A young woman packing a shipping box in a home-based workspace, surrounded by clothing racks and beauty products, preparing an online sale for Mercari.

How To Make Money On Mercari

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Mercari is a popular online marketplace that allows users to buy and sell new and used items with ease. Whether you’re looking to declutter your home, flip products for profit, or start a side hustle, Mercari provides an excellent opportunity to make extra cash. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to maximize your earnings on Mercari.

1. Create a Strong Seller Profile

A trustworthy seller profile can increase your chances of making sales. Use a clear profile picture, write a short bio, and aim for positive reviews to build credibility. Sign up for Mercari now!

2. Choose the Right Items To Sell

Some products sell better than others on Mercari. The best-selling categories include:

  • Clothing & Shoes – Especially brand-name and vintage items.
  • Electronics – Phones, laptops, gaming consoles, and accessories.
  • Toys & Collectibles – Rare action figures, Pokémon cards, and Funko Pops.
  • Home & Kitchen Items – Small appliances, decor, and storage solutions.
  • Beauty & Personal Care – Unused makeup, skincare, and hair tools.
  • Video Games & Media – Game cartridges, DVDs, and vinyl records.

3. Take High-Quality Photos

Good photos attract buyers and help your listings stand out. Follow these tips:

  • Use natural lighting and a clean background.
  • Take multiple angles of the item.
  • Show any defects or wear honestly.
  • Include photos of tags or serial numbers for authenticity.

4. Write Compelling Descriptions

Your description should be detailed and accurate. Include:

  • Brand and model name.
  • Condition (new, like new, good, fair, etc.).
  • Size, color, and material.
  • Any flaws or missing parts.
  • Keywords buyers might search for.

5. Price Your Items Competitively

Check similar listings to price your items fairly. Consider:

  • Offering slight discounts to attract buyers.
  • Using Mercari’s Smart Pricing tool, which automatically adjusts the price based on demand.
  • Bundling related items to encourage larger purchases.

6. Promote Your Listings

  • Use Mercari’s Promote Feature: This lowers the price slightly and boosts visibility.
  • Share on Social Media: Promote your items on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
  • Cross-List Items: If you’re also selling on eBay, Poshmark, or Facebook Marketplace, mention it to create urgency.

7. Offer Fast & Affordable Shipping

  • Use Mercari Prepaid Labels to save money on shipping costs.
  • Offer free shipping if possible—it attracts more buyers.
  • Weigh your items accurately to avoid unexpected shipping fees.

8. Provide Excellent Customer Service

  • Respond to messages quickly and professionally.
  • Ship items within 24-48 hours to keep buyers happy.
  • Pack items securely to prevent damage in transit.
  • Follow up with buyers to ensure satisfaction and earn positive reviews.

9. Leverage Mercari Local for Bigger Items

If you have bulky items that are expensive to ship, try Mercari Local, which allows buyers in your area to purchase items without shipping.

10. Take Advantage of Mercari’s Seller Promotions

Mercari often runs seller promotions that offer discounts on fees or rewards for listing items. Keep an eye out for these opportunities to maximize your profits.

11. Stay Organized & Keep Track of Profits

  • Track your expenses and earnings to see which items are most profitable.
  • Set goals for listing and selling each week.
  • Reinvest profits into new inventory if you’re looking to scale your business.

Final Thoughts

Making money on Mercari is easy with the right strategy. By selling popular items, taking quality photos, writing detailed descriptions, pricing competitively, and providing great customer service, you can turn your Mercari shop into a profitable venture. Whether you’re decluttering or starting a full-fledged resale business, Mercari can be a valuable tool for making extra income.

A smiling woman in an apron holding shipping boxes while working on a laptop, surrounded by more packages, showcasing how to make money selling on Mercari.