Mercado Libre tracking

What is Mercado Libre?

Mercado Libre is the largest e-commerce platform in Latin America, often nicknamed the Amazon of South America. Founded on August 2, 1999 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, this company has revolutionized consumption habits for millions of Latin Americans by offering them simplified access to millions of products. From its modest beginnings in a garage in the Saavedra neighborhood, Mercado Libre has transformed into a true technology empire encompassing e-commerce, financial services, logistics and digital advertising.

Mercado Libre's history is closely tied to that of its founder, Marcos Eduardo Galperin. Born on October 31, 1971 in Buenos Aires in a wealthy Jewish-Argentine family, Galperin developed an entrepreneurial spirit at an early age. After studying finance at the prestigious Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, he worked briefly in Argentina, notably for oil company YPF. It was during his MBA studies at Stanford University in 1999, during the height of the Internet bubble, that the idea for Mercado Libre germinated. Inspired by eBay's success in the United States, Galperin saw immense potential for e-commerce in a region that was then largely underconnected.

As early as November 1999, just three months after its creation, Mercado Libre successfully raised $7.6 million from investors, including HM Capital Partners. This first funding round enabled the company to expand rapidly across several Latin American countries. In 2007, Mercado Libre reached a historic milestone by becoming the first Argentine company to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange, solidifying its position as a regional leader.

• Date of creation: August 2, 1999, in Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Founder and CEO: Marcos Eduardo Galperin, Argentine-American entrepreneur with a Stanford degree
• Headquarters: Buenos Aires, Argentina, with regional offices in all operating countries
• Stock listing: NASDAQ under the symbol MELI since 2007
• Number of employees: Over 80,000 employees across Latin America, with continuous workforce growth
• Unique buyers: Over 100 million unique buyers on the e-commerce platform

Over the years, Mercado Libre has significantly expanded its ecosystem beyond simple e-commerce. The company launched Mercado Pago in 2003 to facilitate online payments, then Mercado Envíos in 2013 to optimize logistics, Mercado Crédito for lending services, and Mercado Ads for digital advertising. This strategic diversification has enabled Mercado Libre to create an integrated ecosystem where each service strengthens the others.

Mercado Libre's financial results testify to its exceptional success. The company generates several billion dollars in revenue each quarter, with annual growth regularly exceeding 30%. These remarkable performances earned Mercado Libre recognition as the only Latin American company on TIME100's list of most influential companies.

With one of the highest market capitalizations in Latin America, Mercado Libre has established itself as an unmissable technology giant. The company dominates the Latin American e-commerce market overwhelmingly, with its sales exceeding the combined total of its fifteen closest competitors.

In which countries does Mercado Libre deliver?

Mercado Libre operates in eighteen countries across Latin America, covering practically the entire sub-continent and part of Central America. This extensive geographic presence allows tens of millions of consumers to access a unified marketplace offering millions of products across all imaginable categories. Each country has its own localized platform, adapted to the specific characteristics of the local market in terms of currency, language and regulations.

Mercado Libre's main markets are Brazil, Mexico and Argentina, which together represent the vast majority of its revenue. Brazil is by far the most important, generating the largest share of the company's revenues due to its population of over 200 million inhabitants and a rapidly expanding e-commerce market. Mexico constitutes the second strategic market, with massive investments planned for 2025, while Argentina remains the company's historical birthplace and a mature market.

• Argentina: Historic market and headquarters, accessible via mercadolibre.com.ar
• Brazil: First market in terms of revenues, accessible via mercadolivre.com.br
• Mexico: Second strategic market, accessible via mercadolibre.com.mx
• Chile: Mature market with Mercado Envíos Full service available, accessible via mercadolibre.cl
• Colombia: Fast-growing market, accessible via mercadolibre.com.co
• Uruguay: Bordering Argentina well-developed market, accessible via mercadolibre.com.uy
• Venezuela: Presence maintained despite local economic context
• Peru: Andean market under development
• Ecuador: Andean regional presence
• Costa Rica, Panama, Dominican Republic: Central American and Caribbean markets

For international sales, Mercado Libre has implemented a specific program allowing sellers located outside the region, notably in the United States, to offer their products to Latin American buyers. This international sales program, accessible by invitation, primarily targets Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Argentina. American sellers benefit from simplified integration with the Mercado Envíos infrastructure, which handles cross-border logistics.

