The short answer
Take clear photos, describe the item and its condition honestly, and choose a shipping option that fits its size and weight. Price from what similar items actually sold for, respond to offers, and ship quickly. Payment is usually released after the buyer rates the transaction. Mercari's fees and shipping options change over time, so check its current fee and shipping pages before you set a price.
Step 1: choose what to list
Mercari covers almost every category, from clothing and shoes to electronics, games, toys, collectibles and home goods. Items that ship easily and have clear brand or model names tend to do well. Very heavy or bulky items can cost more to ship than they sell for, so local selling may suit them better.
Step 2: prepare and test
- Clean the item and gather any cables, manuals, boxes and accessories.
- Test electronics fully, then sign out of accounts and factory reset devices. See how to sell old electronics.
- Note every flaw, and find the model number or style code.
Step 3: photograph and describe
Use bright, even light and a plain background. Start with a clear photo of the whole item, then add labels, serial or model plates, accessories and close-ups of any damage. In the description, give the brand, model, size or dimensions, what is included, how it was tested and an honest account of condition. Choose the condition level that matches what buyers will see.
Step 4: choose a shipping option
Weigh and measure the item packed, not just the item itself. Mercari offers prepaid labels in set weight ranges as well as the option to ship on your own, and you can choose whether you or the buyer pays shipping. If you pay, include it in your price. Getting the weight wrong can lead to extra charges. Our guide to shipping items cheaply explains how to choose packaging.
Step 5: price it
Search for sold listings of the same item on Mercari and other marketplaces, and compare the same condition and accessories. Work out your payout after fees and shipping with the resale profit calculator. Leave some room for offers, and consider small price drops on items that get views but no sales, as buyers who liked an item may be notified.
Step 6: handle offers and messages
Respond to offers and questions promptly and politely. Keep all messages and payment on Mercari. Requests to pay outside the app, shipping to a different address than the one on the order, or links to outside sites are common scam signs. See how to avoid scams when selling online.
Step 7: ship and get rated
Ship within the time Mercari sets for the order, using the label or tracking it requires. Pack the item so it cannot move in the box. Once the buyer receives it and rates the transaction, you rate the buyer and your payment becomes available. If the buyer reports a problem, respond with your photos and follow Mercari's process.
Where WorthAI fits
Before you list, scan the item with WorthAI to identify the likely brand and style and see an estimated worth with a range, a suggested asking price and a reading of buyer demand, along with the marketplace listings behind the estimate. Check that those listings match your item's size, version and condition, and tap Refine Result if the match is wrong. Use the estimate as research, then set your own price for Mercari.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get paid on Mercari?
Payment is usually released after the buyer receives the item and the ratings are complete. You can then transfer the balance to your bank account, following Mercari's current rules.
What is the best way to ship on Mercari?
Weigh and measure the packed item, then choose a prepaid label in the right weight range or ship on your own with tracking. Pack items so they cannot move in the box.
What sells well on Mercari?
Items with clear brand or model names that ship easily, such as clothing, shoes, electronics, games, toys and collectibles, tend to sell well. Bulky, low-value items are often better sold locally.