Mercari Fees Explained: What Sellers Actually Pay in 2026
Understanding Mercari's Fee Structure for Sellers in 2026
Mercari has become a go-to platform for many casual sellers thanks to its simplified fee structure and wide reach in the United States. However, understanding exactly what you’ll pay in fees is crucial to maximizing your profits. Let’s break down every aspect of Mercari's fees so you can sell smarter.
Breakdown of Mercari's Fees
Here's how Mercari's fee structure works in 2026:
| Fee Type | Description | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Listing Fee | Fee to list an item | $0 (free) |
| Seller Fee | Commission on the sale price | 10% |
| Payment Processing Fee | Charged on the total sale including shipping | 2.9% + $0.50 |
| Shipping Label Fee | Cost of prepaid shipping labels | Starts at $4.99 for up to 1lb |
| Optional Promotion Fees | Fee to promote your listings | Varies, optional |
| Subscription/Store Fees | Monthly subscription for additional features | Not applicable |
Worked Examples: Calculating Your Take-Home Pay
Let's look at how these fees impact your earnings at different price points:
Example 1: Item Sold for $15
- Sale Price: $15
- Seller Fee (10%): $1.50
- Payment Processing Fee (2.9% + $0.50): $0.94
- Total Fees: $2.44
- Take-Home Amount: $12.56
Example 2: Item Sold for $30
- Sale Price: $30
- Seller Fee (10%): $3.00
- Payment Processing Fee (2.9% + $0.50): $1.37
- Total Fees: $4.37
- Take-Home Amount: $25.63
Example 3: Item Sold for $50
- Sale Price: $50
- Seller Fee (10%): $5.00
- Payment Processing Fee (2.9% + $0.50): $1.95
- Total Fees: $6.95
- Take-Home Amount: $43.05
Example 4: Item Sold for $100
- Sale Price: $100
- Seller Fee (10%): $10.00
- Payment Processing Fee (2.9% + $0.50): $3.40
- Total Fees: $13.40
- Take-Home Amount: $86.60
Example 5: Item Sold for $250
- Sale Price: $250
- Seller Fee (10%): $25.00
- Payment Processing Fee (2.9% + $0.50): $7.75
- Total Fees: $32.75
- Take-Home Amount: $217.25
Mercari vs Competitors
Let's compare these fees to a couple of other platforms:
- eBay: Typically charges around 12.55% sale fee plus $0.30 processing fee. On lower-priced items like a $15 sale, Mercari is slightly cheaper.
- Vinted: No fees for sellers, but buyers pay a service fee. For high-priced items, Vinted might be more cost-effective.
Reducing Fees on Mercari
While there's no subscription fee, you can take steps to minimize fees:
- Avoid using promoted listings unless necessary.
- Utilize Mercari’s discount shipping labels where possible to reduce costs.
- Write effective listings using tools like ListingGenie to minimize returns.
Hidden Fees and Gotchas
While Mercari's fee structure is straightforward, beware of these potential hidden costs:
- Returns can eat into your profits, so ensure accurate descriptions and photos.
- Shipping costs can add up; always weigh items accurately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the total fee percentage on Mercari?
About 13.4% including seller fees and payment processing. - Do I pay a fee for listing an item?
No, listing items on Mercari is free. - Can I avoid the payment processing fee?
No, this fee is mandatory on all transactions. - Is there a way to reduce the seller fee?
Currently, there are no discounts on the seller fee. - Are shipping fees deducted from my sale price?
Shipping can be paid by either buyer or seller, so choose wisely to manage costs.