Etsy and Mercari are two popular online marketplaces where buyers and sellers can connect to buy and sell a variety of products. While both platforms have similarities, they also have some key differences that may influence which one is the best fit for a seller’s needs.
Etsy is known for its focus on handmade, vintage, and craft supplies. It has built a reputation as the go-to platform for unique, handcrafted items. On the other hand, Mercari offers a broader range of items, including electronics, clothing, and home goods. While Etsy may be the better choice for sellers who specialize in handmade or vintage items, Mercari may be a better fit for sellers who have a wider range of products to sell.
When deciding between Etsy and Mercari, sellers should consider factors such as the types of products they sell, their target audience, and the fees associated with each platform. It is also important to consider the level of competition on each platform and the amount of time and effort required to maintain a successful shop. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on the specific needs and goals of the seller.
Overview of Etsy and Mercari
Etsy and Mercari are two popular online marketplaces that allow individuals to sell their products to a wide audience. While both platforms have similarities, they also have unique features that make them stand out from one another.
Brief History of Etsy
Etsy was founded in 2005 by Rob Kalin, Chris Maguire, and Haim Schoppik. The company was created with the goal of providing a platform for artists and crafters to sell their handmade goods. Since then, Etsy has grown to become a global marketplace with over 4.3 million active sellers and 81.9 million active buyers as of 2021.
Etsy has become known for its focus on handmade, vintage, and unique items. The platform has a strong community of sellers and buyers who appreciate the quality and creativity of the products available on the site.
Brief History of Mercari
Mercari was founded in Japan in 2013 by Shintaro Yamada. The company quickly gained popularity in Japan and expanded to the United States in 2014. Mercari has since become a popular platform for buying and selling a wide variety of new and used items.
Unlike Etsy, Mercari does not have a specific focus on handmade or unique items. Instead, the platform allows individuals to sell almost anything, from clothing to electronics to home goods. Mercari has gained a reputation for being a convenient and user-friendly platform for buying and selling a wide range of products.
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Product Range Comparison
Etsy’s Product Variety
Etsy is known for its focus on handmade, vintage, and craft supplies. This means that the products available on Etsy are often unique and one-of-a-kind. From handmade jewelry to vintage clothing, Etsy offers a wide range of products that cater to a niche market. In addition to this, Etsy has a strong community of sellers who are passionate about their craft and take great care in creating and curating their products.
One of the benefits of shopping on Etsy is the ability to find products that are not available anywhere else. This is because many of the products on Etsy are made by independent sellers who do not have a presence on other online marketplaces. This means that customers can find products that are truly unique and reflect the personality and style of the seller.
Mercari’s Product Variety
Mercari, on the other hand, offers a broader range of products including electronics, clothing, and home goods. While Mercari does offer handmade and vintage items, its focus is on new and used products. This means that customers can find a wider range of products on Mercari, including popular brands and items that are in high demand.
One of the benefits of shopping on Mercari is the ability to find products at a lower price point. Because Mercari allows sellers to set their own prices, customers can often find products at a discount compared to other online marketplaces. Additionally, Mercari has a rating system that allows buyers to rate sellers based on their experience, which helps to ensure that customers are buying from reputable sellers.
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User Interface and Experience
Navigating Etsy
Etsy’s user interface is designed to be user-friendly and easy to navigate. The homepage features a search bar, trending items, and personalized recommendations based on the user’s browsing history. The navigation bar at the top of the page allows users to easily access their account settings, messages, and purchases.
When searching for products, users can filter by category, price range, location, and more. Each product listing includes multiple photos, a detailed description, and customer reviews. Users can also save items to their favorites list for easy access later.
Overall, Etsy’s interface is designed to make it easy for users to find and purchase unique, handmade items from small businesses around the world.
Navigating Mercari
Mercari’s interface is also user-friendly, with a simple and clean design. The homepage features personalized recommendations based on the user’s browsing history, as well as trending items and popular categories. The navigation bar at the bottom of the page allows users to easily access their account settings, messages, and purchases.
When searching for products, users can filter by category, price range, and location. Each product listing includes multiple photos, a detailed description, and customer reviews. Users can also save items to their favorites list for easy access later.
Overall, Mercari’s interface is designed to make it easy for users to find and purchase a wide range of items, including both new and used products.
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Fees and Payments
When it comes to selling on Etsy and Mercari, it’s important to understand the fee structures and payment processes of each platform.
Etsy’s Fee Structure
Etsy charges a $0.20 listing fee for each item you post on the platform. In addition, they charge a 5% transaction fee on the total cost of the item, including shipping and gift wrapping. There’s also a payment processing fee of 3% + $0.25 per transaction. If you choose to use Etsy Ads to promote your listings, there may be additional fees associated with that service.
Some sellers on Etsy may also choose to charge a handling fee to cover the cost of packaging materials and labor. However, it’s important to consider the impact this may have on your sales and customer satisfaction.
Mercari’s Fee Structure
Mercari’s fee structure is slightly different from Etsy’s. There are no listing fees for most categories, although there are optional fees for additional features such as promoting your listings. Mercari charges a 10% transaction fee on the total sale price, including shipping costs. However, there is no payment processing fee, as it is included in the transaction fee.
It’s worth noting that Mercari does not offer the option to charge a handling fee, so sellers will need to factor in those costs when setting their prices.
Ultimately, the fee structures of each platform may impact your decision on which one to use for selling your items. It’s important to consider the costs associated with each platform and weigh them against the potential benefits.
