Is Rakuten Rakuma Better Than Mercari? We Break It Down
You’ve got a closet full of stuff you never use, and you’re finally ready to sell it. But which app should you choose: Rakuten Rakuma or Mercari? Both platforms promise to be user-friendly, but your time is valuable, and you want to avoid the hassle of trial and error.
| Feature | Rakuten Rakuma | Mercari |
|---|---|---|
| Listing Fees | ✗ | ✗ |
| Transaction Fees | 3.5% | 10% |
| User Base (Japan) | Medium | Large |
| Shipping Integration | ✓ | ✓ |
| International Shipping | ✗ | ✓ |
| Customer Support | Good | Average |
✅ rakuten rakuma Pros
- Lower transaction fees at 3.5%.
- Strong customer support.
- Seamless integration with Rakuten ecosystem.
❌ rakuten rakuma Cons
- Limited to Japan, no international shipping.
- Smaller user base compared to Mercari.
✅ mercari Pros
- Large user base increases chances of sales.
- Offers international shipping options.
- User-friendly interface.
❌ mercari Cons
- Higher transaction fees at 10%.
- Customer service can be hit or miss.
Performance
When it comes to performance, Rakuten Rakuma excels with its lower transaction fees, making it a more cost-effective choice if you have a lot of items to sell. However, Mercari’s larger user base offers a higher probability of selling your items quickly. If speed of sale is more critical to you than transaction fees, Mercari might edge out Rakuma in this department.
Build Quality
Both apps are polished and user-friendly, but Rakuten Rakuma benefits from seamless integration with the Rakuten ecosystem, which can make managing your transactions smoother if you’re already a Rakuten user. Mercari might not offer the same level of integration, but its intuitive design makes it easy for anyone to start selling quickly, even if you’re new to online marketplaces.
Value
Rakuten Rakuma provides better value for sellers who are cost-conscious due to its lower transaction fees. But if you’re aiming to sell internationally or want a larger audience to pitch to, Mercari’s international capabilities and larger user base provide value that Rakuma can’t match. Choose based on your primary selling goals: reach versus cost.
Rakuten Rakuma might not be the best choice if you’re looking to reach international buyers, as it focuses on the Japanese market. Mercari’s interface might seem like a saving grace for beginners, but expect to pay for that ease of use with higher fees. If you’re not careful, those fees can eat into your profits quickly.
Our Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
If you’re primarily selling within Japan and want to keep more of your profits, Rakuten Rakuma is your best bet. It’s perfect for the budget-conscious seller who appreciates good customer support. On the other hand, if you’re looking to reach a broader audience, including international buyers, and don’t mind the higher fees, Mercari is ideal for you. Go with Mercari if you prioritize speed and exposure over cost.
How do the transaction fees impact my profits?
Rakuten Rakuma charges a lower fee of 3.5%, whereas Mercari charges 10%. This means that on higher-priced items, the difference in fees can significantly impact your take-home amount.
Is international shipping available on both platforms?
No, only Mercari offers international shipping options. Rakuten Rakuma is limited to the Japanese market.
Which platform has a larger user base?
Mercari boasts a larger user base, especially outside of Japan, which can lead to quicker sales.
