How MyMerkato Works
A community marketplace built for Ethiopian, Eritrean, Habesha, and immigrant communities across the US and Ethiopia - buy, sell, hire, ride, and connect, all in one place, in your own language.
What is MyMerkato?
MyMerkato is a community marketplace built for Ethiopian, Eritrean, Habesha, and immigrant communities across the US and Ethiopia. Buy and sell locally, hire trusted service providers, catch a ride, find a roommate, and stay connected with what's happening nearby - all in one place, in your own language.
Browse & Buy
Search or scroll the Marketplace to find real listings near you - furniture, electronics, clothing, vehicles, and more. Save your zip code to sort by “Nearest first,” or ask the AI Search bar a plain question like “cheap couch under $200 near DC” and let it do the filtering for you. Found something you like? Message the seller directly, or chat with their AI scheduling assistant to arrange a time and place to meet.
Sell Something
Tap “Post” to list an item in minutes: photos, a description, a price, and a category. Every listing is reviewed before it goes live, to keep the marketplace safe. Add your zip code so nearby buyers find you first, and turn on your AI Scheduling Assistant so it can answer buyer questions and book meetups for you automatically - even while you're busy.
Open a Shop
Running a real business - a boutique, an import shop, a food business? Open your own storefront instead of posting one item at a time. A shop gives you a branded page, unlimited product listings, and a spot on the homepage billboard. Shops are included free with the Business plan, or available to Plus members for a small one-time fee.
Hire a Local Provider
Need a ride, a delivery, a mechanic, a tutor, a hairstylist, or a handyman? The Providers directory lists real community members offering their services, sorted by distance once you save your zip code. Providers can list their years of experience, whether they're licensed, and the languages they speak, so you know exactly who you're hiring before you reach out.
Rides & Deliveries
Offer or request a ride, or get something delivered across town - all inside the app, no separate service needed. Drivers and couriers set their own rates, and you'll see an estimated cost before you ever agree to anything.
Events
Browse community events - weddings, fundraisers, religious gatherings, cultural celebrations - or post your own to reach thousands of members in your area. Add any event straight to your personal calendar with one tap.
Roommate Finder
Looking for a room, or have one to offer? Post a roommate listing with your budget, move-in date, and preferences, and browse others sorted by distance from you. It's free to post, and every listing is reviewed before it goes live.
Your AI Assistant
MyMerkato's AI works on your behalf in two ways: AI Search understands plain-language questions (“one bedroom apartment near Silver Spring under $1200”) instead of requiring exact keywords, and every listing can have its own AI Scheduling Assistant that answers buyer questions from your listing details and books meetups for you automatically - even while you're asleep.
Stay Safe
Always meet in a public place, bring someone with you if you can, and never send money before seeing an item in person. Report anything that feels wrong with one tap from any listing, shop, or profile - our team reviews every report.
Membership Plans
Browsing, messaging, and posting a roommate listing are always free. Posting other listings, opening a shop, and unlocking extra features like Live Billboard placement are part of the Plus and Business plans, both with a free trial to start. See Plans & Pricing for full details.