When shopping online for pre-loved luxury items, authenticity concerns are top of mind for many buyers.
Mercari has emerged as a popular marketplace for everything from fashion clothing and handbags to electronics, but questions remain about their authentication process.
With fake items flooding many online marketplaces, understanding how Mercari handles items’ authentication helps you shop with confidence.
The platform takes a different approach compared to some competitors, balancing accessibility with buyer protection measures.
Unlike some luxury-focused marketplaces that authenticate every item, Mercari offers a more selective authentication system. This has important implications for both buyers and sellers using the platform.
Understanding how Mercari authenticate items not only saves you from disappointment but also financial loss. So, let’s find out how item authentication works on Mercari.
Does Mercari Authenticate Items?
Mercari does offer authentication for certain high-value items through “Mercari Authenticate.” This service isn’t available for everything sold on the marketplace, but it covers several categories where counterfeits are common concerns.
When you shop for wallets, shoes, eyewear, jewelry, watches, and handbags on Mercari, you might notice some listings feature a diamond symbol. This special mark indicates the item has undergone professional verification.
Unlike other online marketplaces that handle authentication in-house, Mercari partners with an independent third-party called Real Authentication (RA). The authentication experts at RA carefully examine photos of items to check for signs of authenticity. They look at specific details like logos, tags, materials, and serial numbers to determine if an item is genuine.
For most authenticated items listed after May 5, 2020, buyers receive a certificate of authentication that includes a QR code. This certificate serves as proof that your purchase passed expert inspection. However, not all categories qualify for certificates. Jewelry and watches, while still authenticated, don’t come with this documentation.
After completing the order of an authenticated item, Mercari sends the certificate via email. You can also access it through the Order Status page in the Mercari app for easy reference. This process adds an extra layer of security to your shopping experience.
The authentication service helps solve a common problem in online marketplaces. Sellers of genuine items can prove their products are authentic, while buyers gain confidence knowing what they’re purchasing is the real deal. This creates trust between parties who never meet face-to-face.
Also Read: Does Mercari Sell Fake Items
Does Mercari Offer an Authenticity Guarantee?
When an item goes through authentication via Real Authentication (RA), Mercari explicitly states that they do not represent, warranty, or guarantee the item to be authentic. This is an important distinction that buyers should understand.
The authentication process on Mercari is designed to ensure that products meet certain standards of conformity rather than providing an absolute guarantee of authenticity. This means that even after an item passes authentication, Mercari doesn’t take responsibility if issues arise later on.
Unlike other marketplaces like Poshmark, Mercari does not offer a money-back guarantee based on authenticity concerns. Even if RA determines an item isn’t authentic after purchase, this doesn’t automatically trigger a refund process. This policy places more responsibility on buyers to make right decisions.
Mercari also makes it clear that they don’t indemnify any party—seller, buyer, or other customers—from claims that might arise later. In simpler terms, if someone later challenges the authenticity of an item you bought or sold, Mercari doesn’t step in to protect you from those claims.
For buyers looking for additional peace of mind, some items qualify for a Certificate of Authenticity from RA. However, this certificate isn’t included automatically and requires paying an extra fee. This optional service provides documentation of authentication but doesn’t change Mercari’s fundamental policies.
Given these policies, shoppers on Mercari should take extra precautions when purchasing items where authenticity matters. Researching sellers thoroughly, asking detailed questions about items, and carefully examining all available photos becomes even more important on Mercari.
The authentication services offered through Mercari serve as a helpful tool rather than a guarantee. They provide an expert opinion on items but don’t come with the financial protection that a true authenticity guarantee would offer.
How Much Does Mercari Charge for Authentication?
Mercari charges a simple flat fee of $5 for each designer item submitted for authentication. This affordable price point makes verification accessible to most Mercari buyers concerned about fake pre-loved items. The fee applies regardless of the item’s value or brand, which simplifies the process for everyone involved.
For those wanting extra assurance, Mercari provides an option to receive a certificate of authenticity for $10. This official document serves as proof that your item has been professionally verified as genuine by Real Authentication (RA).
It’s worth noting that not all items qualify for the Real Authentication (RA) certificate. Specifically, jewelry and watches cannot receive a certificate of authenticity. These items can still be authenticated for the standard $5 fee, but the certificate option isn’t available for them.
