Mercari Backtracks On New Return Policy, Reverts Back To Not As Described Only

UPDATE 12-9-24

Mercari is finally backtracking on fee changes it made earlier this year, announcing new fee structure that splits fees between buyers and sellers will take effect January 6, 2025.

Mercari US Backtracks On Fee Changes, New Fee Structure Will Be Split Between Buyers & Sellers

Mercari backtracks on fee changes, announcing new fee structure that splits fees between buyers & sellers will take effect January 6, 2025.

Value Added ResourceLiz Morton

Just a little over a month after introducing returns for any reason, Mercari is now backtracking and reverting back to the previous policy of only allowing returns for items that are damaged or not as described.

The new policy was introduced in March as part of Mercari's efforts to shake up how fees are charged on the platform, shifting payment processing and service fees to buyers instead of sellers.

Mercari Shifts Fees From Sellers To Buyers, Adds 3 Day Returns For Any Reason

Mercari drops selling fees, passes payment processing & service fees on to buyers but there’s a catch - items can now be returned for any reason!

Value Added ResourceLiz Morton

But now marketplace has sent a notice to users , advising the old policy will be reinstated as of May 22, 2024.

We recently announced a “returns for any reason” policy in an effort to make it even easier to buy and sell on Mercari. After careful consideration and listening intently to feedback from our seller community, we have decided to reinstate our prior return policy effective May 22, 2024 at 12:00 AM PST. “Returns for any reason” will no longer apply.

Starting May 22, 2024 at 12:00 AM PST, buyers will have a 3-day period to return inaccurately described items. This allows for some flexibility for buyers, while respecting sellers’ time and effort in listing, packaging, and mailing items.

We remain committed to piloting policies that benefit our entire community, and we’ll continue to act swiftly to adapt when needed.

Note: If you’re using the Mercari app for iOS or Android, you may need to update the app if it doesn’t automatically update on your device.

The change is somewhat surprising as Mercari stated in its most recent quarterly financial report that relaxing the returns conditions had not resulted in a significant increase in returns and in fact was credited as contributing to improvements in Key Performance Indicators like new listings and users.

That quarterly report also revealed that Mercari is considering implementing a system that would dynamically adjust the service fees charged to buyers based on supply and demand as well - though it remains to be seen if they will follow through with that idea, given that their strategy is obviously currently in flux as shown with the change back to the old return policy.

Mercari Plans Dynamic Pricing For New Buyer Fees That Will Adjust With Supply & Demand

A month into buying & selling fee shakeup, Mercari considers system that would dynamically adjust fees based on supply and demand.

Value Added ResourceLiz Morton

What do you think of Mercari backtracking on returns? Do you think they'll change back to the old fee structure eventually too? Let us know in the comments below!