How to Sell Toys & Games on Mercari

Imagine you've just unearthed a box of forgotten toys from your attic — some vintage 80s action figures and a couple of unopened LEGO sets. Your first thought might be to toss them out or donate them, but wait! Selling these toys on Mercari could turn your dusty attic treasures into cash. Let me guide you through how to do it effectively.

Why Sell Toys & Games on Mercari?

Mercari is a fantastic platform for selling toys and games because of its broad US audience and simplified fee structure. With over 50 million downloads, Mercari attracts a younger demographic (ages 25-40), perfect for toys and games. Plus, Mercari's straightforward listing process makes it easy to sell high volumes quickly.

Understanding Mercari's Fee Structure

Mercari charges a 10% seller fee plus a 2.9% + $0.50 payment processing fee, totaling about 13.4% per sale. While higher than Vinted, it's still simpler than eBay's varied structure. Let's say you sell a sealed LEGO set for $100. You'll pay $13.40 in fees, leaving you with $86.60. Keep this in mind as you price your items, and remember to account for shipping if you decide to cover that cost.

Sourcing Toys & Games to Sell

• Clearance Sections: Target, Walmart, and TK Maxx often discount toys up to 75% off after holidays. Look for LEGO sets, board games, and action figures.
• Charity Shops: Vintage toys like 80s/90s action figures are often underpriced because staff may not know their value.
• Garage Sales: Parents clearing out old toys can be goldmines. Offer to buy entire boxes of LEGO or Pokémon cards for a flat rate.
• Retail Arbitrage: Follow trends on Reddit's r/ToyCollectors to spot which toys are becoming scarce and potentially profitable.

Pricing Your Toys & Games

Pricing is key. Common toys in used condition typically go for $5-15, while sealed board games can fetch $15-40. Sealed LEGO sets can range from $30 to over $200, depending on the set. For vintage action figures, loose ones might sell for $10-50, and boxed ones can soar to $500. To stay competitive, consider using Mercari's Smart Pricing tool, which auto-adjusts your price daily to keep it attractive.

Creating an Effective Listing on Mercari

Here’s how to create a standout listing:

1. Open the Mercari App: Go to your account and select “Sell”.
2. Add Photos: Include clear photos showing all sides of the packaging for NIB items. For loose toys, show all accessories and any flaws.
3. Write a Description: Be detailed about the condition, completeness, and any history of the toy. Use ListingGenie's Mercari listing generator to craft optimized descriptions.
4. Set the Price: Price 15-20% higher than your target to allow for negotiations.
5. Select Shipping: Decide if you’re covering shipping or if the buyer will. Use Mercari’s discounted prepaid labels to save on shipping costs.
6. Post Your Listing: Once satisfied, tap ‘List’ and your item is live!

Shipping Tips for Toys & Games

Shipping toys requires care to ensure they arrive in pristine condition. Wrap items generously in bubble wrap, use appropriately sized boxes, and add padding around edges, especially for sealed collectibles. LEGO sets, being heavy, should be weighed to ensure the right shipping cost is applied.

Maximizing Sales and Building Reputation

Ship items within three business days to uphold a good rating and earn the "Fast Shipper" badge on Mercari, boosting buyer confidence. For heavier or bulky items, use Mercari Local for local pickups, saving on costly shipping fees.

FAQs About Selling Toys & Games on Mercari

• What are the best toys to sell on Mercari? Focus on items like LEGO sets, board games, and vintage toys, which have strong followings and can command higher prices.
• How do I deal with lowball offers on Mercari? Price your items 15-20% higher initially to accommodate negotiations, and be willing to counter-offer.
• Can I sell internationally on Mercari? Currently, Mercari is focused on the US market, so sticking to domestic sales is best.
• How does Mercari's Smart Pricing work? It automatically lowers your item price over time to keep it competitive, helping to move inventory faster.
• What should I do if my item isn't selling? Review your listing for clarity, adjust the price, and consider relisting or promoting it to gain more visibility.