Facebook Marketplace: Tips on Buying and Selling (2024)

This article on the Facebook Marketplace was originally written in 2014. And, WOW have things changed since then! Please see my updated notes at the bottom for new tips on buying and selling in the Facebook marketplace.
Facebook Marketplace: Tips on Buying and Selling (1)

Today I was on both B105.7 and Indy Styletalking about the latest thing to hit Facebook: online garage sales, or the “Facebook Marketplace”.

Are you a part of any Facebook Marketplaces in your area? I’d estimate I’m in 20 different marketplaces in my county, ranging from furniture & home goods to crafts & homemade items, and everything in between.

Whether you’re new or seasoned, I have some tips from buyers and sellers, and even from a couple of group administrators that can help you get the most for your money, completely headache-free!

Facebook Marketplace

How do you get started on a Facebook Marketplace?

It’s really all about who you know! Sometimes they begin city- or county-wide, and when memberships become so large it can become difficult to manage, so administrators may choose to break off by category. Do some research, poll your friends on Facebook and if they’re a part of a marketplace, ask them to invite you. Many groups are “closed” or “secret”, requiring an admin to approve potential new members.

Tips for Selling on a Facebook Marketplace:

  • Admin tip: Read through the group policy, usually pinned to the top of the group page. Some will not allow you to cross-post, meaning post the same item in different groups. That just opens up a whole bag o’ crazy trying to keep track of who was next in line!
  • Admin tip: Watch several transactions take place before jumping in. See how the conversations flow, ask questions.
  • Take a decent photo: The best photos have a contrasting, solid background – crop out your spouse/kid/dog sleeping on the couch and potato chip bag on the coffee table, please! (I’ve seen it, for reals).
  • Price your items to sell, at or slightly above garage sale prices. That gives you a little wiggle room for negotiating, but probably 75% of what I have sold the buyer never asks to if I would take lower.
  • Post in the correct category: Don’t post a blender in women’s clothing because you think women would be the one wanting a blender. #Seriously.
  • Be quick in responding (also when buying): This is simple courtesy. No one wants to get excited because they’re the first to respond to a deal, and you don’t get back to them for 48 hours. See the group’s rules for acceptable timeframes. And have grace, not everyone is mobile and can respond in 15 seconds or less.
  • Meet in person off-site for higher priced items. I’m sure this goes without saying, but don’t leave cash laying on your doorstep for 10 hours. If you work from home or stay at home, you might be comfortable with leaving your sold items in a tote on your porch and collect cash once the item has been picked up. Otherwise, find a safe meeting spot close to home to make your transaction.

Here’s an example of a perfect Facebook Marketplace transaction. The seller posted details of her item, her general location, and price. Someone responded, then the seller replied that she private messaged the first responder. One additional person expressed interest by commenting “Next”. If the first buyer passes, the seller will go to the next one in line.

Facebook Marketplace: Tips on Buying and Selling (2)

Tips for Buying on a Facebook Marketplace:

  • Line jumping is not a sport on the marketplace! If there is more than one person ahead of you, simply put “in line” in your comment, and any respectable seller will move down the list, in order, should the first responder pass on the item. Don’t type in “Quick pick-up! I need this item ASAP because my dog is dying and my car broke down and my boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife left me.” Wait your turn like everyone else.
  • Do any bartering before pickup. Some like to do this via a Facebook private message.
  • Inspect item upon pickup. It’s ok to pass!
  • Learn the terms: Similar to selling on eBay or Craig’s List, learn the terms so you know what the heck people are talking about. PPU = pending pick-up; EUC = excellent used condition; NWOT = new without tags, etc.

Facebook Marketplace: Tips on Buying and Selling (3)

In this photo (above), you can see some examples of items bought/sold on the marketplace. I bought the two framed art prints (still with $29.99 price tags on the back, each) for $4 each to go near our bar in the basem*nt. The two pairs of jeans are a prop I borrowed from my neighbor, and she paid $10 on the Facebook marketplace for the Paige jeans (retail $150-$200) and $5 for the Limited jeans (retail $50-75).

