I can't sell my used clothes on Mercari... 7 things people who can still sell them do

Do you feel like your used clothes aren't selling well when you list them on Mercari? Many people worry that "I've lowered the price but there's no response" or "I get likes but no purchases." However, it's also true that there are people who are steadily increasing their sales even though they're listing used clothes in the same way. In fact, there are some little tips and tricks that successful sellers have in common.

In this article, we will clearly explain the seven techniques that successful sellers use , which even beginners can put into practice right away.

 

 

The main reasons why used clothes don't sell on Mercari and the pitfalls

If you feel like your used clothes aren't selling well on Mercari, the reason is often not that the product is bad, but rather that there is a small pitfall in the way you list them. The difference between those who can sell and those who can't actually lies in some very basic details. Here we will explain the main factors that affect sales and some points that are often overlooked.

If your product photos are not attractive, they will be ignored immediately.

On Mercari, the first impression of your photo is crucial. The photo is the first thing people see in the search results, and if it doesn't catch their eye, they won't even click on it. Dark, blurry photos or wrinkled clothes won't sell, no matter how good your product is.

Take the photo in a bright place with a clear background. You can post multiple photos, so it is effective to post photos that clearly show the whole garment, details, tags, and how it looks when worn (flat is also acceptable).

The description is insufficient, making customers hesitate to purchase.

If the description is too short or does not contain enough information, the buyer will feel uneasy and will abandon the product. In particular, you should include details such as the size, how it feels to use, when it was purchased, the material, and how it was washed.

Preemptively writing down what buyers want to know will build trust. Honestly reporting negative information (such as stains or scratches) will also help prevent complaints.

Pattern of items remaining unsold due to pricing mistakes

Setting a price that is too high above the market price, or even too low, can make people suspect there is something wrong with it and they will ignore it. The ability to determine the "fair price" will determine your sales.

When checking market prices, try searching using the following criteria:

・Same brand and model best-selling products

-Similar size and color

- Listing timing that reflects the season and trends

・New or used

By setting prices based on "sales history" in this way, you increase the chances of selling.

Selling clothes that are out of season or trend

No matter how good the condition of an item is, clothes that are out of season tend to attract less attention. It goes without saying that down jackets in summer and T-shirts in winter are hard to sell. Also, if the item is out of trend, the demand will drop dramatically.

If you keep in mind "early listing" for each season, your items will be more likely to appear at the top of search results. We recommend listing your items 1-2 months before the season in which they will be worn.

Non-branded clothing is hard to sell unless you put some effort into it.

Non-branded products are a genre where price competition is fierce and differentiation is difficult. However, those who are selling well in this field are increasing the value of their products by suggesting ways to wear them, tagging them, and showing them in an attractive way.

The following tips can be effective:

- Descriptions that appeal to the needs of the customer, such as "For simple outfits" or "For those who like oversized clothing"

・Post a photo of the product being worn

・Prices are kept low and shipping costs are included

-Sell similar items together to create a shop feel

The timing of listing is bad and the item gets buried.

Mercari displays items in order of new arrivals, so the timing of listing can have a big impact on sales. In particular, listing at times when users are most active will make it easier to receive more views. Specifically, the most effective time is between 9 pm and 11 pm on weekdays. This is because this is the time when users check Mercari on their smartphones after finishing work or school. On weekends, there are also many active users between 10 am and 12 noon, or between 8 pm and 10 pm, so these are times when your items are likely to be more visible.

In addition, if you have listed an item once and it has been buried, you can attract attention again by "relisting" it or "reassessing the price" rather than leaving it as it is. In particular, if you have not received any "likes" or comments even after several days since listing it, we recommend that you relist it at a new time after reviewing the description, photos, pricing, etc.

I listed it once and left it there without any response.

If you leave your listing unsold, it will drop in the rankings and get buried. The basic rule is to "regularly review unsold items." Consider relisting your item by changing the price, taking new photos, adding a description, or looking for ways to improve it.

