Common Mercari Scams and How to Safeguard Your Sales

With convenience and a vast user base, Mercari has become a go-to place for many online resellers. However, like any online marketplace, it’s not immune to scams. As a seller, it’s essential to be aware of scams and learn how to handle them to protect your hard-earned money and reputation. Here are some of the most common scams:

The “Return Switcheroo”

In this scam, a buyer claims an item is not as described and requests a return. However, they send back a different, lower-value item, an item that is the same but old or damaged, or even an empty box. If you accept the return without inspecting the contents carefully, you could potentially lose both the item and your money.

How to Handle It:

Carefully document the condition of your items before shipping with photos and descriptions. Inspect returned items thoroughly before issuing a refund. Open a dispute with Mercari with your supporting documentation of photos, postage weight, and other helpful information that can help them rule in your favor.

The “Received an Empty Box” Scam

This one is apparently common enough that Mercari has a selection for it when you go through their contact support prompts!

The “Received an Empty Box” scam is a scheme perpetrated by dishonest buyers who receive their purchased items but then claim that the package arrived empty or contained an item of significantly lower value. This scam can be financially damaging and emotionally distressing for sellers, as it can result in a loss of both money and merchandise.

How to Handle It:

Mercari suggest you ask the buyer to contact them through their Help Center so they can investigate. Always use a Mercari label so you’re covered with their Shipping Protection.

The “Item Not Received” Dispute

Some unscrupulous buyers may falsely claim they never received the item they purchased. If you don’t have proof of delivery, you could end up, losing both your item and your money. That said, lost and stolen packages have increased in recent years so not everyone who claims this could be a scammer.

How to Handle It:

Ask them to contact Mercari who will investigate. Always use a reliable shipping method with tracking and get a receipt. This way, you can provide evidence of delivery in case of a dispute. As mentioned above, using a Mercari printed label when possible is easier for them to track and your item is covered under Shipping Protection. Mercari will investigate and either a) refund the buyer or b) not refund them if they have a history of similar disputes. Either way, you should still get paid for your item if tracking shows it was delivered or was accepted and/or started tracking by the carrier.

The “Payment Reversal” Scam

In this scenario, a buyer makes a purchase and receives the item but later reverses the payment through their payment provider, claiming it was an unauthorized transaction.

How to Handle It:

Since Mercari’s payment system handles payments, there should be nothing for you to do as they will handle reversals. You should also be covered under Shipping Protection if you used a Mercari label.

The “Buyer Tries to Cancel After You Ship” Scam

In this tricky situation, a buyer may initiate a cancellation request after you’ve already shipped the item. They may claim it was a mistake or they changed their mind. If you agree to the cancellation, you may never receive your item back, and the buyer could get a refund as well.

How to Handle It:

Politely decline the cancellation request if you have already shipped it, and remind the buyer that they can return the item for a refund once they receive it. Ensure you follow Mercari’s cancellation and return policies. Use Mercari-generated labels so you’re covered under Shipping Protection.

Reader Tip: “I always mark my orders as “Sent” in the Mercari app after the label is printed and item is packed up, even if it hasn’t made it to the carrier yet. Doing this has protected me from a few buyers that requested to cancel shortly after they got the notification that it was shipped. Lucky for me (and them), I was able to accept the cancellation before sending the item out and didn’t have to deal with the hassle of a return or potential scammer.”

That is a great tip and one we’ve used as well. While it may not work all the time (sometimes you’ll get an order just in time that you can ship right away), this works great if, for example, you get an order at night or hours before your scheduled drop off trip or carrier pickup. Technically Mercari gives you 3 days to ship your item. However, the sooner you ship, the sooner it is delivered and the sooner you get paid – so you’ll want to ship as quickly and keep your “Quick Shipper” badge. That being said, creating a self-imposed “buffer period” between marking an item as “Sent” and actually getting it scanned in at the carrier could help you if you’re prone to some of these scammers, or you’re selling items that may get some “buyers remorse.”

The Lowballer’s Scam

While not as severe as other scams, some buyers will make lowball offers, hoping sellers are desperate enough to accept. This can waste your time and can be frustrating.

How to Handle It:

Set a firm price for your items and be prepared to decline unreasonable offers politely. If they made an offer through Mercari’s system, make a counteroffer that you’re more comfortable selling your item for.

Protecting Yourself on Mercari

To protect yourself from these common Mercari scams, follow these additional tips:

• Document Everything: Before shipping, document the item’s condition with clear photos and detailed descriptions in your listing. This will serve as evidence in case of a dispute.
• Use Mercari Shipping Labels: Mercari has label options for the major carriers that you can select when listing your item based on weight and size.  Using their labels also gives you the benefit of Shipping Protection.
• Get a Receipt: Try to always get a receipt from the carrier when you drop off a package. This helps establish that the item was indeed sent.
• Inspect Returned Items Carefully: If you receive a returned item, inspect it thoroughly before issuing a refund. Ensure it matches the item you originally sent.
• Utilize Mercari’s Messaging System: Keep all communication within Mercari’s messaging system. This preserves a written record of your interactions. Mercari can actually see these exchanges when investigating disputes.
• Know Mercari’s Policies: Familiarize yourself with Mercari’s cancellation and refund policies, and make sure you adhere to them. Understanding these policies can help you navigate disputes effectively.
• Verify User Profiles: Check a buyer’s profile for reviews and ratings. Be cautious of new or suspicious accounts.

While Mercari can be a fantastic platform for selling your items, being aware of these common scams and taking precautions can help you navigate it safely. Remember, trust your instincts, and if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stay vigilant, and happy selling!