Poshmark vs. Mercari: Which Platform Is Better in 2024?

Is your closet bursting at the seams with gems waiting to find new homes?

If you love fashion and thrift shops, reselling might be your dream gig.

With more and more Gen Z consumers embracing thrifting to help the planet, there’s never been a better time to give it a go. In fact, a recent consumer survey hails secondhand shopping as one of the hottest retail trends right now.

And where better to sell your pre-loved items than on online resale platforms?

Speaking of which, we’re comparing two of the biggest players in the reselling business today: Poshmark vs. Mercari. We’ll help you pick the best platform for making extra cash, so read on!

Poshmark vs. Mercari Overview

First, here’s a little background info about the two popular marketplaces:

What Is Poshmark?

Poshmark entered the resale e-commerce business in 2011, offering users a platform to trade new and pre-owned stuff. In no time, Poshmark found its place among the giants like Ebay and Etsy.

According to the latest Statista data, Poshmark is the country’s third most popular secondhand online shop. With over 100 million registered users across the US and Canada, it’s no wonder it’s racked up an impressive $6 billion in seller profits.

But what makes Poshmark so special?

Unlike your traditional online marketplaces, Poshmark has a unique social networking element. Here, users can follow, like, share, and comment on listings.

Another fun feature is the Posh Party, a live virtual event that happens four times a day around the following themes:

• Brand (e.g., Nike, Lacoste, Chanel)
• Product Category (e.g., tops, bags, shoes)
• Department (e.g., women, kids, pets, home)
• Style (e.g., seasonal styles and viral trends)

If you have a listing that fits the theme, share it! It’s a great way to boost your visibility and improve your chances of making a sale.

What Is Mercari?

Mercari, which is Latin for “to be traded,” is a Japanese flea market app. You can buy and sell just about anything on the platform.

Sellers can snap a quick photo of their item, add a brief description, and list it for sale within minutes—all from their mobile device.

This user-friendly approach has made online selling accessible to a broader audience, especially those who don’t own computers but have smartphones.

Plus, Mercari offers fixed pricing, unlike auction-based marketplaces like Ebay.

Mercari was Japan’s first unicorn startup, meaning it was worth over $1 billion. They wasted no time going public, offering stocks five years after their debut in 2013.

Today, the mobile app has more than 20 million active users and counting.

Poshmark vs. Mercari Comparison

Here’s a head-to-head comparison of Poshmark and Mercari:

1. Product Types

Below are the pre-owned items you can find on Poshmark and Mercari:

What Can You Sell on Poshmark?

Poshmark is your go-to online shop for all things fashion, whether brand new or gently loved!

To make user experience hassle-free for all, stick to listings that fit within Poshmark’s categories, including:

• Clothing
• Accessories
• Bags
• Shoes
• Personal care products and makeup
• Toys
• Home products
• Books and office supplies
• Pet supplies
• Electronics

Here are a few reminders when listing your items:

• Ensure your preloved items are clean and in good condition, especially if they’ve been stored for a while.
• Describe your items as clearly and accurately as possible.
• Makeup and personal care products should be new, never used or tested, and free from alcohol and aerosol.
• Liquid products, like cleansers, serums, and face oils, must be new and sealed in their original packaging.
• Reset your electronics to factory settings and log out of your accounts.

Now, here’s what you can’t sell on Poshmark:

• Used underwear
• Fakes and replicas
• Stolen goods
• Any item with parts derived from threatened or endangered species
• Uniforms and other related items currently used by airline and airport personnel
• Appliances and furniture
• Medical, health, and fitness products (e.g., prescription meds, dietary supplements, diet pills, sleep aids)
• Repurposed branded items
• Products recalled by the manufacturer or government
• Food
• USPS-restricted items (e.g., nail polish, perfumes, hand sanitizers, lithium batteries) 

What Can You Sell on Mercari?

Anything you can sell on Poshmark, you can sell on Mercari too! In addition, you’re free to list the following items as long as you can ship them:

• Video game consoles and accessories
• Garden decor and outdoor furniture
• Sports equipment
• Fitness accessories

Like Poshmark, Mercari prohibits the sale of used underwear, counterfeit items, stolen goods, illegal merchandise, and FDA-controlled products.

