In the world of online shopping, trust is paramount. It is natural to worry that shopping platforms from overseas that you are unfamiliar with, especially when it comes to free market platforms such as Mercari Japan. While we want to assure our users that Mercari as a platform is safe (we are partnered with them for a reason). In this article we want to look at some of the things you need to look out for when purchasing items from Mercari on our site.

The Role of Individual Sellers

While Mercari strives to maintain a trustworthy marketplace, it's important to note that individual sellers play a significant role in the overall experience. As with any online marketplace, it's essential for buyers to exercise due diligence when making purchases. Checking seller ratings, reading reviews, and carefully reviewing product descriptions and photos can help ensure a positive transaction.

Building Trust through User Ratings and Reviews

One of the key elements that contribute to Mercari's reliability is its robust user rating and review system. Buyers have the opportunity to rate and provide feedback on their transaction experience, while sellers are incentivized to maintain a positive reputation. This system helps establish trust among users and provides valuable insights into the reliability and quality of sellers. At Sendico we utilize this feedback system by blocking users from buying items from sellers with a large amount of negative feedback (blocked sellers can be voluntarily unblocked by our users at their own risk).

Individual Responsibility

Given that Mercari is a platform that where the majority of listings are by individual sellers, it is inevitable that some amount of these people are trying to make dishonest, quick cash (No, Japan is not all perfect). Sellers on Mercari are able to choose whether or not they accept refunds (this will be written in the item description), items purchased on Mercari that do not have this option enabled are not refundable unless they differ 'significantly' from the item description. Some dishonest sellers hide negative information regarding items near the end of the listing, or somewhere you would not expect to avoid claims, so make sure to be diligent, and read through item descriptions in their entirety to avoid disappointment.

Transparency and Communication

Mercari promotes transparency and encourages open communication between buyers and sellers. Through the messaging feature on the platform, users can ask questions, seek additional information, or request more detailed photos before making a purchase. This helps build trust and enables buyers to make informed decisions. At Sendico, we fully facilitate this service by translating your questions and requests into Japanese and relaying them on to sellers for a seamless, and enjoyable experience.

Trusting Mercari: A Summary

In conclusion, Mercari can be trusted as a reliable online marketplace, but you do need to be careful! Mercari's reliance on individual sellers means that anyone can list their items, including scammers. Making sure to read item descriptions thoroughly and being mindful of individual seller reputations can enable buyers peace of mind and an enjoyable experience when buying items through Mercari and trust the platform as a whole.

If you're looking to buy from japan, check out Sendico today!