How to Calculate Mercari Fee?
Mercari is the largest online marketplace in Japan, where anyone can buy and sell expensive or cheap products.
Every marketplace has some terms and conditions for buying and selling products. Like other platforms, Mercari charged a fixed fee of 10% for selling items. Here’s a breakdown of the Mercari fee:
- Transaction Fee
- Payment Processing Fee
Mercari charges 2.9% + $0.50 for the payment processing fee if a seller selects the Mercari payment processing method.
Usually, Mercari does not support international shipping. Only the Japanese within Japan can buy products from this marketplace.
Is it Better to sell on eBay or Mercari?
When deciding whether to sell on eBay or Mercari, there are several factors to consider, including fees, audience, ease of use, and features.
eBay is a better choice for experienced sellers, while Mercari is more suitable for beginners.
The reason is that eBay requires sellers to pay a listing fee, while Mercari does not charge any listing fees, which is a major advantage.
However, some categories on eBay allow free listings, while others require a fee.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which platform may be better suited to your needs.
Fees
Fees are one of the biggest factors when choosing a platform. The fees for selling items on eBay and Mercari are different.
Depending on what you’re selling and the price, one may be better for you than the other.
Platform | Listing Fee | Final Fee |
eBay | Free (for up to 250 listings per month) | between 10% and 15.55% |
Mercari | Free | 10% of the sale price |
Key Point:
- Mercari: Simpler, lower fees, but includes a payment processing fee.
- eBay: Higher fees for most categories, especially after adding the $0.30 per order flat fee.
Audience & Reach:
Platform | Audience |
eBay | Larger, more global audience |
Mercari | Smaller, more US-centric audience |
Platform | Best For | Market Reach |
eBay | Rare, collectible, and higher-end items | International |
Mercari | Everyday items and lower-end goods | Primarily US-based |
Key Points:
- eBay: Has a global audience, making it better for selling rare or collectible items and reaching international buyers.
- Mercari: Smaller, more US target audience. It’s better for selling everyday items or lower-priced goods domestically.
Ease of Use
Listing Process | |
eBay | Detailed, can be complex |
Mercari | Quick and simple |
Key Points:
- eBay: The listing process on eBay requires more detailed input, such as product descriptions, photos, and categorization. While this offers flexibility, it may be overwhelming for first-time sellers.
- Mercari: Simpler, with an easy-to-follow listing process that is quicker for sellers who prefer not to spend too much time on each listing.
Payment & Payout:
Payout Duration | |
eBay | Usually within 1-3 days after order is delivered |
Mercari | 1-5 business days after the buyer confirms receipt |
- eBay: Typically slower payouts due to the need for order confirmation and handling via bank transfers.
- Mercari: Quicker with the option for Instant Pay (for a fee).
Final Considerations
- eBay is better if you:
- Want to reach a global audience.
- Are selling high-value or rare items like electronics, antiques, or collectibles.
- Need more flexibility in setting return policies and shipping methods.
- Mercari is better if you:
- Prefer a simpler, more user-friendly selling experience.
- Are selling everyday items like clothing, home goods, and lower-priced products.
- Want lower fees and prepaid shipping labels.
What Percentage do you make on Mercari?
Mercari charges a selling fee on each successful sale. Currently, the standard selling fee of Mercari is 10% of the item’s sale price.
Additionally, there is a payment processing fee of 2.9% plus $0.30 per payment.
Here’s an example to illustrate how the fees work:
Example
Let’s say you sell an item for $100 on Mercari.
- Selling Fee: 10% of the sale price.
- Selling Fee = 0.10 × 100 = $10
- Payment Processing Fee: 2.9% of the sale price plus $0.30.
Payment Processing Fee = 0.029 × 100 + 0.30 = $2.90 + $0.30 = $3.20
Total Fees:
Total Fees = $10 + $3.20 = $13.20
Net Earnings:
Net Earnings = $100 − $13.20 = $86.80
Summary
- Sale Price: $100
- Total Fees: $13.20
- Net Earnings: $86.80
Thus, for a $100 sale, after deducting Mercari’s selling fee and payment processing fee, you would make $86.80.
But remember that this profit does not include your item cost.
Suppose you originally priced an item at $45 and then sold it for $100.
In that case, you would receive $86.80 after deducting the original price, leaving you with a profit of $41.8.
FAQs:
How do I start selling on Mercari?
To sell on Mercari, start by creating an account. Then, take photos of the item you want to sell, write a description, set a price, and list it for free. Mercari offers shipping options, and once your item sells, you can ship it to the buyer.
Is it free to list items on Mercari?
Yes, listing items on Mercari is free. However, Mercari charges a 10% selling fee once your item sells, along with a 2.9% + $0.50 payment processing fee.
How do I get paid on Mercari?
After a buyer receives their item and confirms the transaction, you can request a payout. Payouts can be sent to your bank via direct deposit, which is free, or through Instant Pay, which has a $3 flat fee for up to $600 per month of immediate transfers.
How can I increase my chances of selling on Mercari?
To improve your chances of selling, provide clear, high-quality photos, write detailed descriptions, price your items competitively, and consider offering free shipping. You can also promote your listing using Mercari’s paid promotion feature to increase visibility.