and Audience

Mercari

Mercari primarily caters to the United States market and has a more casual buyer base, often looking for deals and second-hand goods. It’s an ideal platform for selling gently used or vintage items, especially clothing, accessories, and household goods.

eBay

eBay’s global presence makes it an excellent platform for sellers looking to reach an international audience. Its marketplace attracts a diverse range of buyers—from collectors searching for rare items to consumers interested in brand-new products. This vast audience provides sellers with varied opportunities but also stiff competition.

Sales Process and Shipping

Mercari

Mercari offers a simplified sales process with an easy-to-follow checklist to guide sellers from listing to shipping. Its prepaid shipping service is convenient, though sellers have the option to choose their own shipping methods if they prefer.

eBay

On eBay, sellers can choose from a wide range of shipping options, including calculated shipping that automatically adjusts based on buyer location. The platform’s integration with shipping carriers provides competitive rates, and advanced sellers can utilize eBay’s Global Shipping Program to simplify international sales.

Customer Service and Seller Support

Mercari

Mercari’s customer support, primarily through email, is fairly responsive. While not as advanced as eBay’s, its help center is extensive, offering answers to a plethora of common issues.

eBay

eBay’s customer support is more comprehensive, with multiple channels such as phone, chat, and email. Its seller support services are more robust, providing detailed guides, community forums, and direct assistance for large or complex issues.

Trust and Safety

Mercari

Mercari’s Buyer Protection ensures that both buyers and sellers are safeguarded during transactions. High-value items can be authenticated via Mercari Authenticate, adding an extra layer of trust.

eBay

eBay’s Money Back Guarantee provides security for both parties, while its authentication services for luxury items and extensive policies serve to protect users against fraud.

Pros and Cons

Mercari Pros

1. User-Friendly Interface: Easy for new sellers to navigate.
2. Low Fees: Competitive selling fees compared to other platforms.
3. Convenient Shipping Options: Prepaid shipping labels streamline the process.

Mercari Cons

1. Limited Market Reach: Primarily focused on the U.S. market.
2. Basic Selling Tools: Fewer advanced features compared to eBay.

eBay Pros

1. Global Audience: Access to international buyers.
2. Versatile Selling Options: Multiple listing formats and advanced tools.
3. Robust Buyer and Seller Support: Comprehensive resources for resolving issues.

eBay Cons

1. Higher Fees: More complex and generally higher fee structure.
2. Complex Interface: May be overwhelming for new or casual sellers.

Conclusion

Choosing between Mercari and eBay ultimately depends on your selling needs and business goals in 2023. If you are new to online selling or primarily want to sell used or vintage items, Mercari’s low fees and user-friendly platform may be the best choice. On the other hand, if you are an experienced seller looking to reach a global audience with a variety of listing options, eBay’s advanced tools and vast customer base are likely to be more beneficial, despite the higher fees.

By carefully considering the features, fees, and market reach of each platform, you can make an informed decision tailored to your specific needs, ultimately helping you maximize your sales potential in 2023.

FAQs

Q: What items sell best on Mercari?

A: Clothing, accessories, electronics, and household goods tend to perform well on Mercari, particularly gently used or vintage items.

Q: Can I sell internationally on Mercari?

A: Currently, Mercari primarily focuses on the U.S. market, so international selling options are limited.

Q: Does eBay offer seller protection?

A: Yes, eBay provides comprehensive seller protection and resources to resolve disputes.

Q: Are there any additional costs associated with eBay?

A: Yes, eBay has various optional fees for listing upgrades, promoted listings, and store subscriptions.

Q: Which platform has a better mobile app?

A: Both platforms have highly rated mobile apps, but Mercari’s app is often praised for its simplicity and ease of use.