Looking for alternatives to Mercari to buy and sell items. I’m looking for similar marketplace apps because I need to expand my options for selling and shopping. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
1. Poshmark
Homepage Link: https://poshmark.com
Pros:
- Excellent for selling fashion-heavy items like clothing, shoes, and accessories.
- Offers seller protection and straightforward shipping processes.
- Strong sense of community and easy-to-navigate “social” features.
Cons:
- High 20% selling fee for items over $15 (flat $2.95 for items under $15).
- Primarily focused on clothing, so not ideal for selling general household goods.
- Social engagement (likes, shares) can be time-consuming if you want visibility.
Features:
- Virtual “parties” where seller listings gain more exposure.
- Integrated shipping labels for easy order fulfillment.
- Extensive search filters for targeted shopping experiences.
User Reviews:
Users praise Poshmark for its seller protections and active buyer community but often complain about the steep selling fees. Many note that it’s better suited for selling higher-quality or lightly-used items of fashion and accessories.
Verdict:
Perfect for anyone specifically dealing in fashion or designer goods. However, the high fees make it less ideal for budget sellers.
2. Depop
Homepage Link: https://www.depop.com
Pros:
- Fantastic for selling vintage and trendy fashion.
- Younger, niche audience for unique items.
- Easy-to-use app interface with Instagram-like aesthetics.
Cons:
- 10% fee on every transaction, plus an additional processing fee from PayPal.
- Item visibility sometimes feels too reliant on social interactions.
- Limited categories (mostly clothing).
Features:
- Social-style profile browsing where you can “follow” sellers.
- Seamless integration with PayPal for secure transactions.
- Built-in ability to promote listings for an extra fee.
User Reviews:
Depop is loved by younger audiences looking for unique finds or thrift pieces. Sellers appreciate the clear demographic targeting, but getting visibility on listings can be tricky without active self-promotion.
Verdict:
Great for selling to Gen Z and fashion lovers, but it’s not a catch-all platform for various goods.
3. OfferUp (and Letgo)
Homepage Link: https://offerup.com
Pros:
- Free to use; charges only for promoted listings.
- Broad range of categories beyond fashion, like electronics, furniture, and more.
- Local focus eliminates shipping complications in most transactions.
Cons:
- Safety concerns with meeting people in person for local transactions.
- Lacks built-in shipping tools, making long-distance sales tricky.
- Can be time-consuming to negotiate directly with potential buyers.
Features:
- Secure chat functionality to communicate with buyers and sellers.
- Partnership with local police stations for safer in-person transactions in select areas.
- Flexible advertising options for quick item visibility.
User Reviews:
Users appreciate the free listing service and wide category options. The heavy focus on local buying, however, creates logistical challenges for broader trades.
Verdict:
An excellent choice for selling locally-bound goods and larger items but less effective for nationwide reach.
4. eBay
Homepage Link: https://www.ebay.com
Pros:
- Vast customer base on a global scale.
- Flexible auction and buy-it-now selling options.
- Broad range of categories means almost anything can sell.
Cons:
- Seller fees (final value fee around 13.25%, plus shipping fees) can add up.
- Highly competitive platform; standing out requires strong photos and descriptions.
- Complex listing interface can overwhelm first-time users.
Features:
- eBay Managed Payments consolidates shipping and payment processes.
- Option to promote listings for additional visibility.
- Excellent buyer protection policies to attract customers.
User Reviews:
Sellers frequently highlight eBay’s incredible reach and the ability to sell niche items. However, many criticize the steep fees and complexities in setting up shop.
Verdict:
Versatile with unparalleled reach, but the fee structure means profit margins can shrink quickly.
5. Facebook Marketplace
Homepage Link: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace
Pros:
- Completely free to use (no fees, except for shipping outside local areas).
- Local-focused, with massive audience exposure due to being part of Facebook.
- Ideal for selling furniture, household goods, and general items.
Cons:
- No extra security for payments—transactions are up to buyer/seller discretion.
- Scammers can be a problem with little recourse.
- Lack of advanced selling features like those in specialized apps.
Features:
- Facebook integration allows seamless communication via Messenger.
- Listings can be shared across different groups for better visibility.
- Easy to create, edit, and remove listings without hassle.
User Reviews:
While users love the platform’s simplicity and how easily listings get views, they worry about fake accounts and scams in transactions.
