How do Mercari prepaid labels work?

We offer low, fixed rates with USPS, FedEx or UPS Ground packages with a shipping weight up to 50 lbs and a maximum length of 34” with the second longest side not exceeding 20”. These rates offer an average of 39% savings compared to the retail pricing of each carrier. If your package weighs more than 50 pounds (or exceeds the 34” size limit), you’ll need to ship it on your own.

Note that FedEx and UPS shipments can’t be shipped to and from Hawaii or Alaska or to a P.O. Box. If you live in Hawaii or Alaska and want to buy an item that doesn’t offer FedEx or UPS, you can message the seller to see if they can change the shipping option to USPS.

For eligible media categories (books, movies, printed music), Mercari offers fixed rates for USPS Media Mail. Packages must be properly marked as Media Mail and include only eligible media categories. Media Mail packages are subject to search by USPS. Sellers are responsible for overage fees and fines associated with improper use of Media Mail (prohibited contents, incorrect weight). Please see our Media Mail Guide for full shipping and category requirements.

Exclusively for trading cards, Mercari offers a First-Class Envelope prepaid label up to 3 oz. This is the perfect affordable option for shipping and tracking cards. Envelopes must be maximum 11 ½” length and 6 ⅛” height and ¼” thick (non-compressed). Read more about the requirements in our First-Class Envelope Guide. Shipping Protection is included up to $20.

What is included in Mercari’s prepaid label?

We take the hassle out of shipping by offering a single price for shipments to and from any of the 50 states. If you’re shipping across the country or around the corner, the price is the same.

To provide peace of mind for your shipments, we include Shipping Protection for shipments sent with a Mercari prepaid label. If your item or bundle* is lost or damaged in transit by the carrier, your package is protected for up to $200 for standard, economy, Local and Media Mail rates and up to $20 for First-Class Envelopes.

We offer low, fixed rates with USPS, FedEx, or UPS Ground for packages with a shipping weight up to 50 lbs and a maximum length of 34” with the second longest side not exceeding 20”. These rates offer an average of 40% savings compared to the retail pricing of each carrier (For standard or economy rates. Media Mail excluded). If your package weighs more than 50 pounds (or exceeds the 34” size limit), you’ll need to ship it on your own.

Just select the correct shipping weight and you’re good to go.

To learn more please visit our Shipping Protection FAQ.

What is shipping weight?

Shipping weight includes the actual weight of the item as well as all packaging, wrapping, and boxing (the shipping weight). To keep it simple, Mercari estimates the shipping weight for you when you list. If your listing is made up of multiple items, you will need to edit shipping and provide the total weight for all your items (aka bundle). Our shipping recommendation may not be perfect due to the uniqueness of each listing, so please make sure to edit your shipping options accordingly.

In addition to actual weight, items shipped with a Mercari label are subject to dimensional weight. You can determine the correct label weight: length x height x width = total volume / 139 average shipping divisor. Keep in mind that the longest side may not exceed 34” and the second longest side not exceeding 20”. For more information about dimensional (DIM) weight, see our measurement guide for more information.

If you ship a package that exceeds the size and weight limits on the label, you’ll be responsible for the overage fees and will not qualify for Shipping Protection. Additional shipping fees will be deducted from your Mercari balance.

Which boxes can I use with prepaid labels?

When shipping an item don't assume the original package will be enough protection to get the item safely to the buyer. The original order was likely purchased by a merchant and received on a pallet. You must pack the retail box in another cardboard box. For more packing tips please visit our packing guidelines.

If your label is for USPS Priority Mail (1-3 lbs, 3-10 lbs, or 10-20 lbs), you can use the free Priority Mail boxes available at your post office.

Any label that is not USPS or any Mercari USPS shipping label less than 1 lb is not Priority Mail and may not be shipped with Priority Mail boxes.


How do I print my label?

Two paper sizes are available for printing prepaid labels:

  • 8.5 x 11 in (best for inkjet and laser printers)
  • 4 x 6 in. (best for thermal printers)

Learn how to select your preferred paper size.

No printer? No problem. When you use a UPS or USPS for your Mercari prepaid label, we’ll give you a QR code to show the shipping clerk. They’ll print your label for you on the spot.

Learn how to ship with a QR code


Important notes:

  • Mercari shipping labels can’t be used on Priority Express or Flat Rate boxes.
  • Your package cannot exceed 34” in length with the second longest side not exceeding 20”
  • Don’t use USPS Ground Advantage™ (formerly First-Class) (0-15.9 oz), UPS, or FedEx labels on Priority Mail boxes.
  • You can reuse boxes and packing materials to ship packages. Just be sure to remove old labels.
  • For USPS Media Mail and First-Class Envelopes see package guidelines.
  • Completely remove old labels like “hazardous chemicals” to avoid service disruptions and/or fines from the shipping carriers.
  • It is your responsibility to be sure to drop off the item with the correct carrier, as FedEx Economy and UPS Surepost cannot be dropped off at USPS.
  • If you sent the wrong item, contact our Help Center. Do not use a label twice. You will be charged additional shipping fees plus your account may be restricted.
  • If you cannot find the right box to fit your items, please refer to our Packing Guidelines or contact your shipping carrier.
  • If fines are applied, it’s your responsibility to pay them.

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