How to Sell Things on Mercari

I have been using Merkari -- or "merukari" -- for quite a while. I am there often to look for and shop for second hand things (mostly games, trading cards and other fun stuff).  In the past year or so, I have also been selling things that I no longer use or need, and I would like to share how you could also do that, as getting rid of your unwanted items can sometimes be a challenge here in Japan.

The money you make from selling things on Mercari can be transferred to your bank account (for a fee), but I usually end up shopping on the Mercari app instead or using them at convenience stores or supermarkets.

Here is how you sell things on Mercari:

1. Take photo(s) of the item you are selling

The app has filters and editing tools so you can make it look attractive.

2. Write the name and description of the item

This is key as including key words would help people discover your post. I would recommend including details such as "brand new", "set of 3", etc here.

3. Select catogory

Again, this helps people find your item after you post it. The app has an auto detect feature that is mostly accurate but not always.

4. Select condition

From brand new, like new, no visible damages, etc all the way to poor, you choose the condition that describes your item so that the buyers know what to expect.

5. Write the description of the product

This is also where the potential buyers get more information about what you post. Some people post things with just the name but no descriptions, but I think that makes the items harder to sell.

Besides the descriptions of the product, people may also write things like, "you can click buy without asking", "feel free to bargain", "no bargaining", "will be packaged using cardboard boxes and bubble wraps" and other rule s/ non-product details you, as the seller, might have.

Personally, rather than writing it from scratch, I find posts that others have made on the same item and I just copy all or most of them for my post.

6. Select shipping method

Are you paying for the shipping or is the buyer paying for it? Are you using standard post or one of two special shipping services Mercari has (via Kuroneko Yamato or Japan Post)?

Also, the special shipping services have the advantage that the fee will be deducted from the money you make from selling. PLUS, these two methods hide the name and addresses of the buyers and sellers, so they are more private. PLUS PLUS, they can be tracked.

7. Set your price

Just remember that a 10% fee will be deducted, but set the price for your item. You can always change the price as long as the item is still unsold.

8. PUBLISH!

Finally, hit the red button and it will be published!

You will likely receive likes and comments on your post, but the notification you would want to see is, "___ has purchased your ___!"

This is a good way to get rid of things you do not need in Japan while making a few hundred yen as well. 

Be patient with selling, and good luck!