Effective Date: August 10, 2026
Mercado Sales LLC operates a marketplace that offers products owned by Mercado Sales and products listed by independent sellers. This policy explains the fees and protections that may apply when an item is purchased or sold through Mercado Sales.
Mercado Sales currently supports domestic transactions and shipping within the contiguous United States only. International sales and international shipping are not available.
Instant Pay
Instant Pay is the fastest way to get paid when you need that extra cash. You can use this service once per day and withdraw up to $600 per month on eligible debit cards. There is a $3 flat fee per withdrawal to use this service. Depending on your bank’s processing time, it can take up to 30 minutes to see the updated balance in your bank account.
1. Seller Fee
Listing an item on Mercado Sales is free.
When a transaction is successfully completed, the independent seller pays a flat 10% selling fee calculated using:
- The completed item price; and
- Any shipping amount paid by the buyer.
Example
If an item sells for $50 and the buyer pays $10 for shipping:
($50 item price + $10 buyer-paid shipping) × 10% = $6 selling fee
The seller’s shipping-label cost, carrier adjustments, refunds, taxes, and other applicable charges are separate and may affect the seller’s final proceeds.
2. Buyer Protection Fee
Buyers pay a flat 3.6% Buyer Protection fee, calculated using:
- The completed item price; and
- Any shipping amount paid by the buyer.
The exact fee is displayed before the buyer submits the order.
Example
For a $50 item with $10 in buyer-paid shipping:
($50 item price + $10 shipping) × 3.6% = $2.16 Buyer Protection fee
Applicable sales tax and any other disclosed charges are calculated separately.
3. Payment-Processing Fees
Mercado Sales does not charge buyers or sellers a separate payment-processing fee for standard marketplace transactions.
A bank, card issuer, payment provider, or financial institution may impose its own fees. Mercado Sales does not control third-party charges.
4. When Fees Are Charged
The Buyer Protection fee is disclosed during checkout and charged as part of the buyer’s order.
The selling fee is deducted from the independent seller’s proceeds after a completed sale. The applicable fees are displayed in the listing, checkout, or transaction details.
5. Canceled and Refunded Orders
When Mercado Sales approves a full cancellation before a transaction is completed, transaction fees associated with the canceled purchase will generally be reversed.
The treatment of fees for partial refunds, returns, chargebacks, or policy violations may depend on the circumstances of the transaction. Refund timing varies according to the original payment method and the buyer’s financial institution.
6. Changes to Fees
Mercado Sales may modify its fees when permitted by law. Material changes will be disclosed through the website or another appropriate notice before they take effect.
The fees displayed before a transaction is submitted are the fees applicable to that transaction.
Shipping and Tracking Requirements
Mercado Sales-Owned Products
Products owned by Mercado Sales LLC are packaged and shipped by Mercado Sales through USPS, UPS, or FedEx.
Independent Seller Products
Independent sellers are responsible for packaging and shipping their own products through USPS, UPS, or FedEx. Each seller must:
- Purchase and pay for the appropriate shipping label;
- Ship only to the address shown in the Mercado Sales transaction;
- Enter a valid USPS, UPS, or FedEx tracking number within 48 hours after payment is confirmed;
- Use a service that provides verifiable end-to-end tracking;
- Give the package to the named carrier within the disclosed handling period; and
- Retain the carrier acceptance receipt and related records until the transaction and any claim period are completed.
The 48-hour tracking deadline runs from the time payment is confirmed, including weekends and holidays. Entering a tracking number does not mean the package has shipped. The tracking number must correspond to the actual order and show a carrier acceptance scan within the applicable handling period.
No Prepaid Shipping Labels
Mercado Sales does not currently provide, sell, or issue prepaid shipping labels. Independent sellers must obtain their own USPS, UPS, or FedEx label and are responsible for the label cost, weight, dimensions, postage, carrier adjustments, insurance, signature services, and other shipping expenses.
Tracking from another carrier, an unverifiable number, or a recycled or unrelated tracking number may result in cancellation, delayed payment, account restrictions, or denial of Seller or Shipping Protection.
Buyer Protection Policy
Buyer Protection may apply when an eligible purchase is not received, arrives damaged, or materially differs from the listing.
Buyer Protection does not guarantee a refund in every situation. Mercado Sales may review the listing, photographs, messages, tracking information, delivery records, payment records, and other relevant evidence before deciding a claim.
Buyer Responsibilities
To remain eligible for protection, buyers must:
- Complete payment through Mercado Sales;
- Keep transaction communications on Mercado Sales;
- Review the listing and photographs before purchasing;
- Provide an accurate and secure delivery address;
- Report a problem within the applicable reporting period;
- Provide requested photographs, documents, and other evidence;
- Preserve the item and all packaging during the review; and
- Follow Mercado Sales' authorized return instructions.
Transactions completed or paid for outside Mercado Sales are not protected.
Problems That May Qualify for Review
A purchase may qualify when:
- The order was not received;
- The wrong item was delivered;
- The item is materially different from its listing;
- The item arrived with significant undisclosed damage;
- An important component identified as included is missing; or
- The item is suspected to be counterfeit or prohibited.
Buyer remorse, fit issues, minor differences, ordinary wear disclosed in the listing, or conditions clearly visible in the photographs may not qualify, except where applicable law requires otherwise.
Reporting Deadline
The buyer must report a problem through Mercado Sales within 72 hours after carrier-confirmed delivery and before accepting, rating, or otherwise completing the transaction.
Failure to report the problem within this period may result in completion of the transaction and release of the seller’s proceeds, except where a longer period is required by law.
