Job Seekers Reselling Nintendo Pamphlets for Thousands on Mercari

Go That Far? Job Seekers Using Mercari to Make Extra Money

Because Mercari, a flea market app, allows people to buy secondhand items and other people’s unwanted goods at relatively low prices, it has gained popularity. Among the various items being bought and sold, there are even some things that seem surprising.

One of these items is the corporate brochures that are often handed out at company information sessions. Many people who have gone through a job search might have received one at least once.

When we looked into the demand for these brochures and how they are obtained, we uncovered an unexpected reality.

By searching for brochures on Mercari, we found that a variety of them were being bought and sold, with many transactions already completed.

Among them, the most popular brochures were those from Nintendo, known for its popular game series such as “Pokémon” and “Super Mario.” Some of these were being sold for tens of thousands of yen.

K, who has previously sold corporate brochures, explained that some people are likely reselling them. He shares, “I think it’s probably job seekers selling them as a side hustle while attending job fairs.”

“The brochures aren’t items that sell immediately, so when I sold them, it took several months to sell. The price was a few thousand yen, and I listed them alongside other items I was reselling.

Before listing, I looked at other people’s listings, but I didn’t find evidence of anyone selling them in bulk or as part of an organized resale operation. I don’t think there are people doing this as a business, like typical resellers. Instead, I believe university students during job hunting season are listing them just to make a little extra pocket money for lunch or drinks. It’s just a way for cash-strapped students to earn some money while job hunting.” (K)

“With this quality, I might want it. Actual image of the pamphlet”

However, there are cases where students collectively list the pamphlets for sale.

“There are some job fairs held at large venues where you can get corporate pamphlets. If a student knows that these pamphlets can be sold, they may collect all the pamphlets from companies that are likely to sell well and resell them.

Additionally, even if they are not actively job hunting, they may receive unwanted pamphlets from juniors or seniors and then list them for sale in a resell manner,” said the source.

While it was confirmed that Nintendo’s pamphlets are sold at high prices, what about other companies? According to K, “Any company with a fan base can sell its pamphlets if priced correctly.”

“For example, with Nintendo, their characters are attractive and they have fans worldwide. Pamphlets with these characters on the cover and elaborate designs are essentially rare items available only to job seekers. It wouldn’t be surprising if fans are willing to pay for them. Especially older pamphlets that are no longer available are sold for even higher prices.

For the same reason, pamphlets from entertainment-related companies, including famous game-related firms, are popular. Similarly, railway-related companies have loyal fans, so their pamphlets are also selling well.

Generally, if there are items marked as ‘SOLD’, that price sets the market value, and it shows that almost anything can sell.”

Companies probably never imagined that their corporate pamphlets would be bought and sold. However, there will always be students without morals.

While there may be people who want them, companies do not intend for their pamphlets to be sold in this way. To avoid reducing opportunities for those who genuinely want to work for these companies, it would be better if students refrain from attending company briefings just for pocket money.