Depop vs. Mercari — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 13, 2024
Depop specializes in vintage and unique fashion items with a social media-like user interface, while Mercari offers a broader marketplace for various goods including electronics, home items, and clothing.
Difference Between Depop and Mercari
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Depop is primarily known for its focus on vintage and trendy fashion, attracting a younger demographic who are often interested in sustainable shopping practices. Whereas, Mercari is a more comprehensive resale platform that includes a wide range of products from electronics to home goods, appealing to a broader audience.
Depop integrates social features that allow users to follow their favorite sellers, like items, and even interact directly, fostering a community-driven shopping experience. On the other hand, Mercari focuses more on the buying and selling process itself, with features aimed at facilitating ease of use, such as shipping options and payment processing.
The user interface on Depop mimics that of a social media platform, making it engaging for users who enjoy interactive shopping experiences. Conversely, Mercari presents a more traditional e-commerce interface that prioritizes straightforward navigation and simple transaction processes.
Depop charges a 10% fee on each item sold, which is straightforward and comparable to other platforms. Meanwhile, Mercari also charges a 10% selling fee, but it includes additional fees for processing payments and optional promotional features to boost listing visibility.
Depop’s popularity is particularly strong in countries like the UK and the US, where there is a significant market for retro and unique fashion. In contrast, Mercari has found success in a variety of markets, including Japan and the United States, supported by its wider range of product offerings.
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Comparison Chart
Focus
Vintage and unique fashion
Wide range of products including electronics, home goods, and clothing
User Interface
Social media-like
Traditional e-commerce
Target Demographic
Younger, fashion-conscious consumers
Broad audience
Community Features
Strong, with follower and like systems
Limited, more transactional
Fees
10% selling fee
10% selling fee, plus additional fees for payment processing and optional promotions
Popular Markets
Primarily UK and US
Wider global presence, including Japan and the US
Compare with Definitions
Depop
Operates with a social media-like interface.
Scrolling through Depop feels like checking an Instagram feed.
Mercari
Includes options for shipping and boosted listing visibility.
He used Mercari’s feature to promote his listing and sell faster.
Depop
Emphasizes a community-oriented shopping experience.
Depop users can follow their favorite sellers to see new items first.
Mercari
Has a significant presence in both Japan and the US.
Mercari is equally popular in Japan as it is in the United States.
Depop
Charges a flat 10% fee on each sale.
Selling her dress on Depop, she knew to factor in the 10% fee.
Mercari
Focuses on ease of use with straightforward buying and selling processes.
Listing an item on Mercari takes just a few minutes.
Depop
Popular among young, eco-conscious consumers.
Many eco-conscious shoppers use Depop to find sustainable fashion options.
Mercari
A general resale platform offering a wide variety of items.
He sold his old gaming console on Mercari.
Depop
A fashion marketplace app known for vintage and unique items.
She found a rare 90s jacket on Depop.
Mercari
Also charges a 10% selling fee, with additional payment processing fees.
When calculating his earnings from Mercari, he included the fees.
Depop
Depop is a peer-to-peer social shopping app based in London, with additional offices in Manchester, Milan and New York City.
Mercari
Mercari, Inc. (TYO: 4385) is a Japanese e-commerce company founded in February 2013 and currently operating in Japan and the United States.
Common Curiosities
Can you buy electronics on Depop?
Depop primarily focuses on fashion items, and electronics would be more commonly found on Mercari.
Which platform has a broader reach?
Mercari has a broader reach due to its diverse product offerings and presence in multiple countries, including Japan and the US.
Which platform is better for selling fashion items?
Depop is generally preferred for selling fashion items, especially vintage and unique clothing, due to its targeted audience and social features.
Are there any buyer protections on these platforms?
Both platforms offer buyer protection policies to ensure transactions are secure and to protect against fraud.
What is Mercari?
Mercari is an online marketplace that allows users to buy and sell a variety of new and used items, including electronics, home goods, and clothing.
Is Depop more like a social media platform?
Yes, Depop mimics social media platforms in its user interface, making it popular among younger audiences who enjoy interactive and community-driven experiences.
What is Depop?
Depop is a mobile app marketplace that focuses on vintage and unique fashion items, featuring a social media-like user interface.
How do fees compare between Depop and Mercari?
Both Depop and Mercari charge a 10% selling fee, but Mercari may include additional fees for payment processing and promotional features.
Which platform is better for a casual seller?
Mercari might be better for casual sellers looking to sell a variety of items due to its ease of use and broader audience.
Which platform is more user-friendly?
Mercari is often considered more user-friendly for general users due to its straightforward, traditional e-commerce interface.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
