• Mercari

Mercari

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Overview

Mercari has a rating of 1.2 stars from 2,363 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Reviewers complaining about Mercari most frequently mention customer service, credit card, and phone number problems. Mercari ranks 716th among Marketplace sites.

  • Service
    874
  • Value
    781
  • Shipping
    776
  • Returns
    768
  • Quality
    736

This company does not typically respond to reviews

Positive reviews (last 12 months): 2.3%
Positive
3
Neutral
0
Negative
128
1237
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How would you rate Mercari?
Top Positive Review

“Good place to buy and sell.”

Tim P.
11/1/17

Initially customer service gave me some trouble due to mistaken identity, however the (frustrating) problem was resolved. I must say that I enjoy the simplicity of Mercari. It is a more streamlined method of buying and selling than Ebay.

Top Critical Review

“Seller fraud”

Leslie D.
10/7/24

This web site is terrible. They have pictures of the item but sends you something totally different. For example. The bags are clearly vintage but you receive a brand new fake bag plastic bag. They have so many sellers websites doing this. They are are usually shipping out of Chino, California. You order one thing and receive another. They don't refund money instead they credit.

Reviews (2,363)

Rating

Timeframe

Other

Reviews that mention popular keywords

credit card (106) post office (50) phone number (71) return request (32) customer service (669)
Thumbnail of user shannonb893
Florida
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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December 17th, 2021

Horrible customer service. Money lost and issue not resolved. Will not purchase with them again. Leather bag has permanent fold lines in it. Seller never sent return label. Mercari would not help to resolve. The worst customer service!

Thumbnail of user joelb211
California
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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June 8th, 2022
Verified purchase

They won't help you if product doesn't fit.
Here's the response when I asked to exchange a hat that is too large to wear:

Dianne (Mercari)

Jun 7,2022, 7:31 PM PDT

I understand your sentiments about this, however, please know that sizing or fit is something that we can't accept as a reason that's why we encourage all our users to ask as many questions as possible before purchasing to ensure the item is what they are looking for.

Being a peer-to-peer marketplace, these items are shipped from individuals and do not pass through our possession at any time.

We have already released the funds to the seller and are unable to process a return for you. Since I do not have enough information to overturn their decision, we are required to allow it to stand.

I am sorry that this transaction did not go the way you expected. I sincerely hope you do not have similar issues in the future.

Tip for consumers:
This site is a broker for sellers and refuses to help buyers with size issues and refused to allow contact with seller. Shop elsewhere.

Products used:
Could not return hat that did not fit

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user samh896
Maryland
1 review
16 helpful votes
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July 31st, 2022
Verified purchase

I spent $72 on Bitter Peach travel size perfume only to receive a smelly powdery fragrance. It was gross. Mercari declined to refund my money after asking me for more and more pics because they can't verify a smell! I know what the perfume is supposed to smell like. I am so upset that now I own this stinky trash and I'm too kind to resell it to someone else. Never buy a fragrance from Mercari.

Tip for consumers:
Never buy fragrance from them

Products used:
Perfume

Thumbnail of user gregoryb672
New York
1 review
23 helpful votes
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December 12th, 2021

Save your time and money. Bought a bag for my wife to replace one that broke. It was described as the "large" bag but obviously it was not - see photo. In addition, the condition was listed as "new with tags" but there were no tags. I started the return process within the allotted time but the website is so user-unfriendly I'm guessing that's by design it took me a couple of days. No refund. Save your time and money and shop Amazon or anywhere but here. Certainly seems like a scam.

Tip for consumers:
Don’t waste your time or money

Products used:
None

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user kurtp117
Florida
1 review
1 helpful vote
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October 19th, 2022
Verified purchase

I tried to buy a gps unit. Mercari had several listed, but half of them are clearly scammers asking you to text the seller directly. Most sellers have zero reviews or sales or purchases. I found one from a seller with at least a couple reviews, but the seller did not respond after I purchased the item at full price, so I'm locked in a 4 day waiting period. Other items are listed for sale, but when you try to purchase, it says there is a problem with the seller. I give up.

Tip for consumers:
Do not agree to transactions outside the buyer protection policy.

Products used:
It’s a online resale marketplace like eBay.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user laurac2959
Texas
1 review
2 helpful votes
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May 14th, 2023

Be careful with this company. They ship me the wrong item and they don't allow any type of feed back or support after 72 hrs. Purchased "To a Sister" received "your aways there". It was only a $15 item and they acted like providing me any support would break the bank. Glad I did a test drive on an inexpensive item. I wont be purchasing from them again.

