General Item Condition Guidelines
Most items available on Mercari are pre-owned, so they may show signs of wear due to handling or shipping. If an item's condition is particularly important, or if there are concerns about odors (e.g., cigarette smoke, perfume, etc.) or pet hair (e.g., dog/cat hair, etc.), Buyers should always inquire with the Seller before making a purchase and fully review the entire listing to understand any nuances in the listing.
What counts as a “collectible” can sometimes depend on perspective. An item may be treasured by the Buyer but considered an ordinary item by the Seller. Because of this, “collectible” items may have minor imperfections resulting from handling or storage (such as shelf wear, display, slight box creasing, or small scuffs). These are typically not a valid reason for a return unless they significantly affect the item’s functionality.
If the condition of the item or its packaging is especially important to you, we recommend:
- Checking with the seller directly about any concerns before purchasing.
- Requesting special shipping treatment (extra padding, double-boxing, etc.) if you need the item preserved in display-quality condition.
Please note: Packaging imperfections alone (e.g., slight scuffs or minor packaging imperfections) are generally not considered defects if the item inside remains unharmed.
The guidelines above apply to all items. The category-specific sections that follow provide extra clarity for items that often require more detailed listings, but they do not change or override the standards outlined here.
General Conditions
New:
Items listed as “New” should be completely unused with original tags (New with Tags, NWT), sealed packaging, or in their original condition from the manufacturer. Minor imperfections due to handling, display, storage, or manufacturer irregularities may be present.
Like New:
Items listed as “Like New” should have been used very lightly or not at all, but without tags (New Without Tags, NWOT); may be missing its original packaging. The item must be free from noticeable damage or wear.
Good:
Items listed as “Good” have been gently used and may show a few minor flaws, such as light wear, small scuffs, or tiny blemishes. These items are still fully functional and suitable for use.
Fair:
Items listed as “Fair” have been well-used and can show multiple visible signs of wear or defects (e.g., noticeable scratches, dents, or minor damage). While still functional, these items are expected to show their wear from previous use.
Poor:
Items listed as “Poor” are typically in heavily worn condition, with major flaws, damage, or may only be usable for parts or repairs.
Keep in mind: items listed as “poor” are sold “as-is,” and requests for return are generally not accepted unless the item was significantly misrepresented in the listing. Buyers should thoroughly review photos and inquire about specific issues.
Clothing
Fit will vary by brand or manufacturer, and buyers are expected to review the brand’s size and fit guidelines or be familiar with its sizing prior to purchase. Buyers should carefully review the entire listing — including photos, listing details, and the item description — and are encouraged to ask for specific measurements if they have questions. For return requests, sizing discrepancies noted in the listing description will be used for evaluation if it differs from the listing size.
New:
Clothing listed as “New” should be unworn, unaltered, and still have the original tags attached. Items should not show any signs of wear or damage. New items may have been tried on but all other requirements are met.
Like New:
Clothing listed as “Like New” may have been worn lightly but shows no signs of damage or significant wear. These items are typically without tags and should look nearly new.
Good:
Clothing listed as “Good” has been gently worn and may have minor flaws, such as slight pilling, stretching, minor fading, or loose threads. These items are still fully wearable and functional.
Fair:
Clothing in “Fair” condition shows multiple signs of wear, such as small rips, stains, fading, or heavy pilling. While still wearable, these items will have noticeable flaws.
Poor:
Clothing listed as “Poor” is heavily worn, with major flaws such as large holes, heavy stains, or significant fading. These items may still be wearable for casual use or repurposing.
Keep in mind: Items listed as “Poor” are sold as-is, and returns are generally not accepted unless the item was inaccurately described or misrepresented.
Shoes
Fit will vary by brand or manufacturer, and buyers are expected to review the brand’s size and fit guidelines or be familiar with its sizing prior to purchase. Buyers should carefully review the entire listing — including photos, listing details, and the item description — and are encouraged to ask for specific measurements if they have questions. For return requests, sizing discrepancies noted in the listing description will be used for evaluation if it differs from the listing size.