Many products that don't get a good response are due to the way they are presented. By comparing your product with best-selling products and analyzing the differences, you can make small improvements that will lead to increased sales. Steady review will lead to results.

7 tricks used by people who can sell unsellable clothes

Even though people are selling similar used clothing, what is the difference between "sellers" and "unsellers"? In fact, a little ingenuity and the way you present your listing can make a big difference in the results. Here, we will introduce seven specific techniques used by people who have been able to successfully sell items that are said to be difficult to sell.

Relist at a time when it will sell well

Mercari displays items in order of new arrivals, so the "timing" of listing is very important. No matter how good your item is, if you list it at a time when there are few users, it will tend to get buried. By relisting your item at a time when there are more users, you can increase the number of views and make it easier to sell.

Here are some recommended listing times:

・Weekdays: 9pm to 11pm (Many users after work)

・Saturdays and Sundays: 10:00-12:00, 20:00-22:00 (particularly active)

Also, if an item doesn't get many responses even after a few days of listing, it can be effective to relist it at a different price.

Deliberately write down your "flaws" to create a sense of trust

Some people try to hide negative information about the product, such as damage or wear and tear, but this ends up making the buyer distrustful. So the most effective way to do this is to honestly list the defects to gain "trust."

By being specific and careful with your description, such as "There is a slight stain on the cuff" or "There is a name written on the tag," you can give the impression of being a "honest seller." As a result, you can prevent problems after the purchase and increase the number of repeat customers.

Imitate popular sellers and learn "best-selling patterns"

Mercari has many "popular sellers" who consistently make sales every month. If you look closely at the pages of these sellers, you'll notice that they share commonalities in how they take photos, how they structure their descriptions, and how they add tags. For example, the first photo is taken in bright natural light, with a simple background such as white. The product name also includes the brand name, size, and color, making it highly search-friendly. Furthermore, the profile text mentions the number of days until shipping and the carefulness of packaging, giving buyers a sense of security.

As you can see, there is a certain style to the listings of "successful sellers," and even beginners can increase their sales by imitating it. The shortcut to success is to first faithfully reproduce that style, and then once you get used to it, develop it into your own style.

Write search-friendly descriptions that incorporate keywords

No matter how attractive your product is, if it doesn't show up in a search, it won't even be seen. By being conscious of "searchable descriptions," you can increase the number of views. The key is to include the brand name, size, color, category, and trending words in a natural way.

example:
"Uniqlo Light Down Jacket / Men's L Size / Black / Lightweight, warm, recommended for autumn and winter"

Such detailed descriptions are also more effective for SEO and are more likely to appear at the top of search results.

Emphasize the speed of delivery and the courtesy of your customers.

Buyers are sensitive to whether their items arrive quickly or not and whether they are handled with care. Shipping speed and careful communication directly lead to a sense of security and trust. By clearly stating in your product description or profile that you can ship same day or that you strive to pack items with care, you can lower the barrier to purchase.

Also, how you respond to messages after a purchase is important. Just adding a message such as "Thank you for your purchase. We will ship it today" can make a big difference in the impression you make.

Differentiate your photos by considering the background, brightness, and composition

Photos are an important factor in determining the "first impression" of a product. In order to differentiate yourself from other sellers, it is key to be mindful of three things: background, brightness, and composition.

Recommended points:

- Keep the background simple, such as white or wood grain

・Shoot in bright natural light during the day

- Take multiple photos of the item laid flat, on a hanger, and with small items

By doing just this, even if you are wearing the same clothes, the impression will be dramatically improved and your click-through rate will increase.

Concentrate listings before the season or weekend

Of course, you should be aware of the best times to sell, but what's even more important is to think strategically about "when and what products to put out." Listing seasonal clothing in particular one to two months before demand increases will help catch the eye of users who are more interested in buying. For example, it's effective to list summer T-shirts and linen items in early April, and autumn/winter outerwear and knitwear in September.

