Introduction
Mercari has become one of the most popular online marketplaces for selling secondhand items, with over 50 million downloads in the United States alone. Whether you're decluttering your home or starting a side business, knowing the best things to sell on Mercari can significantly impact your success and earnings potential.
This comprehensive guide reveals the most profitable categories and specific items that consistently perform well on Mercari, backed by market research and seller insights from 2025.
Why Mercari is Perfect for Reselling
Mercari's user-friendly platform and broad audience make it an ideal marketplace for both beginners and experienced sellers. Unlike other platforms, Mercari charges a flat 10% selling fee and offers features like:
- Instant listing with photo recognition technology
- Built-in shipping labels with discounted rates
- Buyer protection that builds trust
- No listing fees unlike eBay
According to Mercari's official statistics, the platform sees over 350,000 new listings daily, creating ample opportunity for sellers who know what items are in demand.
Top 15 Best Things to Sell on Mercari
1. Electronics and Tech Accessories
Why they sell well: High demand, consistent pricing, and broad appeal
Best items to focus on:
- Smartphones (even older models like iPhone 8-12)
- Gaming consoles and controllers
- Headphones and earbuds (especially AirPods)
- Phone cases and screen protectors
- Charging cables and power banks
Pro tip: Electronics typically sell within 24-48 hours if priced competitively. Always include original packaging and accessories when possible.
2. Designer and Brand-Name Clothing
Average selling price: $25-$150+
Hot brands on Mercari:
- Lululemon athletic wear
- Nike and Adidas sneakers
- Coach and Michael Kors handbags
- Vintage band t-shirts
- Plus-size designer clothing
Success strategy: Take high-quality photos in natural lighting and provide detailed measurements. Clothing with tags still attached sells for 20-30% more.
3. Collectibles and Trading Cards
Market growth: The collectibles market has grown 300% since 2020
Top-selling collectibles:
- Pokémon cards (especially rare or holographic)
- Funko Pop figures
- Vintage toys from the 80s and 90s
- Sports memorabilia
- Comic books
Research tip: Use apps like TCGPlayer or recent sold listings to price collectibles accurately.
4. Beauty and Skincare Products
Why they're profitable: High markup potential and repeat customers
Best-selling beauty items:
- Unopened makeup palettes
- Luxury skincare products
- Perfume and cologne (even partially used)
- Hair styling tools
- Korean beauty products (K-beauty)
Important note: Only sell unopened or lightly used beauty products for hygiene reasons. Always disclose usage honestly.
5. Home Décor and Furniture
Average profit margin: 40-60%
Popular home items:
- Vintage and antique pieces
- Mid-century modern furniture
- Decorative mirrors and artwork
- Candles and home fragrances
- Kitchen appliances and gadgets
Shipping consideration: Use Mercari's local pickup option for large furniture items to avoid high shipping costs.
6. Books and Educational Materials
Steady demand categories:
- College textbooks
- Professional development books
- Rare or first-edition books
- Children's book sets
- Cookbooks and hobby guides
Pricing strategy: Check current Amazon prices and price your books 20-30% lower for quick sales.
7. Shoes and Sneakers
High-demand categories:
- Athletic sneakers (Nike, Adidas, New Balance)
- Designer heels and boots
- Work boots and safety shoes
- Children's shoes (outgrown quickly)
Authentication tip: For expensive sneakers, consider using StockX or GOAT authentication services to increase buyer confidence.
8. Jewelry and Accessories
Best-performing items:
- Vintage costume jewelry
- Watches (working condition)
- Sunglasses (designer brands)
- Scarves and belts
- Wedding and engagement rings
Trust factor: Provide detailed photos and consider professional appraisals for high-value jewelry.
9. Baby and Kids' Items
Why they sell fast: Parents constantly need new sizes and items
Top sellers:
- Baby clothes in excellent condition
- Strollers and car seats (check safety recalls)
- Educational toys and games
- Baby monitors and feeding supplies
Safety note: Always verify that baby items meet current safety standards before listing.
10. Craft Supplies and Materials
Growing market: DIY culture has increased demand significantly
Popular craft items:
- Yarn and knitting supplies
- Scrapbooking materials
- Art supplies and paints
- Fabric and sewing notions
- Beading and jewelry-making supplies
11. Sports and Fitness Equipment
Seasonal opportunities: Fitness equipment peaks in January and summer months
Best items:
- Weights and resistance bands
- Yoga mats and blocks
- Bicycles and accessories
- Golf clubs and equipment
- Outdoor gear and camping supplies
12. Musical Instruments
High-value category: Even beginner instruments hold value well
Top sellers:
- Guitars (acoustic and electric)
- Keyboards and digital pianos
- Drums and percussion
- Brass and woodwind instruments
- Music accessories and sheet music
13. Video Games and Consoles
Consistent demand: Gaming market continues to grow
Best items:
- Retro gaming consoles
- Popular game titles
- Gaming accessories and controllers
- Collector's edition games
- Gaming chairs and desks
14. Automotive Parts and Accessories
Niche but profitable: Car enthusiasts pay premium prices
Popular items:
- Car audio systems
- Performance parts
- Tools and maintenance equipment
- Car care products
- Vintage car parts
15. Seasonal and Holiday Items
Timing is everything: Plan ahead for seasonal demand
Seasonal opportunities:
- Halloween costumes and decorations
- Christmas ornaments and lights
- Summer outdoor equipment
- Back-to-school supplies
Items to Avoid Selling on Mercari
While many items sell well on Mercari, some categories should be avoided:
- Prohibited items: Weapons, alcohol, tobacco, or illegal substances
- Low-value items: Items under $10 often aren't worth the effort
- Heavily worn clothing: Unless it's a premium brand
- Broken electronics: Unless clearly marked for parts
- Expired products: Beauty, food, or health items past expiration
Maximizing Your Mercari Sales Success
Photography Tips
- Use natural lighting whenever possible
- Take multiple angles - front, back, sides, and detail shots
- Show any flaws honestly to avoid returns
- Include size references like coins or rulers
- Keep backgrounds clean and uncluttered
Pricing Strategies
- Research completed sales on Mercari and other platforms
- Price competitively but leave room for offers
- Consider bundling related items for higher value
- Use psychological pricing ($19 instead of $20)
Listing Optimization
- Write detailed descriptions with keywords buyers search for
- Include brand names, sizes, and condition in titles
- Use all available tags to increase visibility
- List during peak hours (evenings and weekends)
Seasonal Selling Calendar for Maximum Profits
Q1 (January-March)
- Fitness equipment (New Year resolutions)
- Organization and storage items
- Winter clearance clothing
Q2 (April-June)
- Spring cleaning items
- Outdoor and gardening supplies
- Graduation gifts
Q3 (July-September)
- Back-to-school supplies
- Summer sports equipment
- Vacation and travel items
Q4 (October-December)
- Halloween costumes and décor
- Holiday decorations
- Gift items and electronics
Building Your Mercari Business
Sourcing Inventory
Best places to find profitable items:
- Garage sales and estate sales
- Thrift stores and consignment shops
- Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist
- Wholesale liquidation sites
- Your own home (start with decluttering)
Scaling Your Operations
- Track your metrics: Profit margins, sell-through rates, and time invested
- Automate where possible: Use listing templates and bulk tools
- Reinvest profits: Into higher-value inventory
- Consider specializing: Focus on 2-3 categories you know well
- Build relationships: With regular buyers and suppliers
Tax Considerations for Mercari Sellers
According to IRS guidelines, you may need to report income from selling on Mercari:
- Hobby vs. Business: Determine your selling intent
- Record keeping: Track expenses and profits
- Form 1099-K: Mercari will send this if you exceed $600 in sales
- Deductions: Shipping supplies, storage, and mileage may be deductible
Recommendation: Consult with a tax professional if your Mercari income exceeds $1,000 annually.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Pricing Errors
- Pricing too high and items sitting unsold
- Not factoring in Mercari's 10% fee and shipping costs
- Ignoring market trends and seasonal demand
Listing Issues
- Poor quality photos that don't show item details
- Incomplete or misleading descriptions
- Not responding promptly to buyer questions
Shipping Problems
- Underestimating package weight and size
- Inadequate packaging leading to damage
- Not providing tracking information
Future Trends and Opportunities
Emerging Categories
- Sustainable and eco-friendly products: Growing environmental consciousness
- Tech accessories for remote work: Continued work-from-home trends
- Vintage and Y2K fashion: Cyclical fashion trends
- Health and wellness items: Ongoing focus on personal health
Technology Integration
- AI-powered pricing tools: For competitive pricing
- Virtual try-on features: For clothing and accessories
- Augmented reality: For home décor placement
Frequently Asked Questions
What sells fastest on Mercari?
Electronics, designer clothing, and collectibles typically sell within 24-48 hours when priced competitively. Items under $50 tend to move faster than higher-priced items.
How much can I realistically make selling on Mercari?
Beginners can expect $200-$500 monthly with consistent effort, while experienced sellers often earn $1,000-$5,000+ monthly. Success depends on inventory quality, pricing strategy, and time investment.
What's the best time to list items on Mercari?
List items during peak browsing hours: weekday evenings (6-9 PM) and weekend afternoons. Sunday evenings are particularly effective for new listings.
Should I accept offers below my asking price?
Consider offers within 10-20% of your asking price, especially if items have been listed for over a week. Factor in Mercari's fees and your minimum acceptable profit.
How important are seller ratings on Mercari?
Very important. Maintain a 4.8+ star rating by providing accurate descriptions, fast shipping, and excellent customer service. Higher ratings lead to increased visibility and buyer trust.
Can I sell handmade items on Mercari?
Yes, handmade items are allowed and can be profitable. Popular categories include jewelry, clothing, home décor, and craft supplies. Ensure your items comply with Mercari's handmade policies.
Conclusion
Success on Mercari comes from understanding what buyers want and consistently providing quality items at competitive prices. The best things to sell on Mercari span multiple categories, from electronics and designer clothing to collectibles and home goods.
Start with items you already own to learn the platform, then gradually expand into sourcing inventory from thrift stores, garage sales, and wholesale suppliers. Focus on building positive reviews, taking quality photos, and providing excellent customer service.
Remember that successful Mercari selling is both an art and a science. Stay informed about market trends, seasonal demands, and platform updates to maintain your competitive edge. With dedication and the right strategy, selling on Mercari can become a profitable side business or even a full-time income source.
Ready to start your Mercari selling journey? Begin by identifying items in your home that fit these profitable categories, then create your first listings using the strategies outlined in this guide.