Also, never attempt to sell the following on the site:

• Items not on hand (e.g., dropshipping products, preorders, coupons for buying items)
• Digital and financial products (e.g., software, ebooks, Bitcoins, insurance, gift cards)
• Items that enable the unauthorized use of copyrighted materials (e.g., modchips to open unlicensed game copies)
• Precious metals and loose gemstones
• Items with offensive or obscene content
• Products that need legal approval for purchase or licensing for sale
• Raffles, mystery boxes, and lottery tickets

2. Listing and Selling Process

Is it easier to sell on Poshmark or Mercari? Let’s find out.

Poshmark

Ready to sell on Poshmark? Here’s how:

1. Sign up for a free Poshmark account. Create new login credentials or connect via Facebook or Google. Customize your profile with personal details, a profile picture, a bio, and a link to your website, if any.
2. Capture high-quality images of your item, including a standout cover photo.
3. Add a descriptive title and detailed product description, including color, brand, size, condition, and flaws.
4. Set your listing price.
5. Publish your listing by tapping the “List it” button. You can also send offers to “likers” of your listing to increase your chances of closing a sale.
6. Print the prepaid shipping label, package your item securely, and schedule delivery.
7. Check your Poshmark balance after the buyer receives the item.
8. Redeem your earnings via check or direct deposit. Or, use them to buy items from other Poshmark sellers.

Mercari

Here’s a quick guide to selling on Mercari:

1. Visit the Mercari homepage and tap “Sign up” to create an account. Fill out all the info and verify your phone number.
2. Take clear photos of your items from multiple angles using natural light and a neutral background. Mercari allows up to 12 pictures per listing.
3. Write a detailed description for your listing, including exact measurements or suggestions for use. Be honest about any damage and show them in close-ups.
4. Decide on a fair price for your item based on similar listings from different sites. Mercari offers a price range between $1 and $2,000, with additional verification for pricier items.
5. List your item. Remember, you can visit, edit, or reactivate your listing any time.
6. Check your messages regularly and respond promptly to inquiries from potential buyers. Good customer service can lead to quicker sales.
7. Ship the item promptly after completing a sale.
8. Rate your buyer within three days after the item is delivered.

To provide buyers with more information at a glance, it pays to know your Mercari mnemonics

• NWT: New with tags
• NWOT: New without tag
• NIB: New in box

3. Shipping

Now, let’s talk shipping fees and how to use them to your advantage:

Poshmark

Poshmark has a USPS flat rate shipping of $7.97 for all orders, which is added to the buyer’s total.

Buyers get a bargain for shipping anything from 1–5 lbs. Take note, regular the first-class package service already costs around $5 for items close to 1 lb.

However, you must pay the excess postage if the item weighs over 5 lbs up to 10 lbs. To entice buyers, you can offer discounted or free shipping, which is also on your tab.

That said, Poshmark pay shipping fees for listings $500 and above.

On Closet Clear Out (CCO) days, which usually fall on Fridays and Sundays, Poshmark covers the shipping discount if you lower your list price by 10% or more than its lowest historical price. They’ll even notify your likers about it.

Shipping costs can get as low as $3.99 or even free on more expensive items. The only catch? The shipping discount is only valid for six hours and doesn’t apply to offers or bundles.

To make a sale with Poshmark’s shipping deal, create a new listing for your interested buyer. Bundle up their items, then slash the sale price on a CCO day after they give the listing a like. 

Mercari

On Mercari, you can choose from different shipping methods.

First is the “Ship on your own” option, which is great if you’re a full-time seller with larger items to move. By large, we mean anything over 50 lbs or longer than 34 in.

The only downside is that using your chosen shipping label disqualifies you from the Mercari Shipping Protection (more on this later).

Then there’s Mercari Local, which lets you skip shipping altogether. Instead, you meet with the buyer, arrange for pickup, or deliver it yourself. It’s perfect for both delicate or bulky items that need a bit of extra TLC during transportation.

And, of course, there’s the trusty prepaid label. You can avoid the hassle of calculating shipping rates and enjoy up to 39% off regular carrier rates. Just wait for the prepaid label in your inbox before shipping the items.

4. Seller Fees and Commissions

Is it cheaper to sell on Poshmark or Mercari? Which platform will earn you more? Below are the answers:

Poshmark

Listing on Poshmark won’t cost you a dime. The platform will only take a commission after a successful sale, based on the total cost, including the shipping fee.