It is also effective to list multiple items at once when the number of views is high. Specifically, by listing multiple items at once on Friday night or Saturday morning before the weekend, your listings will be more likely to appear in search results, increasing your exposure. In this way, by combining "early bird" and "bulk listings," you can maximize your chances of selling.

Three things you can do if you're tired of selling on Mercari

"Listing items is such a hassle" or "My motivation is dropping because my items aren't selling" - are you feeling "Mercari fatigue"? As you continue selling secondhand clothes, worries about the hassle, inventory, fees, and more can pile up.

At times like these, it's important not to push yourself too hard, but to find ways to effectively reduce the burden. Here are three ways to deal with Mercari fatigue.

Take advantage of photo services to handle the tedious tasks

Mercari requires a lot of detailed work, such as photographing products, taking measurements, and writing descriptions. If you get tired of the task of listing items every time, consider outsourcing. Recently, there has been an increase in companies offering listing and photography services, allowing you to entrust some of the work to them from the comfort of your own home.

It is especially effective in the following cases:

- There are many products, and it is difficult to photograph each one

・I can't find the time to list my items, so my inventory keeps growing

- Want to increase sales by having your photos photographed by a professional

Although it is costly, it is an effective way to save time and stress and increase sales efficiency.

Increase turnover by selling unsold clothes in bulk

Continuing to list clothes that are not selling well can be time-consuming and mentally exhausting. In times like these, organizing your inventory by selling in bulk is an effective way to do so. Non-branded and low-priced items in particular are difficult to sell individually, but by selling them in sets, they are more likely to catch the eye of buyers.

For example, it is effective to list items with the same theme or size, such as a "5-piece summer outfit set (T-shirts, skirts, etc.)," "Office casual wear in bulk," or "A set of vintage women's clothing, mostly size M."

Also, adding a phrase such as "All items are wearable" to the product description reduces concerns about the condition of the items, lowering the barrier to purchase. In this way, selling in bulk can be said to be an efficient way to reduce inventory while also increasing sales.

Use other buying services in addition to Mercari

If you feel like your items aren't selling or that it's too much work, it's a realistic option to use other methods in addition to relying solely on Mercari. Recently, there are many second-hand clothing specialist services that offer home delivery and on-site purchase services, so you can get rid of your items by simply packing them up in a box and sending them off, which is hassle-free.

Recommended for:

・I want to dispose of a large amount of inventory at once

I want to convert it into cash quickly without spending a lot of time.

・I'm tired of negotiating prices and shipping.

This is a mentally efficient method for those who would rather get rid of all the items at once and feel refreshed rather than waste time on items that they may or may not sell.

Selling non-branded clothes! Little-known tips

Many people believe that "if it's not a branded item, it won't sell," but in fact, non-branded clothing can be sold well if you use some ingenuity. The key is to convey a sense of security and empathy rather than price. Rather than relying on special techniques, it is possible to make non-branded clothing look attractive with small attentions and the way you communicate. Here are three ideas for selling non-branded clothing.

Simple cleaning you can do at home to give your home a clean look

With non-branded products, the first impression of the product determines whether or not the item will be purchased. Cleanliness is an especially important factor for buyers, so be sure to give it a little care before listing it. Just washing, ironing, removing pilling, and other care that can be done at home can make a big difference in the appearance. Precisely because it is not a branded product, giving it a neat appearance leads to trust.

Use relatable keywords such as "mix and match" and "simple outfits"

For non-branded products, the choice of words can affect sales because they are less likely to be found in searches. By naturally incorporating relatable keywords such as "mix and match," "simple," "natural," and "commuting" in the title and description, your product will be more likely to appear in search results and catch the eye of many users.

For example, the following keywords can be effective:

・Simple and easy to mix and match

・Oversized for a trendy look

Easy to use for commuting outfits

・Perfect for natural outfits

By including specific words like these, you can create a sense of familiarity with the product and lower the barrier to purchase. By using keywords in a simple way, you can expand the market in which non-brands can compete.

