Depop vs Mercari: Which Is Better for Sellers in 2026?

Depop and Mercari both charge sellers 10% commission, so on the surface they look identical. But the platforms attract very different buyers, handle shipping differently, and suit different types of inventory. Here's how they compare across the things that actually matter to sellers.

Fees

Both platforms take 10% of the sale price as commission. The payment processing fees are slightly different:

• Depop: 10% commission + 2.9% + $0.30 payment processing
• Mercari: 10% commission + 2.9% + $0.50 payment processing

Mercari's flat processing fee is $0.20 higher per transaction, which adds up if you're selling a lot of lower-priced items. On a $30 sale, Depop takes $4.17 in total fees while Mercari takes $4.37. Small difference, but it compounds over hundreds of sales.

Audience

This is where the two platforms diverge sharply.

Depop skews young (16-26), fashion-forward, and trend-driven. Buyers come looking for vintage clothing, streetwear, Y2K aesthetics, and one-of-a-kind pieces. If your inventory leans into fashion, aesthetics, or curated style, Depop's audience is primed for it.

Mercari attracts a broader demographic. It's more of a general marketplace, like a digital car boot sale. Electronics, homewares, books, toys, and everyday clothing all do well. The audience is less trend-focused and more deal-focused.

Item Types

• Best on Depop: Vintage clothing, streetwear, designer pieces, handmade accessories, curated fashion
• Best on Mercari: Electronics, books, toys, general clothing, homewares, anything with a recognisable brand or model number

If you're selling a vintage denim jacket, Depop. If you're selling a Bluetooth speaker, Mercari.

Seller Tools

Depop leans heavily on its social features. Your shop is essentially a feed, and engagement (likes, follows, shares) drives visibility. Depop's search algorithm rewards fresh listings and active sellers.

Mercari is more transactional. Listings are straightforward, search is keyword-based, and there's a built-in offer system that lets buyers negotiate. Mercari also has a "Smart Pricing" feature that automatically lowers your price over time if an item doesn't sell.

Shipping

Depop gives sellers the choice between arranging their own shipping or using Depop's prepaid labels (available in the US and UK). In Australia, sellers typically arrange their own shipping through Australia Post.

Mercari offers prepaid shipping labels in the US with integrated tracking. The process is generally smoother for US-based sellers, with label costs deducted from the sale amount.

Payout Speed

• Depop: Funds are available after the buyer confirms receipt, or automatically after a few days. Payouts via PayPal or direct deposit.
• Mercari: 3-day rating window after delivery, then funds are released. Payouts via direct deposit with a $2 fee for instant transfers.

Global Availability

This is a significant factor for Australian sellers.

Depop operates in Australia, the US, and the UK. Australian sellers can list and sell domestically or ship internationally.

Mercari has a limited presence outside the US and Japan. If you're based in Australia, Mercari is not a practical option for domestic selling. This alone may make the decision for you.

The Verdict

For Australian sellers, Depop wins by default because Mercari barely operates here. For US-based sellers, the choice comes down to what you're selling: fashion and curated items go to Depop, general goods go to Mercari.

For a detailed side-by-side breakdown, check out our Depop vs Mercari comparison page. And if you sell on both platforms, Shopfront makes it easy to crosslist and manage inventory across Depop, Mercari, and other marketplaces from one place.