Discover What Sells Best on Mercari: 14 Top Selling Items in 2024

Mercari is quickly becoming the next big marketplace is secondhand online commerce, bringing a fresh secondhand shopping experience to 23 million users in 2023. Unlike traditional secondhand selling platforms like Poshmark and Depop, which focus primarily on fashion, Mercari's more varied approach has resulted in a much wider range of items being bought and sold on the platform. With so much variety, sellers oftentimes find it difficult to choose what to sell on Mercari. Making the right decision requires understanding what sells best on Mercari, since it not only gives you concrete things that you can sell, but also enables you to more easily spot untapped product niches with selling potential. In this article, we'll take a look at 14 of the best-selling items on Mercari, and give you specific examples of items from each product category that have a history of selling well on the platform. We'll also give you a few insider tips for selling on Mercari, and go over some strategies to help you uncover what the best-selling items on Mercari are yourself.  

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14 Top Selling Items on Mercari

As the latest thing in secondhand online selling, Mercari's best sellers are always changing. Nevertheless, some product categories consistently remain popular, making them ideal niches to focus on for sellers. Below, we'll go over fourteen categories of best-selling items, dive into their respective best-selling subcategories, and give you examples of popular items to sell in each one.

1. Women's Clothing

While Mercari's demographics skew male, women's fashion nevertheless holds its own in popularity with Mercari shoppers. Some particularly popular items include

• Dresses: Particularly unique dresses that cater to alternative and indie fashion aesthetics, as well as items from Japanese/Korean brands.
• Activewear: Athletic apparel that borders on fashion, especially pieces from well-known brands like Lululemon and Alo Yoga.
• Women's Handbags: Unique alternative brands like Loungefly and Trick or Treat Studios are consistent favorites.

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2.⁠ ⁠Smartphones & Accessories

Like on virtually every online platform, smartphones and smartphone accessories are a customer favorite that's hard to beat. Some of the most popular items include

• Cell Phones & Smartphones: iPhones reign supreme, but higher-end Samsung models are popular, too.
• Cases: Both a functional way of protecting phones and a fashion accessory, phone cases of all kinds are an easy sell on Mercari.
• Phone Chargers: The most essential phone accessory, phone chargers are always in high demand.

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3.⁠ ⁠Sneakers

Sneakerheads are always looking for their next pair on secondhand marketplaces, and Mercari is no different. Plus, when you sell sneakers on Mercari, you may qualify for authentication via Mercari Authenticate, giving your buyers peace of mind. Some popular sneaker brands include

• Nike: A classic and influential athletic brand, Nike sneakers of all kinds are popular with Mercari shoppers.
• Fashion Sneakers: From fashion brands like Gucci, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, and more.
• Jordan: While technically a line of Nike-branded sneakers, Jordans get a special mention for their cult following and collectability.

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4.⁠ ⁠Pet Supplies

Pets are part of the family, and many shoppers look to Mercari for the perfect item for their pet. Popular items in this category include

• Dog Supplies: Chew toys, dog beds, and doggy bandanas are fun to buy, especially those that are seasonally themed.
• Aquarium Supplies: Aquarium enthusiasts are always on the hunt for the perfect accessory to upgrade their setups or elevate their tank décor. From air pumps to faux plants, aquarium and fish supplies are consistent buyer faves.
• Cat Supplies: Cat toys, litter scoops, and collars are always easy to sell and easy to ship.  

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5.⁠ ⁠Video Games & Consoles

Gaming is a major interest among Mercari shoppers, with everything from secondhand consoles to collectible figurines selling easily. Some of the most popular subcategories are

• Consoles: PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and even Game Boys for the vintage gamers.  
• Games: From Nintendo 64 cartridges to PlayStation 4 discs, physical gaming media are always popular. Digital downloads are not allowed on Mercari, however.  
• Accessories: While controllers reign supreme in this category, other popular items include adapters, cables, and figurines.

