If you’re new to selling on the Mercari app, I’ve got some helpful tips for creating your first listing!
To start off, open up the app and sign in with a username.
If you don’t have an account yet- no worries! You can create one by using our special link!
Not only will it allow you to join Mercari, but it will give you ten dollars to spend just for joining.
Yay! Free Money!
Contents
How Do You Fill Out The Mercari Listing Form?
In this section I’ll go over what information you need to include when filling out your Mercari listing.
I’ll go over each section one by one and provide a detailed explanation so that it’s easier for you to understand, especially if this is your first time using the Mercari App.
How do you take photos of your mercari items?
One of the most important things to consider when you are selling something online is your photos. Photos are the first thing people see when they look for a product to buy. These photos can mean that someone will buy your item or not.
It can be difficult to sell something that people cannot see in person. To help, you should take pictures in good lighting and show every side of the item.
I like to use one method when taking photos to imagine the buyer cannot read the item description. What kind of pictures would you need to take for them, so they understand everything about the item you’re trying to sell?
To Take A Picture Using The Mercari App, Click The Shop Icon At The Bottom Center Of The App. It Says Sell under it, a purple button will pop up that say “list an item” Click this and click the camera icon at the top of the page.
Tap the camera icon and take the first picture of your item. Make it a good one, this is the picture people will see when browsing for things to buy on Mercari.
You have the option to take up to 11 more photos. You can also use photos from your phone’s photo library if you’ve already taken them.
You’re allowed 12 photos per listing. I suggest that you use them all. The more information you give your buyer, the more likely you are to sell your item.
How To Choose The Perfect Title For Your Mercari Listing
This is one of the most important parts of your listing. (Besides the photos) This is what your buyer will be searching for when they are searching for an item.
Be sure to include as many details about what your selling in the title as you can. You only get 40 characters for your title.
Sometimes it can be hard to fit everything you want to say into such a small space. If you find yourself running out of room, try using abbreviations. Some of the ones I use are:
- SZ = Size
- NIB = New In Box
- NWT = New With Tags
- NWOT= New Without Tags
Most people who buy online will know what these abbreviations mean. It can free up space in your title for more important words such as the brand, color, or other important details you want the buyers to know.
How To Write A Description For Your Item?
When you’re describing your item, start with the basics: color, size, and texture.
Try to describe your item as if there are no pictures of it.
Some questions you may want to ask yourself are:
- What flaws, if any does the item have? Be sure to mention them if there are any.
- What dimensions or measurements would you need to know if you were buying the item?
- Does the item have a smell to it? What you may consider a pleasant smell may be off-putting to someone else.
What Item Details Should You Include In Your Listing?
In this section, you will fill out details about what you are selling. The information you need to enter will vary depending on what you are selling.
For example if you were trying to sell a pair of sunglasses the information it asked for would be different than if you were trying to sell a pair of jeans. Fill this section out line by line. It will update as you add more information.
How To Fill Out The Category, Brand, And Condition Section Of Your Listing
Category
Based on the title you provide, Mercari will suggest a category.
Sometimes it can get the category wrong, so be sure to double-check what it suggests.
The categories you can choose from are:
- Women’s Clothing
- Men’s Clothing
- Kids Clothing
- Home Items
- Vintage & Collectible Items
- Beauty Items
- Electronics Items
- Sports & Outdoor Items
- Handmade Items
- Other Items
There will more than likely be a category for the item you are trying to sell. Choose Other if you can’t find one that works.
Brand
If your item has a brand, choose it here. If not (or you don’t know), choose no brand.
Choosing the brand helps your potential buyers find your item when they are searching for it on Mercari.
Condition
You have 5 conditions to choose from they are:
- New – new with tags (NWT). Unopened packaging. Unused.
- Like new – new without tags (NWOT) no signs of wear. Unused.
- Good – gently used. One / a few minor flaws. Functional.
- Fair – used, functional, multiple flaws/defects.
- Poor – major flaws, may be damaged, for parts.
Be sure to choose the one that best describes your item.
Who Pays For Shipping on Mercai?
When it comes to shipping, you can pay for the shipping or have your buyer pay for it.
If you choose to pay for the shipping, you have two options.
Prepaid Label
After your item sells, Mercari will email you a shipping label for you to use to ship your item. The cost of this label will be deducted from the sale price of your item. Be sure to factor this into your cost when listing your item.
Ship On Your Own
After your item sells, you will be responsible for getting your shipping label. Getting this shipping label can be done using an online postage service such as stamps.Com, or if you have a PayPal account, you can go to https://www.paypal.com/shipnow Sign in and print your label.
If you choose “buyer,” you will be asked to select a weight and carrier. You will still be emailed the prepaid shipping label, but your buyer will pay for the label instead.
Shipping Cost Comparison Chart
Below are examples of shipping prices for different sizes and weights of items. When filling out your shipping information, be sure to weigh your item in the box you’re shipping it in. This will give you a more accurate weight.
To provide peace of mind for your customers, items shipped using Mercari prepaid labels will include insurance up to $200 for lost or damaged items in transit. You can file claims right from the app.
Check Out My Article On Where To Get Free Shipping Supplies.
How Should You Weigh Your Item?
If you don’t have a scale, get a scale! I recommend the 25 lb USB scale by Dymo.
You’ll want to weigh your item in the box/mailer you plan to ship it in. This will give you the most accurate weight.
After getting the weight of your item, please enter it in your listing, Mercari will come back with the different carriers’ price.
You have to choose the carrier you want to use. There are currently three options; USPS, FedEx, or Mercari Pack & Ship (For the last option, you bring your item to a UPS store and have them pack and ship it for you.
How Do You Price Your Items?
Deciding on a price for your items can be one of the hardest parts of listing them. On the one hand, you don’t want to price them too high; out of fear, no one will buy them. On the other hand, you don’t want to price them too low and lose money.
What To Consider When Pricing Your Items?
- What is it worth? Check what your item is currently selling for (and has sold for) on Mercari and other popular sites such as eBay, Amazon, or even Google.
- How much will the shipping cost? If you choose to ship your items yourself, the shipping cost will be coming from your sell price.
Once You Decide On A Price And Enter It Your Profit And Any Fees Will Be Calculated And Displayed.
How Do You Submit Your Mercari Listing?
The last step is to submit your listing by clicking the big orange List button at the bottom of your screen; once you do that, your item will be listed on Mercari!
