The Ultimate Guide to Selling Funko Pops on Mercari

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Funko Pops on Mercari

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Table of Contents:

Introduction

Funko Pops have taken the collecting world by storm, transforming from simple vinyl figures to coveted collectibles. Their popularity and ever-fluctuating values make them a fantastic reselling niche. For resellers seeking a user-friendly platform with a vast audience and a streamlined selling process, Mercari emerges as an exceptional choice. This blog post serves as your ultimate guide to navigating the exciting world of selling Funko Pops on Mercari, equipping you with the knowledge and strategies to build a successful reselling venture.

Understanding the Funko Pop Market

Before diving into the intricacies of selling on Mercari, it’s crucial to grasp the factors that influence a Funko Pop’s value. Understanding these nuances will empower you to make informed purchasing and pricing decisions, maximizing your profitability.

Factors Determining Funko Pop Value:

  • Condition: A Funko Pop’s condition plays a pivotal role in its resale value. Collectors prioritize pristine figures, ideally “new in box” with no damage to the box itself. Any imperfections, such as creases, dents, or sticker peels, can significantly impact the price.
  • Rarity: Limited editions, exclusives, vaulted pops, chase variants, and other factors contribute to a Funko Pop’s rarity. The fewer pieces in circulation, the higher the potential value.
  • Popularity: Current trends, media releases, and the ever-changing landscape of pop culture hype heavily influence demand and price. A pop associated with a trending show or a recently released blockbuster film is likely to command a premium.

Research and Valuation:

  • Pop Price Guide (PPG): PPG is an invaluable resource for researching Funko Pop values and gaining insights into market trends. Explore its extensive database to understand average selling prices and identify potential investment opportunities.
  • eBay/Mercari “Sold” Listings: To gauge current selling prices, examine recently sold listings on platforms like eBay and Mercari. This real-time market data provides valuable context for setting competitive prices.
  • Consider Condition: When valuing your Funko Pop, always factor in its condition. Adjust your price accordingly based on any imperfections or damage.

Sourcing Funko Pops for Reselling

Finding undervalued Funko Pops is essential to turning a profit. Explore various sourcing strategies to acquire pops at a cost that allows for a healthy margin when reselling on Mercari.

  • Retail Stores: Be on the lookout for deals at retail stores, especially in clearance sections, during sales events, or when stores release exclusive pops.
  • Online Marketplaces: Platforms like eBay, Amazon, Facebook Marketplace, and even Mercari itself can be excellent sources for finding Funko Pops at wholesale prices or spotting potential flips.
  • Local Sources: Venture into your local community to uncover hidden gems. Garage sales, thrift stores, flea markets, toy collector shows, and local auction houses can yield undervalued Funko Pops waiting to be discovered.
  • Online Auctions: Participate in online auctions, like those hosted on eBay and LiveAuctioneers, to acquire Funko Pops in bulk or potentially score rare and valuable pieces.

Getting Started on Mercari

Once you’ve amassed a collection of Funko Pops ready to be sold, it’s time to establish your presence on Mercari. Creating a positive seller profile is crucial to attracting buyers and building trust.

  • Setting Up Your Mercari Account: The account creation process on Mercari is straightforward and user-friendly. Provide the necessary information and verify your account.
  • Building a Positive Seller Profile:
    • Profile Picture: Choose a clear, professional-looking profile picture to instill buyer confidence.
    • Seller Bio: Write a concise and friendly bio that highlights your credibility as a Funko Pop seller.
    • Initial Listings: Begin with a few well-priced, high-quality listings to generate positive reviews and gain traction on the platform.

Creating Compelling Funko Pop Listings

The next step is to create enticing Funko Pop listings that stand out amidst the competition. High-quality photography, detailed descriptions, strategic pricing, and optimized keywords are essential elements of a successful listing.