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6.⁠ ⁠Jewelry

While not quite as jewelry-centric as artisan marketplaces like Etsy or Amazon Handmade, Mercari has no shortage of buyer demand for jewelry of all kinds. Oftentimes, the jewelry offered is vintage, and is frequently sold in bundle lots. Some buyer favorites include

• Necklaces: Lockets seem to be particularly popular, but all kinds of necklaces in every possible material are bought and sold on Mercari.
• Rings: Frequently sold in lots or sets, the rings sold on Mercari are mostly fun or whimsical pieces.
• Watches: Vintage and contemporary pieces are equally popular, with mid-range brands like Seiko comprising most of the selection.

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7.⁠ ⁠Makeup & Skincare

Beauty and makeup trends are frequent, but Mercari has some consistent best-selling categories in the makeup and skincare niche. They include

• Palettes: From eyeshadow to contouring palettes, Mercari shoppers are always on the hunt for the perfect pigment.
• Moisturizers: Whether it's trendy brands like Drunk Elephant and Laneige, to trusted favorites like Cetaphil, Mercari shoppers will always snap up an attractively priced moisturizer.
• Fragrances: From discontinued scents to sample sets, fragrances – especially women's fragrances – are popular with Mercari shoppers.

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8.⁠ ⁠Toys & Collectibles

One of the most popular product categories on Mercari, toys and collectibles present some of the most profitable items on our list. Popular collectible items include

• Funko Pops: With sought-after figures selling for well over $100, Funko Pops remain a popular item on Mercari in 2024.
• Figurines: Anime and Marvel figurines are consistent favorites among Mercari shoppers.
• Trading Cards & Collectibles: With Kpop cards reigning supreme, this category is full of lucrative selling opportunities.

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9.⁠ ⁠Home Décor

A popular product category on many marketplaces, home décor on Mercari often favors the unique and offbeat. Some consistent buyer favorites are

• Artwork: Art prints, photos, fanart, and even photographs are easy to sell and ship. No NFTs or other digital downloads, however.
• Candles: While scented candles dominate the selection, some sellers offer battery-operated candles, candle holders, and more.
• Bedding: Cozy comforters, bedding sets, fun pillows, and so much more.

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10.⁠ ⁠Baby Gear

For the little ones, Mercari has an endless selection of products for babies and kids. Ranging from essentials to toys, some of the most popular items in this category include

• Strollers: Used secondhand are most frequently found in this category, but new and unused items are also in demand.
• Car Seats: Buyers prefer to buy these unused, though higher-end models in used condition are also popular.
• Baby Monitors: From basic models to higher end monitors with hi-def cameras, baby monitors are an easy sell on Mercari.

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11.⁠ ⁠Sporting Goods

Healthy lifestyle trends are more popular than ever, making their associated equipment a safe selling bet. Some buyer favorites include

• Athletic Shoes: Running shoes, walking shoes, or even more specialized footwear like hiking boots and climbing shoes.
• Fitness Equipment: At home fitness equipment like pullup bars, yoga mats, and resistance bands are easy to sell and ship.
• Sportswear: Workout clothes, sports bras, and even unused socks are always popular and in demand, with many items in the sportswear niche selling in sets or lots.

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12.⁠ ⁠Laptops & Tablets

Online sellers can never go wrong with tech – no matter what it is, there's always a market for it. Laptops and tablets are popular. Some favorite brands include

• MacBooks: Famously easy to resell, even used MacBooks can command impressive prices.
• iPads: Everyone's favorite tablet for over a decade, virtually every iPad model can be easily sold on Mercari.
• Samsung Galaxy: Another brand of tablet that is easy to sell, even used or refurbished.

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13.⁠ ⁠Vintage Clothing

One of the more popular things to buy and sell on secondhand marketplaces, vintage clothing offers a wealth of selling opportunities. Some consistent favorites include

• Dresses: From casual sundresses to more formal evening fits, dresses from every era are always in demand.
• Band Tees: With 90s and Y2K throwback in full swing, band tees are an easy sell on Mercari.
• Denim Jackets: Never out of style, always in demand.

