New to shopping Mercari? 6 tips to score the best deals

Whether you’re searching for deals on everything from laptops to lava lamps (and beyond), or you’re into the thrill of the hunt, Mercari makes it easy to find great deals on like-new (and even brand new) items. But if you’ve never shopped Mercari before, we’ve got you covered with tips on finding and scoring great deals.

1. Download the Mercari app

Not only does the app make it easier to search on the go, it’s also great for tracking your purchases and getting notified when items you’ve previously searched are available (more on this below). The Mercari app is available on Google Play and the App Store.

2. Get the most out of your search

The search bar at the top of the home screen is your friend – type in whatever you’re looking for, from vintage Pyrex glassware to Nintendo Switch consoles to authenticated Gucci slides. From there, you can easily narrow your search. I personally like to start by tapping “For sale” so I see only the items that are currently available. On a budget? Tap the Filters icon at the top right and toggle “Has coupon” to see items offered with a discount that’s applied at checkout. Then toggle “Shipping free” to see items with no shipping fee. You can also refine your search by category, brand, condition, and more. 

Need it faster? Just toggle Mercari Local under your search. Learn more.

3. Save it to your Likes

To paraphrase an icon: If you liked it, then you shoulda hit the Like button. Even if you’re not ready to add to cart, Liking items is the best way to save them for later. It’s also a great way to possibly get a discount since many sellers respond to Likes by offering you (the Liker) a lower price than what is listed. If that doesn’t happen you can always…(see #4)

4. Make an Offer

The app will suggest Offer amounts for you or you can name your own suggested price. If the seller accepts your Offer, your payment will process automatically and the seller should ship your item out shortly. The seller might also make a counteroffer for your consideration.

RELATED: 5 money-saving mom-approved tips for scoring back to school clothes on a budget

5. Message the seller

If you have any questions about the item (measurements is a common one) or if you would like to see more pictures, feel free to message the seller and ask away. Many sellers are committed to responding quickly in order to make the sale.

6. Save your searches

Thousands of items are listed on Mercari every day, so check back often. You can also get notified via the app or email when new items from your saved searches are listed. Just toggle “Save this search” on the top right of the app.

What are you excited to find on Mercari? Let us know with a tweet at @mercari_app!    

Main image credit: Insta_photos