How to Sell on Mercado Libre

Mercado Libre is a Latin American e-commerce and online marketplace company founded in 1999. It is one of the largest e-commerce and fintech companies in the region, serving multiple countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and others. Mercado Libre offers a wide range of products, including consumer goods, electronics, fashion items, and more, and it also provides services like online payments, digital wallets, and classified advertisements. The platform has become a major player in the Latin American e-commerce landscape, offering a convenient and secure online shopping experience for customers while also facilitating financial services in the region.

Our Sourcing Services for Mercado Libre eCommerce

Selecting Suppliers Identify and evaluate potential suppliers or manufacturers based on the seller’s product requirements. Conduct supplier background checks, including assessing their reputation, reliability, and production capabilities. Negotiate terms and conditions, such as pricing, payment terms, MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity), and lead times.

Get A Free Quote

Product Quality Control Implement quality control measures to ensure that products meet the specified standards and comply with regulations. Arrange and conduct factory inspections and audits to assess production facilities and processes. Monitor and inspect product samples to verify quality before mass production. Address quality issues promptly and work with suppliers to resolve any issues that arise during production.

Get A Free Quote

Private Label and White Label Coordinate with suppliers to ensure proper labeling and packaging of products according to Mercado Libre’s requirements and any relevant regulations. Verify that packaging meets safety standards and adequately protects products during transit. Assist in designing or modifying packaging to enhance product presentation and protect brand identity.

Get A Free Quote

Warehousing and Shipping Coordinate and arrange transportation logistics, including selecting shipping methods, carriers, and freight forwarders. Ensure accurate documentation for customs clearance and compliance with international shipping regulations. Track and manage the shipping process to ensure timely delivery to Mercado Libre’s fulfillment centers or directly to customers. Provide shipping cost estimates and optimize shipping expenses where possible.

Get A Free Quote

What is Mercado Libre?

Mercado Libre is a Latin American e-commerce and online marketplace company, often referred to as the “eBay of Latin America.” It was founded in 1999 in Argentina by Marcos Galperin and has since grown to become one of the largest e-commerce and online payment platforms in the region.

Mercado Libre operates in multiple countries in Latin America, including Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, and others. The platform allows users to buy and sell a wide variety of products and services, including electronics, clothing, home goods, and more. In addition to its marketplace, Mercado Libre provides various online payment services, including Mercado Pago, which facilitates online transactions.

The company has expanded its services beyond traditional e-commerce, offering solutions such as Mercado Envíos for shipping and logistics and Mercado Crédito for providing loans to sellers. It plays a significant role in the e-commerce landscape in Latin America and has been a key player in the region’s digital economy.

Step-by-step Guide to Selling on Mercado Libre

Selling on Mercado Libre, one of the largest e-commerce platforms in Latin America, can be a great opportunity to reach a wide audience of potential customers. Here are the steps to start selling on Mercado Libre:

1. Create an Account:
   • Visit the Mercado Libre website (www.mercadolibre.com) and sign up for an account if you don’t already have one. You’ll need to provide personal information and bank account details.
2. Verify Your Identity:
   • Mercado Libre may require you to verify your identity, especially if you plan to sell a large volume of products.
3. Prepare Your Products:
   • Before listing your products, make sure you have clear photos and detailed descriptions for each item. Take high-quality images and provide accurate information about the product’s condition, price, and shipping options.
4. List Your Products:
   • Log in to your Mercado Libre account and click on “Sell” or “Vender” to create a new listing.
   • Follow the prompts to fill in the product details, including title, category, price, and quantity available.
   • Set your shipping options and prices.
5. Choose a Payment Method:
   • Mercado Libre offers several payment methods for your customers. You can choose to receive payments through Mercado Pago, the platform’s integrated payment system, or other methods like bank transfers.
6. Set Shipping Options:
   • Decide how you want to handle shipping. You can either use Mercado Envíos, Mercado Libre’s shipping service, or arrange your own shipping method.
7. Price Your Products Competitively:
   • Research similar products on Mercado Libre to ensure your prices are competitive. Consider offering promotions or free shipping to attract more customers.
8. Manage Orders:
   • Monitor your Mercado Libre account regularly for new orders. When you receive an order, prepare the product for shipping and mark it as “Shipped” in your account.
9. Provide Excellent Customer Service:
   • Respond promptly to customer inquiries and address any issues or concerns they may have.
10. Receive Payments:
    • Once a customer receives their order and is satisfied, they will confirm the receipt, and Mercado Pago will release the funds to your account.
11. Build Your Reputation:
    • Customer feedback and ratings are crucial on Mercado Libre. Provide excellent service to build a positive reputation.
12. Expand Your Business:
    • As you gain experience and build trust with customers, consider expanding your product range and growing your business on Mercado Libre.
13. Stay Informed:
    • Keep up with Mercado Libre’s policies, updates, and marketing opportunities. They often provide tools and resources to help sellers succeed.