Is it time consuming? It can be. Factor in your time taking and uploading your photo. Turn off your notifications so your Facebook newsfeed doesn’t become inundated with marketplace deals. And some do complain that there are no-shows when an item is scheduled to be picked up.

Is it safe? I believe so, especially when you can meet someone off-site if you are concerned in any way. As with any online communication or transaction, be smart. One admin told me she’s seen people put their street address within a comment (instead of private messaging). That would be not smart.

Is it fun? Yeah, I’ll admit it’s pretty fun! I sell most of my kids’ clothes and toys through Indy Kids Sale twice a year, but I have had some decent success with home decor, household items and my own clothing. I save up my cash from selling for some “fun money”, spending it on shoes or a purse, you know, girlie things like that. Another friend of mine sold her entire living room furniture set through the Facebook marketplace, and used that money to put toward her new set.

You can view the video clip from today’s Indy Style segment and hear audio from B105.7 over on my media page.

Facebook Marketplace: Tips on Buying and Selling (4)2017 Update on Facebook Marketplace Buying & Selling

After reading through my original article dating back to 2014, surprisingly many facts and nuggets of wisdom are the same. Play nice, wait your turn, don’t be a line jumper and show up if you agree to meet.

What HAS changed:

  • Facebook has now changed the look of these groups and the look of posts themselves. When it first became a “thing”, buy/sell posts looked much like your standard Facebook post in your newsfeed. Now, there are sections for item name, price, location and description.

Facebook Marketplace: Tips on Buying and Selling (5)

  • You can also see from the blue callout box, that now when you post to a group you have the option to select more groups or even “THE” Marketplace. By increasing the number of groups your item is posted in, more eyeballs will see it and it could potentially sell faster.
  • Another change … messaging buyers and sellers to communicate around a possible sale is super easy. Under the item’s photo is a box that says “Message Seller”. And when you have possible buyers indicating their interest in a comment, right under the person’s name is “Like”, “Reply” and “Message”.
  • And, if you choose to lower the price it will put a slash through the original price, the original price is red and the new lower price is in green. This is a nice, eye-catching change.

Facebook Marketplace: Tips on Buying and Selling (6)

I hope you found these Facebook Marketplace Tips helpful! Do you participate in Facebook marketplaces where you live? What’s your take on them?


This post was originally published on May 16, 2014.

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Facebook Marketplace: Tips on Buying and Selling (2024)

FAQs

Facebook Marketplace: Tips on Buying and Selling? ›

One of the best selling items on Facebook Marketplace is used furniture. Overall, these furniture pieces can be something you no longer need or use. Instead of throwing them away, you may earn some money by listing them on Facebook Marketplace.

What is the best thing to buy and sell on Facebook Marketplace? ›

One of the best selling items on Facebook Marketplace is used furniture. Overall, these furniture pieces can be something you no longer need or use. Instead of throwing them away, you may earn some money by listing them on Facebook Marketplace.

What should you not do when selling on Facebook Marketplace? ›

Things that can't be sold on Facebook Marketplace
  1. Not a real item: Anything that isn't a physical product for sale. ...
  2. Services: Selling services (example: house cleaning) on Marketplace isn't allowed. ...
  3. Description and photo don't match: The photos of the item must match the description and title of the listing.

What is the best way to buy something on Facebook Marketplace? ›

10 Tips to Buying on Facebook Marketplace
  1. Pay attention to photos and listing info. ...
  2. Offers must be reasonable on Facebook Marketplace. ...
  3. Schedule pickup ASAP. ...
  4. Offer to send a 50% deposit. ...
  5. Be polite and respectful. ...
  6. Show up on time. ...
  7. Arrive with appropriate form of payment. ...
  8. If you must walk away, do so with grace.
Jan 28, 2021

How do I maximize sales on Facebook Marketplace? ›

Tips for boosting your Facebook Marketplace sales
  1. Set a competitive price. Before pricing your items, browse comparable listings to see what others are asking. ...
  2. Take great photos. Photos are the lifeblood of Marketplace listings. ...
  3. Include search tags. ...
  4. Offer local delivery. ...
  5. Renew your listings.
Jan 11, 2022

