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Mercari's Six Item Condition Grades Explained: From "New, Unused" to "Poor Condition"
Every Mercari listing shows one of six condition grades, from "new, unused" to "poor overall condition". Here is what Mercari's guidelines say each grade means, what to check in the description and photos, and what to do if an item arrives different.
Written by Koetsu Co., Ltd.
Every Mercari listing shows an item condition alongside the price and shipping method. The seller picks one of six grades, and for second-hand goods it is one of the most useful signals you have. Still, the difference between grades such as "like new" and "no noticeable scratches or stains" is not always obvious from the words alone.
This guide sets out how Mercari's seller guidelines describe each grade, what to confirm in the description and photos before you buy, and what to do if an item arrives different from its listing.
The six grades in Mercari's guidelines
Mercari has announced that it added short explanations to each condition option to make them easier to picture. As of 2 October 2026, its seller guidelines describe the grades as follows (our translation).
| Grade (Japanese label) | Guideline description (our translation) |
|---|---|
| New, unused (shinpin, mishiyō) | Bought new and never used |
| Like new (mishiyō ni chikai) | Used a few times, little sign of use |
| No noticeable scratches or stains | Minor wear, scratches or marks that do not stand out |
| Some scratches or stains | Scratches or marks you will notice |
| Scratches or stains | Scratches or marks most people would see |
| Poor overall condition | Noticeable scratches, marks or damage across the item |
Two grades that are easy to confuse
"Like new" means the item has been used only a few times and shows little wear. "No noticeable scratches or stains" covers items with minor wear or small marks that simply do not stand out. In other words, the second grade allows for signs of use if you look closely.
The grade is also the seller's own judgement, so two similar items may be graded differently by different sellers. Do not decide on the label alone; check the description and photos for the specific marks and wear.
What to check in the description and photos
Mercari's guidelines ask sellers to describe wear specifically (for example, "two small scratches on the screen"), to mention any functional fault however minor, and to post photos of the actual item from several angles, including close-ups of any damage. As a buyer, check whether a listing provides these.
- Where the marks are and how many
- Whether the box, tags and accessories are included, and whether packaging was opened
- How long and how the item was used
- Photos of the actual item from several angles, not just stock images
- Whether you can ask the seller about anything unclear by comment or message
An example from our shop
Our shop Loop KOBE lists McDonald's × FARMER BOB figures whose outer boxes and inner bags were opened to check the design, though the figures themselves are unused. On these listings we chose "like new" rather than "new, unused" and explain in the description that the packaging has been opened. See our article on the FARMER BOB figures for details.
If an item arrives different from its listing
Mercari's guide says that if an item differs from its description, for example with marks that were not mentioned, you should contact the seller from the transaction screen, explain the difference and what you would like, and try to agree on a solution. Allow about 24 hours for a reply; if there is none, contacting Mercari within 14 days of receiving the item lets its support team look into whether compensation is possible.
It is also important not to submit your receipt rating until the issue is resolved. See our guides on checking an item before rating on Mercari and on cancellations, returns and refunds on Mercari Shops.
This article was edited by Koetsu Co., Ltd. after checking Mercari's guides and announcements on 2 October 2026. Labels and procedures can change, so check the Mercari Help Center for the latest details. Our two Mercari shops do not ship directly overseas.
Sources and further reading
- Mercari seller guidelines (Japanese)(Checked: )
- Mercari news: item condition labels reviewed and packing advice added (Japanese)(Checked: )
- Mercari guide: the item differs from the description or is broken (Japanese)(Checked: )
- Loop KOBE on Mercari Shops: HALLOWEEN BOB listing, an example condition note (Japanese)(Checked: )