Tip for consumers:
They give you a short window to confirm. I had a family emergency so I didnt look at it. I wasnt asking for a refund as this item is only $15 but they could have offered me free shipping or something for my next purchase. They jump right into defense mode.

Products used:
Statue

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user carynb47
Colorado
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 28th, 2023

I was sold fake AirPods on Mercari. The serial number was legit but apparently had been reused over and over again. There's no way to tell that unless you go to the Apple store. Once I discovered this, I contacted Mercari. No refund because it was longer than two weeks. This site is a joke.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user wendya359
North Dakota
1 review
1 helpful vote
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January 24th, 2022

I ordered an automatic curling iron from them that was supposedly new in box. I have never used one of these, so I just thought I was doing something wrong. After a few days of trying unsuccessfully to get it to work, I watched many Youtube videos and figured out that the inside of the barrel was supposed to be fixed, but mine was very loose and flopped back and forth. As soon as I discovered it was not my fault, I contacted the seller and they told me to submit a review through Mercari. The trouble, though, is that I was passed the 3 day cutoff point. (It was the morning of the 4th day!) To top it all off, Mercari automatically gives the seller a 5-star rating if you haven't submitted a review within 3 days, plus I can't edit the review! I am so upset right now. They offered me a coupon for $10 off my new purchase of 50 or more. Are you kidding? I lost $72, and you think that's all you have to do?

Tip for consumers:
Don't use the site! It's a ripoff.

Products used:
I couldn't use the product.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user faranakc
Kentucky
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
  • Send Message
October 27th, 2022

I'm a seller on Mercari. User ID *******. I'm a respected seller, and have sold 15 bags.

Although almost all my bags are authenticated; there are times, I do not want to spend the fee. This should be an "optional" thing. However, Mercari many times will not allow my item to go live until I pay to fee or my item remains "inactive".

What's worse, is even though you're forced to pay the authentication fee for your item to be seen. If a fraudulent customers wants to return your item and claim it's "not authentic". Mercari always sides with the buyer, and says your "item was not as described". Even when they made you go through their authentication process before your listing was shown! What a joke! Poshmark and other platforms are way better!

Seems like a scam to force buyers to spend money on getting "authenticated".

Thumbnail of user jazanw
California
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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June 14th, 2023

I recently purchased electronic cymbals on Mercari. When they arrived, they were absolute junk. They were super small and not at all what was pictured. The picture made it look like normal size electronic cymbals. What came in looked like tea saucers. (See picture of what they sent next to a regular e-cymbal.)

Mercari is suppose to allow you to return merchandise. I contacted right away as soon as I got the cymbals in. I asked for a refund, and that began endless responses from the Mercari team, telling me why I could not return the items. They lied and said I didn't contact them within 3 days. I contacted them within 30 minutes. Another reply said I didn't select the right option when asking for a refund, which is ridiculous. I was even told I could sell the product again on their site to make my money back. How are sites like this allowed to exist in commerce? Absolutely horrible.

Tip for consumers:
Mercari is a scam. They allow you to get ripped off buy seller selling junk. They do not protect you from misleading sales.

Products used:
Bought product that was junk.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user horechiac
New York
2 reviews
1 helpful vote
  • Send Message
November 19th, 2021

They have no protection for sellers. I sold a coat for $500 the buyer switch the coat with a vest and they approved the return for them to send me back some thing I didn't send them originally. I called them numerous times no one never answered or returned my calls. Only email which can't be real people because if they really had someone investigating they would've swore she was lying just buy what she put in her return notes. They didn't even check my chat showing that I address the buyer and she never responded. I had to delete all my items I have for sale and now I'm waiting for last payouts to close account. I'm very disappointed.

Service
Value
Thumbnail of user caryl74
California
1 review
11 helpful votes
  • Send Message
January 8th, 2023
Verified purchase

I have done multiple sales on Mercari. None of my items are junk, knock-offs, etc. Many are vintage and new or minimally used. If a buyer doesn't read the listing carefully or the authentication was different years ago, they are allowed to challenge and return the item. Mercari will always side with the buyer. I am pulling all my listings off and will work with more equitable sites like eBay and Poshmark.

Thumbnail of user markb3896
California
1 review
4 helpful votes
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April 12th, 2022

I bought a pair of sunglasses that was delivered to my mail box while
I was away for a long weekend. Sunday night I come home, retrieve the item and it is missing a nose pad. I emailed Mercari, they said basically "sorry it's past 72 hours and the transaction is closed, no returns".
I'm not using them again. And, for this transaction I'll have to contest it with my credit card.

Tip for consumers:
Do not use the service. Poor return policy.

