Mercari vs. Depop: Which resale app wins in 2025?

The choice between Mercari vs. Depop comes down to your inventory type: Mercari excels for electronics and general goods, while Depop dominates fashion and accessory resale. 

Young Millennials and Gen Z fashion enthusiasts flock to Depop, but Mercari’s audience caters to all ages and demographics.

Yet, many resellers list products on both marketplaces, as each offers relatively low fees and caters to a large buyer base.

In this article, we'll compare Mercari vs. Depop across fees, buyer behavior, and seller tools. We'll also show you how Nifty lets you manage your listings on both platforms simultaneously to help you maximize sales without having to choose between platforms or juggle multiple tabs.

Mercari vs. Depop: What’s the Difference?

The main difference between Mercari and Depop centers on product categories and buyer expectations. Mercari accepts electronics, home goods, collectibles, and other general consumer items. Depop focuses exclusively on clothing, shoes, and fashion accessories. Depop actually bans the sale of most electronics and other goods. 

Depop has over 5 million active buyers and 2.5 million active sellers. It accommodates those who seek trendy vintage pieces and Y2K fashion through social browsing, making it a top Mercari alternative for clothing sellers. 

Mercari boasts more than 20 million active users. Shoppers hunt for deals across broad categories, so electronics rank among its best-selling items. It’s a viable Depop alternative for startup reselling businesses and established players. The platform also allows selling diverse goods like watches, vintage products, and clothing.

How does Nifty help?

Resellers use Nifty to list smoothly across platforms like Mercari and Depop, and they’ve seen real growth. This reselling tool cuts out all the tedious, busywork, and takes care of those annoying backend tasks that other solutions leave you to figure out yourself.

Nifty brings you solid inventory control, smooth crosslisting, and sharp analytics. Its inventory management automatically updates your stock counts and auto-delists everywhere the moment something sells. So, no more awkward double-sales mishaps.

Plus, you can schedule updates, offers, and relisting, which Nifty runs while you sleep. You’ll get better visibility, and you’ll get profit insights that include every cost (shipping, fees, everything), not just those misleading gross numbers.

Already managing multiple marketplaces? How about expanding from one platform to both Depop and Mercari? Nifty turns crosslisting from a time-consuming puzzle into a straightforward system that actually delivers results.

Mercari vs. Depop: At a glance

Mercari vs. Depop: Feature-by-feature comparison

Mercari’s listing experience

Mercari's listing experience covers product categories beyond fashion. It supports selling electronics like smartphones, gaming consoles, and laptops alongside clothing. This category flexibility attracts buyers seeking practical household items rather than trendy fashion pieces.

The platform accelerates listing with an AI tool that imports products and generates titles and descriptions, though some users reported occasional glitches. Manual posting takes 5 minutes with a few required fields. Mercari’s mobile app lets sellers list from anywhere.

Depop’s listing experience

Depop’s listing experience focuses on social-media-style discovery and visual branding for fashion. Its feed-based interface, similar to IG, lets buyers find items by scrolling, following sellers, and engaging with posts instead of relying only on search filters. 

Sellers create aesthetic posts and grow followings through consistent visual themes. 

Creative photography and hashtags connect unique fashion finds with style-conscious Gen Z and young Millennials. Depop recently introduced AI tools for automatic listing descriptions and counterfeit detection. Yet, many users report these tools wrongly flag non-counterfeit items and say the features are forced without an opt-out.

The verdict 

For sellers with a wide product range beyond clothing, Mercari wins for versatility. But Depop appeals more to a fashion-focused audience than Mercari’s general shopper base. 

Mercari offers quick listings with minimal required fields. Sellers can post items across multiple categories, making it ideal for selling clothing, electronics, and household goods. Depop provides an opportunity for stronger brand-building through its social, feed-based interface and appeal to style-focused buyers. 

Unless you sell only electronics or other non-clothing goods, list on both marketplaces and use a tool like Nifty to manage your listings.

Who each platform works best for: TL;DR

Mercari’s buyer base and what sells best

Mercari attracts buyers searching for everyday essentials, budget-friendly fashion, and discounted household goods. Most buyers know exactly what they want. They prefer quick deals over back-and-forth haggling, but you can still barter by pressing the “Make an Offer” button, which allows price negotiation.

Sellers can set accounts to automatically decline offers below a chosen price.

Shoppers expect clear photos, accurate descriptions, and fast shipping. They rarely communicate through messaging. The typical Mercari user has a specific item in mind and wants the best deal possible. Trust depends on consistent shipping and accurate item condition.

Overall, Mercari caters to buyers who prioritize speed and simplicity over extended seller interaction.

Depop’s buyer base and what sells best

Depop attracts Gen Z and younger Millennials, who treat shopping as social media browsing. These buyers prioritize aesthetics, individuality, and trending unique pieces over mainstream brands. They're hunting for Y2K revival items, vintage band tees, chunky sneakers, and standout items that command attention.