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14.⁠ ⁠Kitchen Appliances

Last but not least, kitchen appliances are a great way to rake in sales. All manner of kitchen gadgets are bought and sold on Mercari, but consistent buyer favorites are

• Hand Mixers: Used or new, hand mixers are easy to sell on Mercari.  
• Coffee Makers: For drip coffee or espresso pods, there's no shortage of demand for coffee makers of all kinds.
• Stand Mixers: Used, new, or refurbished, stand mixers and their accessories are always popular with shoppers.

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Tips for Selling on Mercari

Finding the best thing to sell on Mercari is one thing, but understanding how to get shoppers to see and purchase what you're selling is another. Even if you're offering an item that's in demand, you'll never be able to sell it if buyers are unable to find your listing. Below, we'll go over some insider tips for selling on Mercari based on years of experience with online sales, both on Mercari and on many other online marketplaces. Keep reading for seven best listing practices on Mercari that will help you boost your listings' visibility and increase their chances of making a sale.

1. Utilize High-Quality Photos

Quality item photos are an essential part of a good item listing on Mercari for two reasons: they allow you to give buyers a better sense of what they'll be purchasing, and give your listing a better chance of ranking highly in relevant buyer searches. Listing photos are used to illustrate an item's condition, present any flaws (if present), and show details like texture and size. Furthermore, listings with more photos will outrank those with just one or two pictures in buyer searches, even if all other factors are identical.

2. Write Detailed Descriptions

Including an honest and detailed description of the item you're selling is important. The item description in your listing is an opportunity to both market your item to potential shoppers and inform them about its features. If your item has any flaws, make sure to include them in your description as well as in the item photos. Make an effort to incorporate keywords naturally into the text of your item description, too; while this is not the most important placement for keywords, having them in your item description certainly doesn't hurt your SEO.

3. Offer Competitive Prices

While this may seem obvious, it's often hard to know how to strike a balance between competitive pricing and profitability. The best way to do this is to take a look at recently sold similar items, and see how much they sold for. To do this, search for your main keyword in Mercari, filter your results by "Sold," then sort them by "Newest First." This will help you get a better idea of a realistic price range for your item.

4. Utilize Keywords and Hashtags

Keywords are an integral part of search engine optimization on all ecommerce marketplaces, and Mercari is no different. On Mercari, the search algorithm works by matching buyer search queries with keywords in the listing title, hashtags, attributes, and product description. This is why including both general keywords (i.e. "New Balance") and specific keywords (i.e. "beige", "cream") throughout the listing is so important. Furthermore, including as much information as possible via product attributes (such as the attributes size and condition, in this example) makes the listing suitable for filtered search results. For example, if a buyer were to filter their search for "New Balance 530" by size 9.5, this listing would be included in the results, while listings that only included the shoe size in the description would not.  

5. Offer Free Shipping

Whether you choose to source your own labels or ship with Mercari Shipping, you'll have the option of offering free shipping to buyers on your listing. Free shipping is a great way to drive sales, but it's important that you factor shipping costs (as well as other applicable Mercari fees) into your item pricing so that your sale price remains profitable. Even if you can't offer free shipping across the board, offering free shipping on bundles, to certain locations, or on select items can still be beneficial for boosting your sales.

6. Utilize Mercari's Promoted Listings Feature

Mercari's promoted listings is a great tool for boosting visibility for items that are struggling to sell. Since Mercari requires a permanent price drop of at least 5% in order to enroll a listing in its promoted listings program, we don't recommend you use this feature unless and until you feel like an item has no other chance of selling. Another way to give listings better rankings in search results is to take them down and relist them, which can be easily be done with ExportYourStore. This method is particularly useful for items that have a lot of competing listings. It causes Mercari's algorithm to prioritize the item in searches, since it now views it as a new listing, thus giving it a better chance of being spotted and snapped up by buyers.

7. Communicate with Buyers

Providing good customer service is always valuable when selling online; it helps establish trust with buyers, and enables them to shop with confidence when buying from you. On Mercari, sellers who respond to buyers quickly get a "Fast Responder" badge on their profile, an indication to potential customers that they can expect quality service and good communication when they shop with you.