It is important to note that Mercado Libre does not currently offer direct shipping to the United States or Europe. The platform is primarily designed for intra-regional commerce in Latin America. Buyers located outside this zone therefore cannot order directly on the platform. However, third-party services allow international consumers to access products sold on Mercado Libre through specialized intermediaries in reshipping services.

Mercado Libre's geographic expansion is accompanied by massive investments in each market. The company invests several billion dollars each year in Mexico and Brazil, its two largest markets. These funds are primarily used to develop logistics infrastructure, distribution centers and technological capabilities in each country.

What carriers does Mercado Libre use?

Mercado Libre has developed a hybrid logistics strategy combining its own internal distribution network, called Mercado Envíos, and partnerships with numerous local and international carriers. This approach allows the company to optimize delivery times while adapting to the specificities of each market. The choice of carrier depends on several factors, including the destination country, package size, selected service type and commercial agreements in place.

Mercado Envíos is the central pillar of Mercado Libre's logistics. Launched in 2013, this integrated service allows the platform to control much of the shipping chain, from collection at the seller to delivery to the end customer. Packages shipped via Mercado Envíos receive a specific tracking number generally starting with the letters ML, indicating direct management by the platform. Mercado Envíos delivers over one billion items each year, a volume that has more than doubled in recent years.

• Mercado Envíos: Mercado Libre's internal logistics service ensuring end-to-end delivery with tracking numbers starting with ML
• Correo Argentino: Argentine national postal service used for deliveries across the entire Argentine territory
• OCA: Private shipping company very present in Argentina, offering fast delivery services
• Andreani: Another major logistics player in Argentina, used for certain specific destinations
• Correios: Brazilian national postal service covering the entire Brazilian territory
• DHL: International carrier used for cross-border shipments and certain express deliveries
• UPS: International partner for shipments to or from abroad
• FedEx: Used in Mexico and for certain international connections
• Azul Cargo Express: Exclusive partner for Mercado Libre air freight in Brazil

In Brazil, Mercado Libre relies on both the national postal service Correios and numerous private carriers to cover the vast Brazilian territory. Collaboration with Azul Linhas Aéreas, through its Azul Cargo Express subsidiary, enables fast air transport between the country's major cities. In Mexico, the platform collaborates with DHL Express, FedEx and various local delivery services to ensure optimal coverage.

A distinctive feature of Mercado Libre's logistics strategy is the development of its own airline called MeLi Air. This cargo freight company operates in Mexico and Brazil with several aircraft dedicated exclusively to transporting Mercado Libre packages. In Mexico, MeLi Air has a fleet of four aircraft based at Querétaro International Airport, transporting approximately 65 tons of goods daily to Tijuana, La Paz, Ciudad Juárez and Cancún. In Brazil, a partnership with Gol enabled the deployment of six Boeing 737-800 aircraft converted into cargo planes.

The company is also developing Mercado Envíos Extra, a collaborative delivery service using independent couriers equipped with their own vehicles. These couriers, connected via a dedicated mobile application, receive delivery offers and can accept missions according to their availability. This model, similar to meal delivery platforms, helps streamline last-mile delivery in dense urban areas.

What are Mercado Libre's delivery times?

Delivery times on Mercado Libre vary considerably depending on the destination country, the selected service type, the location of the seller and buyer, and product availability. The company has invested heavily in its logistics infrastructure to reduce these timeframes and offer increasingly fast delivery options, including same-day delivery in certain major cities.

For standard deliveries within the same country, average times generally range between two and five business days in major urban areas. In more remote or rural regions, these timeframes can extend to seven to ten days. These variations are explained by the logistics challenges specific to Latin America, where road infrastructure can be limited in certain areas and distances to cover are often considerable.

• Same-day delivery: Available in major metropolitan areas for products stored in Mercado Envíos Full warehouses, with orders placed before a set time limit
• Next-day delivery: Offered for eligible items located in warehouses close to the destination, generally in major cities
• 48-hour delivery: Intermediate option available for many products in urban areas
• Standard delivery: Three to five business days for most domestic shipments
• Economy delivery: Less expensive option with timeframes reaching one to two weeks
• International delivery: Seven to forty-five days depending on origin and destination, including customs clearance time

The Mercado Envíos Full service plays a crucial role in accelerating deliveries. Sellers who store their products in Mercado Libre warehouses benefit from significantly shorter delivery timeframes, as items are already positioned near high-demand areas. When an order is placed, Mercado Libre teams immediately retrieve the item, pack it and ship it, often the same day. This service is currently available in Mexico and Chile.

