How do we use collected user information?
Mercari Group uses information collected from users for the following purposes.
Sending and receiving items using anonymous shipping
When a lister on Mercari selects RakuRaku Mercari Shipping or YuYu Mercari Shipping as the shipping method for an item, the item is shipped to the buyer anonymously, with neither side seeing the name and address of the other. Mercari Group uses the names and addresses of both the buyer and lister to make this possible.
Sending you appropriate notifications
When sending you notices or other information through the Mercari app or to the contact information you’ve registered with us, Mercari Group optimizes the content based on your usage habits, purchase history, and more.
Customizing the service to your needs
Mercari Group uses your recently viewed items and other information to provide a personalized experience for each user. For example, we use your search history and recently viewed items to make it easier for you to find the items you want.
Distributing advertisements and analyzing their effects
Mercari Group shows advertisements from third parties within the Mercari and Merpay services. We also distribute Mercari and Merpay advertisements through external advertisement distribution agencies. We use some user information to distribute these ads. We may also analyze your activity history and other data to show you ads that we think may be relevant and interesting to you. See here for information about how to opt out of third-party advertisements.
Additionally, we may also display advertisements from advertising sponsors through Mercari Group’s own advertising service. We use information collected from users to distribute these advertisements, analyze their effects, collect browsing information.
See here for information about how to opt out of Mercari Group’s activity history-based advertising service.
Improving services, carrying out research and development, and performing collaborative research
Mercari Group uses purchase history, viewed items, and other information collected from users in research and development to improve our existing services and create new ones.
For example, we use your listing history and purchase history to improve Mercari’s listing screen and make it easier for you to list items.
We also use information collected from users to carry out academic research in collaboration with organizations in Japan dedicated to academic research.
Marketing
Mercari Group uses information collected from users to increase your satisfaction with our services and attract new users. For example, we may utilize Merpay merchant information to encourage stores that don’t currently support Merpay to introduce Merpay payments.
Determining and managing credit for Merpay’s credit services
Merpay offers Merpay Smart Payments, a feature which allows users to purchase items and pay for them all at once later, and other credit services. Mercari Group utilizes user information regarding transactions (purchases/listings) and payments on Mercari and Merpay in order to calculate credit lines (the maximum amount of money for which you can defer payment) and manage payment status on these credit services.
Billing for item purchases and use of paid services
When you buy items on Mercari or make payments using Merpay, we use your information to bill you for the purchase price/payment price.
Preventing fraudulent use and ensuring safety
Mercari Group utilizes user information and device information to ensure a safe and secure user experience and prevent fraudulent conduct that interferes with our ability to provide a safe and reliable service.
For example, if we detect a suspicious transaction, we may ask you to submit identity verification documents, such as your driver’s license, to prevent fraudulent use of the service by a third party. We may also collect and use information regarding your device, such as IP address and individual identification information, to prevent fraudulent conduct.
Screening merchants and carrying out settlement for payment services
Mercari Group uses information collected from businesses that have applied to become merchants in the merchant screening process.
After stores have become merchants, we use merchant information to settle payment amounts and provide support.
Sending surveys to users
Mercari Group utilizes user contact information to send surveys and/or request participation in studies or events.
For example, we send out satisfaction surveys regarding Mercari Group services and initiatives via direct message on the app and use the feedback we receive to improve our services.
Responding to user inquiries
Mercari Group uses information such as personal information registered on the app, transaction history (purchases/listings), transaction messages, and inquiry history to accurately provide support and respond to user inquiries.
Mailing rewards and prizes
When you answer surveys or participate in events, Mercari Group may use your address and name to mail you a reward or prize.
Collecting service usage statistics
Mercari Group uses information such as login history and user behavior on our services to collect statistics on how our services are being used.
Managing appointments for Mercari Station and Mercari events
When visiting Mercari Station or attending Mercari Workshops or other events, we ask that you book an appointment through our online form in advance. We use the name, email address, and other information you provide through this form to manage appointments and provide you with the support you need.
Provision of collected information to third parties
In addition to cases permitted by law, Mercari Group may provide information collected from users to third parties after obtaining user consent.
Detecting and preventing fraudulent use of credit cards, etc.
When you use a credit card to buy items on Mercari, Mercari Group may provide information such as the personal information you have registered, listing/purchase information, your usage status on the service, your login history on Mercari Group services, shipping information, and information about your device (device identifier, location information, etc.) to your credit card company, payment service providers, research companies, industry groups, etc. to help our services and your credit card company detect and prevent fraudulent credit card use.
Performing collaborative research and academic research
Mercari Group may provide information collected from users to universities and other organizations dedicated to academic research solely for the purpose of collaborative research and/or academic research.
Conducting financing and claims liquidation
Mercari Group may provide information regarding users’ Merpay Smart Payments usage, etc. to specified financial institutions to raise funds and liquidate claims for the Group.
Analyzing and distributing advertisements by matching personal information
In providing information to third parties as stipulated in our Privacy Policy, Mercari Group may provide information we have collected to third parties including advertising business operators, social media business operators, affiliate service providers, and other service providers, as well as match it with personal information and/or personal related information held by those third parties and analyze said information. For example, to optimize advertisements, such as by distributing targeted advertisements personalized to your interests and preferences, and to examine and analyze use of the service, Mercari Group may provide information such as purchase history (purchase amounts, number of purchases, categories of products purchased, etc.) and advertising identifiers to third parties including advertising media for those third parties to link with personal information or personal related information they hold.
Transfer of Collected Information to Third Parties Located Overseas
Mercari Group may transfer the information we collect from you to third parties located overseas. These countries may not provide the same level of protection for your personal information as Japan does. However, Mercari Group will only transfer your information to parties that meet the requirements of Japan’s Act on the Protection of Personal Information, unless otherwise permitted by law.
External Service Providers
Mercari Group may transfer your information to businesses in foreign countries that provide us with cloud services.
Main country/region: United States of America
Independent Contractors (Research Assistants, Engineers, Other Contractors, Etc.)
Your information may be handled by Mercari Group’s independent contractors in foreign countries, such as research assistants, engineers, and other contractors.
In such cases, Mercari Group will take measures to safely manage your information, such as granting access only to the extent necessary for business, not allowing access to information that can be used to identify specific individuals, and only allowing access from devices approved by Mercari Group.
Main countries/regions: India, Canada, Taiwan, Indonesia, United States of AmericaMercari Group Companies Located Overseas
In cases like the following, your information may be handled by Mercari Group companies located overseas.
- Cases where Mercari Software Technologies India Private Limited (our India subsidiary) handles user information to the extent necessary for it to carry out the work that has been contracted to the company related to developing and operating Mercari Group’s services
- Cases where Mercari, Inc. (US) handles user information within the scope of the purposes stated in our Privacy Policy[Added in the privacy policy revision on August 30, 2024]
In such cases, Mercari Group will take measures to safely manage your information, such as granting access only to the extent necessary for business, monitoring logs, establishing appropriate security regulations for Group companies located overseas, requiring appropriate security management in outsourcing contracts, etc., and carrying out supervision.
Main country/region: India
Crossborder EC-Related Businesses
Mercari Group has formed official partnerships with several cross-border e-commerce (EC) businesses so that people located outside of Japan, who otherwise would not be able to use Mercari, can purchase items on Mercari from their websites. In some cases, Mercari Group may transfer information that is publicly available on Mercari (such as item information and information related to users) to the crossborder EC businesses located overseas.
Main country/region: Taiwan, Hong Kong, United States of America