Mercari Fees Explained: 2025 Update (Seller Fees Are Back)
Complete breakdown of Mercari's new 2025 fee structure. The 10% seller fee is back, and buyers now pay a 3.6% protection fee. Here's what you need to know.
Mercari Fees Explained: The 2025 Update
Update January 2025: Mercari has once again updated its fee structure, reversing the “no seller fees” experiment from 2024.
Effective January 6, 2025, the 10% selling fee has been reinstated for all sellers.
Quick Summary: What Changed?
| Fee Type | Old (2024) | New (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Selling Fee | 0% | 10% (Paid by Seller) |
| Payment Processing | 2.9% + $0.50 | 0% (Paid by Buyer) |
| Buyer Service Fee | Variable (1-15%) | 3.6% (Fixed “Buyer Protection Fee”) |
| Direct Deposit | $2.00 | Free (for standard transfer) |
The New Fee Structure in Detail
1. For Sellers: 10% Commission
If you sell an item for $50, Mercari will take $5.00.
- This is deducted automatically from your earnings.
- There is no payment processing fee for sellers.
- This puts Mercari back in line with its traditional pricing model, though still cheaper than eBay (13.25%) and Poshmark (20%).
2. For Buyers: 3.6% Protection Fee
Buyers will now see a “Buyer Protection Fee” at checkout.
- Rate: 3.6% of the item price + shipping.
- This replaces the confusing “Service Fee” that fluctuated wildly in 2024.
- Impact: Buyers will pay slightly more than the sticker price, so you may need to price competitively.
3. Withdrawal Fees
- Direct Deposit: Now FREE (previously $2).
- Instant Pay: Still costs $3.00 per transfer.
Why Did Mercari Change Fees Again?
The “no seller fee” model introduced in 2024 caused confusion. Buyers were hit with unpredictable service fees at checkout, leading to high cart abandonment rates.
By returning to a standard 10% seller fee and a fixed, lower buyer fee, Mercari aims to stabilize the marketplace and make pricing more transparent for everyone.
How to Price Your Items in 2025
With the 10% fee back, you need to adjust your pricing strategy.
Example: You want to earn $45.
- In 2024 (No Fee): You listed it for $45.
- In 2025 (10% Fee): You need to list it for $50.
- $50 - 10% ($5) = $45 earnings.
Calculate Your New Profit
Use our updated calculator to see exactly how the new fees affect your bottom line.
The listing price for your item
If using Mercari prepaid label or free shipping, enter 0
What you paid for the item
Cost of Mercari label or your own shipping
Mercari takes ~10.0% of your sale: 10% selling fee + 2.9% payment processing + $0.50 per transaction
Total Mercari Fees
$5.00
10.0% of sale
You Keep
$45.00
After all fees
Your Profit
$30.00
60.0% margin
ROI (Return on Investment)
300.0%
On $15.00 total investment
Profit per Dollar Invested
$3.00
For every $1 you spend
Fee Breakdown
Profit Calculation
📦 Mercari Shipping Options
| Weight | USPS Label | UPS Label |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 4 oz | $4.99 | — |
| 4 oz - 8 oz | $5.99 | — |
| 8 oz - 1 lb | $7.99 | $11.99 |
| 1 lb - 3 lb | $11.99 | $13.99 |
| 3 lb - 5 lb | $14.49 | $16.49 |
| 5 lb - 10 lb | — | $21.99 |
💡 Tips to Maximize Mercari Profit
• Use Smart Pricing: Enable automatic price drops to attract buyers over time
• Ship quickly: Fast shipping ratings boost your seller score
• Take great photos: Clear, well-lit photos sell items faster
• Offer free shipping: Build shipping into your price—buyers love free shipping
• Respond quickly: Fast responses lead to more sales
• Bundle items: Encourage buyers to purchase multiple items to reduce per-item fees
Compare with other platforms: Mercari's ~13% total fee is competitive with Poshmark (20%) but higher than eBay's (~13.9%) for most categories. Consider which platform your target buyers prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to update my old listings?
Yes and no. Mercari will likely apply the new fee structure to all sales occurring after Jan 6, regardless of when they were listed. It is recommended to review your prices to ensure you’re still making your desired profit margin.
Is Mercari still worth it?
Yes. Even with the 10% fee, Mercari is cheaper than Poshmark (20%) and eBay (13.25% + $0.30). The removal of the $2 deposit fee is also a nice bonus for casual sellers.
What about returns?
The “return for any reason” policy that accompanied the 2024 update has been tweaked. Buyers can still return items, but the 3.6% Buyer Protection Fee is generally non-refundable, which discourages frivolous returns.
Ready to calculate your profit?
See exactly how much you'll make on any platform.