Best Things to Sell on Mercari
Introduction
Mercari is a fantastic marketplace for selling a variety of goods, thanks to its broad US audience and simple fee structure. In 2025, it continues to thrive as a platform, especially for casual sellers looking to declutter and earn extra cash. This guide explores the best items to sell on Mercari, leveraging the platform's features and audience demographics to maximize profits.
Understanding Mercari's Fee Structure
Mercari charges a 10% seller fee and a 2.9% + $0.50 payment processing fee, making the total about 13.4% per sale. While higher than platforms like Vinted, it's simpler than eBay's multi-tiered system. Here’s how the fees break down for different price points:
- $30 item: After fees, you take home approximately $25.98.
- $80 item: After fees, you take home approximately $69.28.
- $200 item: After fees, you take home approximately $172.30.
Top Categories to Sell on Mercari
1. Electronics
Electronics remain a top-selling category due to the platform's younger audience who are tech-savvy and always on the lookout for gadgets. The simple listing process allows for easy selling of items like used smartphones, headphones, and gaming consoles. Sourcing price for used electronics can range from $30 to $100, while selling prices often exceed $200, providing excellent profit margins.
2. Toys and Games
The broad audience on Mercari makes it a great place for toys and games, appealing to families with young children. Vintage toys and popular gaming consoles can be sourced for $10-$50 and sold for $30-$150.
3. Home Decor
Items like artwork, decorative pillows, and unique lamps do well on Mercari. With the option for local pickup, even larger decor items become feasible to sell. Sourcing costs can be as low as $5, with sales prices reaching up to $75 for desirable pieces.
4. Apparel
While not as dominant as on Vinted, apparel still moves well on Mercari, especially if categorized under vintage or niche styles. Items sourced for $5-$20 can sell for $20-$60. Always price 15-20% higher to accommodate offers.
5. Kitchenware
High-quality cookware, vintage utensils, and modern kitchen gadgets are popular. Sourcing prices are typically around $10, with sales reaching $50 or more depending on the item's uniqueness.
6. Sports Equipment
From yoga mats to bicycles, sports gear is in demand. Mercari's Mercari Local feature can be a game-changer for selling bulkier items locally. Purchase prices range from $20-$100, with sales between $50-$200.
7. Beauty Products
Brand-new beauty and skincare products consistently perform well. Buyers are looking for discounted prices on high-end items. Often bought in bulk, these can be sourced for $5-$15 per item and sold for $20-$50.
8. Books and Magazines
Mercari is ideal for selling books due to lighter shipping costs. Rare editions or popular series can be sourced cheap and sold for $10-$40 each.
9. Craft Supplies
With crafting on the rise, supplies like yarn, fabric, or knitting tools are sought after. Items bought for $2-$10 can easily sell for $15-$40.
10. Pet Supplies
Pet lovers frequent Mercari for quality items at good prices. Toys, grooming products, and pet carriers sourced at $5-$20 can sell for $15-$50.
11. Vintage Collectibles
From retro memorabilia to rare coins, vintage items attract collectors on Mercari. These can often be sourced from thrift stores for $10-$30 and sold for $50-$200.
What Not to Sell on Mercari
There are a few categories to avoid due to high fees and audience mismatch. Large furniture items, unless sold locally, can incur high shipping costs. Low-value items under $10 generally aren't worth listing due to fees and negotiation tendencies.
Using ListingGenie for Effective Descriptions
To maximize sales, use ListingGenie to craft compelling descriptions tailored for Mercari: /mercari-listing. It optimizes keywords and formatting to ensure your listings stand out.
FAQs
- How does Mercari's fee structure compare to other platforms? Mercari's fees are simpler than eBay and slightly higher than Vinted, but the platform's broad audience and ease of use often compensate for this.
- Can I sell internationally on Mercari? Currently, Mercari is focused on the US market only, without cross-border selling options.
- What are Mercari Local sales? Mercari Local allows you to sell items for local pickup, ideal for heavy or bulky items that are costly to ship.
- Does Mercari support shipping discounts? Yes, Mercari offers discounted shipping rates via USPS, UPS, and FedEx, which can be a significant advantage for sellers.
- How should I price items on Mercari? Always price items 15-20% above your target selling price to account for offers and negotiations common on the platform.