In recent years, reselling has become a thriving industry. Whether you’re cleaning out your closet, looking to make some extra cash, or even considering turning reselling into a full-time business, platforms like Poshmark and Mercari offer attractive opportunities. These two popular resale platforms have gained significant attention among resellers, each with its unique features and advantages. In this blog, we will delve into the world of reselling and provide a detailed comparison of Poshmark and Mercari from a reseller’s point of view, helping you make an informed choice for your reselling journey.

Poshmark Overview

Poshmark, launched in 2011, is a social commerce platform that has made a significant impact in the fashion resale market. This platform is primarily app-based, and it’s the go-to choice for fashion enthusiasts who wish to buy and sell clothing, shoes, accessories, and even home goods. It’s known for its user-friendly interface and community-building features, which provide a unique and engaging experience for its users.

Mercari Overview

Mercari, founded in Japan in 2013 and expanded to the United States in 2014, is another significant player in the online reselling market. It offers a versatile marketplace where people can easily list, buy, and sell various items, ranging from electronics and fashion to beauty products and home goods. Mercari is accessible through both its website and a mobile app, making it a flexible option for users.

Poshmark vs Mercari: A Comparison

1- Fees and Commissions

One of the most critical factors to consider when choosing a reselling platform is the cost involved. Poshmark and Mercari differ in their fee structures.

Poshmark Fees:

Poshmark charges no listing fees, allowing you to list your items for sale for free. However, they take a flat 20% commission on the final sale price for items over $15, and for sales under $15, a fee of $2.95 is charged. Shipping costs are typically covered by the buyer.

Mercari Fees:

Mercari also offers free listings. The key difference lies in their commission structure, as they charge a 10% commission on each sale. Additionally, Mercari allows sellers to choose their shipping method and set their own shipping fees, providing more control in this regard.

Which One is Better?

Poshmark’s 20% commission may initially seem high compared to Mercari’s 10%, but it’s important to consider the shipping cost. In Poshmark, the buyer covers the shipping label cost, which can potentially offset the higher commission. Mercari’s 10% commission may be more appealing if you prefer to set your own shipping fees and find cost-effective shipping methods.

2- Target Audience and Types of Items

The target audience and the types of items you wish to sell are crucial aspects to consider when selecting a platform.

Poshmark:

Poshmark is known for its focus on fashion, particularly clothing, shoes, and accessories. It attracts a large community of fashion-conscious users. However, it’s not the ideal platform for selling electronics or other non-fashion items.

Mercari:

Mercari offers a more versatile marketplace, catering to a broader range of items, including electronics, collectibles, beauty products, home goods, and fashion. It appeals to a wider audience and provides more flexibility for sellers in terms of what they can list.

Which One is Better?

Poshmark is an excellent choice if you’re passionate about fashion and want to connect with buyers who share the same interest. On the other hand, Mercari is more inclusive, offering a broader marketplace for various types of items, making it a better choice for those who want to sell a wider range of products.

3- User Interface and Experience

A user-friendly interface and a seamless experience are crucial for both buyers and sellers. Let’s compare the user experience on Poshmark and Mercari.

Poshmark:

Poshmark’s app is renowned for its social and engaging interface. Users can follow each other, like items, and share listings, creating a sense of community. The user interface is well-designed and user-friendly, making it easy for sellers to list items and buyers to find what they’re looking for.

Mercari:

Mercari’s interface is straightforward and easy to navigate. While it doesn’t have the same social features as Poshmark, it offers a no-nonsense buying and selling experience. Sellers can list items quickly, and buyers can browse various categories with ease.

Which One is Better?

Poshmark’s social features can help sellers gain more visibility and engage with a community, but it may not be suitable for those looking for a more straightforward transaction experience. Mercari’s simplicity appeals to users who prefer a no-frills buying and selling process without extensive social aspects.

4- Shipping and Payment

Efficient and secure shipping and payment methods are essential for both buyers and sellers on reselling platforms.

Poshmark:

Poshmark provides prepaid shipping labels, which can simplify the shipping process for sellers. Payments are handled through Poshmark, and sellers can withdraw their earnings to their bank accounts or request a check.

Mercari:

Mercari allows sellers to choose their shipping methods and set their own shipping fees. While this offers flexibility, it can also be more time-consuming. Payments are held by Mercari until the buyer receives the item and rates the transaction. Once the buyer confirms satisfaction, the seller can withdraw their earnings to their bank account.

Which One is Better?

Poshmark’s prepaid shipping labels streamline the shipping process, but the platform holds the funds until the buyer accepts the order. Mercari’s shipping flexibility can be advantageous, but sellers need to wait for buyer confirmation before accessing their earnings.

5- Community and Engagement

The sense of community and engagement can greatly impact your experience on reselling platforms.

Poshmark:

Poshmark is well-known for its community-driven approach. Users can follow each other, comment on listings, and participate in themed parties. The social aspect of Poshmark can lead to more engagement and networking opportunities.

Mercari:

Mercari is less focused on community building and social features. It offers a more straightforward, transaction-oriented platform. While this simplicity can be a plus for some, it may not offer the same level of engagement as Poshmark.

Which One is Better?

Poshmark’s community features are excellent for those who want to connect with others in the fashion world and enjoy an interactive experience. Mercari’s simplicity may appeal to those who prefer a straightforward buying and selling process without the social aspects.

6- Seller Support and Policies

Responsive seller support and clear policies are essential for resolving issues and disputes.

Poshmark:

Poshmark has a well-established seller support system, and its policies are clear and well-documented. Moreover, the platform offers protection for both buyers and sellers in case of disputes.

Mercari:

Mercari also provides seller support, but some users have reported slower response times. The platform has its policies and protections in place but may require a bit more effort from users to navigate.

Which One is Better?

Poshmark’s well-documented policies and responsive seller support can provide peace of mind for users. Mercari’s customer support may not be as efficient, but the platform still offers protection and dispute resolution options.

Which One is Better for Reselling?

The choice between Poshmark and Mercari ultimately depends on your preferences and what you aim to achieve in your reselling journey. Here’s a summary of the main considerations:

Choose Poshmark If:

• You’re passionate about fashion and want to engage with a fashion-focused community.
• You prefer a user-friendly, social platform with a well-designed interface.
• Fashion is your primary focus, and you’re not interested in selling a wide range of other items.
• You don’t mind the 20% commission on items over $15, as the shipping label cost is covered by the buyer.

Choose Mercari If:

• You want more versatility in the types of items you can sell, including electronics, home goods, and fashion.
• You prefer a straightforward, no-nonsense buying and selling experience without extensive social features.
• You want more control over your shipping methods and fees.
• You’re looking for a platform with a 10% commission structure.

Final Words:

Poshmark and Mercari are both popular platforms for reselling, but they cater to different niches within the reselling community. Your decision should be based on your personal preferences, the types of items you want to sell, and your comfort level with the fee structures and community engagement levels of each platform. Whichever one you choose, reselling can be a lucrative endeavor with the right approach, dedication, and understanding of the platform you select.