Want to earn some extra cash by tapping into the booming world of online reselling? Mercari, a popular marketplace app, offers a fantastic platform for turning your clutter into cash, especially if you’re savvy about selling hot-ticket items.
This post dives deep into four trending product categories currently making waves on Mercari: Figs Scrubs, Loungefly Bags, Squishmallows, and Lovevery Toys. We’ll guide you through the steps to source, list, and successfully sell these in-demand items, helping you maximize your profits.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
Why these items? Figs Scrubs are a favorite among healthcare professionals for their stylish designs and comfortable fit, while Loungefly Bags, known for their fandom-themed designs, are a must-have for collectors. Squishmallows, the ultra-soft plush toys, are constantly sought after by collectors, and Lovevery Toys, with their focus on sustainable and educational play, appeal to parents seeking quality playthings for their little ones. The high demand and desirability of these products make them ideal for flipping on Mercari.
Let’s get started!
Understanding Mercari Selling Basics
Before we delve into the specifics of selling trending items, it’s essential to grasp the fundamental principles of selling on Mercari.
Mercari is a peer-to-peer marketplace app where individuals can buy and sell a wide range of new and used items. It’s known for its user-friendly interface and its focus on making buying and selling simple and secure.
Pricing Strategies
Pricing is crucial for attracting buyers and securing sales. Here are some effective strategies:
- Price Higher Than You Think: This strategy plays on buyer psychology. When buyers see a lower price, they may assume the item is of lesser quality or value. Conversely, a slightly higher price can signal greater worth, leading to a perception of getting a better deal when offers are accepted.
- Raising Prices After Declining an Offer: After declining an offer, consider slightly raising your listing price. Mercari doesn’t notify the buyer of this change on the offer page. This can create a greater perceived price difference, prompting the buyer to make a higher counter-offer. However, be aware that this strategy carries the risk of losing the buyer altogether.
- Research Comparable Listings: Always research sold listings for similar items to get a sense of the going rate. This helps you set a competitive price while ensuring you’re not undervaluing your item.
Shipping
Offering free shipping on your listings is a powerful incentive, even if it means adjusting your listing price accordingly. Listings with free shipping tend to convert better because buyers perceive them as a better value proposition, even if the total cost is the same as an item with a separate shipping fee.
Customer Service
Maintaining excellent customer service and high ratings is essential, especially on Mercari, where newer buyers are often wary of scams. Respond promptly to questions and offers, be polite and professional, and ship items quickly and securely. Positive reviews build trust and encourage future purchases.
Mercari Features
Familiarize yourself with Mercari’s features that can aid in optimizing your listings:
- Automatic Price Drop: This feature automatically sends offers to likers at decreasing prices, simulating urgency and encouraging faster sales. Ensure you set a minimum price to avoid selling below your profit margin.
- Recommended Pricing: While not always the most accurate, this feature gives you an idea of the going rate for similar items, helping you set a competitive price.
Sourcing Trending Items
Sourcing the right items is the foundation of a successful reselling business. Here are some general tips and specific strategies for sourcing each trending item:
General Sourcing Tips
- Thrift Stores: Thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army are treasure troves for gently used items, often at incredibly low prices.
- Online Marketplaces: Browse online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace and eBay for deals, especially bulk lots or items from sellers liquidating inventory.
- Retail Clearance Sales: Keep an eye out for clearance sales at retail stores, especially during seasonal transitions.
- Garage Sales and Flea Markets: Weekend garage sales and flea markets can be a goldmine for unique and affordable items.
Figs Scrubs
- Prioritize Quality: Look for new or like-new scrubs, free of stains or damage.
- Target Popular Styles and Colors: Research the most popular Figs scrubs styles and colors to maximize demand.
- Discontinued and Limited Editions: Seek out discontinued patterns or limited edition releases, as these often command higher prices due to their rarity.
Loungefly Bags
- Limited Edition and Exclusives: Loungefly releases limited edition and exclusive bags, often tied to specific retailers or events. These are highly sought after by collectors.
- Popular Fandoms: Focus on bags featuring characters or imagery from popular fandoms like Disney, Marvel, and Harry Potter.
- Bundles and Matching Accessories: Consider sourcing bundles of matching accessories, like wallets or keychains, to increase the value of your listings.
Squishmallows
- Rare and Retired: Rare or retired Squishmallows are highly coveted by collectors and can fetch impressive prices.
- Popular Sizes and Characters: Research the most popular Squishmallow sizes and characters to target your sourcing efforts.