New:
Shoes listed as “New” should be unworn and still in their original box. The shoes should not show any signs of wear on the treads, soles, or uppers. Minor imperfections due to handling, storage, or manufacturer irregularities may be present.
Like New:
Shoes listed as “Like New” should be unworn and show no signs of wear or damage, though they may not come in the original box. The soles and treads should remain pristine but may have been tried on.
Keep in mind: Minor cosmetic flaws, like handling marks, should be expected. Returns for minor scuffs or wear from handling or packaging may not be approved unless significant.
Good:
Shoes in “Good” condition are used but show only minor wear, such as light scuffs or creases in the material. The soles may show slight wear but should still be fully intact.
Fair:
Shoes listed as “Fair” will have multiple visible signs of wear, such as creases, scuffs, or worn treads. While the shoes are still wearable, they show clear signs of use.
Poor:
Shoes listed as “Poor” are heavily worn and may have major flaws, such as large holes, worn soles, or heavy scuffs. These shoes may only be suitable for parts or repairs.
Keep in mind: Items in “Poor” condition are sold as-is, and returns are generally not accepted unless the condition was misrepresented.
Electronics
Battery Life:
For electronics, battery life may play an important factor in determining the item condition. Battery condition in electronics is influenced by health (remaining capacity), cycle counts, brand quality, and device type. Devices with over 80% battery health are generally in good condition, while those below 50% are poor. Cycle counts vary by device, with phones and tablets typically lasting ~500 cycles, laptops up to 1,000, and drones/toys around 300. Premium brands like Apple or DJI tend to have longer-lasting batteries, while lower-cost devices wear out faster. Factors like age, usage patterns, and proper storage also impact battery performance, making them important considerations when evaluating item condition.
New:
Electronics listed as “New” should be unused, in original packaging, and sealed where applicable. Battery life should be 98% or higher of the original capacity. Minor imperfections due to handling, storage, or manufacturer irregularities may be present.
Like New:
Electronics listed as “Like New” may have been lightly used but should be in fully functional condition with minimal cosmetic flaws. Original packaging may not be included but all parts and documentation should be included. Battery life should be 98% or higher of the original capacity.
Good:
Electronics in “Good” condition are gently used and may show minor cosmetic flaws, such as light scratches, but are fully functional. Battery life should be 80% or higher of the original capacity.
Fair:
Electronics listed as “Fair” may show multiple signs of use, with visible cosmetic flaws (e.g., scratches or dents) but remain fully functional. Battery life should be 50%–79% of the original capacity.
Poor:
Electronics in “Poor” condition are heavily used and may have major cosmetic flaws or damage, and may not be fully functional, often sold for parts or repairs. Battery life is below 50% of the original capacity and/or may be significantly diminished, requiring immediate attention or replacement for practical use.
Keep in mind: Items listed as “Poor” are sold as-is and returns are generally not accepted unless the item was otherwise significantly misrepresented. Check with the Seller if the item has been tested, though this does not warrant that the item will be operational upon receipt.
Furniture
Most furniture will exceed Mercari shipping label limits, Sellers are advised to carefully weigh and measure furniture prior to listing to ensure their listing meets shipping label limits. Returns exceeding 50lbs (actual or dimensional weight) require Sellers to provide a return label at their own expense.
New:
Furniture listed as “New” should be unused, unbuilt, or still in its original box. The item should be in pristine condition with no visible flaws. Minor imperfections due to handling, storage, or manufacturer irregularities may be present.
Like New:
Furniture in “Like New” condition has been assembled and lightly used but shows no visible flaws or damage. May have been used for display
Good:
Furniture in “Good” condition has been assembled and shows signs of normal use including fading from exposure to the elements.
Fair
Furniture in “Fair” condition shows significant signs of use, including scratches, nicks, paint chips and other defects. Will show heavy impact from the environment including fading, sun damage, weather deterioration (in cases of outdoor furniture).
Poor
Furniture sold in “Poor” condition is heavily worn with significant wear, including major rips, scratches, stains, water damage, warping, or severe fading that clearly affects appearance or integrity. Sold as-is and may be listed for parts.