Poshmark vs Mercari: Which is the Best Platform for You?
When it comes to selling your clothes, accessories, and other items online, choosing the right platform is key. Two of the most popular marketplaces are Poshmark and Mercari. Both have their strengths and weaknesses and in this blog post, I will share my personal experiences with both Poshmark vs Mercari to help you decide which one is the best fit for you.
Content Outline
Overview of Poshmark vs Mercari
Overview of Poshmark
Poshmark started in 2011 and has become a favorite for fashion enthusiasts. It’s mainly focused on clothing, shoes, and accessories. The platform is known for its social selling features, where users can share listings, follow each other, and participate in virtual Posh Parties.
Overview of Mercari
Mercari, launched in 2013, is a more general marketplace where you can sell almost anything, from clothes to electronics to home goods. It’s designed to be simple, making it easy for anyone to start selling.
Related Post: Poshmark Reviews for Sellers
Ease of Use
Poshmark has a user-friendly and visually appealing interface. The listing process is simple: take a few photos, write a description, set your price, and you’re good to go. The app also has a social aspect, allowing you to share your listings and follow other users.
Mercari is also easy to use but more straightforward and has no frills. The listing process is quick: snap some photos, write a description, and set your price. There’s less emphasis on social interaction, which can be a plus if you want a no-hassle experience.
Watch my full video on Poshmark vs Mercari reviews;
Fees and Costs
Poshmark charges a flat fee of $2.95 for sales under $15 and 20% for sales over $15. This can add up, especially for higher-priced items.
Mercari charges a 10% selling fee plus a 2.9% + $0.30 payment processing fee. This often makes it cheaper than Poshmark, particularly for more expensive items.
Seller Reviews
Selling on Poshmark is engaging because of its social features. Sharing your listings and participating in Posh Parties can help boost your sales. However, it can be time-consuming to stay active and keep your items visible.
On Mercari, selling is straightforward. List your item, set your price, and wait for buyers. It’s less about social interaction and more about quick sales. I found this approach less demanding, allowing me to focus on other things while my listings were live.
Buyer Reviews
Buying on Poshmark is enjoyable if you like browsing through a lot of fashion items and interacting with sellers. The community feel is strong, and you can often negotiate prices.
Buying on Mercari is more about efficiency. You find what you need, buy it, and move on. It’s great for people who prefer a quick and easy shopping experience.
Shipping and Handling
Poshmark provides a prepaid shipping label for a flat rate of $7.45, which the buyer pays. This makes shipping easy, but it can be expensive for buyers purchasing lower-priced items.
Mercari offers more flexible shipping options. You can choose to pay for shipping yourself or let the buyer pay. You can also use your own shipping method, which can save money.
Customer Service and Support
Poshmark’s customer service is responsive, but I found that issues can sometimes take a while to resolve due to the high volume of users.
Mercari’s customer support is efficient and tends to resolve issues quickly. The process feels more streamlined, making it easier to get help when you need it.
Community and Social Features
Poshmark excels in community engagement. The app feels like a social network where you can follow, share, and comment on listings. This can boost your visibility and sales but requires more effort.
Mercari lacks these social features, focusing more on the transaction itself. This can be a pro if you prefer not to engage socially and just want to sell your items quickly.
Security and Trust
Both platforms have strong security measures to protect buyers and sellers. Poshmark ensures that funds are not released to the seller until the buyer confirms receipt of the item.
Mercari also holds the payment until the buyer confirms the item has been received and is in the condition described. Both platforms provide a sense of security, but always be cautious and check reviews before buying.
Case Studies and Success Stories
Poshmark: I’ve seen many sellers make a significant income through active engagement and participation in Posh Parties. One user I know personally has made over $50,000 by dedicating a few hours daily to the platform.
Mercari: I’ve also witnessed sellers making a decent income with less time investment. One seller I know made $20,000 in a year by listing items and letting them sell passively.
Poshmark Selling Tips
Creating an Account: Signing up is straightforward. Download the app, create an account, and fill out your profile. Make sure to include a clear profile picture and a short bio to build trust with potential buyers.
Optimizing Listings:
- Clear Photos: Take high-quality, well-lit photos from multiple angles.
- Detailed Descriptions: Be honest and detailed about the item’s condition, size, and brand.
- Competitive Pricing: Research similar items to set a fair price.
- Sharing: Share your listings regularly to increase visibility.
- Engagement: Follow other users, share their listings, and participate in Posh Parties.
Mercari Selling Tips
Creating an Account: Download the Mercari app, sign up, and complete your profile. Ensure your profile picture and bio are clear and concise.
Optimizing Listings:
- Quality Photos: Use clear, high-resolution images.
- Accurate Descriptions: Describe the item thoroughly, mentioning any flaws.
- Pricing: Price your items competitively by checking similar listings.
- Promotions: Use Mercari’s promotional tools to boost your listings.
- Communication: Respond promptly to buyer inquiries.
Pros and Cons of Poshmark and Mercari
| Feature | Poshmark | Mercari |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | Higher | Lower |
| Ease of Use | High | High |
| Social Features | Yes | No |
| Shipping Options | Limited | Flexible |
| Customer Support | Good | Better |
| Seller Engagement | High | Low |
| Buyer Experience | Engaging | Efficient |
| Security | Strong | Strong |
My Personal Earnings
Poshmark: I have made approximately $85,000 on Poshmark. The key to my success has been consistent engagement, high-quality listings, and participation in Posh Parties. This platform requires more time and effort but can be very rewarding.
Related Post: How I Made $85,000 from Poshmark?
Mercari: I have earned about $20,000 on Mercari. The simplicity and lower fees make it an excellent choice for selling a variety of items. It’s less time-consuming, making it ideal for those who prefer a straightforward selling process.
My Final Verdict on Poshmark vs Mercari
When it comes to choosing between Poshmark vs Mercari, it ultimately depends on your selling style and needs. Poshmark is great for those who enjoy social interactions and selling fashion items. At the same time, Mercari is perfect for those looking for a straightforward, no-frills selling experience. Both platforms have their unique advantages and can help you achieve your selling goals.
