Meta Description: Don't rush when enrolling in a seller’s program. Knowing what's better between Poshmark and Mercari can save you time and connect you with the right audience.
They are both digital marketplaces that help individual sellers. Both of these platforms are somewhat similar except for the fact that they deal in different categories. Millions of customers have used them both. But there are some factors to consider before you start selling on either one of them. Selling your products online is more than listing products. It is about knowing commissions and traffic as well. In this guide, you will get to know these brands better.
Mercari is an app that helps you sell a range of items. This happens without running a formal storefront. It launched in Japan in 2013. Then it expanded to the United States in 2014. It has grown into one of the most downloaded resale apps. Here’s what sellers should know about Mercari:
Fast listing: Set a price after you upload the product photos.
Flexible shipping: Use Mercari’s discounted prepaid labels or ship your own way.
Automated Selling: No need to share items or engage with buyers constantly.
Poshmark is a digital marketplace built around fashionable items. Sellers create a virtual closet and grow their visibility by sharing within the community. Here are the features of Poshmark:
Flat-rate shipping: Buyers pay a set shipping fee. Postmark will provide you with a USPS shipping label..
Platform Fee: A 20% fee is charged when there's a sale of over $15.
Payouts: Funds become available after delivery and buyer confirmation.
Poshmark and Mercari support different types of sellers based on what they allow and promote. Poshmark focuses on fashionable items. Mercari supports a broader range of categories that go beyond clothing. If you’re planning to sell, your choice should align with what you have in stock.
Category | Poshmark | Mercari |
Clothing | Women's and kids' fashion | Branded and non-branded clothing |
Shoes | Sneakers and boots | Athletic shoes |
Accessories | Bags and jewelry | Watches, handbags, belts |
Beauty Products | Makeup and perfumes | Sealed cosmetics, grooming tools |
Home Decor | Select items like candles, pillows | Broader range: wall art, decor, tools |
Toys & Games | Limited or not supported | LEGO, puzzles, board games |
Electronics | Not allowed | Phones, tablets, headphones |
Collectibles | Limited options | Trading cards, action figures, coins |
Pet Supplies | Some categories allowed | Widespread: toys |
Books & Media | Not supported | DVDs and books |
Mercari supports more categories and caters to a general buyer base. You can sell almost anything that’s legal and shippable. This includes secondhand gadgets and household goods.
Both platforms make it easy to start selling. But the steps differ depending on how each one works. Here’s how to begin.
Step 1: Create a seller’s account
Sign up using the app or website. Add your profile photo, a short bio, and select your preferred sizes for visibility.
Step 2: Take clear product photos
Use a plain background with natural light. Show front, back, and tag details to build trust.
Step 3: List your item
Import the product photos. Then write the product title and description. Get a USPS shipping label.
Step 4: Share your listings
Increase store visibility by sharing your products in your network. You will reach more buyers when you share the product externally.
Step 1: Sign up and make a seller's profile
Sign up using your email. Create a display name and turn on essential settings.
Step 2: Prepare your photos and details
Use a clean background. Add well-lit shots of every angle. Make sure to mention the item’s condition.
Step 3: List the item
Enter a title and write a description. Then choose a category and select your shipping method. Mercari offers prepaid label options.
Step 4: Ship quickly after sale
Get the shipping label printed when the product is sold. Then pack your item securely and drop it off at the carrier.
Feature | Poshmark | Mercari |
Selling Fee | 20 percent on sales over $15 | 10 percent flat |
Small Sale Fee | $2.95 for sales under $15 | No separate small sale fee |
Payment Processing Fee | Included in the selling fee | 2.9 percent + 30¢ per sale |
Shipping Cost | Flat $7.97 (paid by buyer) | Based on item weight and shipping option |
Shipping Options | USPS Priority Mail only | USPS, UPS, FedEx (prepaid or own method) |
Shipping Label | Auto-generated prepaid label | Prepaid labels available or custom shipping |
Who Pays Shipping | Buyer pays shipping by default | Seller chooses who pays |
Payment Method | Bank deposit, PayPal, Venmo | Bank deposit, Instant Pay (for a $3 fee) |
Payout Time | 1–3 business days after delivery is confirmed | 1–5 business days after delivery and approval |
Additional Costs | None | Optional promotion fees for item boosts |
If you're selling online, your time and effort matter. Both platforms serve different goals, but Mercari gives you more freedom and less work. Choose Mercari if you want an easy way to sell items without sharing, promoting, or staying active every day. Mercari supports a wider product range, has lower fees, and gives you control over shipping. You can list and forget, then ship when it sells. It’s ideal for sellers who want flexibility, faster setup, and fewer platform rules.
