Mercari vs Rakuma: Which App Should Foreigners Use?
Last updated: May 2026
Quick Answer
Mercari has a larger user base (~23M monthly users vs ~5M) so items sell faster. Rakuma's 6% fee saves you money on every sale vs Mercari's 10%. Use Mercari for fast sales; use Rakuma for higher-value items where the 4% fee difference actually matters.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Mercari | Rakuma |
|---|---|---|
| Seller Fee | 10% | 6% |
| Monthly Users | ~23 million | ~5 million |
| Anonymous Shipping | Rakuraku/Yuyu Mercari-bin | Rakuten shipping |
| Payment Methods | Credit card, convenience store, Merpay | Credit card, convenience store, Rakuten Pay |
| Listing Speed | Very fast (~2 min) | Fast (similar) |
| Price Negotiation | Comment-based | Comments + offer button |
| Avg. Sell Speed | 1-3 days | 3-7 days |
| App Language | Japanese only | Japanese only |
| Best For | Fast sales, everyday items | Higher-value items, fee savings |
Fee Comparison
The 4% difference sounds small but adds up. On a 5,000 yen item, Mercari keeps 500 yen while Rakuma keeps 300 yen. On a 30,000 yen item, that gap is 1,200 yen in your favor on Rakuma.
| Sale Price | Mercari (10%) | Rakuma (6%) | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 yen | 900 yen | 940 yen | +40 yen |
| 5,000 yen | 4,500 yen | 4,700 yen | +200 yen |
| 15,000 yen | 13,500 yen | 14,100 yen | +600 yen |
| 30,000 yen | 27,000 yen | 28,200 yen | +1,200 yen |
Note: Rakuma raised fees from 3.5% to 6% in 2024. Always check the current rate in the app.
User Base and Sell Speed
Mercari dominates in Japan with roughly 23 million monthly active users compared to Rakuma's ~5 million. More eyes on your listing means faster sales. Most Mercari items sell within 1-3 days; Rakuma typically takes 3-7 days for the same item.
If you are moving out of Japan and have a deadline, Mercari's speed advantage matters more than the fee savings.
Shipping Options Compared
Both platforms offer anonymous shipping. Mercari uses Rakuraku Mercari-bin (らくらくメルカリ便) and Yuyu Mercari-bin (ゆうゆうメルカリ便) through Yamato and Japan Post. Rakuma uses Rakuten shipping partners.
Mercari's shipping network is more widely understood by Japanese buyers, which can increase buyer confidence.
Which App for Which Items?
Use Mercari for:
- Clothes, shoes, accessories
- Electronics under 10,000 yen
- Books, games, DVDs
- Items you need to sell fast
- First time selling in Japan
Use Rakuma for:
- Brand-name bags and accessories
- Electronics over 20,000 yen
- Watches and jewelry
- Items where 500+ yen fee savings matter
- You already use Rakuten services
Can You List on Both?
Yes. Cross-listing is allowed and is a smart strategy. List on Mercari first (fastest reach), then add the same listing to Rakuma. If it sells on Mercari, delete the Rakuma listing immediately. Many sellers use this approach for items in the 10,000-50,000 yen range.
The Verdict for Foreigners
Start with Mercari. It has the most users, the easiest listing flow, and the best English resources online. Once you are comfortable, add Rakuma for high-value items to save on fees.
If you only have time for one app, Mercari wins on simplicity and speed. If you care about maximizing returns on items over 20,000 yen, use both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners use Rakuma?
Yes. Rakuma requires a Japanese phone number and Japanese payment method. The app is Japanese-only, so use a translation app to navigate. Setup is similar to Mercari.
Did Rakuma raise its fees?
Yes. Rakuma raised fees from 3.5% to 6% in 2024. It is still lower than Mercari's 10%, but the gap has narrowed.
Can I list the same item on both apps?
Yes, cross-listing is allowed. If an item sells on one platform, delete it from the other immediately to avoid double-selling.
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