How to Get Positive Reviews from Buyers

1. Provide Accurate Product Descriptions: Ensure that your product listings are clear, detailed, and accurate. Include essential information such as product specifications, dimensions, materials, and any other relevant details. This helps manage customer expectations and reduces the likelihood of dissatisfaction.
2. High-Quality Product Images: Use high-resolution images that showcase your product from different angles. Clear and appealing visuals help buyers understand what they are purchasing and can contribute to a positive impression.
3. Competitive Pricing: Offer fair and competitive prices for your products. Buyers are more likely to leave positive reviews if they feel they received good value for their money.
4. Prompt and Clear Communication: Respond to customer inquiries quickly and provide clear, helpful answers. Good communication can build trust and create a positive buying experience.
5. Fast Shipping: Ship orders promptly and provide accurate tracking information. Fast and reliable shipping contributes to customer satisfaction and can result in positive reviews.
6. Packaging: Ensure that products are well-packaged to prevent damage during transit. A professionally packed product not only protects the item but also reflects positively on your brand.
7. Quality Customer Service: Offer excellent customer service before, during, and after the sale. Address any issues or concerns promptly and professionally. A positive interaction with customer service can turn a potentially negative experience into a positive one.
8. Incentives for Reviews: Consider offering small incentives for customers who leave positive reviews. This could be in the form of discounts on future purchases or other promotional offers. However, be cautious about this approach to avoid violating any platform policies.
9. Follow Up: Send follow-up emails to customers after the purchase to check if they are satisfied with their order. Include a polite request for a review and provide a convenient link to the review page on Mercado Libre.
10. Build a Positive Online Presence: Maintain a positive and professional online presence. Engage with customers on social media and other channels, and showcase your commitment to customer satisfaction.

FAQs about Selling on Mercado Libre

1. How do I create a seller account on Mercado Libre?
   • Visit the Mercado Libre website and click on the “Sell” option.
   • Follow the prompts to create a seller account by providing the required information.
   • Verify your identity and link a valid bank account.
2. What are the fees for selling on Mercado Libre?
   • Mercado Libre charges various fees, including a listing fee, a final value fee on successful sales, and payment processing fees. These fees can vary, so it’s essential to check the current fee structure on the Mercado Libre website.
3. How do I list products for sale on Mercado Libre?
   • Log in to your seller account and click on the “Sell” option.
   • Select the category for your product and provide details such as title, description, and images.
   • Set the price and shipping options.
4. What payment methods are supported on Mercado Libre?
   • Mercado Libre supports various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, Mercado Pago (their payment platform), and cash on delivery.
5. How does shipping work on Mercado Libre?
   • Sellers can choose to handle shipping themselves or use Mercado Envíos, Mercado Libre’s shipping service. With Mercado Envíos, sellers can print shipping labels and drop off packages at designated locations.
6. How do I handle returns and customer service on Mercado Libre?
   • Mercado Libre has a standardized returns process. Sellers need to specify their return policy, and buyers can initiate a return through the platform. It’s crucial to respond promptly to customer inquiries and provide excellent customer service.
7. How do I manage my inventory on Mercado Libre?
   • Sellers can track and manage their inventory through the seller dashboard on Mercado Libre. It’s important to keep product listings updated and in stock.
8. What are the requirements for selling internationally on Mercado Libre?
   • Mercado Libre has specific requirements for selling internationally. Sellers need to comply with these requirements, which may include providing international shipping options and adhering to import/export regulations.
9. How does feedback and ratings work for sellers on Mercado Libre?
   • Buyers can leave feedback and ratings for sellers based on their purchasing experience. Positive reviews can improve a seller’s reputation, while negative reviews may affect their credibility. It’s important for sellers to maintain good customer relations.
10. How do I promote my products on Mercado Libre?
    • Mercado Libre offers promotional tools such as sponsored listings to increase product visibility. Sellers can use these tools to enhance their listings and attract more buyers.