Attention! Japan's Mercari platform releases new alert function

On January 27, Japanese second-hand platform Mercari announced the "Market Fundamentals" developed with external experts . The guidelines are based on previously implemented rules and regulations and user guidelines and summarize the development direction of the platform . Along with the release of the Fundamentals , the platform's new alert function was also made public .

The alert function is a function that allows users to " pay attention " before purchasing products with skyrocketing prices , and is displayed in products and search results where the demand balance is obviously disrupted. It is reported that the implementation time of this function is expected to be spring and summer 2021.

Mercari Senior Executive Director Mr. Hironao Tamenki said at the press conference that day that details such as which products will trigger alarms under what conditions are being decided , and stressed that a judgment will be made after discussions with primary issuers and experts.

It can be said that the release of the basic principles and alert functions this time has brought Mercari greater attention. Previously, due to the new crown epidemic, the "resale issue" has also become a hot topic among the public.

It is understood that the basic principles were developed at "market expert meetings" attended by external experts and some Mercari executives (six meetings were held from August to December 2020).

At the expert meeting, it was pointed out that the basic principle is to create a market where people can trade freely. As a market platform, buyers and sellers can trade freely and match supply and demand.

On the other hand, in order to ensure a safe trading environment for users , it is clearly stated that "necessary items related to maintaining life and physical safety and health" such as masks and disinfectants must be regulated . In addition, policies were announced to deal with products with obvious disruptions in demand balance and sharp price increases, such as the continued price increase of new game consoles .

Although transactions are free on the platform, excessive free transactions will lead to price increases . Now, whether it is the critical opinions of the public, the intentions of the suppliers or the willingness of the users to buy at high prices, they all need to be considered , so the policy points out that it is necessary to cooperate with the sellers to provide information so that the buyers can make calm decisions.

For sellers, it is best not to blindly price products based on their own subjective wishes. Instead, they should set a reasonable range after comparing with peers. Otherwise, it will not only trigger the alarm function, but also affect the store's transaction rate.

Japan

Second-hand platform

Seller