The feeling of being banned or suspended from a crucial selling platform can be deeply unsettling. With the recent surge in eBay suspensions, many sellers are apprehensive about facing a similar fate on platforms like Mercari and Poshmark. What makes matters worse is that Mercari’s suspensions are often indefinite, leaving sellers in a state of uncertainty. In this article, we’ll delve into why Mercari suspends accounts and explore the limited options available to affected sellers.
Why Mercari Suspends Accounts
Unlike some platforms that provide clear reasons for suspensions, Mercari often leaves sellers in the dark about the causes. While Mercari does outline a few publicly known reasons, the interpretation is largely subjective and determined by the platform itself:
- Listing or selling “Prohibited Items”
- Engaging in Prohibited Conduct (e.g., threats, off-site transactions)
- Questionable account activity or high-risk behavior
- Identity/information verification requests
- Repeated violations of the Terms of Service
- Failure to complete identity verification or provide sufficient information
It’s important to note that Mercari employs algorithms rather than human reviewers to maintain platform security. If their software flags you as a threat to the community or to Mercari’s profitability, suspension is likely.
Most Common Reasons for Indefinite Suspension on Mercari
Identifying the precise cause of suspension can be a daunting task. After over three years of selling on Mercari, we’ve found several common offenses that often lead to indefinite suspensions:
Listing prohibited items
Mercari strictly enforces its list of prohibited items. Listing such items can result in immediate removal and a strike on your account. Common issues arise from listing items like knives (e.g., pocket knives) or adult magazines. You should not list one of these items to not get suspended:
- Alcohol, tobacco, drugs, illegal medicine, and drug ingredients
- Illegal goods and weapons
- Goods lacking FDA approval
- Fake, stolen, or smuggled products
- Third-party products
- Bonds and stocks
- Live trafficked animals
- Goods that promote hate crimes and racism
- Virus-infected hardware and software
Buyer reports
If enough buyers report your listings, Mercari may remove your account. This vulnerability needs addressing, as there seems to be no human review before suspension. Someone with an agenda can repeatedly report your listings, potentially leading to account removal.
Off-platform transactions
Attempting to circumvent Mercari fees by conducting transactions off the platform is ill-advised. It not only risks suspension but also exposes you to various scams. Mercari monitors descriptions and messages for keywords suggesting off-site transactions, such as email addresses and phone numbers.
ID or bank account issues
ID or bank account issues: Many users, even those with perfect 5-star ratings, have their accounts removed due to bank account problems. Ensuring all your account details are in order before making significant transactions on Mercari is essential.
Non-Verified Account
Account verification is essential when using an authorized e-commerce platform like Mercari. It helps ensure the safety of both buyers and sellers, as well as prevent fraud and money laundering. If your account isn’t properly verified or lacks required information, you may face a temporary ban. However, this ban is not permanent and can be lifted once your account is verified correctly.
How to Verify Your Mercari Account
The Mercari account verification process is straightforward. Follow these steps to verify your account:
- Go to your profile.
- Enter the trust and verification page.
- Add your phone number.
- You will receive a four-digit code from Mercari; enter this code to complete the verification.
If these steps don’t resolve the issue, check for additional verification requirements in your profile. With proper verification, your Mercari account will be reinstated within 48 hours.
Multiple accounts
While Mercari permits multiple accounts for a household, per-person accounts can trigger suspicion. Having multiple accounts on a single device or with identical personal information can lead to account flagging and removal.
Typically, Mercari doesn’t suspend users without warning. Most suspended users receive multiple strikes and a final warning. However, the number of strikes required for suspension varies and isn’t publicly disclosed.
Understanding an Indefinite Suspension
Being indefinitely suspended on Mercari means permanent removal from the platform, unless you successfully appeal the decision.
Can You Get Unbanned on Mercari?
If you’ve accumulated multiple strikes leading to your suspension, the outlook is bleak. There is a semi-unofficial method to appeal your Mercari suspension. By contacting Mercari customer support and explaining your situation, you may have your account reinstated. Some users have resolved issues related to identity or bank accounts within 48-72 hours using this method. However, others have been left without any support.
What to Do When Banned on Mercari
If you find yourself banned on Mercari, creating another account isn’t the best solution, as it’s likely to be flagged and banned quickly. Despite the suspension, you can still complete your transactions and withdraw your funds. However, Mercari may withhold your funds for up to 180 days if they consider you a severe risk.
One effective strategy is to diversify by using cross-posting software like List Perfectly. This tool automatically posts your listings on multiple platforms, ensuring you can continue making sales even if you’re suspended on one.
Change Device, Phone Number, or Email
Sometimes Mercari bans a device, email, or phone number that it doesn’t recognize. Changing these can lift the ban and restore your account. If changing your device isn’t an immediate option, consider using Mercari’s web version or switching your internet service provider (ISP).
Uninstall and Reinstall Mercari
Most applications, including Mercari, store cached data. If you’ve been using the Mercari app on your device for an extended period, you may encounter issues when attempting to recover or open a new account. Uninstall the application, then reinstall it. This often allows you to create a new account without encountering a ban.
Create Another Mercari Account
Mercari permits multiple accounts at the same address, as long as they belong to different people. Additional verification may be required to use multiple accounts from the same location.
Conclusion
In conclusion, facing a Mercari account suspension can be a disheartening experience, especially given the uncertainty that often surrounds the reasons behind it. While Mercari does have some publicly known guidelines for suspensions, the interpretation can be subjective, and the process is largely algorithm-driven. It’s crucial for sellers to be aware of common reasons for indefinite suspension, such as listing prohibited items, engaging in off-platform transactions, and issues with identity verification.
If you do find yourself in the unfortunate situation of a Mercari suspension, there are some steps you can take. Attempting to appeal to Mercari’s customer support may help, although success isn’t guaranteed. In the meantime, diversifying your selling strategy with cross-posting software like List Perfectly can help you continue your business on other platforms.
Remember that creating another Mercari account isn’t a reliable solution and can lead to further suspensions. Instead, focus on resolving the issues that led to your suspension in the first place. Whether it’s verifying your account or addressing specific policy violations, taking corrective action is your best bet to regain access to the Mercari platform.
