Disclosure: This post or page may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we recommended. Read more about Affiliate disclosure here.
Mercari vs eBay: Where to start your eCommerce business?
If this is your dilemma, this guide will help you understand which one you should pick for your online business.
Table of Contents
Selling on Mercari vs eBay Marketplaces
What is Mercari?
Mercari is an excellent online marketplace in the US. This is primarily a second-hand marketplace where you can sell both used and new items. Mercari was launched in the United States in 2014 and in the United Kingdom in 2016. Since then, the Mercari app has been downloaded over 100 million times worldwide and growing consistently and has over 20 million monthly active users
What is eBay?
eBay is a popular eCommerce selling platforms for buyers and sellers.
Merchants can list and sell pretty much anything on eBay. The platform provides an online marketplace where people from all over the world can sell, buy, and trade
Comparison Between Mercari and eBay
Now, let’s look at the comparison so that you can first see from a closer lens how they are different from each other and decide for yourself.
User-Friendliness
- Mercari: Listing items is straightforward with minimal required fields. Setting up your account is also hassle-free.
- eBay: Requires more time and effort to list products and establish your store
Geographic coverage
- Mercari: Accessible in the United States and Japan.
- eBay: Operates globally, serving over 100 countries
Fees structure
- Mercari: No charges for listings; however, it deducts a 10% fee from each sale.
- eBay: Grants up to 250 free listings, then imposes a $0.35 fee per listing along with a 12-14% selling commission, depending on the item
User base
- Mercari: Boasts over 15 million users worldwide.
- eBay: Hosts more than 182 million users globally.
Customer support
- Mercari: Offers a website-based help center; lacks phone assistance.
- eBay: Provides both online support and a phone helpline for customer inquiries.
Return policies
- Mercari: Transactions are typically final; exceptions may apply for misrepresented items. If at all, Mercari pays for the return shipping.
- eBay: Allows buyers to initiate returns for various reasons, contingent upon merchant approval.
Dropshipping
- Mercari: Officially, Mercari does not allow dropshipping
- eBay: eBay allows dropshipping
As you have now gone through the comparison, it is easier for you to decide which platform you want to choose for your eCommerce business.
Read also: How to dropship on Mercari without getting banned
Comparison of Mercari vs. eBay Fees
Before deciding between Mercari and eBay fees, it’s important to understand the charges associated with each platform. Let’s explore the specific costs of getting your online store up and running, so you can start selling quickly.
Mercari fees
- No listing fees; charges 10% of the item price upon sale.
- Payment processing fee: 2.9% + $0.30 for each received payment.
eBay fees
- Insertion fee: Allows 250 free listings per month, then $0.35 per additional listing.
- Final value fee: Varies by item category, typically 12.55% up to $750 per item sale.
Earning calculations on the Platforms
Mercari
- Earnings = Listing price – (selling fee s + payment processing fees + shipping fees if applicable).
eBay
- Earnings = Sale price – (insertion fees + final value fees).
eBay’s final value fee differs by item category. I recommend to check eBay’s customer service page for detailed category-wise percentages.
Mercari vs eBay shipping fees
To keep your eBay customers happy, you can mix up your shipping strategies and try to grab postage discounts. Don’t forget to factor in things like which carrier to choose, the weight of your items, and where they’re headed.
You’ve got options to send your goodies locally or tap into eBay’s shipping services, which cover deliveries both near and far. Unlike Mercari, eBay lets you ship stuff to over 100 countries, opening up a world of possibilities.
Plus, eBay teams up with shipping pros like USPS, UPS, and FedEx to ensure your treasures reach their destination safe and sound, right on schedule. Whether you want to tweak your shipping prices or offer that irresistible free shipping deal, it’s all about what works best for you and sets you apart from the competition.
How to Ship with Mercari?
Mercari offers convenient shipping options:
Mercari Prepaid
- Delivers to all 50 states.
- Uses Flat Rate shipping from USPS, FedEx, and UPS.
- Packages limited to 150 pounds, 45″ maximum length, and 20″ maximum width.
Mercari Pack & Ship
- Ideal for large, bulky, or fragile items.
- After the sale, you receive a UPS shipping code via email.
- Take the code to the nearest UPS Store for packaging and shipping.
Choosing the right shipping method depends on your business requirements.
How to Ship with eBay?
To ship with eBay, there are lots of considerations to be taken as under:
Selective Shipping Rules
Sellers can establish rules for shipping to specific locations or countries based on preferences and limitations.
Shipping Weight
You should consider package weight to accurately determine shipping costs.
Set Shipping Rates
eBay allows sellers to set fixed shipping rates for their products. Rates can be adjusted based on seller preferences or in alignment with competitors’.
Shipping Carriers
Selection of appropriate carriers based on shipping destinations and preferences.
Package Sizes
There needs to be a proper assessment of package dimensions to ensure compatibility with chosen carriers and shipping options.
Selling to International Clients
On eBay, sellers have the option to sell items internationally, enabling flexibility in choosing suitable shipping couriers.
International Shipping
eBay offers shipping to over 100 countries, necessitating strategic planning for the most cost-effective international shipments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is better Mercari or eBay?
Choosing the right platform for selling depends on what you’re selling, how much it costs to start, and who you’re trying to reach.
Why is Mercari so cheap?
Mercari stands out for its low fees, charging only a 10% commission on item prices with no listing fees. This makes it more cost-effective compared to eBay.
Final Verdict on Mercari vs eBay
So, you can see both platforms are good to sell your products. If your US buyers are your target audience, Mercari can be a better option. If you want to sell internationally, you need to pick eBay. To sell on Mercari, the product should be in possession at the time of selling. However, eBay allows dropshipping and you can choose to buy products at a later date after it is sold.
While Mercari does not allow dropshipping, you can refer to this blog post how you can get around it.