What sells really well on Marketplace? ›

Best Selling Items on Facebook Marketplace
  • Clothing, Shoes & Accessories. The demand for clothing and accessories never deteriorates. ...
  • Home Furnishing. Furniture is the most common category on Facebook to sell. ...
  • Pet Supplies. ...
  • Kids Stuff. ...
  • Handmade Items. ...
  • Electronic Goods. ...
  • Gardening Item. ...
  • Homeware & Home Decor.
Jan 6, 2023

What is the safest way to buy and sell on Facebook Marketplace? ›

To help promote your safety, we encourage you to review the following tips for buying and selling responsibly, in addition to using your best judgment:
  1. Meeting in-person. ...
  2. Clean and disinfect items. ...
  3. Learn which items are not allowed on Facebook. ...
  4. Review the seller's profile. ...
  5. Consider delivery options for Marketplace items.

What are red flags when selling on Facebook Marketplace? ›

Facebook Marketplace scam red flags

Low prices for what should be high-ticket items. Refusing to meet up in person for exchanges. Moving conversations outside of Facebook Messenger. Asking for payment in the form of a gift card.

Should I give my address on Facebook Marketplace? ›

Don't share personal information like your home address. Create a meeting plan and share it with a trusted friend or family member. You can tap Send plan in Messenger to send your meeting plan to someone in your Facebook Friends list so they know the location, time and date of when you're planning to meet.

Are there fake buyers on Facebook Marketplace? ›

You can encounter scammers on any online selling platform, including Facebook Marketplace. The key takeaways to remember: Keep all communication on Facebook. Be wary of buyers and sellers with brand new profiles or who have unusual transaction requests.

What payment should I accept from Facebook Marketplace? ›

As for payment, carrying cash, especially a lot of cash, is risky. Facebook Marketplace recommends a secure person-to-person payment method such as PayPal.

What is the safest way to buy on Marketplace? ›

Search for:
  1. Shop local.
  2. Meet in public.
  3. Meet during the day.
  4. Always inspect items.
  5. Bring someone.
  6. Don t share personal info.
  7. Be wary of smart electronics.
  8. Go contactless.
Mar 1, 2023

What to ask before buying on Facebook Marketplace? ›

To negotiate a price you can ask the seller, “Is the price negotiable?” or you can just message them with your offer. For example, “Will you take $20 for this item?” I prefer to just message with the offer, because I like to move things along quickly. The seller might say yes or no or respond with a counter offer.

How do I avoid Facebook Marketplace fees? ›

If you're buying products from Facebook Marketplace, you don't have to pay any fees. And just listing an item for sale is free too. The only time you'll have to pay a fee is when you officially sell an item. After you deliver the product and get paid, Facebook takes a cut of the final payment.

What is the fastest way to sell on the Marketplace? ›

If you want to sell your products rather quickly, look for items with at least a 50% sell-through rate. Below that, you may have to wait a few weeks to a few months for the product to sell.

Does Facebook Marketplace take a percentage of your sales? ›

FAQs About Facebook Marketplace

Facebook will not charge you a listing fee for selling items on Facebook Marketplace. However, there are selling fees involved. The selling fee is 5% per shipment or a flat fee of $. 40 for shipments of $8 or less.

What are five Marketplace tips? ›

Top 5 Marketplace Tips from Successful Sellers
  • Get cross-functional buy-in. ...
  • Give your sales team the tools they need to succeed. ...
  • Don't treat Marketplace like an experiment. ...
  • Start small, but have a plan for expansion. ...
  • Don't overthink it: just get started.
Nov 17, 2022

What is in demand right now? ›

There are many profitable products you can sell, including the following:
  • Beauty products and cosmetics.
  • Jewelry.
  • TV and smartphone accessories.
  • Designer sunglasses.
  • Children's toys and games.
  • Shoes.
  • Video games.
  • Pet supplies.

How do I sell on Facebook Marketplace for beginners? ›

  1. Tap. in the top right of Facebook.
  2. Tap. Marketplace.
  3. Tap Sell at the top.
  4. Add a title and price, and select a category.
  5. Tap Add photos to add photos from your phone, or take a new photo. Or, tap Add Video to add a video from your phone, or record a new video. ...
  6. Tap Publish to publish your Marketplace listing.

Is there a better place to sell than Facebook Marketplace? ›

Offerup, formerly known as LetGo, is a great alternative to the Facebook Marketplace. It primarily focuses on local sales and makes it easier for buyers and sellers to connect in their area with its powerful discovery features. However, should you want to sell or buy nationwide, Offerup also has that option.

Is it better to sell on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist? ›

Choose the Right Platform

Not every platform is well-suited to every type of product. If you're selling larger items — such as furniture — you may have better luck selling on Craigslist. Smaller items such as clothing, jewelry and collectibles, on the other hand, tend to fare better on Facebook Marketplace and eBay.

How to avoid being scammed on Facebook Marketplace as a seller? ›

How to avoid scams and stay safe on the Facebook Marketplace
  1. Always use official payment methods. Using the Facebook Checkout service or PayPal is a smart choice for tech-savvy marketplace regulars. ...
  2. Receive payment first. ...
  3. Pay attention to seller ratings. ...
  4. Don't accept overpayment. ...
  5. Be wary of phishing scams.
Mar 29, 2023

What does 🚩 mean on Facebook? ›

On social media, the Red Flag emoji 🚩 is popularly used to refer to “red flags” in relationships or potential relationships—signs that someone would not make a good romantic partner or that they generally have a bad personality.

How to know if you can trust someone on Facebook Marketplace? ›

Here are some red flags for Facebook Marketplace scams:
  • Sellers offer suspiciously low prices for high-ticket items.
  • Sellers refuse to meet in person.
  • Buyers or sellers try to take the conversation outside of Facebook Messenger.
  • Buyers send you prepaid shipping labels.
  • A buyer overpays for a product.
Jan 5, 2023

Why do people ask for address on Facebook Marketplace? ›

Some scammers will simply request all manner of personal information, including your date of birth and address to verify who you are. This information may be used to set up accounts in your name.

Should I use my real name on Facebook Marketplace? ›

Authenticity. Facebook users cannot use fake names on their accounts. Always use your real name.

Should I give out my cell phone number on Facebook Marketplace? ›

A legitimate buyer will more than likely ask for additional information about the item for sale, such as the condition of the item. Potential buyers who ask for personal information like your email address or phone number or request the funds quickly are most likely scammers.

Should you hold items on Facebook Marketplace? ›

A lot of sellers have moved to “pay to hold items,” but this is a really easy way to get scammed. Instead, tell them you can pick up immediately. Don't expect them to hold the item if you can't pay or pick up immediately. If you're selling, be cautious about accepting money before someone is there to pick up the item.

How do you know if a buyer is scamming you? ›

6 Signs Your Cash Buyer Is a Scammer
  • The Buyer seems to be taking a blind leap.
  • The Buyer seems overly eager to share financial details.
  • The Buyer makes an error.
  • The Buyer is unprofessional.
  • Things don't add up.
  • The Buyer has few, if any, references.
  • Let 2-10 HBW help protect you.

How can you tell if someone is real on the Marketplace? ›

Check the seller's profile

Before sending a message to a seller, check the seller info page. If you don't see a profile picture, image banner, or past Marketplace listings, the seller is probably a fake and trying to scam you on the platform.

Should you accept venmo for Facebook Marketplace? ›

Avoid accepting payments from services like Venmo, Zelle® and Cash App – Rather, use protective services such as PayPal and Facebook Checkout. Never give out private information to someone online that you've never met.

What is the safest way to receive money from a buyer? ›

What is the safest way to accept payment? Besides cash, a certified check is the safest way you can receive a payment to your business.

How does a buyer pay you on Facebook Marketplace? ›

The payout goes to the bank account that you entered when you set up shipping. The exact timing of the payment depends on your bank. How do I get paid? In order to get paid, you must mark your item as shipped and enter a tracking number.

When should I pay someone on Facebook Marketplace? ›

Arrange an Instant Payment

When you're buying or selling an item on Facebook Marketplace, cash or an e-transfer at the time of the exchange are the best options to use. If you pay for an item via e-transfer before picking it up, you run the risk of the person not showing up and not receiving your item.

