Mercari Japan Shipping Guide for Foreigners: Every Method Explained in English [2026]
Japanese shipping terminology is a wall of kanji when you're new. This guide translates every Mercari shipping option, tells you which convenience store to use, and walks you through the QR-code process without a word of Japanese.
Furima Navi Team
Last updated: 2026-05-26
📌 The Rule
Always use らくらくメルカリ便 (Yamato via FamilyMart/7-Eleven) or ゆうゆうメルカリ便 (Japan Post via Lawson). Never use 普通郵便 (regular mail) — it has no tracking or seller protection.
Anonymous Shipping vs Regular Shipping
匿名配送 (tokumei haisou — anonymous shipping) means neither your name nor address appears on the package. Mercari generates a routing code instead. This is available on both integrated Mercari shipping services and is strongly recommended — especially for foreign sellers who value address privacy.
Regular shipping (普通郵便, futsuu yuubin — regular postal mail) requires printing your real name and address. It also has no tracking, no seller protection, and no compensation if lost. Only use it for very low-value items where these risks are acceptable.
All Shipping Methods at a Glance
| Service | Carrier | Max Size | Price | Drop-off | Anon | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ネコポス Nekoposu | らくらく (Yamato) | A4 / 3cm thick / 1kg | ¥210 | FamilyMart, 7-Eleven | ✅ | Thin items, books, accessories |
| らくらく宅急便コンパクト Takkyubin Compact | らくらく (Yamato) | Box: 25×20×5cm | ¥450 | FamilyMart, 7-Eleven | ✅ | Small boxes, cosmetics |
| らくらく宅急便 Takkyubin | らくらく (Yamato) | 60~160 size (6 tiers) | ¥750~¥1,600 | FamilyMart, 7-Eleven | ✅ | Most items, clothes, electronics |
| ゆうパケット Yuu Paketto | ゆうゆう (Japan Post) | A4 / 3cm / 1kg | ¥230 | Lawson, Post Office | ✅ | Thin small items |
| ゆうパケットプラス Yuu Paketto Plus | ゆうゆう (Japan Post) | 24×17×7cm / 2kg | ¥375 | Lawson, Post Office | ✅ | Clothing, soft goods |
| ゆうパック Yuu Pakku | ゆうゆう (Japan Post) | 60~100 size (3 tiers) | ¥870~¥1,600 | Lawson, Post Office | ✅ | Larger items, shoes, bags |
🛠️ Not sure which to use?
Shipping Flowchart → Answer 3 questions and get the right methodShipping Calculator → Exact cost by size and weightらくらくメルカリ便 (Yamato) — Step by Step
This is the most popular Mercari shipping service. Drop off at FamilyMart (ファミリーマート) or 7-Eleven (セブンイレブン).
- 1
Pack the item and measure/weigh it to confirm the size tier.
- 2
In the Mercari app, open the sold transaction → tap "発送する" (hassou suru — Ship).
- 3
Select your size tier and tap "QRコードを表示" (show QR code).
- 4
At FamilyMart: use the Famiポート (Famiport) kiosk — tap shipping, scan QR. At 7-Eleven: use the 7-Eleven terminal near the register, same process.
- 5
A label prints automatically. Stick it on your package.
- 6
Hand the package to the store staff at the register. Done.
ゆうゆうメルカリ便 (Japan Post) — Step by Step
Drop off at Lawson (ローソン) or any Japan Post office (郵便局).
- 1
Pack the item and confirm size fits ゆうパケット (under 3cm) or ゆうパック.
- 2
In the Mercari app, open the sold transaction → "発送する" → "QRコードを表示".
- 3
At Lawson: use the Loppi (ロッピー) kiosk — tap shipping services, scan QR, print label.
- 4
Stick the printed label on the package.
- 5
Hand the package to Lawson staff at the counter.
- 6
For Japan Post office: show the QR code directly to the postal worker — they scan it and print the label for you.
Which Method Should You Choose?
Thin items (books, cards, thin accessories)
ネコポス (¥210) or ゆうパケット (¥230)
Clothing, shoes, bags
らくらく宅急便 60サイズ (¥750) or ゆうパック
Electronics, cameras, toys
らくらく宅急便 — better handling by Yamato
Near Lawson only
ゆうゆうメルカリ便 (all sizes available)
Heavy / large items
らくらく宅急便 140~160 size
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the cheapest Mercari shipping option?
A: ネコポス via らくらくメルカリ便 costs ¥210 for items up to 1kg and A4 size. ゆうパケット via ゆうゆうメルカリ便 costs ¥230 for similar sizes. Both offer anonymous delivery.
Q: Do I need to speak Japanese at the convenience store?
A: No. The process is fully QR-code based. Show the QR from the Mercari app at the machine, stick the printed label, and hand the package to staff.
Q: What is anonymous shipping (匿名配送)?
A: Your name and address are hidden from the buyer. Mercari generates a routing code instead. Strongly recommended for all sellers.
Q: What happens if my package is lost?
A: Both Mercari integrated services include full protection. Compensation rate for transit loss or damage is 99.6%. Regular postal mail has no protection.
Q: Can I change shipping method after listing?
A: Yes, until the item sells. After a sale, the method is locked — always set it before listing.