# Mercari Review: Is Mercari Legit? A Quick Guide to Avoid Mercari Scams Canonical URL: https://www.sellraze.com/blog/mercari-review Markdown URL: https://www.sellraze.com/blog/mercari-review.md Published: 2024-03-23T21:46:42.000+00:00 Updated: 2024-03-25T20:24:06.000+00:00 Authors: Jefferson Mao Tags: Tips & Tricks Reading time: 4 min > Are you asking yourself, 'Is Mercari legit?' Have you been skeptical about rumors with scams on the platform? We'll cover an overview on Mercari's reliability, as well as steps to minimize the risk of falling victim to fraudulent activities. In fiscal year 2023, Mercari recorded around 23 million monthly active users on its platform, an increase from 8.5 million users reported in fiscal 2017.  This means that, despite the concerns, we can assure that Mercari is a place to be as a seller. The ![Mercari Review: Is Mercari Legit? A Quick Guide to Avoid Mercari Scams](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e9/2c/e92c0268-0a3c-45b5-8c3a-b81ee6ef33fd/content/images/2024/03/images--1-.png) Are you asking yourself, 'Is Mercari legit?' Have you been skeptical about rumors with scams on the platform? We'll cover an overview on Mercari's reliability, as well as steps to minimize the risk of falling victim to fraudulent activities. In fiscal year 2023, Mercari recorded around [**23 million monthly active users**](https://www.statista.com/statistics/1167155/mercari-monthly-active-user/?ref=sellraze.ghost.io#:~:text=In%20fiscal%20year%202023%2C%20Mercari,(C2C)%20marketplace%20application%20Mercari.)https://www.statista.com/statistics/1167155/mercari-monthly-active-user/?ref=sellraze.ghost.io#:~:text=In%20fiscal%20year%202023%2C%20Mercari,(C2C)%20marketplace%20application%20Mercari.on its platform, an increase from 8.5 million users reported in fiscal 2017. This means that, despite the concerns, we can assure that Mercari is a place to be as a seller. ## The Rise of Mercari as a Resale Platform Mercari US, a dynamic subsidiary of Mercari Inc., a Japanese e-commerce powerhouse established in 2013, has witnessed remarkable growth since it’s launch. In fact, Mercari reported [**$1.26 billion in revenue**](https://companiesmarketcap.com/mercari/revenue/?ref=sellraze.ghost.io) in 2022, a five percent increase from the year prior. ![mercari growth](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/V1b1oT_KS9AjDpas6L4EzneAeZWkEJgqA4qJRvkwsjkEOsJM7rudAC11oX2S3_rNm1ujC29Ii8C9wI5LNuYtfqsqciH1yPC5j05BacxUuxRk6LvxDnYLZ7aY5IR5gt4pIJrHxKF8YgfMCKenUoDzRig) _Data shows Mercari’s revenue growth in the United States is projected to exceed $2 billion annually by 2026._ Originally gaining immense popularity in Japan, Mercari achieved the distinguished status of being the first pre-IPO startup unicorn in the country, boasting a valuation exceeding $1 billion. Expanding its horizons, Mercari entered the United States market in 2014 and the United Kingdom in 2016. Regrettably, facing challenges in the UK, Mercari announced the cessation of operations by the end of 2020, attributing it to high labor and advertising costs. Despite hurdles in the UK, Mercari's resilience has fueled growth in the US and Japanese markets, solidifying its position as a **thriving online marketplace**. Mercari is a top-rated e-commerce app on both the Apple App Store and Google Play markets. You might also be interested in the article How to Start Selling on Mercari ## Tips and Tricks to Guard Against Scams on Mercari ### Fortifying Your Seller Profile: Verification and Credibility As a seller, obtaining profile verification on Mercari is highly recommended. This process involves validating your email, SMS, and government-issued identification, ultimately earning you a verified badge on your profile. While this badge does not guarantee complete immunity from fraud, it serves as a deterrent for potential scammers and instills confidence in buyers. ![mercari seller](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/Gv8OrYMWl3BkJzsAOKuUoqjm3_EoFys29kbAVcwwae3Cr4O0aTJCIrosdbRAkT9_4Nqjb76EdjOyLDl2mxUD6g7wyLskuJHRa1zyOXnj7U3hrUNRYaa0GZviVVsTUZe_GHsOPTIluqG_U786-_onOcQ) ### **Mercari Seller Badges** Mercari awards badges for attributes such as prompt responsiveness, swift shipping, and reliable transaction history. ![Mercari badges](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/XXfhtGduzZutJS0IgA2edLckgJJU1dI0CNxteh-XUDRK_pOFpKwaLjhtabiFwibwKPNAs0uNZ-A43UzDnIoQ1xi0rBJrW11ytCWvmoM8xsiEiPzw9R-fqdDdbKWbDM7_Ud1iupXjR9hZrO837BhsUpA) There are three (3) badges that you should look for in a seller's profile: - **Reliable badge:**this seller rarely cancels a transaction. - **Quick Shipper badge:** this seller ships off items within 24 hours, not including weekends or holidays. This metric is based on when a carrier scans the shipping label. - **Fast Responder badge:** this seller responds to messages in an average of 12 hours. These badges not only enhance your credibility but also signal to buyers that you are a trustworthy seller committed to providing an excellent customer experience. ### Harnessing the Power of Reviews Seller reviews on Mercari are an invaluable tool for both buyers and sellers. As a buyer, thoroughly examining a seller's reviews can provide insights into their operating practices, customer satisfaction levels, and overall trustworthiness. Conversely, as a seller, maintaining a stellar review record can establish you as a reputable and reliable presence on the platform. ### Leveraging Mercari's Authentication Services For high-value items such as luxury handbags, watches, and jewelry, Mercari offers an authentication service. This process involves an independent third party meticulously inspecting the item's authenticity, providing buyers with an added layer of confidence when making their purchases. Listings that have undergone this authentication process are identified with a distinct diamond logo, signaling their legitimacy. ### Exercising Caution: Common Scams and Preventive Measures While Mercari has implemented robust security measures, it's crucial to remain vigilant and exercise caution throughout your transactions. One of the most common scams involves conducting transactions outside the Mercari platform, which not only violates the platform's policies but also eliminates the option of returning items or resolving disputes through official channels. To safeguard yourself, it's imperative to keep all communication and transactions within the Mercari ecosystem. Additionally, providing detailed descriptions and high-quality photographs of your items can help prevent potential disputes and facilitate a smooth transaction process. ### Protecting Your Shipments When shipping valuable items, consider utilizing Mercari's prepaid shipping labels or purchasing additional insurance. Mercari offers up to $200 in shipping insurance for items shipped with their prepaid labels. For higher-value items, it's advisable to include signature delivery confirmation to minimize the risk of potential disputes or claims of non-delivery. By implementing these proactive measures and remaining vigilant throughout your Mercari journey, you can minimize the risk of falling victim to scams and enjoy a secure and rewarding buying and selling experience on the platform. ## **So, is Mercari legit? The answer is: yes.** Mercari is a flourishing online marketplace that has been operating for several years in the United States with over **20 million active users.** It is safe to say Mercari is a legitimate online selling marketplace. As we navigate the nuances of its revenue model, buyer safeguards, and fraud prevention tips, it's clear that **Mercari's commitment to a safe and trustworthy environment** sets it apart in the competitive e-commerce arena. **Want to share your own experiences with Mercari? Let us know**[**in our Discord!**](https://discord.gg/hKbvHAHvvU?ref=sellraze.ghost.io)