Products used:
None. No returns after 72 hours of delivery.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user theresab1070
Minnesota
1 review
2 helpful votes
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April 12th, 2023

My sister died and I wanted items from 1966. In the search male with male pornography was shown. Many pictures. I reported some- only to find more!
Mercari is doing nothing to
Monitor their site.
Also, it is impossible to return fake items.
I will never use them again!

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user sandras2774
Texas
1 review
0 helpful votes
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May 4th, 2022
Verified purchase

My husband bought me a used Louis Vuitton handbag for Christmas, which claimed it was in OK condition. It's not. The handle was hot glued on, so it came off when I picked it up out of the box. No mention of that at all in the description. Even in awful condition, the actual way to carry it is pretty important. At this point I'm pretty sure it's a fake, but Mercari refuses to do anything about it at all. They actually advised us to resell it on their site. So basically even after we sent pictures, and explained that the condition is not only poor, or Ok, it's not useable. This site is a scam, don't expect what you think you're buying, or any help as it says on the return address in bold print'. 'Do Not Return To this Address'. Total scam.

Tip for consumers:
They don’t stand behind buyers, it’s a bait and switch as far as I can tell. Pricey one at that

Products used:
Handbag

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user matthewb1524
Texas
1 review
3 helpful votes
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February 19th, 2022

I sold a golf club for $100 to someone who said they received and empty box. Person just created an account and had no buying or selling history while I've done so plenty of times. They took the side of the scammer so now I'm out a $100 and a golf club worth over $100! Watch out for that site. Be very careful. Posted profile photo of scammer to show how obvious it was. Freaking pathetic.

Tip for consumers:
Make sure buyer/seller has history on the site.

Products used:
Nothing. My golf club was stolen from me.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user youssefi6
Florida
3 reviews
0 helpful votes
  • Send Message
March 8th, 2023

Sometimes Mercari accept my return for gold using acid testing. Sometimes they do not and ask me to bring a jeweler appraisal. Imagine paying $100 for jeweler appraisal to return a piece of jewelry costing 90 dollars. Sometimes I provided proof but my return is not accepted. A friend of mine return was accepted just because she said that it was not gold. It depends on the mood of the Mercari representative you are dealing with. And each time you reply to a case you get an answer from a different person for the same case. This is weird and unprofessional.

Tip for consumers:
You can not return easily especially buying gold and in Mercari a lot of people are selling fake gold and the website doesn’t restrict their account for doing that.

Products used:
Jewelry

Service
Returns
Thumbnail of user ronm467
Arizona
3 reviews
3 helpful votes
  • Send Message
July 8th, 2020

This site has a maze of hoops and requirements buyers and sellers must suffer thru in a convoluted time frame if anything goes wrong with a transaction. It seems to be designed to frustrate users to the point where they will stop trying to get resolution. If that's just because of poor design and not the intent, it is the outcome. I've made a handful of purchases, and a couple of sales. I've had issues with many of them. Be prepared to wait and wait for ham-fisted support, and perhaps even lose money if you interact with this site and support.

My latest purchase was from a fraudulent seller who printed a UPS shipping label and later told Mercari that I received the item while UPS claimed that they never received it. I have been trying to resolve this nearly $300 issue for more than ten days now. My latest reply from support asked me for the item number, which is literally the first thing in the Subject line of each of my many emails to support...

Thumbnail of user jpal
California
5 reviews
20 helpful votes
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June 17th, 2023
Verified purchase

Bought items from two sellers. Neither shipped. Mercari just lets them cancel; no chance to review seller or warn other buyers. But if you look at the seller profiles they haven't shipped an item in three years. It's just cancellation after cancellation. Mercari looks like a scam to me - just a way to collect your data, take your money, play the float (earning interest while they have your money) then cancel with no penalty to the fraudulent seller. Seems like a scam site, so stay away.

Tip for consumers:
Hard. Pass.

Products used:
Clothing

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user dorothyp871
Virginia
1 review
11 helpful votes
  • Send Message
May 21st, 2023

I purchased a set of pillowcases and when they arrived, they were not the pictured pattern, but in fact a different set from another listing of the seller. I notified the seller that they sent me the wrong item. Little did I know, you only have 72 hours to let Mercari know or they will automatically rate the seller and complete the purchase. Then a day later, the seller relisted the pillowcases I originally purchased. Mercari won't do anything. Never purchase from here because it's likely you'll get screwed over and no one cares.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user caseyr83
Georgia
1 review
1 helpful vote
  • Send Message
February 10th, 2024
• Updated review

