Poshmark vs Mercari: Which is Better for Selling

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Tonny Franzen · August 2.2025
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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.



What is Mercari?

mercari

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.

What is Poshmark?

poshmark

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.

Part 2: Popular Selling Items on Mercari and Poshmark

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.

Popular selling items on Poshmark and Mercari

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.

Part 3: How to Sell on Poshmark and Mercari?

Both platforms make it easy to start selling. But the steps differ depending on how each one works. Here’s how to begin.

How to Sell on Poshmark

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.

How to Sell on Mercari?

mercari

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.

Part 4: Detailed Comparison of Poshmark Vs Mercari

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


Which is Better for You as a Seller?

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.

Part 5: Poshmark Vs. Mercari: Image Size Requirements

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


Part 6: Who Should Choose Each Platform Respectively

Choose Mercari If You Are

  • 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.

Choose Poshmark If You Are

  • 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.

Part 7: Advantages of Poshmark and Mercari

Pros of Mercari

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.

Pros of Poshmark

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.

Part 8: Tips to Sell Your Products on Poshmark and Mercari

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.

Part 9: How to Generate Stunning Images with X-Design AI Background Generator

background generator

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:

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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!