Good visuals make a strong first impression. Each platform has its own image size guidelines to help your listings look sharp.
Main Product Image | 1:1 square ratio (recommended 1000×1000 px) | 3:4 vertical ratio (recommended 1080×1440 px) |
Additional Images | Same size as main; up to 16 photos | Same size as main; up to 12 photos |
Cover Banner (Profile) | Not supported | Not supported |
Zoom Capability | Yes, on click | Yes, auto zoom on tap |
Photo Editing Tools | Built-in filters, cropping | Basic editing and background removal |
Image Background | White or neutral recommended | White background performs best |
Selling a variety of items: Ideal for electronics and everyday products.
Looking for low effort: Listing takes minutes on this platform. There is no pressure to engage with buyers constantly.
Consider lower commissions: Mercari offers lower selling fees. Sellers also get flexible shipping options.
Finding simple e-commerce platforms: The platform offers a beginner-friendly experience. All sellers get step-by-step instructions.
Deal in Fashionable items: Best for selling branded clothes and home decor items.
Willing to stay active: Success often depends on sharing listings and engaging with others daily.
Building a brand: Great for users who want to grow a personal storefront.
Comfortable with higher fees: You get access to a niche audience but at a higher cost.
Low Selling Fees: Mercari charges a 10 percent flat fee. This helps sellers keep more of their earnings.
Wide Range of Categories: You can sell multiple products with ease.
Simple Shipping Options: Choose between Mercari prepaid labels or arrange your own shipping.
No Social Pressure: You do not need to share or promote your listings constantly.
Fashion Audience: Poshmark attracts shoppers who want secondhand fashion. That might already have a huge buyer base relevant to your niche.
Community Selling: The platform encourages interaction to increase product visibility.
Simple Pricing for High-Value Items: Items above $15 have a flat 20 percent fee. That way, you can estimate the commissions every time.
Easy Returns for Buyers: This builds trust and leads to more confident purchases.
Selling online is not just about listing your items. It’s about creating trust, standing out, and staying active. Here’s how you can improve your chances of making sales on both Mercari and Poshmark.
Use Bright Photos: Take clear pictures in natural light. Show the item from all angles to avoid buyer doubts.
Price Fairly: Check sold listings to set a competitive price. Use Mercari's Smart Pricing tool for better chances.
Use Style Keywords: Add words like 'boho', 'vintage', or 'minimal' to help users find your items.
Offer Discounts: Send private offers with shipping discounts to interested buyers. It often leads to quick sales.
X-Design AI Background Generator is helpful for those who want to list their products on eCommerce stores. Within a single click, a premium background can be inserted behind your product images. Using this tool is easy, plus you can generate image backgrounds using text-based prompts. Independent sellers on Poshmark and Mercari only need to click a clean product image. The AI Background Generator has more than 600 backgrounds. They help with all the images that have been distorted by the lighting or composition features. Here are the features of X-Design AI background Generator:
Conclusion
Poshmark and Mercari are popular e-commerce platforms. If you are interested in selling products from diverse categories, you should choose Mercari, as it offers a huge variety of products. Whereas if you are selectively selling fashionable items, you should choose Poshmark. When uploading product images, ensure that the images have premium backgrounds. X-Design AI Background Generator helps add new backgrounds to product images, allowing visitors to easily add them to their shopping bag. X-Design AI Background Generator is free to use for new users. Get free credits and generate new backgrounds without any hassle!