Mercado Libre is the most important marketplace in Argentina and much of Latin America. For many businesses it is the first online sales channel. This guide explains how it works and what to watch out for to sell well.
What you need to get started
- A verified seller account, with your tax details up to date.
- Products with clear photos, complete descriptions and real stock.
- A payment method (Mercado Pago) and a defined shipping method.
How a listing works
Each product is listed with a title, category, attributes, photos, price and listing type. The title and attributes are key: they are what Mercado Libre uses to show your product when someone searches. A good title includes product, brand, model and features, without exaggerating or repeating words.
Reputation: what weighs the most
Seller reputation depends on things like claims, cancellations, dispatch delays and buyer ratings. A good reputation improves your visibility and credibility, so it pays to take care of it from day one: answer quickly, ship on time and publish accurate information.
Costs: commissions and shipping
Mercado Libre charges a sales commission that varies by category and listing type, and there are costs associated with shipping and payment methods. Before setting prices, calculate your real margin by adding up all those items. Conditions change over time, so always check the platform's official information.
Logistics and advertising
Mercado Libre offers different shipping modes, including the platform's own logistics, and advertising tools inside the marketplace (Mercado Libre Ads) to gain positioning. Choosing well among them depends on the type of product, volume and margin.
Common mistakes
- Listing without calculating the final margin.
- Incomplete titles and attributes.
- Outdated stock that causes cancellations.
- Neglecting messages and claims.
When does it make sense to delegate management?
When you have many products, several accounts or little time, professional account management lets you organize the catalog, protect your reputation and scale with advertising. At Solinit we manage Mercado Libre accounts and those of the other marketplaces.
If you also want your own store, see CMS vs Marketplace.