
Starting on January 6, 2025, Mercari will be introducing a new fee structure that will affect both sellers and buyers. As the platform continues to evolve, these changes are designed to simplify the fee structure and provide more transparency. Sellers need to be aware of these updates to ensure they adjust their pricing and remain competitive in the marketplace. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about the new fee structure and how to adjust accordingly.
1. Mercari’s New 10% Selling Fee for Sellers
Under the new fee structure, sellers will now pay a flat 10% selling fee, which applies to the completed item price as well as any buyer-paid shipping costs. This change is designed to make the fees more straightforward and predictable for sellers.
- What it means for you: Previously, Mercari charged variable fees depending on the price of the item and shipping costs. The new flat 10% fee will make it easier for sellers to calculate their potential profits and costs.
- How to adjust your pricing: To account for the new flat 10% selling fee, sellers should review their pricing strategy. You may need to increase your prices slightly to maintain the same profit margins.
2. Removal of the ACH Direct Deposit Fee
One of the significant updates for sellers is the removal of the ACH direct deposit fee. Mercari previously charged a fee for successful withdrawal transactions through ACH direct deposit, but this will no longer apply starting in January 2025.
- What it means for you: You’ll now be able to transfer your earnings to your bank account without any additional fees, which could result in savings for many sellers. Plus, you’re limited to one ACH direct deposit per day.
Actionable Tip: If you’ve been withdrawing frequently or in smaller amounts, you might now be able to consolidate your withdrawals to save more over time.
3. Flat 3.6% Buyer Protection Fee
For buyers, Mercari is lowering the Buyer Protection fee to a flat 3.6%, which applies to the completed item price and buyer-paid shipping. This change means that buyers will have lower upfront costs and more predictable fees at checkout.
- What it covers: The Buyer Protection fee helps ensure a safer and more trustworthy shopping experience for customers. It includes the following protections:
- A cancellation and refund policy
- Returns on qualifying items
- 24/7 customer support
- Trusted transactions with no additional payment processing fees
Actionable Tip: As a seller, be aware that the reduction in buyer fees may encourage more buyers to make purchases, as it lowers their overall cost.
4. Why These Changes Matter for Sellers
With the new 10% selling fee and the reduction in the buyer fee, sellers will need to adjust their pricing to continue earning the desired profit margin. Here’s how you can make sure you’re still competitive and maximizing your earnings:
- Recalculate Your Prices: With the 10% selling fee, you may need to raise your prices by a small amount to cover the new fees, especially for higher-priced items. However, be cautious not to price yourself out of the market.
- Offer Competitive Shipping: Since the buyer is paying less in fees, consider offering free or discounted shipping to remain competitive. This could help drive more traffic to your listings and encourage buyers to complete their purchases.
- Monitor Your Profit Margins: Adjust your cost calculations based on the new fees to ensure you remain profitable. Take into account the complete item price, shipping costs, and the 10% fee to see how the changes impact your margins.
Actionable Tip: Use Mercari’s fee calculator or create a custom spreadsheet to track your pricing and margins. This will help you quickly see how the new fee structure affects your bottom line.
5. How to Communicate These Changes to Buyers
Although buyers won’t directly be impacted by the new seller fees, it’s still essential to communicate the lower buyer protection fee to your customers. The more transparent you are, the better trust you can build with potential buyers.
- Update Your Listings: If you’re offering promotions or special deals, update your product descriptions to mention the buyer-friendly fee changes and other incentives like free shipping.
- Highlight the Added Value: The 3.6% Buyer Protection fee ensures a safer shopping experience with fewer risks for the buyer. Highlight these benefits in your product descriptions to assure potential customers of the security they’ll receive with their purchase.
Actionable Tip: Use your social media platforms to update your followers on how the new fee structure benefits both buyers and sellers, positioning your shop as one that offers great value and protection.
6. Conclusion: Adjusting for the New Fee Structure
Mercari’s new fee structure, starting in January 2025, introduces several important changes. While sellers will now pay a flat 10% selling fee, buyers benefit from a lower 3.6% Buyer Protection fee, making transactions more straightforward and transparent.
Sellers, it’s essential to adjust your prices to accommodate the new fees and ensure you’re maintaining profitability. By recalculating your pricing, offering promotions, and communicating the benefits to your buyers, you’ll be able to navigate these changes with ease.
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