Mercari Announces Limited-Time Discounted Shipping Rates On Select Prepaid Labels
Mercari has announced a limited‑time shipping promotion offering discounted rates on select prepaid labels for US marketplace sellers to partially offset higher shipping costs as the platform’s updated rate structure takes effect January 20, 2026.
The program temporarily reduces costs on certain specific UPS, FedEx, and USPS services between February 16 and April 16, 2026 but does not change Mercari’s underlying standard shipping rate structure, which continues to apply outside the promotional window.
Discounted UPS/FedEx rates
During the promotional period, Mercari is offering a $4.99 shipping rate for UPS and FedEx prepaid labels in the 1–5 lb weight classes for packages that are 1 cubic foot or smaller and have a longest side of 22 inches or less.
The discounted rate is available only where Mercari UPS or FedEx prepaid labels are offered as a shipping option and may apply to both buyer‑paid and seller‑paid shipping, depending on the how the listing is configured.
Discounted USPS First‑Class envelope rate
Mercari is also introducing a $0.49 promotional rate for eligible USPS First‑Class envelope labels used to ship trading cards and paper collectibles up to 3 oz. This rate applies only where the First‑Class envelope option is available on Mercari and where shipments meet all applicable weight, format, and service requirements for the envelope product.
Listing eligibility requirements
To receive promotional shipping, a listing must be a “Qualifying Listing,” defined as either a new listing created during the promotional period or a listing created earlier that is updated and saved during the promotional period, including when duplicated or relisted.
All qualifying listings must comply with Mercari’s existing Terms of Service, Prohibited Items Policy, and Shipping Policy, and Mercari retains discretion over final eligibility determinations.
Application, exclusions, and end of promotion
Promotional rates are applied automatically when an eligible Mercari prepaid label is purchased for a qualifying transaction during the promotional period; no promo code or separate activation is required.
The promotion does not apply to local delivery or meet‑up transactions, to carriers other than UPS, FedEx, or USPS, or to shipments that exceed the specified weight, size, or service limits.
After April 16, 2026, all UPS, FedEx, and eligible USPS First‑Class envelope shipments will be charged at Mercari’s then‑current standard prepaid label rates.
For sellers, the promotion is best viewed as a short-term cost relief measure. The discounted rates may help improve buyer conversion or allow for more flexibility when responding to offers, particularly on items on the heavier end of the eligible weight range or low-margin inventory where shipping cost has been a limiting factor.
Sellers looking to take advantage of the promotion should review existing listings during the promotional window to ensure they qualify, verify that package weights and dimensions are entered accurately, and confirm that selected services meet Mercari’s eligibility requirements.
Shipments that exceed stated limits remain subject to regular rates and potential carrier adjustments and additional fees if weight and dimensions are not accurate or exceed the eligibility requirements for this promotion.
Mercari changed their fee structure in January 2025, setting a 10% fee for sellers and a 3.6% fee for buyers, both of which apply to the total completed item price plus shipping paid.
Liz Morton
That means that when carriers raise shipping rates, Mercari gets a de facto free increase - but it also means that during this promotion, those fees will be based on the total with the lower promotional shipping amount.
For sellers, the promotion represents a short-term opportunity to reduce shipping-related friction and manage costs, but it does not alter Mercari’s underlying fee or shipping model. Sellers are advised to treat the discounted rates as temporary, ensure listings and package details are accurate, and avoid pricing strategies that depend on the promotional rates continuing beyond the April 16, 2026 end date.