Trendy vintage pieces, Y2K fashion, streetwear, handmade jewelry, and unique thrifted finds sell fastest. Items with strong visual appeal and authentic vintage style consistently outperform generic pieces. Depop buyers will pay premium prices for items that help them stand out. 

The key: Aesthetic presentation matters as much as the item itself on Depop.

The verdict 

Mercari and Depop both win, but for different types of sellers. Mercari excels for casual resellers who want fast turnover on everyday items without needing to curate a branded aesthetic. Straightforward buyers and a simple listing process make Mercari ideal for moving volume quickly. 

Depop dominates for creative sellers, social-media savvy sellers flipping unique or vintage clothing and accessories. The platform's visual-first approach and premium-paying audience reward sellers who create compelling brand stories around their vintage and Y2K pieces. 

Your inventory type and selling style determine which platform fits best. Everyday basics sell best on Mercari, while Instagram-worthy vintage fashion brings home the bacon on Depop. Smart sellers use both strategically.

Mercari fees and payouts

Mercari uses a straightforward fee model: A 10% selling fee per transaction and no listing fees. Optional costs such as promotion fees or shipping add-ons can still reduce profits. Tools like Nifty track earnings by combining fees, shipping costs, and revenue from multiple platforms. Nifty supports Mercari and Depop in one dashboard.

Payouts usually arrive faster than on platforms that delay processing or use fixed schedules, and sellers get clear, transaction-level fee breakdowns. Sellers can request earnings once a sale is completed and funds clear. Payments usually reach bank accounts within a few business days.

Depop fees and payouts

Depop currently charges no platform fees for U.S.-based sellers, making it appealing for sellers aiming to maximize profits. The only cost for U.S. sellers is a payment processing fee of 3.3% plus $0.45 per transaction, and Depop automatically deducts it from the sale amount. (The same fees apply for sellers in the U.K.)

This fee structure keeps overhead low compared to other resale platforms. However, the policy differs for sellers outside the U.S., who are subject to a 10% seller fee in addition to extra payment processing charges. 

The platform calculates these fees on the total transaction, including shipping, and deducts them before the seller receives their payout. 

Depop pays U.S. sellers 2 business days after delivery or 10 days after sale. Funds take 2–5 more days to reach bank accounts.

The verdict

Depop offers the lowest fees, which outperform Mercari’s flat 10% cut. On a $50 sale, you’d keep $48.35 with Depop compared to $45 with Mercari.

Mercari makes up ground with faster payouts. The winner comes down to your priorities. Go with Depop if higher profit margins matter most. Choose Mercari if you need quicker access to your earnings for reinvestment or cash flow.

Mercari shipping and return policies

Mercari makes shipping easy by offering prepaid labels with flat rates based on item weight. Sellers can choose USPS, UPS, or FedEx, or use their own shipping method. The platform automatically calculates rates based on weight and carrier.

Mercari seller protection

For seller protection, Mercari holds payments in escrow until the buyer confirms they received the item as described. Mercari approves returns only when a buyer files a dispute and provides evidence.

Depop shipping and return policies

Depop gives sellers broad shipping flexibility with options for custom rates, international delivery, or a prepaid label. Sellers can ship worldwide and set rates from $4.49 to $13+, unlike platforms restricted to domestic sales. 

The platform supports multiple carriers, allowing sellers to choose the best fit for their items and customers.

Depop seller protection

For seller protection, Depop gives sellers more control over return decisions than many competitors. Depop handles returns case-by-case through the resolution center. Support response times can be slower, so sellers often manage disputes independently.

The verdict 

Mercari offers a straightforward shipping system with prepaid labels, flat rates, and built-in protection through payment escrow and evidence-based return approvals. Depop provides greater flexibility, including international shipping and customizable rates. 

However, Depop’s slower support response times and case-by-case dispute handling place more responsibility on sellers to resolve issues. For those prioritizing speed, simplicity, and clear safeguards, Mercari is the safer choice. Yet, Depop suits experienced sellers who value control, varied shipping options, and managing customer service and returns.

What real users are saying

We analyzed seller feedback from Reddit, the Better Business Bureau, and Trustpilot to compare Mercari and Depop’s real-world performance. Sellers weighed in on ease of use, payment reliability, customer support, and growth potential.

Results varied depending on seller type and sales volume, but pros and cons about each platform’s seller experience emerged.

Mercari

We found that sellers use Mercari to list items quickly, attract casual buyers, and sell items that Depop doesn’t allow. However, some Mercari sellers criticized the platform for not handling complaints. 

Pros 

• Reliable support: A seller highlighted that Mercari has been a dependable source of income for them over an extended period. (October 13, 2024) 

• Solid selection: A buyer was able to find a rare article of clothing on Mercari that they couldn’t find on other platforms. (June 4, 2025)

• User-friendly: On Reddit, a seller praised Mercari’s ease of use and intuitive interface, saying that it’s easier than other reselling platforms. (April 17, 2025)

Cons

• Won’t help resolve shipping issues: When a seller experienced problems with a shipping service, Mercari was unwilling to help them through the situation. (August 5, 2025)

• Poor seller protection: A user on the Better Business Bureau site said that Mercari sides with buyers over sellers. (August 21, 2025)

• Shipping overcharges: A seller claims Mercari overcharged shipping, deducting $265 after payout on a $300 sale. The buyer paid $95 for a 38-pound package, but Mercari billed it at 73 pounds. (August 11, 2025)

Depop

Pros

• Good seller protection: A Depop seller praised the platform for quickly refunding both parties after an item was lost, highlighting effective buyer/seller protection. (April 23, 2025) 

• Move items quickly: A seller praised the platform because they could sell items more quickly than on other reseller marketplaces. (January 14, 2025)  

• Trustworthy sellers: A buyer highlighted that many of Depop’s sellers are great. They’ve never had any issues with receiving items. (March 3, 2025) 

Cons 

• Not good for high-value items: A seller cautioned that selling items over $300 is risky because the platform covers only up to $300 if something goes wrong. (June 6, 2024)

• Sided with buyer unfairly: Despite proof that a buyer acknowledged an item’s flaws before a sale, a seller said that Depop forced a refund. (August 8, 2025)

• Failed to protect against buyer fraud: A seller recounted getting scammed, but received poor support from Depop. (June 6, 2024)

How to choose 

Mercari is best for beginners who want a quick, hassle-free selling experience with clear fees and fast payouts, making it ideal for everyday items and simple closet clean-outs. In contrast, Depop caters to fashion-focused sellers (especially vintage and trend-driven styles), offering low fees, higher margins, and a social-media-inspired platform.

Mercari works for:

• Fast listing: If you want to post items quickly, Mercari’s setup makes it easy to do so. Snap a photo, add a brief description, and list from your phone in minutes. The app covers shipping labels and buyer messages without needing to switch devices.

• Beginner-friendly selling: Mercari works well for casual sellers clearing out closets or reselling finds for side income. There’s no need for complex tools, store subscriptions, or bulk listing management. It’s a low-risk way to test reselling without significant time or cost commitments.

• Relatively low fees and quick payouts: Mercari charges a flat 10% commission, which keeps profit tracking straightforward. Once a buyer confirms delivery, Mercari sends payouts as soon as the next business day, giving sellers quick access to earnings.

Depop is better for:

• Selling fashion pieces to a specific audience: Depop’s Gen Z and Millennial buyers seek vintage, Y2K, and trendy pieces. The platform’s fashion-focused community pays premium prices for unique items that stand out from mainstream retail.

• Social-media-savvy sellers: Depop rewards aesthetic presentation and brand building. Sellers skilled in styling, photography, and creating engaging profiles can build loyal followings that drive repeat sales and higher engagement rates.

• Higher profit margins: With zero platform fees for US sellers (only 3.3% + $0.45 processing), Depop lets you keep more profit than competitors charging 10-20% commissions on every sale.

For many sellers, the smartest approach is to use both: Mercari for fast-moving basics and Depop for curated, aesthetic-driven items that appeal to style-conscious buyers. And the good news is, you can manage all your listings on both platforms using Nifty.

Don’t choose between Mercari vs. Depop: List on both with Nifty

Tired of deciding on whether to list those vintage Misfits hoodies on Depop or Mercari? List them on both platforms, and manage everything from Nifty. Here’s how Nifty makes it possible:

• Snap, list, done: Upload a photo and let Nifty’s AI handle the rest. It will generate SEO-ready titles, persuasive descriptions, trending hashtags, and pre-filled details. 

• Sell on other platforms, too: In addition to Mercari and Depop, list on Poshmark, eBay, and Etsy in a few clicks (more marketplaces coming soon!). Your inventory updates automatically and auto-delists sold items on other platforms to prevent double-selling.

• Automate daily tasks: Share, relist, update, and discount items in bulk. Schedule drafts to go live anytime — even while you sleep.

• Track performance: Monitor sales, fees, top sellers, profits, and slow movers from Nifty’s analytics dashboard.

Don’t lose any sleep when deciding between Mercari vs. Depop; just try Nifty. Get started with a 7-day free trial and see why people use Nifty to save time and manage their listings with ease.

FAQs

1. Is Mercari or Depop better for beginners?

Mercari is better for beginners who want quick, low-risk selling without learning complex selling tools. The platform accepts diverse products beyond fashion, making it useful for clearing closets or testing reselling. It also offers a 10% flat fee structure, which keeps profit calculations simple.

2. Can I use Nifty if I only sell on one platform?

Yes, you can use Nifty even if you sell on one platform. Nifty’s AI quickly generates titles and descriptions, and its analytics track sales and profits. Many sellers start with one marketplace through Nifty, then expand to crosslisting as they scale.

3. What fees does Depop charge vs. Mercari?

Depop charges zero platform fees for U.S. sellers, only a 3.3% + $0.45 payment processing fee per transaction. Mercari charges a flat 10% selling fee on every sale. However, Mercari pays out faster after buyer confirmation, while Depop takes at least two business days.