Mercari launches AI-powered item appraisal feature

Mercari has launched a new feature called ‘Mochimono Satei’ (Item Appraisal) that allows users to estimate the value of their belongings simply by taking a photo. Using AI, the app identifies the product and provides a market price estimate based on similar transaction data or catalog information.

The feature aims to address the issue of ‘hidden assets’ in Japanese households, which Mercari estimates to be worth approximately 90.5 trillion yen. By providing instant price visibility, the company hopes to lower the barrier for users who hesitate to list items due to uncertainty regarding their resale value. Users can save appraised items to a list and proceed directly to listing them for sale.