Returns and Refunds
Do not return an item without authorization from Mercado Sales. Approved return instructions will explain the return deadline, eligible carrier, tracking requirements, address, and responsibility for return-shipping costs.
Approved refunds are generally returned to the original payment method. Processing time depends on the payment provider and financial institution. If the original method cannot accept the refund, Mercado Sales may provide another legally permitted refund method after notifying the buyer.
Seller Protection Policy
Seller Protection is intended to support eligible independent sellers who accurately list, safely package, timely ship, and properly document their transactions.
Seller Responsibilities
To remain eligible, the seller must:
- Possess the item before listing it;
- Provide accurate titles, descriptions, condition details, and photographs;
- Disclose defects, damage, alterations, and missing components;
- Ship only to the address shown in the Mercado Sales transaction;
- Use USPS, UPS, or FedEx with valid, verifiable tracking;
- Enter the tracking number within 48 hours after payment is confirmed;
- Obtain a carrier acceptance scan within the applicable handling period;
- Package the item appropriately;
- Retain shipping receipts, photographs, and supporting documentation;
- Communicate with the buyer through Mercado Sales; and
- Cooperate with transaction reviews and carrier investigations.
Transactions That May Not Be Protected
Seller Protection may be denied when:
- The item was prohibited, counterfeit, or materially misrepresented;
- The seller did not possess the item or used unauthorized drop-shipping;
- The seller shipped to a different address;
- Tracking was missing, late, invalid, unverifiable, recycled, or unrelated to the order;
- The carrier did not record timely acceptance of the package;
- The package was inadequately packed;
- Payment or communication occurred outside Mercado Sales;
- The seller failed to cooperate with an investigation; or
- Fraud, manipulation, or another policy violation occurred.
Mercado Sales may request photographs, receipts, serial numbers, carrier records, or other documentation before deciding a claim.
Package Marked Delivered but Not Received
If tracking shows that an order was delivered but the buyer cannot locate it, the buyer should act immediately.
Step 1: Check the Delivery Area
- Check the mailbox, porch, side door, garage, parcel locker, and other secure areas.
- Ask household members, neighbors, or building management whether they accepted the package.
- Confirm that the order contains the correct delivery address.
- Contact USPS, UPS, or FedEx, as applicable, and request available delivery details, including GPS or photographic evidence when available.
Step 2: Contact Mercado Sales Within 72 Hours
Report the missing package within 72 hours of the carrier-confirmed delivery time and before the transaction is completed.
Include:
- The order number;
- The tracking number;
- Confirmation that the delivery area was checked;
- Information received from the carrier; and
- Relevant photographs or documents.
Mercado Sales may temporarily pause the transaction while the matter is investigated.
Step 3: Investigation
Mercado Sales may review tracking and delivery scans, compare shipment and delivery addresses, request carrier evidence, contact the buyer or seller, and investigate whether the package or label was damaged, altered, or misdirected.
If reliable evidence confirms delivery to the correct address, the seller’s proceeds may be released. If delivery cannot be reasonably confirmed, Mercado Sales may approve a refund, subject to its policies and applicable law.
Investigations may take up to two weeks or longer when additional carrier information is required.
Wrong or Damaged Item
If the package is located but the item is wrong, damaged, or materially not as described, do not complete the transaction. Submit a claim within 72 hours and provide clear photographs of:
- The item;
- The shipping label;
- The exterior package;
- The internal packaging; and
- The reported problem.
Do not return the item until Mercado Sales provides instructions.
Buyer Due Diligence Guide
Mercado Sales offers products owned by Mercado Sales LLC and products listed by independent sellers. Buyers should carefully review each listing before purchasing.
Review the Item
Confirm:
- Whether the item is new, pre-owned, refurbished, or sold for parts;
- Whether defects, wear, damage, or missing components are disclosed;
- Whether the photographs show the actual item;
- Whether the model, size, color, measurements, and specifications are correct; and
- Which accessories, packaging, or documents are included.
Ask for additional information or photographs when necessary.
Branded and High-Value Items
For branded, collectible, or high-value items:
- Request available proof of purchase or authenticity documentation;
- Review serial numbers or identifying details when appropriate;
- Compare the item with reliable manufacturer information; and
- Do not rely solely on unsupported authenticity statements.
Mercado Sales does not currently guarantee or independently authenticate every branded item. Any specific authentication service or guarantee must be expressly disclosed in the individual listing or transaction.
Review the Seller
- Review the seller's ratings and transaction history.
- Read feedback from previous buyers.
- Check when the item was listed.
- Confirm availability when a listing is old.
- Keep all questions, answers, and payments within Mercado Sales.
Shipping Questions
All shipped orders must use USPS, UPS, or FedEx tracking. Before purchasing, buyers may ask when the item will ship, which carrier or service will be used, how the item will be packaged, and whether a signature will be required.
Estimated delivery dates are not guarantees unless expressly stated otherwise.
Keep Records
Keep transaction messages, order details, photographs, and related documents. Off-platform payments or communications may not qualify for Buyer Protection.
Contact Mercado Sales
For questions, claims, or transaction assistance:
Include the order number and a clear description of the issue when contacting support. Do not send full payment-card numbers, passwords, Social Security numbers, or other unnecessary sensitive information.
How to request a direct deposit to your checking account
- Tap Settings > Balance > “Transfer my balance”
- Enter your name as it appears on the checking account*, including the routing and account numbers.
- Confirm the amount you want to transfer then tap “Confirm.” When the direct deposit is processed, we’ll send you an email confirmation.
