Sellers are responsible for paying overage charges for oversize or overweight packages. Shipping carriers charge overage fees to deliver packages that are over the weight and/or dimension limits on the shipping label. If the prepaid shipping label is insufficient based on the package’s weight and size then: (i) the package may be returned to the seller or (ii) oversize or overweight fees will be charged and the additional fees deducted from your sales. If the actual weight or dimensional weight is for a Mercari provided label (see Fees), you will be charged that weight less the amount already paid. If Mercari does not provide a label for that weight, then the carrier residential retail rates for zone 6 will apply less the amount already paid. If the package weighs more than 150 pounds, then we include the carrier oversize fee.
Avoid additional fees, by providing weight and package size when selecting a prepaid label. If you significantly underestimate the size or weight of the package, you may even not receive any profits from your sale.
Packages over one pound are always rounded up to the nearest pound. For example, an item that weighs 3.25 lb will require a 4 lb label.
How is the additional shipping cost calculated?
If the actual weight or dimensional weight provided by the shipping carrier is higher than the label used for a Mercari provided label (see Fees on Mercari), you will be charged that weight less the amount already paid. If Mercari does not provide a label for that weight, then the carrier residential retail rates for zone 6 including all surcharges will apply less the amount already paid. If it is over 150 pounds in actual weight or dimensional weight, it will be billed at a flat rate of $2,500.
Available Mercari shipping labels:
Shipping weights over 20 pounds will be billed in increments of 10 pounds, so a 22 lb will be billed at 30 lb.
Understanding heavy or overweight charges
If you’ve been charged for an overweight package, the shipping carrier informed us that your package weighed more than the weight class selected for your prepaid label. This happens when your package's actual weight and /or dimensional (DIM) weight exceeds the weight selected for your purchased postage.
Final package weight is determined based on multiple factors, not just the actual weight. Factors include shipping carrier (USPS, FedEx, UPS), shipping class, package dimensions, actual weight and DIM weight.
What is ‘actual weight’?
Actual weight is the amount (in ounces or pounds) a package weighs determined by a scale that measures mass. For example, postage scales measure actual weight. When selecting a Mercari prepaid label, sellers are required to input the actual package weight.What is DIM weight?
DIM weight, or dimensional weight, is the size of a package in relation to its actual weight. DIM weight helps certain carriers calculate a shipping rate based on how much space a package will occupy on a delivery truck. Carriers that use DIM weight will charge based on the greater of the actual weight or DIM weight.
When using prepaid labels, Mercari recommends inputting weight, length, width and height for the most accurate weight class.
How is DIM weight calculated?
DIM weight is calculated by multiplying a package’s length x width x height and dividing that sum by a carrier’s designated shipping divisor, rounding up to the nearest pound.
How do carriers calculate shipping weights?
Shipping costs are determined by package size and weight, as calculated by USPS, FedEx, and UPS.
- For packages up to one cubic foot (LxWxH = 1728) with the longest side not exceeding 22", the actual weight is used.
- For larger packages (over one cubic foot or with the longest side exceeding 22"), all three carriers consider both actual weight and dimensional (DIM) weight. The higher of these two weights will be used to determine the shipping rate. These larger packages may also be subject to additional handling or oversize fees.
During transit, carriers weigh and scan packages, sharing this data with Mercari to assess any additional shipping costs.
When does DIM weight exceed actual weight?
Say you’re shipping a large plush toy that is fluffy and lightweight. The plush toy weighs 2 lb with packaging. You package the plush toy in a box with the following measurements: 12” Length x 12” Width x 14” Height.
Although the package weighs only 2 lb, the dimensional weight is about 14.5 lb. This is calculated by multiplying the length x width x height and dividing that sum by the carrier’s shipping divisor (example is 139*). The shipping carrier will round up to the nearest pound.
Tip: Enter all measurements - actual weight, package length, width, height - and Mercari will recommend the best shipping method.
*Mercari prepaid labels use shipping divisors set by the carrier. 139 is an example shipping divisor.
Shipping Surcharge Fees
In addition to the label cost, each carrier have different surcharges that may apply, see below:
Other reasons for additional charges
FedEx Ground® Economy
For FedEx Ground® Economy packages, a weight limit of 10 lbs applies (either actual or dimensional weight). Packages must be dropped off at an authorized FedEx location. The shipping label will include USPS tracking number for final delivery. DO NOT DROP OFF at USPS or USPS Mail Boxes. The package will be seized. Sellers are responsible for any fees incurred due to incorrect drop-off or overweight packages including surcharges, which will be deducted from their earnings. Packages dropped off at the wrong location will not be eligible for Shipping Protection.
Click here to find the nearest FedEx drop off location.
UPS Ground Saver
UPS Ground Saver packages cannot be larger than 1 cubic foot and the actual or dimensional weight can’t exceed 5 lb. Sellers are responsible for all fees associated with overweight packages including surcharges which will be deducted from the seller’s earnings.
Click here to find the nearest UPS drop off location.
Shipping labels
Sellers are responsible for properly printing shipping labels and adhering the label to the package. Any labels that are not clearly printed, have been modified, or damaged in transit are the responsibility of the Seller. Mercari will not be responsible for returning the item, and the Seller will not be paid.
Duplicate labels
All packages are scanned by the applicable shipping carriers. When a label is used more than once, they charge Mercari for additional postage which Mercari will then charge to the seller by deducting the amount from the seller’s earnings. Be sure to only use a shipping label once to avoid any additional fees. Shipping Protection will not be provided.
Improper boxes
Be sure to use the right box for your label. When you’re shipping with a USPS First-Class label, don’t use a USPS Priority Mail box or USPS Priority Mail poly mailer. There is an additional fee when the carrier has to repackage the item during transit.
Sellers will be charged for these types of shipping surcharges for using an incorrect box and the surcharges will be deducted from the seller’s earnings. Shipping Protection will not be provided.
Reuse boxes
When re-using a box, you must completely remove all hazmat markings and stickers. We recommend turning the box inside out. Shipping carriers will hold packages with hazmat markings and will destroy them if not re-package. Sellers will be fully responsible for any repackaging cost or the loss. Mercari Shipping Protection will not apply.
Hazmat InformationChoosing the best label
Shipping carriers charge based on the package's weight and size.
The carriers will charge postage due fees to deliver packages that are over the weight and/or dimension limits on the shipping label.
Please make sure that you choose the correct label so your item arrives safely to the buyer. Sellers will be responsible for paying any oversize or overweight fees so the buyer doesn’t have to pay them. If the prepaid shipping label is insufficient based upon the package’s weight and size then: (i) the package may be returned to the seller or (ii) oversize or overweight fees will be charged and the additional fees deducted from your sales.
Choose the right label for your package’s size and weight to help keep the marketplace fair and shipping labels affordable.
Small packages up to one cubic foot (LxWxH = 1728”) with the longest length under 22”, you can base your label on weight for all shipping carriers.
Packages over one cubic foot or the longest side exceeds 22”, carriers will use the heavier of actual package weight or dimensional weight.
Some service types can only be used for specific items:
- First Class Envelope - for trading cards up to $20 Mercari Shipping Protection with limited tracking
- Media Mail - for books up to $200 Mercari Shipping Protection up to 3 lb and no larger than one cubic foot
