If you’re wondering whether Mercari is legit, you’re not alone. Whenever buying or selling on a new platform, it’s smart to do your research and proceed with caution. As a popular e-commerce marketplace connecting individual buyers and sellers, Mercari offers great potential — but also some risks. Here’s what you need to know to determine if Mercari is right for you.
What is Mercari?
Mercari is a peer-to-peer platform where people can buy and sell a wide range of new and used items, from clothing to electronics to home goods. Transactions are primarily between individual users, not retailers or brands. Key features include:
- Listings with photos, descriptions, and prices set by sellers
- Secure messaging to communicate with other users
- Buyer protection and shipping through Mercari
- Ratings and reviews of buyers and sellers
Since launching in 2013, Mercari has grown to over 50 million downloads in the U.S. alone. But is Mercari legit and safe to use? Let’s take a look.
Is Mercari Legit?
The short answer is yes, Mercari is a legitimate company and e-commerce platform. It is not a scam site. Mercari is a well-established business, not some fly-by-night operation.

Some key indicators of Mercari’s reputability:
- It has an “A” rating from the Better Business Bureau with accreditation since 2016.
- It is transparent about its history, leadership team, investors, and policies.
- It has detailed terms of service, buyer/seller protections, and prohibited items.
- It offers secure payment processing and support for users.
- It has a large user base with mostly positive reviews on app stores and sites like Trustpilot.
However, being a legit site doesn’t mean Mercari is immune to scams and fraud from bad actors misusing the platform. As with any marketplace, including other popular sites like AliExpress or StubHub, there are still risks that users need to be aware of.
Common scams on Mercari include:
- Sellers posting counterfeit, not as described, or damaged items
- Sellers asking to transact outside of Mercari
- Buyers falsely claiming an item was not received or was damaged
- Buyers using stolen credit cards or hacked accounts
Most Mercari users are honest and well-intentioned. But scammers can slip through, especially since Mercari doesn’t require identity verification for users. The anonymity of usernames and lack of vetting makes it easier for scammers to hide.
To protect yourself when using Mercari, it’s important to know how to spot red flags, such as:
- New accounts with no ratings or history
- Accounts with multiple deleted listings or negative reviews
- Pushy demands to communicate or pay outside of Mercari
- Prices that are too good to be true
- Listings with few details or stock photos instead of actual item pics
Tips for Buying Safely on Mercari
To minimize your risks when shopping on Mercari:

- Research the seller. Check their reviews, ratings, and past listings. Be wary of new accounts.
- Read the item description carefully. Look for any condition issues or missing details. If something is unclear, ask the seller via Mercari messaging.
- Beware of deals that seem too good to be true. Compare prices on other sites like Mercari.
- Upon receiving an item, carefully inspect it for any damage or signs of inauthenticity. Check that it matches the listing description and photos.
- Know Mercari’s buyer protection policies. You have 3 days from delivery to report any issues and request a return or refund.
- Pay with a credit card for extra protections if something goes wrong.
Tips for Selling Securely on Mercari
For sellers, some best practices to ensure smooth transactions and avoid issues:
- Provide thorough details and multiple photos showing the actual item for sale. Note any flaws or signs of wear.
- Price your items fairly based on their condition and the market. Compare your listings to similar ones on Mercari or competitor sites like Poshmark.
- Package items securely to prevent damage in transit. Ship promptly and mark items as shipped.
- Be cautious about any buyers asking to transact outside of Mercari or making odd requests.
- Never share your personal contact details or accept payments outside of Mercari.
- Double check that your items aren’t on Mercari’s prohibited list before listing.
What To Do if You Encounter an Issue
Mercari has systems in place to help if something goes wrong. If you believe you’ve been scammed as a buyer or seller:
- Report it to Mercari’s support team right away with evidence (photos, messages, etc.).
- If you paid, request a refund via Mercari. Learn how to cancel an offer on Mercari if needed.
- If you believe a crime occurred, file reports with your local police and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
- If it’s a civil matter, consider filing a complaint with the BBB or seeking legal advice.
While Mercari works to prevent and address fraud, you may need to be persistent in pushing your case and providing documentation. There’s no guarantee of a resolution, which is why prevention is so key.
Key Takeaways
- Mercari is a legitimate e-commerce marketplace, but scams can still occur from bad actors.
- To stay safe, research sellers/buyers, beware of anything suspicious, and know Mercari’s policies inside out.
- If an issue arises, report it to Mercari and consider other options like law enforcement if needed.
- Most Mercari users have good intentions and positive experiences, but caution is always wise.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it safe to enter my payment info on Mercari? Yes, Mercari uses secure, encrypted payment processing to protect your financial details. Never send payment info to other users directly.
- What if I receive a damaged or counterfeit item? Report it to Mercari within 3 days of delivery to request a return and refund under their buyer protection policy. Provide photos as evidence.
- Can I get scammed as a seller on Mercari? Yes, some scammer buyers may falsely claim an item was not received or is damaged to try to get it for free. Report any suspicious behavior to Mercari and provide tracking info.
- Does Mercari provide shipping labels? Yes, Mercari provides prepaid shipping labels for sellers. The cost is deducted from the seller’s earnings.
- How does Mercari handle payment? Mercari releases payment to the seller once the buyer receives the item and confirms its condition. Funds are available for transfer or as Mercari balance.
The Bottom Line
Mercari is a reputable e-commerce site offering users a convenient platform to buy and sell items. But as with any online marketplace, it’s not immune to misuse by scammers.
By taking precautions, most users can avoid issues and enjoy the benefits of Mercari. Research other users, watch for red flags, and know your rights and recourse options.
If everyone approaches Mercari with a healthy dose of awareness and savvy, it can be a great tool for decluttering, scoring deals, and connecting buyers and sellers. Happy (and safe) Mercari-ing!