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When to Rate a Mercari Japan Purchase: Check the Item First
Delivered does not mean inspected. Check the item, included parts and listing description before rating a Mercari Japan purchase, and clarify who checks a proxy order.
Written by Koetsu Co., Ltd.
When tracking changes to delivered, the next step is to check the item. A delivery scan, physical receipt of a parcel and inspection of the purchase are separate events. Treat the notification as a prompt to locate and examine the order, rather than as evidence that its contents match what you bought.
The official Mercari steps place inspection before the buyer’s receipt rating. This guide focuses on ordinary Mercari transactions and offers a practical inspection sequence for collectibles and accessories. It is a checklist to use alongside the current order screen and the platform’s instructions.
Match the parcel to the exact listing
Open the purchased listing and compare the quantity, character or variant, and stated included parts. Do not rely on the title alone. If several parcels arrive together, match each one to its transaction first so that an inspection of one item does not become a rating on a different order.
Compare the retail box, inner bag, main item, card or stand only against what the listing says is included. Background props in a photograph are not automatically part of the purchase. If a promised accessory appears to be missing, check the packing material before documenting the discrepancy.
| Stage | Check | Useful record |
|---|---|---|
| Before unpacking | Which transaction the parcel belongs to | A photo of the outer packaging |
| Inspecting contents | Quantity, variant and stated accessories | An overall photo and relevant close-ups |
| Comparing with the listing | Any difference from the described condition | A short factual note about the difference |
Contact the seller before rating a problem item
If you find undisclosed damage or a mismatch, the official problem-item guide directs buyers to contact the seller through transaction messages without rating first. Explain the specific difference and what resolution you are seeking, keeping the conversation tied to the actual item and order.
A factual message might say: “The description included a stand, but I cannot find it after checking the packing material. Could we discuss how to resolve this?” This is a sample message, not a report of an incident at our store. Attach only the photographs relevant to the issue.
Keeping the item and packaging while the issue is discussed makes it easier to explain what arrived. Avoid making repairs, discarding evidence or arranging an unagreed return. If you cannot resolve matters with the seller, use the support route in the official guide; this article does not promise a refund or compensation outcome.
Respond to reminders without skipping inspection
A rating reminder is not a substitute for inspection. Equally, do not leave an unresolved order unattended without reporting the issue. If the item has not arrived or cannot be checked, follow the current transaction screen and official guidance for stopping automatic completion or contacting support as applicable.
If a proxy places the order, ask in advance who receives it in Japan, what they inspect and when they submit the rating. Do not assume that completion will wait until delivery to your overseas home. Inspection scope and reporting deadlines are questions for that particular service.
Distinguish ordinary Mercari from Mercari Shops
The Mercari guidance notes that Mercari Shops sellers do not have a feature for rating buyers. Do not apply the ordinary two-sided Mercari rating flow to a Shops order. Follow the help and contact route for the place where you actually purchased.
Koetsu’s related sales channels include individual Mercari listings and Loop KOBE Shops. Use the purchased page and its transaction channel for item or packing questions. For international orders, our proxy shopping versus forwarding guide can help you identify which party handles each stage.
