Mercari is a popular e-commerce platform that allows individuals and businesses to buy and sell a variety of products through their mobile app. Launched in 2013, Mercari has quickly become one of the largest peer-to-peer marketplaces in Japan and has since expanded to the United States.
Mercari has strict policies against dropshipping. This means that sellers are not allowed to sell items that they do not have in their possession, or products that will be shipped at a future date. Despite these restrictions, some sellers still attempt to operate a dropshipping business on Mercari. However, it’s important to note that doing so carries a significant risk of having your account banned, as Mercari closely monitors its platform for violations of its terms of service.
Given the challenges involved in dropshipping on Mercari, it’s crucial for sellers to provide top-notch service in order to avoid having their accounts banned. This includes effectively managing orders, responding promptly to customer inquiries, and ensuring that product information and pricing are up-to-date. In this guide, we will cover key strategies for successfully operating a dropshipping business on Mercari, while adhering to its strict rules and regulations.
Benefits of Dropshipping on Mercari
Dropshipping on Mercari requires minimal upfront investment, making it a low-risk option for entrepreneurs and small business owners. and With a large selection of products available through dropshipping suppliers, Mercari sellers can offer customers a diverse array of options.
also Dropshipping eliminates the need for sellers to manage and store physical inventory, saving time and resources. D. Increased Reach and Sales – By selling through Mercari’s platform, dropshipping sellers can reach a larger audience and potentially increase sales.
Mercari has an estimated 130 Million visits per month:
Getting Started with Dropshipping on Mercari
Setting up a Merchant Account
The first step in getting started with dropshipping on Mercari is to set up a merchant account. This will allow you to start selling products and receive payment for your sales. To set up an account, you will need to provide some basic information about yourself and your business, including your name, address, and payment details.
Finding Suppliers
Once you have your Mercari merchant account set up, the next step is to find suppliers for the products you want to sell. There are several ways to find suppliers for dropshipping, including online marketplaces, trade shows, and wholesale directories. When choosing a supplier, it is important to consider factors such as their product quality, shipping times, and return policy.
Setting up Product Listings
Once you have found a supplier, you will need to set up your product listings on Mercari. This will involve creating a detailed description of each product, including information such as its features, benefits, and dimensions. You will also need to upload high-quality images of each product to help attract potential buyers.
Shipping and Returns
Finally, you will need to set up a shipping and returns policy for your Mercari dropshipping business. This will include information about how you will handle shipping and delivery, as well as how you will handle returns and exchanges. It is important to have a clear and easy-to-understand policy to help build trust with your customers and reduce the risk of negative feedback.
Best Practices for Dropshipping on Mercari
High-Quality Product Photos
One of the most important aspects of selling on Mercari is the quality of your product photos. High-quality photos can help your listings stand out, attract more potential buyers, and increase the chances of making a sale. To ensure that your photos are of the best quality, make sure that they are well-lit, in focus, and showcase the product from different angles.
Accurate Product Descriptions
Accurate and detailed product descriptions are essential to providing buyers with the information they need to make an informed purchasing decision. When writing product descriptions for Mercari, be sure to include the product’s key features, size, weight, and materials. Also, be sure to provide clear and concise information about shipping and returns.
Competitive Pricing
In order to be successful with dropshipping on Mercari, it’s important to price your products competitively. This will help you attract more buyers and increase the likelihood of making a sale. To determine the right price for your products, research the prices of similar products being sold on the platform.
Customer Service
Providing excellent customer service is key to building a successful dropshipping business on Mercari. Responding promptly to customer inquiries, addressing any concerns, and ensuring that all orders are fulfilled accurately and on time can help build customer trust and increase the chances of repeat business.
Marketing and Promotions
Marketing and promotions can help increase the visibility of your products on Mercari and drive more sales. Consider using Mercari’s built-in promotional tools, such as discounts and sales, or explore other marketing channels such as social media and email marketing. By consistently promoting your products, you can attract more buyers and build a strong brand presence on Mercari.
Managing Your Dropshipping Business on Mercari
Keeping Track of Orders and Shipments
To ensure a smooth and efficient dropshipping business on Mercari, it’s important to keep track of all orders and shipments. This includes verifying the availability of items, processing payments, and updating customers on shipping status. Use a system, such as a spreadsheet or a software, to keep track of all the orders and shipments, and stay organized.
Managing Customer Inquiries and Complaints
Effective communication with customers is a critical aspect of dropshipping on Mercari. Responding to inquiries and addressing complaints in a timely and professional manner helps to build trust and maintain a positive reputation. Set up automated responses to common inquiries, and respond to all customer messages within 24 hours. Offer solutions, apologies, and compensate customers where necessary to resolve complaints.
Updating Product Information and Pricing
To stay competitive, it’s important to regularly review and update product information and pricing on your Mercari listings. This includes checking for any price changes from suppliers and updating product descriptions as needed to accurately reflect the item’s features and benefits. Utilize automated price tracking software, or schedule regular manual checks, to ensure your prices remain up-to-date.
Conclusion
A. Recap of Key Points In this guide, we have covered the basics of starting a dropshipping business on Mercari, including setting up your account, sourcing products, creating listings, and managing your business. It’s important to keep track of orders and shipments, communicate effectively with customers, and regularly update product information and pricing to stay competitive.
B. Final Thoughts on Dropshipping on Mercari Dropshipping on Mercari can be a lucrative opportunity for those looking to start an online business. With the right strategies and approach, you can build a successful dropshipping business and reach a large audience of potential customers. However, as with any business venture, it takes effort and dedication to achieve success. Make sure to do your research, stay organized, and continuously adapt to the changing marketplace to ensure the growth and success of your dropshipping business on Mercari.
Check Also : 1688 Dropshipping: The Best Kept Secret in eCommerce
FAQ
Is dropshipping allowed on Mercari platform?
According to Mercari’s terms and conditions, they do not allow the sale of items that are not in the seller’s possession, which includes dropshipping.
Is it worth selling on Mercari platform?
Whether selling on Mercari is worth it depends on various factors such as the product being sold, the target audience, and the level of competition. Some sellers have found success and a profitable market on Mercari, while others may not.
How difficult is it to sell on Mercari?
The level of difficulty in selling on Mercari may vary depending on factors such as product demand, market competition, and the seller’s sales and marketing strategy. However, with the proper research and execution, it can be a successful platform for selling goods.
Is it better to sell on eBay or Mercari?
eBay is better as it has a larger user base and international reach, but Mercari has a simplified selling process and a focus on mobile usage. Consider your unique needs and research both platforms to determine which is better for your specific business.