Used Merchandise & Secondhand Stores.
Thrift, consignment and second-hand retailers.
- MCC
- 5931
- Category
- Miscellaneous Stores
- Cardflo support
- Yes
What MCC 5931 covers
Merchant Category Code 5931 is the ISO 18245 identifier used by the card networks for used merchandise & secondhand stores. Acquirers, issuers and regulators use this code to set interchange, scheme fees, fraud rules and reporting categories for every transaction your business processes.
Thrift, consignment and second-hand retailers. Choosing the right MCC is critical: an incorrect code can lead to higher interchange, surcharges, or, in regulated categories, declined transactions and account holds.
MCC 5931 encompasses second-hand goods stores, thrift shops, and consignment retailers. Transaction values are typically low to medium, with varying frequency depending on the novelty and value of items.
Chargebacks are generally low, primarily stemming from misrepresented item condition for online sales, non-receipt, or sizing issues for clothing. Card-not-present fraud risk exists for high-value designer items or electronics.
There are no specific scheme programmes for second-hand goods, but robust item descriptions and clear return policies are crucial. Cardflo's flexible payment gateway supports detailed transaction data, which helps in dispute resolution, and our chargeback representment tools assist merchants in fighting false claims.
Second-hand merchants should focus on transparent product descriptions and detailed imagery to reduce disputes over item condition, especially for online sales. Implementing a user-friendly returns policy is crucial for customer satisfaction and avoiding 'merchandise not as described' chargebacks.
For higher ticket items, consider using 3DS to authenticate CNP transactions and secure liability. Given the low-risk profile, excessive reserves are unlikely, but efficient inventory management and clear provenance documentation for valuable items will strengthen your position with acquirer partners.
Acquirer and acquirer assessment stance.
Low-risk standard board for most operations. High-value consignment or luxury second-hand goods online might warrant a medium-risk assessment with monitoring, but generally no reserve is required.
Dispute and chargeback profile.
The primary chargeback risks for second-hand stores are '13.1 / 4853 (services not as described)' where an item's condition is disputed, and '13.3 / 4855 (non-receipt of goods)' for online fulfilment. These often arise from mismatched expectations or delivery issues for unique items.
To successfully challenge, provide comprehensive product descriptions, high-resolution photographs detailing any flaws, and proof of shipping with tracking information. For unique items, a clear returns policy specifically for condition-based issues is also invaluable evidence.
See also: chargeback management · payment response codes · Compelling Evidence 3.0.
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How Cardflo handles MCC 5931
- Placement with acquirers that actively board MCC 5931 businesses in your region.
- MCC review during onboarding to confirm the right code for your products.
- Reclassification support if scheme rules or product mix change post-launch.
- Multi-acquirer routing to keep approvals stable for broad merchant categories.
- Dispute support tuned to the mixed-product chargeback profile this MCC sees.
- Dedicated onboarding manager rather than a generic ticket queue.
Payment methods typically enabled.
Onboarding checklist.
What acquirers typically ask to see when boarding MCC 5931. Cardflo collects this once and reuses it across every acquirer we route you through.
- Business registration and beneficial-owner documentation (KYB, UBO).
- Six months of processing statements or bank statements demonstrating trading pattern.
- Product catalogue extract confirming the MCC covers the goods actually sold.
- Refund, exchange and cancellation policy shown at point of sale and on the website.
- PCI DSS SAQ appropriate to the environment (A, A-EP or D as relevant).
- Website terms of service, privacy policy and clear merchant descriptor.
See also: Know Your Customer (KYC) · high-risk merchant · smart routing.
Talk to an acquiring specialist about your MID setup.
Common questions
What are common chargeback reasons for second-hand goods retailers and how can they be mitigated?
Common chargeback reasons include 'merchandise not as described' due to discrepancies in condition, authenticity concerns, or 'non-receipt' for online orders. Mitigation strategies include providing highly detailed product descriptions, clear photographs, transparent grading systems for item condition, and robust shipping tracking.
Cardflo's chargeback tooling can help merchants submit compelling evidence to dispute these claims effectively.
Are second-hand retailers subject to specific scheme rules regarding authenticity?
While schemes do not have specific rules unique to the authenticity of second-hand goods, general scheme rules regarding misrepresentation and customer satisfaction apply. Merchants must ensure that items sold are as described and legitimate, particularly for designer or branded goods.
Poor practices can lead to elevated chargeback rates, which can trigger scheme monitoring programmes like Visa's Dispute Monitoring Program (VDMP) or Mastercard's Excessive Chargeback Programme (ECP).
How does Cardflo's platform support second-hand retailers with inventory management and payments?
Cardflo's payment gateway can integrate with various e-commerce platforms and inventory management systems, allowing second-hand retailers to accurately track unique items and process payments efficiently.
This integration helps ensure that items are accurately depicted and payment corresponds to available stock, reducing issues related to incorrect inventory or selling items that are no longer available, which can minimise disputes.
What specific photographic evidence should a second-hand retailer maintain for high-value designer items to prevent chargebacks?
For high-value items, capture comprehensive, high-resolution photographs from multiple angles, highlighting all features, any existing wear-and-tear, unique identifiers like serial numbers, and brand logos. Include close-ups of specific details that attest to authenticity.
Ensure these images are timestamped and linked directly to the product listing and transaction record. Before shipping, take 'packing' photos or videos to demonstrate the item's condition immediately prior to dispatch and how it was securely packaged.
This visual documentation is vital for disputing claims of damage or misrepresentation.
How can consignment shops provide clear item condition expectations to customers to reduce disputes?
Implement a detailed, standardised grading system for item condition (e. g. , 'new with tags', 'excellent used condition', 'good used condition'). Each grade should have clear, written definitions and be consistently applied.
Complement this with explicit disclosure of any specific flaws or imperfections for individual items within the product description, backed up by dedicated photographs. Encourage customers to review these details thoroughly before purchase.
A 'customer acknowledgement' checkbox at checkout confirming they've read and understood the item's condition can also be beneficial in dispute resolution.
Other MCCs in Miscellaneous Stores
Related industries.
Related features.
Related guides.
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