Welcome to Mercari!
Mercari is a peer-to-peer (P2P) sales platform that connects buyers and sellers, empowering individuals to buy and sell items in a straightforward and convenient manner. While we work diligently to facilitate your transactions, it’s important for buyers to perform their due diligence before making a purchase. This proactive approach helps ensure a satisfactory shopping experience and reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings or complications.
Why Buyer Due Diligence Matters
As with any platform that involves peer-to-peer transactions, factors such as item condition, authenticity, and shipping processes can vary. Understanding the right information to look for and questions to ask before making a purchase can help provide a positive experience for you and the seller.
Key Questions to Ask Sellers
Item Condition
Always understand the item’s condition prior to purchasing. If the condition is not clearly listed and described, use specific questions such as:
- Is the item new, used, or refurbished?
- Are there any noticeable flaws, blemishes, scratches, or signs of wear?
- Can you provide additional images that show close-ups of the item or any specific areas of concern?
- Is it from a smoke-free or pet-free home?
Images and Descriptions
Carefully review the images and description in the listing. If something looks unclear or concerning, don’t hesitate to reach out to the seller:
- Does the item in the photos match the description provided?
- Are these photos of the actual item for sale?
- Are there any details that may not be accurately represented?
Shipping and Delivery
Knowing how an item is packaged can offer valuable insight into its likelihood of arriving safely. If arrival timeline is important to you, ask about handing time and shipping method.
- What shipping method will be used, and how long is the expected delivery time?
- How does the seller intend to ship your item?
- How will the item be packaged for shipping?
Read through our Shipping for Buyers and Shipping for Sellers pages to understand the shipping process.
Quality and Authenticity
If you’re purchasing branded or high-value items, it's important to verify authenticity:
- Can you provide proof of purchase or any authenticity documentation?
- Would you go through Mercari’s Authenticate process to prove the item's authenticity?
Read through our Authenticity Guidelines for more information.
Best Practices for a Smooth Purchase Experience
- Communicate Openly: Ask sellers any questions you may have.
- Review Seller Ratings: Check the seller’s ratings and read the reviews left by previous buyers. A seller with consistent, high ratings is typically more reliable.
- Check When it Was Listed: Older listings may not be available. Ask the Seller if it’s still available for sale.
- Understand Returns: Familiarize yourself with Mercari’s return policy to understand your rights and responsibilities if the item doesn’t meet your expectations.
- Document Everything: If you decide to proceed with a purchase, keep records of your communication with the seller. This documentation will be necessary for our support team should any issues arise. Never communicate outside of Mercari.
Your experience on Mercari is important to us, and by taking the time to ask questions and clarify any concerns with sellers, you can greatly enhance your purchasing experience. Remember most sellers on Mercari are just like you - they are spring cleaning or making room for new Mercari purchases of their own. Equip yourself with knowledge, stay engaged, and enjoy the benefits of buying on our platform!
Thank you for choosing Mercari. Happy shopping!