Mercari is the largest online flea market in Japan, with millions of transactions every single day. It’s one of the most trusted platforms in the country—and yes, Mercari is safe. But even on such a reliable marketplace, it’s always important to pay close attention to sellers and carefully read their product descriptions.

To shop safely on Mercari, you need to know how to spot scams and avoid common pitfalls. Here you can discover everything from trendy fashion to rare figures and collectible trading cards. But with so many sellers, there are also risks: misleading listings, counterfeits, and dishonest practices.

At Remambo, we help our customers shop on Mercari every day, and we are proud to be an official partner of Mercari. Over the years, we’ve learned what to watch out for and how to avoid the most common mistakes. Here’s our practical guide to make your shopping safer and more enjoyable.

1. Always Read the Listing Carefully

This is the golden rule. Many sellers on Mercari hide important details in the description. Common tricks include:

• The photos show a sealed trading card booster box, but the title and description say it’s just individual booster packs.
• A set of multiple figures is shown in the picture, but the description clarifies that only one item from the set will be shipped.
• Phrases like “Purchased overseas” may signal a questionable source.

It’s also essential to pay attention to what exactly is included in the lot—sometimes the seller’s description specifies contents that don’t fully match the photos.

Sometimes, the photos look perfect, but the description reveals: “with defects” or “used condition.”

Tip: Translate the description with Google Translate, DeepL, or ChatGPT. Clear details are a good sign, while vague wording is a red flag.

2. Pay Attention to Photos

Photos are just as important as the text. Here’s what you should check first:

1. Photo quality. Blurry or low-quality pictures make it difficult to judge the item’s condition.
2. Number and type of photos. Only using promotional images instead of real product photos is suspicious.
3. Text on images. Sellers often add notes directly onto photos—use a screen translator to read them.
4. Seller’s gallery. Check the seller’s other items. Seeing the same photo across different listings might be a warning sign

3. Check the Seller’s Reputation

This is a very important point. Always pay attention to the number of completed sales and reviews a seller has. Large sellers with a solid history and strong ratings are far less likely to be scammers—after all, they’ve been on the platform longer and value their reputation.

Also, make sure that the feedback is not only from proxy services but also from Japanese buyers. A mix of genuine, detailed reviews is a strong sign that the seller can be trusted.

4. Counterfeits and Copies

On Japanese marketplaces like Mercari, you can sometimes come across counterfeit items—everything from rare figures to branded handbags and collectible trading cards. Here are the typical warning signs:

• A price that’s far too low for a rare or branded product.
• Very few photos or a vague, suspicious description.
• If the item is truly rare, legitimate sellers often explain how and where they got it.
• Descriptions such as “bought overseas” or “picked up during a business trip/holiday abroad” should be treated with caution.

A good sign, on the other hand, is when a seller has a strong track record of selling similar items, backed up by a solid rating and positive reviews.

Tip : When in doubt, compare the listing with similar items on Mercari to see if the seller’s offer looks consistent and trustworthy.

5. Ask the Community

Sometimes it’s hard to decide whether to trust a seller or not. That’s perfectly normal—many collectors feel the same way.

That’s why we created the Remambo Discord, where collectors and fans of Japanese goods share their experiences. You can ask for advice, exchange tips about sellers, or simply chat about your favorite hobbies. Together, it’s easier to spot red flags and buy with confidence.

How to Buy from Mercari

If you’re new to the platform, check out our full step-by-step guide: How to Buy from Mercari.
We explain everything in detail—from browsing to checkout—so you can start shopping stress-free.

Final Thoughts

Mercari is an amazing place to find unique Japanese items—but behind shiny photos, there can sometimes be fake products or dishonest sellers.

That’s why it’s always worth double-checking the description, photos, and seller reviews before making a purchase. And if something feels off, trust your instincts and walk away.

Important reminder

While this guide covers the most common issues, it’s impossible to prepare for every single case. Please make sure to carefully review all available information about a listing before making a purchase.

Thanks for reading, and happy shopping

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