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How to Find Top Selling Items on Mercari

As a secondhand marketplace, Mercari is less affected by wider retail trends. Instead, it often caters to more niche audiences with more specific interests, and as such has its own unique ecosystem of trending items and categories, which exist alongside many other popular, internet-wide trends. With such variety in trends, knowing what to sell on Mercari at any given time can be more challenging than in comparison to more traditional online commerce marketplaces like Amazon or Walmart. Luckily, there are ways to navigate Mercari trends and find out what the best things to sell on Mercari are. Below, we'll discuss how you can easily spot Mercari trends so you can find the best items to sell on Mercari yourself.

Utilize Mercari's "Trending Now" Feature

Mercari has a built-in tool for sellers to check what's currently trending on Mercari by giving them an overview of what categories, subcategories, and specific items sell the most. To see this, simply log into your Mercari account and click on the "Explore" tab on the main page. Then, scroll down and click on "See what's selling." You'll now see what looks like a general Mercari search, but if you look at the categories list to the left of the search results, you'll be able to see actual, real-time numbers of listings in each category and subcategory.

To see what's trending and selling, all you need to do is filter your view by sold listings. This will show you how many listings in each category sold on Mercari, giving you a good idea of what kind of items sell successfully on the platform. The more movement in a given category (i.e. more sold listings), the more trendy it is. You can narrow your results further by subcategories and even specific items. Once you get to specific items, you can begin filtering your results by brand, condition, size (if applicable), and more, to see the sales history of specific types of items.

Research Similar Items and Their Prices

Once you've honed in on a few items that seem worth selling, you can use these items as a starting point to discover even more items to sell on Mercari. For example, if you found that a certain sneaker model is trending on Mercari, you might want to look into similar models, similar colors, or complimentary items that can be sold alongside it.

To find a realistic price for these items, start by searching for a given item on Mercari, then filter your results by sold listings and sort them from newest to oldest. This will give you a ballpark price range that buyers are actually willing to pay for these items on Mercari. Then, search the item again and filter your results by "For sale" listings, which will enable you to see what the supply end of things looks like. With these two variables, you'll be able to land on a price that's competitive in comparison to other sellers, while also being something realistic that buyers are willing to pay.

Take Advantage of Seasonal Trends

As with all online sales, it's important for Mercari sellers to be proactive when planning their inventory. A significant part of that is staying on top of seasonal trends like holidays (Christmas, Halloween, etc.), shopping events (Black Friday, Cyber Monday, etc.), and even pop culture events (i.e. movie releases and game launches). Having a solid plan and preparing for these ahead of time will help you optimize your inventory and stay ahead of the competition.  

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Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways: What Makes an Item Sell Well on Mercari?

Mercari caters to a unique subset of online shoppers, as is evidenced by its unique user demographics in comparison to other secondhand marketplaces. Although there's no single item that sells best on Mercari, understanding what makes the platform unique is key to understanding what type of items have the potential to be best sellers on Mercari. One of the main factors that sets Mercari apart from secondhand marketplaces like Depop and Poshmark is the marketplace's origins – Mercari is originally a Japanese marketplace, and was popular in Japan well before it became available in the United States. Furthermore, Mercari's demographics are unique in the secondhand selling landscape, as they're comprised of around 60% male shoppers. These two factors contribute to the rise of some uniquely "Mercari" trends – those related to anime, gaming, and certain types of alternative fashion, to name a few.

No less important than choosing the right items to sell on Mercari is knowing how to optimally list and price those items in a way that attracts buyers and drives conversion. And while pricing and optimizing a handful of listings is doable, if you sell more than a few items a month or want to grow Mercari store into a successful multichannel ecommerce business, you'll quickly encounter problems trying to do it all by hand. For sellers who want to fully optimize their listings with custom hands-off rules and aspire to grow their business beyond Mercari, ExportYourStore is the perfect solution. It enables you to optimize every aspect of your listings, from pricing to titles, and do it all effortlessly with the help of custom listing rules. Plus, when you're ready to grow your Mercari business to new selling channels, ExportYourStore easily integrates with marketplaces like Depop, eBay, Poshmark, and more, so you can sell to more buyers on more platforms with ease.