- Bundles and Sets: Consider sourcing bundles of multiple Squishmallows or sets with a common theme to attract buyers looking for a collection.
Lovevery Toys
- Complete Play Kits: Aim to source complete play kits in good condition, as these are the most desirable to parents.
- Clean and Sanitized: Ensure the toys are clean and sanitized, especially those intended for younger children.
- Highlight Sustainability and Educational Value: When listing, emphasize the sustainable and educational aspects of Lovevery Toys to target environmentally conscious and discerning parents.
Listing Optimization for Each Product Category
Once you’ve sourced your items, optimizing your listings is crucial for attracting buyers and securing quick sales.
General Listing Tips
- High-Quality Photos: Showcase your items with clear, well-lit photos that capture all angles and details. Use a neutral background and take photos in natural light whenever possible.
- Detailed Descriptions: Write compelling descriptions that include relevant keywords, highlight features and benefits, and accurately describe the item’s condition.
- Utilize All Photo Slots: Mercari allows for multiple photo uploads, so utilize all available slots to showcase your item comprehensively.
Figs Scrubs
- Detailed Titles: Include the size, style name, and condition in the listing title. For example: “Figs Zamora Scrub Top – Size Small – Navy Blue – Excellent Condition.”
- Highlight Features: Mention any special features of the scrubs, like pockets, anti-wrinkle fabric, or moisture-wicking properties.
Loungefly Bags
- Fandom-Specific Titles: Incorporate the character, fandom, and edition in the listing title. For example: “Loungefly Disney The Little Mermaid Ariel Mini Backpack – Exclusive Edition – New with Tags.”
- Special Features: Mention any special features of the bag, such as glow-in-the-dark elements, vegan leather, or limited-edition details.
Squishmallows
- Descriptive Titles: Include the size, character name, and condition in the listing title. For example: “Squishmallow Benny the Bigfoot – 16 Inch – Excellent Condition – With Tags.”
- Tags and Details: Mention if the Squishmallow still has its original tags or any other unique details, like special edition markings or embroidery.
Lovevery Toys
- Play Kit Specifics: Include the play kit name, age range, and condition in the listing title. For example: “Lovevery The Babbler Play Kit (Months 0-12) – Excellent Condition – Complete Set.”
- Educational Benefits: Highlight the educational benefits and developmental features of the play kit to appeal to parents seeking enriching toys for their children.
Marketing and Selling Tips
Promoting your listings and engaging with buyers can significantly increase your sales:
- Mercari Promotions: Utilize Mercari’s promotional tools, like sending offers to likers and creating bundles for discounted pricing, to attract buyers.
- Social Media Marketing: Promote your Mercari listings on relevant social media groups or pages dedicated to the products you’re selling. This can expand your reach and attract more buyers.
- Engage with Buyers: Respond promptly to questions and offers from potential buyers. Be friendly, helpful, and professional to build positive interactions.
- Fast and Secure Shipping: Ship your items promptly and securely to maintain positive ratings. Consider using tracking to provide buyers with peace of mind.
- Build a Following: Encourage buyers to follow your Mercari shop to be notified of your new listings.
FAQ Section
- Q: Are these the only trending items worth selling on Mercari?
- A: No, these are just examples of currently popular categories. Market trends are constantly shifting, so it’s important to stay updated on what’s in demand. Conduct regular research to identify emerging trends and popular products.
- Q: How can I avoid scams on Mercari?
- A: Always follow Mercari’s safety guidelines. Only ship through the platform, communicate with buyers through the app’s messaging system, and report any suspicious activity.
- Q: Is it better to offer free shipping or charge separately?
- A: Offering free shipping often leads to faster sales because buyers perceive it as a better value proposition. Factor in shipping costs when setting your listing price to ensure you’re still making a profit.
- Q: How can I get more views on my listings?
- A: Use relevant keywords in your titles and descriptions, utilize high-quality photos, and take advantage of Mercari’s promotional tools, like sending offers to likers.
- Q: How long does it take to sell items on Mercari?
- A: The selling time depends on various factors, including the item’s popularity, pricing, demand, and seasonality. Trending items typically sell faster, while rarer or niche items may take longer.
Conclusion
Selling trending items on Mercari can be a profitable and enjoyable side hustle. By mastering the platform’s basics, sourcing strategically, optimizing your listings, and actively marketing your products, you can tap into the demand for these hot-ticket items and generate a substantial side income. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different product categories and stay informed about market trends to maximize your success!