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Shipping Policies
When it comes to selling products online, shipping policies are an important factor to consider. Both Etsy and Mercari have their own unique shipping policies that sellers must follow.
Etsy’s Shipping Process
Etsy provides an integrated shipping label service, making it easy for sellers to print and track shipments. Sellers can choose from a variety of shipping options, including USPS, FedEx, and UPS. Additionally, Etsy offers a “Ship by” date feature that allows sellers to specify the date by which they will ship an item. This feature helps to ensure that sellers are meeting their shipping obligations and providing timely delivery to buyers.
Etsy also offers a feature called “Etsy Shipping Profiles” that allows sellers to create shipping profiles for different types of products. This feature can save sellers time and effort by automatically calculating shipping costs based on the weight and dimensions of the product.
Mercari’s Shipping Process
Mercari also has a shipping process that sellers must follow. When a seller receives an order, they have three days to ship the item. Mercari provides sellers with two shipping options: “Mercari Label” and “Ship on your own.”
If a seller chooses to use the “Mercari Label” option, they can print a shipping label directly from their Mercari account. This label includes the buyer’s address and is pre-paid, meaning the seller does not have to pay for shipping upfront. Once the item is shipped, the seller must provide the tracking number to Mercari.
If a seller chooses to use the “Ship on your own” option, they are responsible for purchasing and printing their own shipping label. The seller must also provide the tracking number to Mercari once the item is shipped.
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Customer Service and Support
When it comes to online marketplaces, customer service and support are crucial for both buyers and sellers. Let’s take a look at how Etsy and Mercari handle customer service.
Etsy’s Customer Service
Etsy offers a variety of customer service options for both buyers and sellers. If a buyer has an issue with an order, they can contact the seller directly through Etsy’s messaging system. If the issue cannot be resolved, the buyer can open a case with Etsy’s Resolution Center.
For sellers, Etsy offers a Help Center with articles and resources on everything from setting up a shop to managing orders. Sellers can also contact Etsy’s support team through email or live chat.
Mercari’s Customer Service
Mercari also offers customer service options for both buyers and sellers. Buyers can contact sellers directly through Mercari’s messaging system, and if the issue cannot be resolved, they can open a case with Mercari’s Resolution Center.
Sellers can access Mercari’s Help Center for articles and resources on selling on the platform, and can also contact Mercari’s support team through email or live chat.
Overall, both Etsy and Mercari provide adequate customer service and support options for their users. However, it’s important to note that some users have reported issues with Mercari’s customer service response time.
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Seller and Buyer Protection
Etsy’s Protection Policies
Etsy offers a case system where buyers can request a refund or return if an item doesn’t match the description or arrives damaged. Sellers on Etsy are protected against certain types of fraudulent claims and chargebacks. The Etsy Purchase Protection process only begins after a buyer reaches out to the seller about an order through a Help request. Once a buyer has taken both of these actions, Etsy will review the order and make a resolution. If the order is eligible for Purchase Protection, Etsy will refund the buyer, and the seller will not be held responsible for the refund.
Etsy also offers optional advertising and promotional tools for sellers to increase their visibility, but these come with additional fees. Sellers are charged a listing fee of $0.20 per item, and a transaction fee of 5% when the item sells. Additionally, Etsy provides sellers with search analytics that can help them optimize their listings, improve discoverability, and increase sales.
Mercari’s Protection Policies
Mercari offers a case system where buyers can request a refund or return if an item doesn’t match the description or arrives damaged. To provide peace of mind for shipments, Mercari includes up to $200 Shipping Protection for Mercari prepaid labels for standard, economy, and Media Mail shipments or Local deliveries and up to $20 for First-Class Envelope rates. If an item is lost in transit, or if the buyer files a return for an item damaged in transit, Mercari’s Shipping Protection has the seller covered.
As a buyer or a seller at Mercari, the brand advises users to be careful and responsible for their transactions. Mercari recommends that buyers read the item description and ask questions before purchasing an item. On the other hand, sellers are encouraged to provide accurate and detailed item descriptions, ship items promptly, and communicate with buyers throughout the transaction process.
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Market Reach and Brand Reputation
Etsy’s Market Presence
Etsy is a well-known online marketplace that has been around since 2005. It is primarily known for its focus on handmade and vintage goods, as well as craft supplies. The platform has a global reach, with over 81 million active buyers and 4.4 million active sellers in 2023. Etsy’s brand reputation is strong, with a focus on unique and high-quality products. This reputation has helped Etsy become a go-to destination for shoppers looking for one-of-a-kind items.
Etsy has also expanded its reach beyond its core offerings. In 2022, Etsy acquired Depop, a popular fashion resale app, which has helped the platform expand into the world of secondhand clothing. Additionally, Etsy has launched a number of initiatives to support small businesses, such as its “Stand With Small” campaign, which aims to help small businesses recover from the pandemic.
Mercari’s Market Presence
Mercari is a newer player in the online marketplace space, having launched in Japan in 2013 and expanded to the US in 2014. The platform has a broader focus than Etsy, with a wide range of new and used products available for sale. Mercari has a strong presence in Japan, where it is one of the most popular e-commerce platforms, and has also gained traction in the US.
As of 2023, Mercari has over 45 million downloads worldwide and over 3 million active sellers. While Mercari’s brand reputation may not be as strong as Etsy’s, the platform has gained a following among bargain hunters and those looking for deals on everyday items.
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