For sales below $15, Poshmark takes a flat $2.95 cut, and you pocket the rest. With that in mind, selling something for less than $5 is a waste of time, to put it bluntly, considering the fees involved. So, only list items when you’re sure you’ll make a profit.

If you sell something for $15 or more, you get to keep 80% of the sale, and Poshmark takes the remaining 20%.

Below are the transaction fees for redeeming your Poshmark earnings:

Payment Method	Transfer Fee
Direct deposit	None
Instant transfer (via eligible debit cards)	$2
Venmo	$0.35
PayPal	$0.35

Mercari

Like Poshmark, Mercari doesn’t charge listing fees. Instead, they take a 10% fee based on the item price, shipping not included. However, Mercari also collects a payment processing fee of 2.9% of the item’s price plus shipping and another $0.50.

A $15 listing means a $1.50 commission and around $1 payment processing fee. In short, it’s cheaper to sell on Mercari across the board.

Transfer fees for payments are as follows:

Payment Method	Transfer Fee
Direct deposit of $10 or more	None
Direct deposit under $10	$2
Direct deposit rejected by your bank	$2
Instant Pay	$3

5. Seller Protection

Who should you trust more? Let’s look at seller protection policies offered by Poshmark and Mercari:

Poshmark

Once your item sells, Poshmark sends you a prepaid, pre-addressed USPS Priority Mail shipping label to use.

Using this label and having your package scanned by USPS ensures you’re fully covered if the courier loses it along the way. For added security, orders over $400 require a signature upon delivery.

You and the buyer will get an email with the tracking info after USPS scans your package. Once the buyer confirms and accepts the delivery, Poshmark will release your funds. You can cash out through direct deposit or request a check.

Mercari

Mercari offers shipping insurance for prepaid labels, covering up to $200 for standard, economy, and Media Mail packages. First-Class Envelope rates are also covered by up to $20.

Rest assured, you’re protected if your item is damaged or lost in transit to the buyer.

To make sure you’re eligible for the Mercari Shipping Protection, follow these simple tips:

• List items that you legally own.
• Be crystal clear about your item’s details: brand, size, condition, and authenticity.
• Provide the serial number or receipt for branded items.
• Use your own clear photos of the item, not stock images.
• Check that your items comply with local, state, and federal laws.
• Never sell prohibited items.
• Pack your items securely to avoid any bumps along the way.
• Use Mercari’s prepaid shipping labels and keep your receipts.

6. Return Policy

Check out how Poshmark and Mercari handle returns:

Poshmark

As a seller, you’ll be pleased to learn that all Poshmark sales are final.

Buyers cannot demand a return for delayed deliveries, fit issues, or simply changing their minds. They can only cancel the order if you fail to ship it within seven days of purchase.

However, if a buyer finds the item doesn’t match your description, they can report the problem with photos and details. For verified returns, Poshmark helps them send it back to you for a full refund.

To avoid returns, ensure your listings are detailed and accurate, especially with measurements. And don’t hesitate to offer more info or photos if a buyer asks!

Mercari

Mercari’s return policy is seller-friendly if you know the rules. Buyers can only ask for returns if they receive an item that doesn’t match the description, violates Mercari’s Terms of Service, and doesn’t have an acceptance scan from the shipping carrier.

Once Mercari approves a return, the buyer has three business days to ship the item back. Now, you can qualify for reimbursement if the buyer misses the return deadline or the item is in a different condition than when you shipped it.

In the latter case, file a claim and provide photo evidence of the damage within 24 hours of receiving the returned item. Mercari’s support team will then compare the photos from the buyer and yours to confirm the issue.

7. User Experience and Other Features

Which platform has a better user interface and smoother navigation? Keep scrolling!

Poshmark

For the uninitiated, Poshmark can feel cluttered with all the social elements mixed in. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll find it’s a bustling marketplace with unique finds and vibrant communities.

For starters, let’s explore its social commerce features:

• Posh Parties: Real-time shopping events where users hang out to buy, sell, and share fashion items.
• Posh Stories: Photos and short videos you can share to showcase your merchandise within 48 hours.
• Drops Soon: Upcoming listings that buyers can check out, thumb up, share, and comment on.

