How to Sell on Mercari: Fees, Shipping and Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
Free Online Selling Course, Lesson 60 · Module 12: Resale Marketplaces · See all lessons
Got a closet full of things you no longer use? Mercari lets you sell almost anything that can ship, from clothes and shoes to kitchenware, electronics, and trading cards. Listing is free, and you can post an item from your phone in a few minutes.
Here is what trips up a lot of new Mercari sellers: the fees. Mercari changed its fee structure, and many guides online still show old numbers. If you price without knowing the real fee, your payout comes in lower than you expected.
This lesson walks you through how to sell on Mercari step by step, the current fees, how shipping works, and how to get paid. Everything comes from Mercari’s Help Center, checked in October 2026 (Mercari’s fee page was last updated October 23, 2026).
How Do You Sell on Mercari?
Download the Mercari app or go to Mercari.com, create an account, and tap List. Add up to 12 photos, a title, description, brand, category, and condition, then set a price between $1 and $2,000. Choose who pays shipping and whether to use a Mercari prepaid label. When it sells, ship the item and Mercari adds your earnings to your balance, minus a 10% selling fee.
Mercari Fees in 2026
Listing is always free on Mercari. Fees apply when an item sells or when you use a service.
| Fee | Who pays | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Listing fee | Seller | Free |
| Selling fee | Seller | 10% of the item price plus buyer-paid shipping |
| Buyer Protection fee | Buyer | 3.6% of the item price plus buyer-paid shipping |
| Payment processing fee | Nobody (on new or updated listings) | None since January 6, 2025 |
| Direct Deposit cash-out | Seller | $0 (a $2 fee applies to a failed deposit) |
| Instant Pay cash-out | Seller | $3 per transfer |
| Cancelation fee (frequent cancelations) | Seller | 5% of the item price, $25 maximum |
| Mercari Authenticate | Seller | $5, plus $10 for a certificate |
Note on older listings: Mercari says listings created before January 6, 2025 move to the new fees when they are updated.
Work out your payout: our free Mercari fee calculator shows the selling fee, shipping, and what you keep.
Example: Selling a $40 Item
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Item price | $40.00 |
| Buyer pays shipping | $0 (you offer free shipping) |
| 10% selling fee | $4.00 |
| You keep before your shipping label cost | $36.00 |
If the buyer pays shipping, the 10% selling fee also applies to the buyer-paid shipping amount.
How to Sell on Mercari Step by Step
- Create your account in the Mercari app or on Mercari.com.
- Tap List to start a new listing.
- Add photos. You can add up to 12. Mercari recommends natural light, plain backgrounds, every side of the item, and clear photos of any flaws. Your first photo is what shoppers see first.
- Write the title and description. Include as much information as possible. Mercari asks sellers not to add unrelated brand names or hashtags, and says more accurate listings appear higher in search.
- Add details: brand, category, and condition. Mercari says shoppers often search by brand, so stating it clearly helps visibility.
- Set your price. Mercari recommends searching similar sold items. Prices can be $1 to $2,000 (up to $5,000 for certain authenticated designer items, with extra identity checks).
- Choose shipping. Enter the item’s weight, pick a shipping option, and choose whether you or the buyer pays.
- Tap List. Or save a draft to finish later.
Tip: Mercari’s Smart Pricing can lower your price gradually based on demand, but never below the floor price you set.
How Shipping Works on Mercari
You can use a Mercari prepaid label or ship on your own.
Mercari prepaid labels:
- Available with USPS, FedEx, and UPS for packages up to 100 lbs
- Mercari says they average 54% savings compared with carrier retail rates (comparison completed January 6, 2026)
- Include up to $200 in Shipping Protection
- Can be printed at home or with a print-free QR code at drop-off
- Adding package dimensions can unlock lower “Best” rates if the package is within 1 cubic foot and 22 inches on the longest side
Weigh and measure carefully. Mercari says sellers are responsible for choosing the correct label and pay any extra charges if the package is heavier or bigger than the label.
Ship on your own if your item is hazardous by the carrier’s rules, very large or heavy, or if you want to insure it for more than $200.
Special label types: Media Mail is only for eligible books, music, and movies. First-Class Envelopes are only for trading cards.
How to Get Paid on Mercari
After a sale is complete, your earnings go to your Mercari balance. You can cash out:
- Direct Deposit: free, once a day, usually processed within 5 business days depending on your bank
- Instant Pay: $3 per transfer, up to $600 per month, once per day on eligible debit cards, usually within 30 minutes
Mercari Selling Tips
- Research sold prices before pricing.
- Use your best photo first.
- Be honest about flaws. Clear photos of flaws build trust.
- Weigh your package before choosing a label to avoid extra charges.
- Avoid canceling orders. Frequent cancelations can lead to a fee and account limits.
- Respond to offers and questions quickly.
Common Mistakes on Mercari
Using old fee numbers. The selling fee is 10% of the item price plus buyer-paid shipping.
Guessing the package weight. Underpaid labels lead to extra charges.
Keyword stuffing. Mercari asks sellers not to add unrelated brand names or hashtags.
Using Media Mail for non-media items. USPS can inspect packages, and sellers pay any extra costs.
Paying for Instant Pay every time. Direct Deposit is free if you can wait a few days.
Mercari vs Poshmark vs Depop
| Platform | Main seller fee (US) | Learn more |
|---|---|---|
| Mercari | 10% of item price + buyer-paid shipping | This lesson |
| Poshmark | $2.95 under $15, 20% at $15 and up | how to sell on Poshmark |
| Depop | $0 selling fee, plus payment processing | how to sell on Depop |
Key Takeaways
- Listing on Mercari is free.
- Sellers pay a 10% selling fee on the item price plus buyer-paid shipping.
- Buyers pay a 3.6% Buyer Protection fee.
- Direct Deposit cash-outs are free; Instant Pay costs $3.
- Prepaid labels include up to $200 Shipping Protection, but weigh your package carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Mercari take from a sale?
Mercari charges sellers a 10% selling fee on the item price plus any buyer-paid shipping. Listing is free, and there is no separate payment processing fee on new or updated listings.
Does Mercari charge a fee to cash out?
Direct Deposit to your bank is free. Instant Pay costs $3 per transfer. A failed direct deposit costs $2.
What is the Mercari Buyer Protection fee?
It is a 3.6% fee on the item price plus buyer-paid shipping, paid by the buyer, not the seller.
What is the highest price you can list on Mercari?
Mercari allows prices from $1 to $2,000. Certain authenticated designer shoes, handbags, and wallets can be listed up to $5,000 with extra identity verification.
Is it free to list on Mercari?
Yes. Mercari says listing an item is always free. Fees are charged only when an item sells or when you use a service.
Final Thoughts
Selling on Mercari is quick and free to start. Take great photos, write honest descriptions, price from sold listings, weigh your packages, and remember the 10% selling fee when you set your price.
Next, see how to sell on Poshmark, or explore the free online selling course.
You finished: Free Online Selling Course, Lesson 60
Keep going step by step. Each lesson builds on the last one.
