Mercari or eBay Which One to Choose for Selling in 2024?
Recent statistics indicate that there are 12 to 24 million e-commerce websites globally, with Mercari and eBay standing out as popular choices. Opting between Mercari and eBay is a crucial decision for online business owners, and it’s essential to recognize the substantial distinctions between these platforms. Your decision should align with the specific requirements of your business. This blog provides a comprehensive overview, equipping you with the necessary information to make a well-informed choice between Mercari and eBay, assisting you in selecting the optimal platform for your e-commerce venture.
Overview Of Mercari v/s eBay
In simple terms, Mercari is an online selling platform that lets users easily create stores and sell items to buyers within its marketplace. Launched in Japan in July 2013, Mercari has become the country’s largest marketplace, handling over 10 billion in monthly transactions. Its popularity is due to its user-friendly interface, making it a favorite for both buyers and sellers.
In contrast, eBay, originally named AuctionWeb when it began in 1995, is a platform for transactions between customers. With over 2 billion daily transactions, eBay provides a versatile space where you can buy and sell almost anything.
Mercari v/s eBay: Similarities
Mercari and eBay stand out as favored eCommerce platforms for both buyers and sellers, providing a flexible environment to list, sell, purchase, and trade a diverse array of items. The straightforward and free signup process on both platforms simplifies entry into their marketplaces for new users. Moreover, the accessibility of these eCommerce platforms on mobile devices enhances reach and interaction, expanding the potential customer base. To sum up, Mercari and eBay deliver user-friendly experiences and abundant opportunities for online commerce.
Mercari v/s eBay: Differences
| Mercari | eBay | |
|---|---|---|
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Fees
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Easier listing with fewer required fields.
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More time-consuming listing and setup process.
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Account Set Up
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Quick account setup for selling.
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More steps to get the store up and running.
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Location Availability
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Limited to the United States and Japan.
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Available worldwide in over 100+ countries.
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Platform Fees
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No listing fees; 10% of each sale goes to Mercari.
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Up to 250 free listings; $0.35 per listing plus 12-14% selling fee depending on the item.
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Customer Base
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Over 15 million users worldwide.
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Over 182 million users worldwide.
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Customer Service
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Help center on the website; no phone service.
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Help center and phone support available.
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Returns
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All sales final; eligible for returns if misrepresented.
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Buyers can return items for any reason, but must check with the merchant first.
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Mercari Pricing
Mercari’s website allows users to list products for free, with the platform charging a fee only when an item is successfully sold. For each sale facilitated by merchants, Mercari deducts a minimum of 10% from the item’s price. This fee structure can be advantageous, especially for smaller businesses that may find it challenging to afford upfront listing fees.
In addition to the selling fee, Mercari also imposes charges related to payment processing. Sellers are subject to a fee of 2.9%, plus $0.30 for each payment received from the buyer. This fee is calculated based on the sale price of the goods in a completed transaction and is applicable to all forms of payments received from the buyer.
eBay Pricing
eBay charges sellers two primary fees: an insertion or listing fee and a final value fee, which is applied after an item is sold. Here’s a breakdown:
- Insertion or Listing Fee: This fee is a one-time cost incurred when creating a listing. While it’s generally free for most items, certain categories may have an insertion fee, which can go up to $0.35 per listing. It’s important to note that this fee is non-refundable, even if the listed item doesn’t end up selling.
- Final Value Fee: The final value fee on eBay is only applicable when an item is sold, and the percentage varies based on the category and the total sale amount (including the item price, postage, taxes, and other fees). Typically ranging from 12.9% to 15% for most categories, sellers without an eBay subscription plan receive up to 250 monthly zero-fee insertions.
The Final Verdict
Choosing between Mercari and eBay often hinges on the size of your business. Mercari is a great choice for small business owners, offering free listings and a user-friendly platform that caters to both beginners and experienced online traders.
In contrast, larger merchants may find eBay more appealing because of its expansive customer base, increasing the likelihood of selling products swiftly.
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