I have been selling on Mercari for about 3 years and have been very successful. But in the past 5 months I have been ripped off with fraudulent shipping fees. Three of my packages sent with Fed Ex were hit with a shipping surcharge AFTER they were delivered to the buyer and there was nothing I could do. Mercari does not care, says there's nothing they can do, pathetic customer service. The latest sale was a queen lightweight comforter. I shipped it, buyer paid $9 for shipping, the amount due to me was $41. Comforter was delivered and Fed Ex stole $31 in extra shipping charges! I ended up with no comforter and only $10. So Fed Ex is saying it cost $40 to ship a queen comforter that weighs about 5 lbs! I'm just sick about it. And a week before this transaction I shipped Pottery Barn slip covers. The buyer paid $25 for shipping, they weighed 15lbs. The item was delivered and Fed Ex stole another $15 for shipping. It's so unethical I can't believe Mercari is ok with this. Fed Ex just makes up an amount to steal on the back end, rather than being ethical and addressing concerns on the front end when you mail the package. My other incident was back in Sept with some Rosenthal China plates...again Fed Ex stole a huge amount for shipping and I got $6 for my plates. Be very very careful using this site and whatever you do, do not ship with Fed Ex! Horrible.

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality
Shipping Charge Scam
September 22nd, 2023
• Previous review

I have been selling on Mercari for two years. Yesterday one of my items arrived at the buyers and Fed Ex claims the package weighed 7 lbs so they notified Mercari that they took an additional $8. Mercari in turn took that $8 from me and paid me $4 for the 6 Rosenthal China plates I sent. I provided the Fed Ex receipt from when I shipped the item showing 3.5lbs and Mercari doesn't care, they said sorry, Fed Ex already charged them so they are charging me. So so wrong...and deceitful. No proof was given by Fed Ex showing the package was 7lbs...so they basically could say any weight they want and take more money. Mercari did not back me even after providing the receipt. I have already sold over $12,000 on their site and made them good money. Pathetic customer service so beware. Going forward I am very leary of what could happen because apparently even with a receipt...the shipping co could say the weight was wrong when they went to deliver and take more money. The seller is out the item and the additional fee. I am just ticked and not sure I'll continue with this company.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user mojop1
Arizona
1 review
20 helpful votes
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April 13th, 2022

Two buyers got my name and address reported they sent package and it was never sent! Mercari held onto $565 for several weeks. I've sent 15 or more requests and zero response. I fear identity theft in one seller that received all my info, I paid and then she immediately cancelled. If you receive no product or damaged YOU CANNOT Leave a review. Only good completed sales allow reviews. DO NOT USE mercari please. Save yourself the nightmare!

Tip for consumers:
My tip is don’t use the site

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user alexv581
Florida
1 review
8 helpful votes
  • Send Message
June 25th, 2022
Verified purchase

I bought Balenciaga shoes for $676.00 and the seller sent empty box. Mercari didn't refund me even after i sent proof of pictures that box was empty. Do not fall victim to these scams. Make sure to pay with credit cards that will protect you or just do not use this platform for any purchases.

Service
Shipping
Returns
Thumbnail of user lindag3629
Virginia
1 review
1 helpful vote
  • Send Message
December 22nd, 2023

I brought a purse that was suppose to be a coach bag. When I received the bag it was in good condition so I did the rating. Come to fund out a week later when I was going to start using it that it was a fake bag. Contacted CS and was told I would have to take it to a coach store and get it put in writing that it is fake. I sent pics of a real bag to show them the differences but was told they would not have the seller refund me. I will be closing my account and not doing business with this site. Total disappointment in the way this was handled

Thumbnail of user tbellavalentini
Florida
1 review
0 helpful votes
  • Send Message
June 24th, 2023
Verified purchase

Mercari does not grant returns. Immediately after rating an expensive purchase i noticed a tear in the item. I offered proof of this but this app would not accept a return because i simply accepted the order. I find it extremely unfair and feel like i got taken advantage of because i did not see it at first! Mercari knows of this and will not offer any help or support…there are several other shopping sites that sell used items, and i swear by NEVER giving this app any attention or support because all of the other apps would never nor never have done this to me. For example, POSHMARK offers dual refunds if a mistake like this was made (this happened to me). I will forever hate this company because they did me wrong and did not support a very loyal user! What company can run a successful business if they do not take care of its customers!? I pray on this company's downfall. Don't waste your time with this app because they won't take care of you!

Tip for consumers:
don’t trust mercari, they will let you get scammed and deny you a refund. i regret using mercari.

Products used:
purse

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality

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Mercari R.
Typically does not respond to reviews

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