Poshmark vs Mercari: Which Is Better for Sellers?

Comparing Poshmark and Mercari for Online Reselling

As an experienced seller who has navigated the ins and outs of various platforms, I've found that Poshmark and Mercari each have their own unique strengths. Depending on what you're selling, one might suit your needs better than the other. Let's dive into a detailed comparison, focusing on fees, audiences, shipping, and overall suitability for specific types of items.

Overview of Seller Fees

• Poshmark: Charges a flat 20% commission on sales $15 and above. For sales under $15, the fee is $2.95.
• Mercari: Takes 10% from each sale, plus a 2.9% + $0.50 payment processing fee, totaling around 13.4%.

For a $50 item, you’d keep $40 on Poshmark after fees, whereas on Mercari, you’d pocket approximately $43.30. While Poshmark's fees seem steep, its audience is willing to pay a premium for well-presented, authentic fashion items, which can offset the higher commission rate.

Shipping Simplified

• Poshmark: Offers a straightforward shipping solution with a flat rate of $7.67 for up to 5 lbs via USPS Priority Mail. Sellers receive a pre-paid label, simplifying the process, although they need to cover any additional cost for heavier items.
• Mercari: Provides more flexibility with discounted rates through USPS, UPS, and FedEx. Shipping costs start at $4.99 for up to 1 lb, and either the buyer or seller can cover this cost. This flexibility can be advantageous for heavier or bulkier items.

Audience and Item Categories

• Poshmark: Boasts over 80 million users, primarily women aged 25-45 who are fashion and brand-conscious. It's best suited for women's fashion, designer handbags, shoes, and recognizable brands like Nike and Lululemon.
• Mercari: With 50 million downloads, it appeals to a broad US audience, slightly skewing younger (25-40). It’s ideal for everyday items and general household goods, making it a great platform for electronics, toys, and casual fashion.

Payment Speed and Seller Protection

• Poshmark: Offers secure transactions with funds releasing once the buyer confirms the item is received.
• Mercari: Also releases funds after buyer confirmation, generally within three days of delivery, providing a quick turnaround for sellers.

International Availability

Both platforms are currently limited to the US market, with Poshmark extending to Canada. Neither supports international shipping, which can be a limitation if you're looking to reach a global audience.

Conclusion: Which Platform Should You Choose?

Deciding between Poshmark and Mercari largely depends on what you're selling:

• Use Poshmark if: You're dealing in mid-range to high-end women's fashion. The platform's social features can help build a loyal customer base, and its buyers are willing to pay more for authentic items.
• Use Mercari if: You're selling electronics, toys, or household items. The lower fees and flexible shipping options make it ideal for a wide range of products, especially those that might not fit neatly into Poshmark's fashion-centric model.

Leveraging ListingGenie for Optimized Listings

Both Poshmark and Mercari can benefit from optimized listings. ListingGenie supports both platforms, helping you craft listings that stand out and attract buyers. By using tailored keywords and polished photos, you can maximize your sales potential.

FAQ Section

• Which platform is better for selling designer handbags? Poshmark is the way to go due to its fashion-focused audience willing to invest in designer items.
• Can I sell internationally on these platforms? Currently, both Poshmark and Mercari are limited to US shipping, with Poshmark including Canada.
• How do the fees compare for low-value items? Poshmark's flat $2.95 fee for items under $15 can be higher than Mercari's percentage-based fees, which might be more economical for cheaper items.
• What about selling men's fashion? Though Poshmark is more female-centric, both platforms can work for men's fashion. Mercari's broader audience may offer more flexibility.
• Do either of these platforms provide seller protection? Yes, both platforms offer seller protection, releasing funds once the buyer confirms receipt of the item.

Feature	Poshmark	Mercari
Seller Fees	20% over $15, $2.95 under $15	13.4% total (10% + 2.9% + $0.50)
Buyer Fees	None	None
Shipping	$7.67 flat rate for up to 5 lbs	Starts at $4.99 for 1 lb, flexible payment
Audience Size	80M+ users	50M+ downloads
Best Categories	Women's fashion, designer items	Electronics, toys, household items
Payment Speed	After buyer confirmation	Within 3 days after buyer confirmation
Seller Protection	Yes	Yes
International Availability	US & Canada only	US only