Adding style suggestions to product descriptions boosts purchasing motivation

When selling non-branded clothing, it is very effective to convey "how to wear it" rather than simply listing information. For example, adding suggestions such as "Pair it with a white shirt for a refreshing look" or "It also works great as an inner layer under a cardigan" makes it easier for customers to imagine how to use it. This little touch is a big factor in encouraging purchases.

Buying services and on-site appraisals to consider when you can't sell

If you have clothes that aren't selling well on Mercari, or if you're tired of the listing process itself, one option is to consider other ways to get rid of your clothes. In particular, for non-branded items or items that are difficult to sell in bulk, there are many services that can help you organize your clothes efficiently, such as mail-order purchase, on-site purchase, and even used clothing collection.

Here are four ways to put your unsold clothes to good use and avoid them going to waste.

There are also home delivery and on-site purchase services that specialize in non-brand products.

Non-branded second-hand clothes tend to be hard to sell on Mercari, but if you use their mail-order or on-site purchase service, you may be able to sell them all at once for a set amount. In particular, if you choose a buyer that has conditions such as "any brand" or "bulk sales OK," the hurdle of disposing of your inventory will be significantly lowered. The biggest advantage is that you can complete the process at home without any hassle, making this a suitable method for those who are tired of listing items and dealing with other customers.

For example, even non-brand items may be appraised if they are in good condition, and there are also cases where delivery kits and collection are provided free of charge. In addition, many services allow you to return the items if you are not satisfied with the appraisal results, so you can use them with peace of mind. By making good use of these purchasing services, you can be free from the stress of holding onto inventory, and you can clear up both your room and your mind.

What are the advantages of being able to get rid of clothes more easily than with Mercari?

Mercari offers a high degree of freedom for private sales, but it requires a lot of work, such as taking photos, writing descriptions, shipping, and dealing with buyers. In contrast, buying services require little effort, as all you have to do is pack the items in a bag and send them off.

Another appealing feature is that you don't have to price each item, and you can get rid of your clothes as if they were being disposed of. It's a more efficient option than Mercari, especially for people who want to get rid of clothes in bulk without spending a lot of time. The fact that you can easily apply and have the items picked up from your home is also a big advantage for busy people.

Things to note and how to choose when requesting on-site purchase

On-site purchase is a service where an appraiser visits your home and purchases your items on the spot. It is convenient when you want to dispose of a large amount of clothing or furniture, but it is important to check the service details in advance to avoid any problems.

Specifically, pay attention to the following points when making your selection.

· Conditions for products to be purchased (whether non-branded products are acceptable)

・Business trip area coverage

-Can I cancel if I'm not satisfied with the estimated price on the spot?

・Whether there are travel expenses or cancellation fees

You can use the service with peace of mind by choosing the service that suits you best while referring to reviews and official websites.

Proposal for setting up used clothing collection boxes for items that are difficult to purchase

Even buying services may refuse to take clothes that have holes, are faded, or show signs of heavy wear. In such cases, we recommend using the "used clothing collection box" set up by OLD FLIP. At OLD FLIP, even used clothes that are difficult to resell are put into a cycle of reuse and recycling while placing great importance on consideration for the environment. Not only can you reuse clothes without any hassle, but it's also attractive that your unwanted clothes may be useful to someone else.

In recent years, some stores such as Uniqlo and H&M have also begun collecting clothing, but OLD FLIP, as the "final destination for unsellable clothes," handles a wider range of items. It is gaining attention as an option for those who are reluctant to throw things away or who are environmentally conscious, to let them get rid of their clothes with a good feeling. If you have clothes that you just can't sell, please give it a try.

https://old-flip.myshopify.com/blogs/company/box

summary

When people feel like their used clothes aren't selling on Mercari, they tend to think that their products aren't appealing, but in reality, the cause is often the way they're being sold. All of the seven tips we've introduced here can be put into practice without any special skills or experience.

Sales can change dramatically just by making small changes to the way your product is presented, such as photos, descriptions, and the timing of listing. In order to turn a "no sale" into a "sale," it's important to make small, incremental improvements without being afraid of trial and error. Steady efforts will definitely lead to results.