In the ever-evolving landscape of e-commerce, reselling has become a popular way for individuals to both declutter their closets and generate income from preloved items. When it comes to choosing the right platform for reselling, the Poshmark vs Mercari decision can be daunting. Poshmark and Mercari are two of the most prominent players in this field, each offering its unique set of advantages and challenges. In this article I will provide a comprehensive guide, from my perspective as a reseller, to help you navigate the differences and make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
Overview of Poshmark and Mercari
So, you’re getting into the reselling game, and you’re curious about your options. Let’s start with the basics: Poshmark and Mercari.
Poshmark – Your Fashion Oasis
Founded not too long ago in 2011, Poshmark quickly became the go-to platform for all things style. What’s cool about it? You can sell and buy everything fashion-related – from clothing and shoes to accessories and even makeup. While Poshmark also lets you sell other product types such as pet items and electronics, it is a lot more popular for clothing. Poshmark is also super social. You’ll find closets run by real people, and you can interact, share, and follow.
Mercari – Your All-in-One Marketplace
On the other side of the reselling universe, we’ve got Mercari. It’s like the all-in-one marketplace for just about anything. Mercari set sail in 2013 and has since gained quite the reputation for its versatility. You can sell electronics, home goods, collectibles – basically, if it’s not alive (or a weapon), you can sell it on Mercari. It’s straightforward and user-friendly, making it a great choice for those who want to declutter and make some extra cash.
Poshmark and Mercari each have their own unique vibe. Let’s explore these platforms a bit more to help you decide where to kickstart your reselling journey.
Poshmark: Pros and Cons
Poshmark has taken the world of online reselling by storm, offering a unique blend of features and a vibrant community. As a seller on Poshmark, you’ll discover various pros and cons that shape your experience. Let’s break it down:
Pros of Poshmark
Multiple options to offer discounts to buyers: As a seller, you can offer different types of discounts. You have the option to offer discounted shipping for specific items or also offer discounts for bundles. When a potential buyer likes your item, you can send exclusive discounts that may also include a shipping discount to incentivize the sale. Poshmark gives you the flexibility to shape your reselling journey.
Easy Shipping: Poshmark simplifies the shipping process for sellers. They exclusively use USPS Priority Mail for shipping, providing shipping labels, and allowing you to order Priority mail packaging for free.
No Returns Policy: Not the best policy for buyers, but great for sellers! Buyers know the deal upfront – once they purchase, there are no returns. Of course, there are exceptions. If your item does look as described in your listing, then the buyer can open a case to be reviewed by Poshmark.
Social Media Marketing: Poshmark integrates with various social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and Tumblr. You can seamlessly share your listings across these platforms with a single click, enhancing your sales potential.
Easy Payouts: You can cash out immediately after the buyer’s three-day acceptance window.
You can become a Posh Ambassador: While it takes some time and sharing, becoming a Posh Ambassador can be a big step in your Poshmark reselling journey, as it gives you access to more seller tools that make it easier to list and share items.
Cons of Poshmark
High Commission Fees: Poshmark charges fees based on your sales. For items under $15, they keep a flat fee of $2.95, while for items over $15, Poshmark retains 20%. This is high compared to what most reselling platforms take as commission.
Higher Pricing on Items: Because of the higher commission fees, prices are generally higher on Poshmark. I sometimes list the same item in both Poshmark and Mercari but I set a slightly higher price on Poshmark because of the higher commission fee. Setting higher prices may deter buyers, leading them to explore other platforms, ultimately impacting your sales.
High Shipping Costs for Buyers: On Poshmark, buyers bear the shipping costs, unless you decide to offer a shipping discount. Shipping fees are $7.11 for all packages, potentially discouraging buyers, especially for lightweight items.
Time-Consuming: Building and maintaining an active presence on Poshmark can be time-consuming. You need to share your items constantly for them to rank higher in search. However, this process becomes easier once you become a Posh Ambassador and get access to the bulk sharing tool.
Mercari: Pros and Cons
Mercari offers a unique reselling experience that comes with its own set of advantages and drawbacks. Let’s delve into the pros and cons of this platform:
Pros of Mercari
Selling Across Categories: Mercari stands out for its versatility. You can sell a wide range of items, not limited to fashion. Whether you have gadgets, home goods, collectibles, or even vintage items. Mercari welcomes most items as long as you can (legally) ship them.
Lower Prices, Broader Audience: Mercari’s marketplace attracts budget-conscious buyers. With items listed in a lower price bracket, you can cater to a different audience that seeks affordable deals without the need for designer labels or luxury items. In my experience, I have had better luck selling lower priced items from brands like H&M, Asos, Zara on Mercari.