As a seller, you might also find these tools useful:

• My Shoppers: A list of all your likers, bundlers, and past buyers. Use this tool to connect with potential buyers and make offers.
• Closet Insights: A dashboard containing all your inventory and sales data.

Mercari

There’s a reason Mercari has been Google Play’s best shopping app for three years straight since its launch.

The user interface is so simple it’s impressive! Its simplicity makes it accessible to newcomers and offers a more straightforward approach to selling secondhand items online.

Plus, Mercari boasts a few helpful features, including:

• Merchat AI: An Ai-powered personal shopper that connects you to listings through simple chat interactions.
• Mercari Goals: A tool to set your seller goals and track your progress.

8. Customer Support and User Reviews

Based on reviews from Google Play and App Store, opinions about customer service on the two platforms vary. Some users are happy, others not so much.

So, it seems like your luck depends on who happens to handle your case. But overall, both apps still get pretty solid ratings on Google Play and the App Store.

Here’s the breakdown of ratings:

App	Google Play	App Store
Poshmark	4.6	4.8
Mercari	4.8	4.9

Note: Mercari has more rated reviews across both online app stores.

Poshmark vs. Mercari: Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Better to Sell on Mercari or Poshmark?

With Poshmark, you can ship a 5-pound package through USPS for just $7.97. It’s a steal that has many buyers hooked.

But over on Mercari, that same weight is $8.99 for a prepaid label and around $22 if using a regular shipping carrier. Those sky-high shipping costs on Mercari can scare off potential buyers, especially for bulky items like coats and shoes.

Interestingly, some online sellers on Poshmark experience little to no engagement on their listings after gaining a spate of followers. For this reason, they find the traffic to their pages forced and artificial.

If you’re just looking to clear some stuff, the social aspects, like virtual parties, can feel draining. Remember, interactions like follows and shares don’t necessarily translate to transactions.

But despite all the noise, Poshmark’s shipping rates and focus on fashion might sway many sellers.

Here’s a tip: List your heavier items on Poshmark and save the smaller stuff for Mercari. That way, you can play to each platform’s strengths and have the best of both worlds!

Do You Make More Money on Poshmark or Mercari?

Let’s say you have a listing worth $300 and $9.50 in shipping fee.

If you list on Poshmark, you’ll end up with $247.60 after the 20% commission (for sales $15 and up).

On Mercari, the deductions would be:

• Selling fee: $30
• Payment processing fee: $9.02 (2.9% + $0.50)

Since the buyer covers the shipping, you’d earn $260.98 on a $300 listing. So, it’s pretty clear that Mercari is the winner in terms of earnings.

Is It Better to Buy on Mercari or Poshmark?

If you’re on the prowl for those designer clothes and luxury items, Poshmark’s offerings will have you swooning.

Meanwhile, Mercari really comes through in terms of variety. Gaming consoles, gently used electronics, wellness products, and decor items tend to fly off the shelves on the flea market app.

Our advice? Keep both platforms on your radar. Search for specific items and compare prices across the two reselling platforms. Often, you’ll find the same thing cheaper on one or the other, so it pays to do your research.

However, consider shipping costs before hitting that checkout button. On Mercari, the seller decides how much to charge for shipping or ship it for free, which usually means it’s baked into the listing price. In short, it could swing in your favor either way.

If you’re itching to get your hands on your purchase, paying a bit extra upfront on Poshmark could be well worth it. Take advantage of the “Make an offer” button to haggle. Also, consider buying a bundle from the same seller to maximize the 5-pound flat rate.

The shipping fee may bump up your total spend, but you’ll get your delivery faster, typically in 1–3 days. For discounted items and shipping, keep your eyes peeled for CCO sales.

Poshmark vs Mercari: The Verdict

Picking the winner in this Poshmark vs. Mercari debate is a bit of a toss-up, depending on what you’re selling and what you’re looking for.

If you’re deeply into high-end clothing and fashion accessories, Poshmark is the way to go. But if you’re selling a diverse range of items and prefer a simpler approach, Mercari could be the better fit.

Poshmark offers a flat shipping fee for lightweight items up to 5 lbs. Mercari has a sleek layout, but its shipping costs for bulkier items can bite. Its biggest positive is the lower selling fee, which pretty much makes up for the higher shipping.

Our take? Cross-list your items on both platforms and see which one works better for you!