Verdict:
Great for quick sales with no fees, but caution is needed to ensure safe transactions.
6. Etsy
Homepage Link: https://www.etsy.com
Pros:
- Perfect for handmade, vintage, and niche items.
- Established brand trust with buyers globally.
- Customization options for unique or creative items.
Cons:
- Fee-heavy (5% transaction fee, 20¢ per listing fee, and payment processing fee).
- Limited audience unless you cater to arts and crafts or vintage markets.
- Time-intensive setup for detailed product listings.
Features:
- Robust analytics tools offer insights into shop performance.
- Built-in marketing tools for search engine optimization (SEO).
- Ability to create custom sales or promotions directly from your shop page.
User Reviews:
Buyers love the personalized feel Etsy offers, but sellers often comment on how oversaturated the platform is becoming, with many niches being overly competitive.
Verdict:
A niche-friendly site for creative types but not suitable for general resale items.
7. Grailed
Homepage Link: https://www.grailed.com
Pros:
- Specializes in menswear, luxury, and streetwear brands.
- Comparatively low selling fee (9% commission).
- Active, fashion-savvy audience looking for high-end brands.
Cons:
- Limited to menswear, cutting out opportunities for broader selling.
- Can be intimidating for sellers unfamiliar with niche fashion brands.
- PayPal transaction fees apply on top of the Grailed fee.
Features:
- Brand authentication tools for verifying legitimacy of high-end goods.
- Comprehensive buyer-seller messaging within the app.
- Transparency on completed sales, providing insight into pricing trends.
User Reviews:
Loyal users rave about how Grailed gets dealers top-dollar prices, but beginners often feel left out due to its niche nature.
Verdict:
Ideal for men’s fashion resellers, but not recommended for those selling mixed goods.
8. Vinted
Homepage Link: https://www.vinted.com
Pros:
- No selling fees for sellers (buyers cover shipping and a buyer protection fee).
- Seamless integration for listing clothing and accessories.
- Great for budget-conscious buyers looking for pre-loved items.
Cons:
- Heavily focused on clothing and accessories—diverse items aren’t well-represented.
- Limited presence in certain regions compared to other platforms.
- No promoting tools for listings; reliant on natural visibility.
Features:
- In-app shipping labels for stress-free logistics.
- Buyer-seller communication handled through Vinted’s secure chat feature.
- Opportunity to swap items directly with other sellers.
User Reviews:
Vinted gets favorable reviews from sellers who like the no-fee policy but mixed feedback on organic reach for listings. Buyers appreciate the user-friendly shopping process.
Verdict:
Best for apparel sellers looking to maximize profits.
9. Tradesy
Homepage Link: https://www.tradesy.com
Pros:
- Tailored for designer and luxury goods.
- Authenticity guarantees help build trust with buyers.
- High average sales price for quality items.
Cons:
- Steep 19.8% commission rate for sales over $50.
- Only works well if you’re dealing with high-value goods.
- Limited audience if your inventory doesn’t include high-end brands.
Features:
- Simple shipping process with pre-paid shipping kits included.
- Advanced fraud detection and authentication to curb scammers.
- High-quality interface optimized for mobile and browser users.
User Reviews:
Users value the site’s strong fraud prevention measures, but smaller-scale sellers mention that the higher commission fees hurt profitability.
Verdict:
Excellent for high-end sellers, but not worthwhile for casual or low-cost fashion.
10. Nextdoor
Homepage Link: https://www.nextdoor.com
Pros:
- Hyper-local focus—perfect for quick neighborhood sales.
- No fees for listing or selling items.
- Community-first environment promotes friendly interactions compared to other platforms.
Cons:
- Requires verification, which limits reach beyond nearby neighbors.
- Minimal features for promoting or organizing listings.
- As a neighborhood-based platform, the category selection isn’t robust.
Features:
- Secure communication tools within your local network.
- Focused on fostering community trust.
- Easy-to-use mobile apps for quick updates and offers.
User Reviews:
Buyers and sellers alike love how Nextdoor fosters a sense of community and trust, but many wish it had more advanced selling tools.
Verdict:
A solid option for small, local sales, especially for furniture and household goods.
Hope this list helps you expand your selling and shopping options! Let me know if you need more focused recommendations.