  • Photography:
    • Clean Background: Photograph your Funko Pop against a plain background, preferably white or light gray, to minimize distractions and focus attention on the product.
    • Multiple Angles: Capture photos from various angles, including the front, back, sides, and top, to showcase the condition of both the box and the figure.
    • Highlight Details: Take close-up shots of any stickers, special features, or the coveted “Chase” sticker, if applicable.
    • Damage Photos: If there’s any damage, include clear close-up photos, ideally circling the affected area to make it easily identifiable for potential buyers.
  • Writing Effective Descriptions:
    • Detailed Information: Include the Funko Pop’s full name, number, series, and any relevant details, such as whether it’s an exclusive, a limited edition, or a vaulted pop.
    • Keyword Optimization: Integrate relevant keywords based on your research, such as character names, franchises, and special features, to enhance search visibility.
    • Condition Transparency: Provide an accurate and honest description of the box and figure’s condition, clearly disclosing any flaws or imperfections.
    • Shipping Details: Specify the shipping method, handling time, and whether you offer combined shipping for multiple purchases.
    • Professional Tone: Maintain a friendly and professional tone throughout your description, fostering trust and encouraging buyer engagement.
  • Pricing Strategically:
    • Competitive Research: Analyze the prices of similar Funko Pops listed on Mercari and eBay to determine a competitive price point.
    • Factor in Fees and Shipping: When setting your price, remember to account for Mercari’s selling fees (13%) and estimated shipping costs to ensure a healthy profit margin.
    • Price for Profit: Strike a balance between offering a competitive price and generating a reasonable profit.
    • Consider Offers: Decide whether you’re willing to accept offers from buyers, understanding that this can be a useful strategy for quicker sales.

Packaging and Shipping Funko Pops

Once you’ve made a sale, it’s imperative to protect your Funko Pops during shipping to ensure they arrive in the same condition as described in your listing.

  • Packaging Materials:
    • Pop Protectors: Invest in Pop Protectors, clear plastic cases designed to safeguard Funko Pop boxes from damage during transit.
    • Bubble Wrap: Wrap the Pop Protector in a generous layer of bubble wrap to provide additional cushioning.
    • Sturdy Boxes: Choose appropriately sized, sturdy cardboard boxes to further protect the Pop during shipping.
    • Fill Void Space: Fill any empty space within the box with packing peanuts, air pillows, or crumpled paper to prevent movement and minimize the risk of damage.
  • Shipping Options:
    • Mercari Shipping: Take advantage of Mercari’s discounted shipping labels, which often offer better rates than those available directly from shipping carriers.
    • Self-Shipping: If you find better rates or prefer a different shipping carrier, consider self-shipping using services like USPS, FedEx, or UPS.
  • Tracking and Insurance: Always provide buyers with tracking information to ensure transparency and peace of mind. Consider purchasing shipping insurance, especially for higher-value pops, to protect yourself against potential losses.

Providing Excellent Customer Service

Building a loyal customer base relies on providing outstanding customer service. Responsiveness, professionalism, and attentiveness to buyer needs are key ingredients for success.

  • Prompt Communication: Respond to buyer inquiries and messages swiftly and professionally, fostering a positive and engaging interaction.
  • Handling Offers: When negotiating offers, be courteous and respectful, even if you decide to decline them.
  • Shipping Speed: Ship your items promptly, ideally within the handling time stated in your listing, to demonstrate reliability and meet buyer expectations.
  • Post-Sale Support: Remain available to answer any post-sale questions or address concerns promptly, ensuring customer satisfaction and minimizing potential issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Is Mercari a scam?
    Mercari is a legitimate and widely used online marketplace. While, like any platform, it can have a few bad actors, Mercari actively works to prevent scams and protect both buyers and sellers. Its rating system, seller verification, and buyer protection policies contribute to a safe and trustworthy environment.
  • How do Mercari’s seller fees work?
    Mercari charges a 13% selling fee on the total purchase price. This fee is broken down as follows: 10% selling fee, 2.9% processing fee, and a $0.30 transaction fee.
  • What is Mercari’s “Shop Local” feature, and how does it work?
    “Shop Local” expands your reach to buyers in your immediate vicinity. It allows buyers to find local listings and choose to have their items delivered by a driver, similar to services like Postmates. This feature offers faster delivery times and can be a compelling selling point for buyers.
  • Do I have to use Mercari shipping, or can I ship on my own?
    You have the flexibility to either use Mercari’s discounted shipping labels or ship your items independently. Mercari shipping is often more cost-effective and simplifies the process, but you can choose self-shipping if you find a better rate or prefer a different carrier.
  • Can buyers make offers on Mercari listings?
    Yes, Mercari’s offer system allows buyers to propose a different price for your listed item. You have the choice to accept, decline, or counter the offer, engaging in a negotiation process until you reach an agreement.

Conclusion

Selling Funko Pops on Mercari presents a lucrative opportunity for resellers of all experience levels. By understanding the Funko Pop market, sourcing wisely, creating compelling listings, packaging securely, and providing excellent customer service, you can establish a thriving reselling business on this popular platform. With the knowledge and strategies outlined in this guide, you’re well-equipped to embark on your Funko Pop reselling journey and unlock the profit potential of this exciting niche.