Mercari launched a returns policy at the end of March that was so favorable to buyers that one reseller dubbed it a “Rent-A-Center” policy. He, like many sellers, believed buyers would abuse the policy by purchasing an item, using it, and returning it – in effect “renting” it.
The policy was to soften the blow of buyers suddenly having to pay fees instead of sellers, a revolutionary move that Mercari instituted at the same time.
This week, Mercari announced it would rolling back the new return policy. In its email to customers, it wrote:
“We recently announced a “returns for any reason” policy in an effort to make it even easier to buy and sell on Mercari. After careful consideration and listening intently to feedback from our seller community, we have decided to reinstate our prior return policy effective May 22, 2024 at 12:00 AM PST. “Returns for any reason” will no longer apply.
“Starting May 22, 2024 at 12:00 AM PST, buyers will have a 3-day period to return inaccurately described items. This allows for some flexibility for buyers, while respecting sellers’ time and effort in listing, packaging, and mailing items.
“We remain committed to piloting policies that benefit our entire community, and we’ll continue to act swiftly to adapt when needed.”
You can visit the Refunds and Returns page on Mercari for complete information.
Casey Parris of RockstarFlipper posted his reaction to the announcement in the following YouTube video, let us know what you think:
It was a boneheaded move, thought up by an imbecile….
Now that Mercari fixed their issue – when will eBay do the same ?
@RockstarFlipper was absolutely spot on in his vid: the return policy change march was absolutely and incredibly boneheaded. Good Mercari reversed. Now, they need to reverse partially the fee burden they placed on buyers – and reinstate seller fees. No seller fees is a nice idea but shifting the burden to buyers has driven some away. Again, boneheaded. Own goal. If Mercari is too redfaced to admit the change was entirely a flop then meet halfway and have modest fees for both sellers and buyers.
Where do they get these dumb managers?
I just don’t get the whiners – at least Mercari is trying new things. People are never happy. I for one am very happy. Put the burden on the buyer. Sellers already pay for selling wether they believe it or not. Cost of product. Paper and ink for the printer. Packaging. Gas to the PO. How many hours are deicated to creating the listings and corresponding with buyers – is your time free? Have you forgotten how horribly we were all treated at ebay and etsy which is why your not there anymore right? What have those platforms done to encourage you to come back? Nothing is the answer. Have all those high end execs taken a pay cut to accommodate the sellers profits – no. Platforms come and go – utilize the one you’ve chosen to your advantage and just keep going. If it’s unacceptable for you there move on. I’ve been online for 25 years and after being on almost all of them I’m sticking.
Is the new CEO shorting his own stock? What other reason is he driving his business into the ground?