Mercari has joined the Coalition to Protect America’s Small Sellers (PASS Coalition) to advocate for small sellers.
In light of recently proposed legislation, we at Mercari have joined forces with other leading marketplaces to advocate for the many communities using eCommerce platforms to sell online.
While well-intentioned, policymakers supporting the anti-counterfeiting bill known as INFORM Consumers Act, are putting casual sellers at risk. Sharing private information online including full address, email, and phone number for individuals creates real trust and safety concerns when exchanging items with strangers.
The latest policy conversations neglect the needs of everyday sellers who rely on consumer-to-consumer marketplaces like Mercari to supplement their income, especially during the pandemic. That is why we’ve teamed up with eBay, Etsy, Offer Up and Poshmark to advocate for small sellers —many of whom have found success saying goodbye to unused items and hello to newly discovered treasures on our platform during the pandemic and beyond. Together, The Coalition to Protect America’s Small Sellers (PASS Coalition) represents you, the online sellers in the U.S. who depend on eCommerce to sell items of value no longer being used.
The difficult economic climate brought on by the pandemic coupled with a more environmentally-conscious philosophy amongst consumers has led to a surge in eCommerce— particularly recommerce— during the course of the last year. Millions of individuals turned to buying and selling on platforms like Mercari as a lifestyle shift that’s not only good for the planet, but also good for their wallets. We need legislation that reflects the rights of these individuals and keeps up with the pace of our shift from recommerce being the exception for how we buy and sell, to the convention.
As an online marketplace connecting millions of people across the U.S. to exchange everyday items and unique finds, we must step in to support and protect the individuals interacting on Mercari. If, as a user, you are also concerned about having your private information disclosed online, we encourage you to contact your state representatives and voice your concerns about how the proposed legislation may impact your privacy rights, your safety and your ability to supplement your income on marketplaces like Mercari.
You can learn more about the recent legislation and the PASS Coalition’s mission here.
