eBay vs Mercari: Which Is Better for Sellers?

eBay vs Mercari: Which Platform is Better for Online Resellers?

As an experienced online reseller, I've navigated the ins and outs of multiple platforms, and eBay and Mercari are two of the most popular. Both have their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases. Let's break down the key differences.

Comparing Seller Fees

Both platforms charge fees, but they do so in slightly different ways.

• eBay: Fees are 13.25% on most categories with a $0.30 per order charge. If you sell a $50 item, you take home about $43.31 after fees, assuming no store subscription. Adding promoted listings can increase costs due to ad rates between 2-20%.
• Mercari: Takes a straightforward 10% seller fee plus 2.9% + $0.50 payment processing, totaling about 13.4%. Selling the same $50 item means you keep approximately $43.30.

Shipping Options

Shipping can be a deal-breaker for many sellers, and both platforms offer different conveniences.

• eBay: Offers discounted shipping labels and the Global Shipping Program for international orders. Sellers have the flexibility to offer free, calculated, or flat rate shipping.
• Mercari: Provides prepaid shipping labels with discounted rates and weight-based pricing. Sellers can choose to let buyers pay for shipping.

Audience Size and Demographics

The audience you reach can significantly affect your sales.

• eBay: Boasts 135M+ active buyers, mostly between 35-65 years old, with a focus on bargain hunting and collectibles.
• Mercari: While smaller, with 50M+ downloads, it skews younger, attracting a casual audience interested in a variety of items.

Best Item Categories

Choosing the right platform depends on what you're selling.

• eBay: Ideal for electronics, collectibles, and vintage items. Auctions are perfect for rare finds.
• Mercari: Suits everyday electronics, toys, and general household items, thanks to its simple listing process.

Platform Comparison Table

Feature	eBay	Mercari
Seller Fees	13.25% + $0.30	13.4%
Buyer Fees	None	None
Shipping	Variety of options, Global Shipping Program	Discounted prepaid labels, weight-based pricing
Audience Size	135M+	50M+
Best Item Categories	Electronics, Collectibles, Vintage	Everyday items, Electronics, Toys
Payment Speed	2-3 days post-delivery	Direct deposit within 2-5 days
Seller Protection	Robust buyer/seller protection	Moderate protection
International Availability	Yes, via Global Shipping Program	No, mainly US-based

When to Choose eBay

If you're selling niche or collectible items, eBay is your playground. The auction format can drive prices higher, capturing the interest of collectors and competitive bidders. Additionally, if you're shipping internationally, eBay's Global Shipping Program is a major advantage.

When to Choose Mercari

Mercari shines for quick, casual sales. If you're clearing out household items or selling widely available goods, Mercari's simplified listing process is a timesaver. It's also more approachable for new sellers looking to dip their toes into reselling without committing too heavily.

Utilizing ListingGenie

Regardless of the platform you choose, using a tool like ListingGenie can optimize your listings, helping them stand out in crowded marketplaces. Effective listings can substantially increase your visibility and sales.

FAQs

• Which platform has lower fees? While both are similar overall, Mercari might cost slightly more per transaction, but eBay's potential for promoted listings can add up.
• Is shipping easier on eBay or Mercari? It depends. eBay offers more options and international shipping, while Mercari offers simplicity with prepaid labels.
• Who has the bigger audience? eBay, with its 135M+ active buyers, provides more potential reach than Mercari.
• Which is faster for payment? Both platforms have similar payment timelines, but Mercari's payout process via direct deposit is straightforward.
• Are both platforms good for new sellers? Yes, but Mercari's setup is more beginner-friendly, while eBay offers more selling tools for when you're ready to scale up.