The MeLi Air fleet also contributes to reducing timeframes over long distances. In Mexico, Mercado Libre's cargo aircraft enable 24-hour deliveries between distant cities such as Mexico City and Tijuana or Cancún. This proprietary air capacity gives the company a major competitive advantage in a market where distances can constitute a significant obstacle.

It is important to note that delivery timeframes displayed at checkout are estimates based on normal delivery conditions. Exceptional events such as peak demand periods, unfavorable weather conditions or strikes may result in delays. Mercado Libre updates tracking information in real time to allow buyers to precisely monitor their delivery progress.

What are Mercado Libre's shipping fees?

Mercado Libre's shipping fee policy aims to make e-commerce accessible to the widest audience while maintaining viable economic balance. The company regularly offers free shipping for orders exceeding a certain threshold, while shipments below this amount are charged according to a pricing grid depending on the weight, dimensions and destination of the package.

Mercado Libre practices an aggressive free shipping policy, particularly in Brazil where the minimum threshold has been significantly lowered, making free shipping accessible for virtually all purchases. This strategy aims to stimulate sales and strengthen the platform's competitiveness against local and international competitors.

• Free shipping: Available for orders exceeding a minimum threshold that varies by country, often displayed as a badge on eligible listings
• Standard fees: Calculated based on weight, dimensions and distance between seller and buyer
• Express delivery surcharge: Additional cost for accelerated delivery options same day or next day
• Reduced fees for pickup points: Rates generally lower for pickups at agencies or collection points
• Order bundling: The cart feature allows grouping multiple items into a single shipment to optimize fees

For products under eight kilograms, Mercado Libre often offers free shipping to buyers, who then only pay for the item price plus any applicable customs duties and taxes for international purchases. This aggressive free shipping policy is part of Mercado Libre's strategy to gain market share in a region where e-commerce still represents only about 15% of retail spending.

Sellers on Mercado Libre have the option to absorb all or part of shipping fees to make their offers more attractive. Products benefiting from free shipping are clearly identified with a specific badge, which can positively influence purchasing decisions. The platform encourages this practice by giving better visibility to listings offering free shipping.

For international shipments, fees can be more significant and generally include air transport costs, customs processing fees and sometimes prepaid import duties. Mercado Libre offers in some cases delivery options including duties paid, allowing the buyer to know the total cost of their order at checkout, without unpleasant surprises at delivery.

What are Mercado Libre's delivery options?

Mercado Libre offers a complete range of delivery options tailored to the different needs and constraints of buyers. This flexibility allows each customer to choose the reception method that suits them best, whether it's home delivery, pickup at a collection point or retrieval from an automated locker. Available options vary depending on the country, the buyer's location and the characteristics of the ordered product.

Home delivery remains the most popular option on Mercado Libre. The package is delivered directly to the address provided by the buyer, generally by a Mercado Envíos delivery driver or partner carrier. For express urban deliveries, Mercado Libre sometimes offers the possibility of tracking the delivery driver in real time on an interactive map when the package is being distributed, allowing the buyer to know exactly when to expect to receive their package.

• Standard home delivery: The package is delivered to the provided address, generally during business hours, with the possibility of rescheduling if absent
• Express home delivery: Accelerated option to receive your order same day or next day in eligible cities
• Pickup at collection point: The package is deposited at a partner store near the buyer's home, who can pick it up at their convenience
• Pickup at Mercado Libre agency: Dedicated agencies receive and deliver packages to buyers and sellers
• Automated lockers: In certain areas, secure lockers allow package retrieval 24/7 using a pickup code
• Pickup at post office: In some countries, packages can be retrieved at national postal service offices

Collection points are a particularly appreciated alternative for buyers who cannot be present at their home during delivery hours. Mercado Libre has developed a vast network of partner agencies and stores serving as collection points. These points are often neighborhood shops that, in addition to their main business, handle receipt and delivery of Mercado Libre packages. Once the package is delivered to the chosen point, the buyer receives a notification and has a timeframe to collect it by presenting an ID or pickup code.

To become a Mercado Libre collection point, a merchant must have a ground-floor store open to the public Monday through Friday during business hours and have space to store packages. No special equipment is required other than a phone or computer to scan packages. Collection points are paid monthly via bank transfer based on the volume of packages processed.

Mercado Libre's notification system keeps buyers informed at each stage of the delivery process. Email alerts and mobile app notifications are automatically sent when the package is shipped, when it passes through sorting centers, and when it is in delivery or available at a collection point. This proactive communication allows buyers to organize their availability based on their order's progress.

What should I do if my Mercado Libre order is lost or damaged?

Mercado Libre has a purchase protection program called Compra Protegida that guarantees buyers a secure shopping experience. In case of a lost, undelivered or damaged package, this program allows for a refund or replacement of the product under certain conditions. The claims process is relatively simple and can be done directly from the buyer's account on the platform.

If your package doesn't arrive within the scheduled timeframe or if tracking indicates delivery when you haven't received anything, the first step is to check tracking information in the My Purchases section of your Mercado Libre account. Sometimes the package may have been delivered to a neighbor, left in a secure location or delivered to a collection point without proper notification. If after checking the package remains missing, you can file a claim with Mercado Libre.

• Timeframe to report an issue: 30 days from receipt for new products, 14 days for used products
• Food products: Reduced timeframe of 14 days from receipt
• Claims process: Accessible from the My Purchases section by selecting the relevant order and choosing the appropriate option
• Examination of returned product: The product is inspected and depending on the result, the refund may be full or partial
• Free returns: Returns are generally free regardless of the reason for the claim

In case of a damaged package, it is crucial to document the damage immediately upon receipt. Take photos of the outside packaging before opening it, then of the damaged contents. This visual evidence will facilitate the processing of your claim. Some carriers ask the recipient to sign a delivery slip with a reservation in case of visible packaging damage before even opening it.

Mercado Libre acts as an intermediary between the buyer, seller and carrier to resolve disputes. The platform centralizes claims and handles communication with all parties involved. In most cases, the buyer doesn't need to contact the carrier directly, as Mercado Libre manages this relationship on their behalf. This centralization significantly simplifies the claims process for the end user.

The refund, when granted, is generally credited to the buyer's Mercado Pago account or to the original payment method depending on the case. Refund timeframes vary but are generally a few business days after claim validation. In some cases, Mercado Libre may offer a product replacement rather than a refund, particularly for items in stock that can be shipped quickly.

There are certain exclusions to the Compra Protegida program. Some products can only be returned under specific conditions related to their category, and others are completely excluded from protection. It is recommended to check return conditions before purchase, particularly for fragile, personalized or perishable products.

How to contact Mercado Libre?

Mercado Libre provides several communication channels to allow users to resolve their problems and obtain assistance. The online help center is the first resource to consult, as it answers the vast majority of common questions about orders, deliveries, payments and returns. For situations requiring human intervention, different contact options are available depending on the country and nature of the request.

Mercado Libre's help center is accessible at mercadolibre.com/ayuda for Spanish versions or mercadolivre.com.br/ajuda for Brazil. This support platform offers detailed articles covering all aspects of service usage, as well as a virtual assistant capable of answering the most frequently asked questions. Navigation by category allows quick access to the information you're looking for regarding purchases, sales, shipments or payments.

• Online help center: Available 24/7, accessible from the website or mobile app, with help articles and virtual assistant
• Internal messaging: Allows direct communication with sellers for any questions about a product or order
• Social media: Active presence on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for general questions and reports
• Mobile app: Direct access to support via the Mercado Libre app available on iOS and Android
• Contact form: Accessible from the help center for requests requiring personalized response

Mercado Libre's internal messaging is the preferred channel for communicating with sellers. Each buyer can send messages directly to the seller to ask questions before purchase or to report an issue after receipt. This messaging is integrated into the platform and maintains a history of all exchanges, which facilitates conversation tracking and can serve as evidence in case of dispute.

For Mercado Pago users experiencing issues with their payments or financial services, dedicated support is available. The email address [email protected] can be used for questions related to financial services. Mercado Libre's headquarters in Mexico is located at Blvd. Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra 161, Floors 14 and 15, Granada, Miguel Hidalgo, 11520 Mexico City.

In case of urgent or complex problems that cannot be resolved through automated channels, Mercado Libre offers escalation to a human advisor. The process generally goes through the virtual assistant who, after gathering necessary information, can transfer the request to a customer service agent. Response times vary depending on request volume and problem complexity.

It is recommended to have your order number, tracking number and any relevant information on hand before contacting support. These details allow advisors to process your request more quickly. For claims concerning lost or damaged packages, the photographic evidence mentioned earlier also constitutes useful elements to send to customer service.

Mercado Pago: Mercado Libre's financial ecosystem

Mercado Pago is much more than a simple payment solution for purchases on Mercado Libre. Launched in 2003 as the fintech arm of the e-commerce platform, this service has gradually transformed into a true super-app serving tens of millions of active users across Latin America, with continuous growth in monthly active users.

Originally designed to facilitate online payments on the marketplace, Mercado Pago has significantly expanded its offering over the years. The service now offers digital wallets allowing money storage, debit and credit cards, money transfer services between individuals, investment and savings options, and credit products for individuals and businesses. This diversification has positioned Mercado Pago as a major player in financial inclusion in Latin America.

• Digital account: Allows receiving and sending money, paying bills and making purchases online and in stores
• Debit card: Associated with the Mercado Pago account, usable in physical and online stores
• Credit card: Launched in Brazil in 2021 then in Mexico in 2023, free and fully managed via the app
• Instant transfers: Free money transfers between Mercado Pago users
• Service payments: Payment of electricity, phone, internet and other service bills
• Mercado Crédito: Personal loan and credit offers for platform sellers
• Investments: Options for investing account money with returns

Mercado Pago's impact on financial inclusion is considerable. According to company data, over 30% of credit cards issued were intended for users who had never had access to a card before. For many Latin Americans historically excluded from the traditional banking system, Mercado Pago represents a gateway to modern financial services, allowing them to save, receive payments, pay and obtain credit from their mobile phone.

Mercado Pago continues its evolution toward becoming a full-fledged digital bank. The company has begun proceedings to obtain a banking license from Argentina's central bank. This transformation would allow Mercado Pago to expand its financial product range and strengthen its credibility with users and regulators. The stated ambition is to become Latin America's largest digital bank.

Mercado Pago's credit portfolio represents several billion dollars and is experiencing rapid growth each year. This spectacular growth testifies to user confidence and the relevance of the alternative scoring model developed by the company. Rather than relying solely on traditional banking histories, Mercado Pago analyzes the transactional behavior of its users to assess their creditworthiness and offer products tailored to their profile.

Mercado Libre's logistics infrastructure

To support its growth and guarantee fast deliveries across Latin America, Mercado Libre has developed logistics infrastructure comparable in scale to that of the world's largest e-commerce players. The company operates dozens of distribution centers and warehouses strategically located in major markets including Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia and Chile. These facilities serve as sorting platforms for receiving, processing and shipping millions of packages each day.

Technological modernization is at the heart of this infrastructure. Mercado Libre is investing heavily in automation technologies to optimize package sorting and order preparation. Automated conveyors, advanced scanning systems and route optimization software help accelerate the logistics flow while reducing error risk. The company is also experimenting with robots and self-guided vehicles in certain warehouses to further improve supply chain efficiency.

• Distribution centers: Large-scale facilities ensuring storage, preparation and shipment of orders
• Sorting centers: Consolidation and distribution platforms for packages to their final destinations
• Fulfillment warehouses: Sites dedicated to the Mercado Envíos Full service where seller products are stored
• MeLi Air fleet: Proprietary cargo aircraft ensuring fast connections between major cities
• Ground fleet: Thousands of delivery vehicles in Mercado Libre colors
• Electric vehicles: Over 1,500 electric vehicles integrated into the fleet as part of a decarbonization initiative

The MeLi Air fleet represents a major strategic investment for Mercado Libre. In Mexico, four aircraft operate from the Querétaro base, transporting approximately 50,000 packages and 65 tons of goods daily to destinations such as Tijuana, La Paz, Ciudad Juárez and Cancún. In Brazil, a partnership with Gol airline enabled the deployment of six Boeing 737-800 aircraft converted into cargo planes, with options for six additional aircraft. Azul Linhas Aéreas complements this system with Embraer E195 jets adapted for small cargo transport.

Mercado Libre's environmental commitment is evident in the transition to electric vehicles for last-mile deliveries. The company has integrated several thousand electric vehicles into its fleet across Latin America, with continued expansion plans for this green fleet. This electric vehicle fleet supports same-day delivery service operating in many cities across the region. In Brazil, several thousand vehicles, including many electric utility vehicles, are mobilized to ensure local distribution in major metropolitan areas.

This infrastructure expansion continues at a steady pace. Massive investments planned in Mexico and Brazil will largely serve to develop the company's logistics capabilities. New distribution centers are regularly built, existing facilities are expanded and modernized, and the vehicle fleet is strengthened to accompany continued growth in volumes.

Understanding tracking statuses

When you track a Mercado Libre package online, different statuses may appear. Here are the main statuses and their meanings: