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: