Selling unwanted items has never been easier than with private selling apps like Mercari and OfferUp. These apps allow users to quickly and easily post items for sale and connect with potential buyers, all from the comfort of their own homes.

But which app is better: Mercari or OfferUp? Both have pros and cons, so let’s take a closer look at each.

Mercari

Mercari is a popular and well-established app that boasts over 45 million downloads. It has a sleek, user-friendly interface that makes it easy to list items for sale and browse through other listings.

One of the biggest advantages of Mercari is its payment system. Buyers pay for items upfront, and the payment is held by Mercari until the seller confirms that the item has shipped. This cuts down on fraudulent transactions and provides peace of mind for both buyers and sellers.

Another perk of Mercari is its shipping options. Sellers can choose to use Mercari’s shipping service, which includes access to discounted rates and free shipping supplies. This convenience makes selling items on Mercari a breeze.

However, Mercari does have some drawbacks. It charges a 10% selling fee on all transactions, which can add up over time. Additionally, the app’s customer service is notoriously slow and unresponsive, making it difficult to resolve any issues that may arise.

OfferUp

OfferUp is a newer app, with over 90 million downloads to date. It has a slightly different approach to buying and selling, with a focus on connecting local buyers and sellers to facilitate in-person transactions.

One of the biggest benefits of OfferUp is that it’s completely free to use. There are no selling fees or hidden charges, which can be a huge draw for cash-strapped sellers.

OfferUp also allows for more flexibility in terms of shipping. While Mercari requires the use of their shipping service, OfferUp leaves it up to the sellers to decide how they want to handle shipping, which can be especially useful for larger or heavier items.

However, OfferUp does have some downsides as well. The lack of a payment system means that buyers and sellers need to handle payment and shipping arrangements themselves, which can lead to potential issues. Additionally, while OfferUp has implemented some safety features, such as ID verification, there have been reports of scams and fraudulent activity on the app.

Which App is Better?

In the end, it really depends on what you’re looking for in a private selling app. If you prioritize ease of use, a reliable payment system, and dependable shipping options, Mercari is the way to go. However, if you’re more interested in selling items locally and want to avoid fees, OfferUp is a solid choice.