Low Commission: One of Mercari’s key advantages is its low commission fee. They only take a 10% cut from your sales, which is significantly lower than platforms like Poshmark or eBay. This means you get to keep more of your hard-earned profits.
Private Chat with Buyers: Unlike some other platforms, Mercari offers private chat options with buyers. This makes it easier to negotiate prices, create custom bundles for your customers, and maintain excellent communication, ultimately boosting your sales.
Easy Payouts: You can cash out immediately after the buyer’s three-day acceptance window.
Cons of Mercari
User Experience Challenges: Some users find Mercari’s interface slightly more challenging to navigate. The default search setting displays both sold and available items, which can be confusing for buyers. Additionally, a few users complain that sellers don’t always invest in high-quality, well-lit photos, impacting sales.
Shipping Costs: The shipping cost depends on the weight of the item. While for very lightweight items the shipping cost can be lower than what other platforms charge, for heavier items like jackets and shoes, it can get very expensive. Both buyers and sellers face shipping cost challenges. high shipping fees can discourage buyers from completing purchases. Sellers can choose to absorb the shipping fees, potentially boosting sales but reducing profits.
No Sharing Feature: Unlike some other platforms, Mercari lacks a sharing feature. Once you’ve listed an item, it can easily get buried among the millions of other listings. To resurface your listing, the only option is to lower the price repeatedly, which can eventually affect your profit margins.
Poshmark vs Mercari: Side by Side
| Poshmark | Mercari | |
| Listing Process | Detailed descriptions and measurements expected | You can keep the description simpler as long as pictures are good |
| Item Categories | Primarily fashion and accessories. | Versatile – almost anything you can ship. |
| Buyer Audience | Fashion-focused, brand-conscious. | Budget-conscious, generally easier to sell affordable brands |
| Commission Fees | 20% for items over $15, flat fee for items under $15. | 10% for all sales, offering higher profit margins. |
| Shipping Process | Uses USPS Priority Mail, provided labels. | Sellers can choose to get prepaid labels or ship on their own |
| Shipping Fees | Flat rate of $7.97 for expedited shipping on all orders | Varies depending on item weight |
| Who pays for Shipping | Generally the buyer, but sellers can offer discounted shipping | When listing the item, sellers can choose if they will pay for it themselves or have the buyer cover the cost |
| Communication with Buyers | Comments from buyers are displayed publicly. Option to start a private chat if the buyer creates a bundle. | Private chat with buyers for negotiation and bundles. |
| Promotions | Option to set up store-wide bundle discounts. Option to send private discounts to all likers. | Offers private promotions to buyers who liked listings. |
| Sharing Features | Share listings to make them rank higher in search. | No sharing feature, price reductions to boost visibility. |
Poshmark vs Mercari: Choosing the Right Platform for Reselling
In the world of reselling, Poshmark and Mercari both offer enticing opportunities, but the best platform for you depends on your specific needs and goals. Let’s break down the verdict:
When to Choose Poshmark:
High-End and Exclusive Items: If you’re dealing with luxury or high-end brands, or have more exclusive clothing items, Poshmark is often the platform of choice. Its fashion-forward community and social features cater to a brand-conscious audience seeking unique pieces.
Fashion Enthusiasts: Poshmark is a fashionista’s paradise, making it ideal for those who enjoy sharing, collaborating, and engaging with buyers and sellers within a vibrant community.
When to Choose Mercari:
Variety of Items: Mercari shines when it comes to versatility. It’s a go-to platform for selling a wide range of items – from electronics to home goods and collectibles. If you’re looking to declutter your home and sell anything you can ship, Mercari is a strong contender.
Budget-Friendly Shoppers: Mercari attracts budget-conscious buyers, making it a great choice for items listed in a lower price range. It caters to bargain hunters seeking affordable deals.
Cross-Listing for Success:
In many cases, the verdict may not be one platform over the other but rather a combination of both. Cross-listing, or listing some items on both Poshmark and Mercari, can be a strategic move to maximize your reach and potential sales. It allows you to tap into diverse buyer bases and cater to different niches effectively.
By cross-listing, you broaden your reselling horizons, ensuring that you don’t miss out on potential buyers. It’s a strategy that can help you strike the perfect balance between Poshmark’s fashion-focused, community-driven environment and Mercari’s versatile marketplace. Remember, the right platform often depends on the specific items you have to offer, so don’t limit yourself – explore both Poshmark and Mercari to find your ideal reselling mix.