How do I avoid fake buyers on the Marketplace? ›

Double-check deals that seem too good to be true. Scammers may try to use underpriced items to lure buyers into a scam. Do not send deposits for high value items (apartments, cars, etc.) without confirming that they're real first.

Does PayPal cover you for Facebook Marketplace? ›

Does it cover second-hand purchases from Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace? Yes, but only in certain circ*mstances. The item must be shipped by the seller to you. There is no cover for purchases of used or second-hand goods that were advertised as such and picked up by you in person or personally delivered to you.

How do people pay on Facebook Marketplace? ›

You can use a credit card, debit card or PayPal account to buy items with checkout on Facebook or Marketplace.

What is Marketplace etiquette? ›

Don't change the price on something without notice. Don't sell an item to someone else when another person is actively purchasing it. Don't sell stolen goods or items you got in “Buy Nothing” groups.

How do you trust someone on the Marketplace? ›

Additionally, pay attention to any red flags in the language, style, or behavior of the person you're communicating with. If they're pushy, vague, or overly anxious to complete the transaction, this could be a sign of a potential scam. Similarly, be cautious of buyers or sellers asking you to pay with gift cards.

What are the disadvantages of Facebook Marketplace? ›

Cons of Facebook Marketplace
  • Unsafe Meetups. People you sell your products to might request meet-ups at random places. ...
  • No Digital Store. This feature allows buyers to sell random items on Facebook Marketplace. ...
  • No Buyer Protection. ...
  • Getting Recognized Is Difficult. ...
  • No Storage Space.
Apr 26, 2022

Who pays for shipping on Facebook Marketplace? ›

Depending on how you've set up your listing, shipping will either be paid for by the buyer, Facebook, or you as the seller. If you've selected to pay the shipping costs, the costs will be deducted from your payout.

Why did Facebook charge $10? ›

If you create a new ad account, you have to spend at least $10 USD getting charged for impressions before you can switch to being charged for anything else. We require the minimum spend to ensure the integrity of new ad accounts.

How do you get paid when you sell on Marketplace? ›

The payout goes to the bank account that you entered when you set up shipping. The exact timing of the payment depends on your bank. You can check the date of your next payout in the Your payouts section of Marketplace. Learn how to check your balance, payouts, sales history, or date of your next payout on Marketplace.

How long do items stay on Facebook Marketplace? ›

How To Renew Your Listing On Marketplace? There are times when even after seven days, the item for sale remains unsold. In such a case, you can decide to remove the listing or renew it. Tap on the listing you want to renew and select “Manage.”

Does Facebook Marketplace report to IRS? ›

Payment service entities (PSEs)—including online marketplaces like Etsy, Facebook Marketplace and StubHub—report online transactions to the IRS using Form 1099-K. A 1099-K form shows the total dollar amount of your online transactions for the year.

Does Facebook Marketplace send you a 1099? ›

About the Form 1099-K from Facebook Marketplace

You may receive a Form 1099-K from our payment processor partner, PayPal, via mail, depending on the totals of your sales and transactions. Your Form 1099-K won't be available to download.

What actually sells on Facebook Marketplace? ›

List of The Best Selling Items on Facebook Marketplace in 2023
  • Fashion Apparel.
  • Furniture & Home Decor.
  • Mobile & Accessories.
  • Books.
  • Baby Care Products.
  • Sports Supplies & Fitness Equipment.
  • Health & Wellness Products.
  • Toys.

What is the best form of payment when selling on Facebook Marketplace? ›

As for payment, carrying cash, especially a lot of cash, is risky. Facebook Marketplace recommends a secure person-to-person payment method such as PayPal.

Is it worth selling things on Facebook Marketplace? ›

It's great to sell exciting, trendy stuff, but reliable ecommerce best-sellers tend to fly under the radar. Facebook Marketplace is a great place to sell everyday household items like furniture, cleaning supplies, books, and glassware. There will always be demand for these kinds of products.

Can you really make money selling on Facebook Marketplace? ›

What items sell best on Facebook marketplace. There are people who actually earn a living reselling online. Basically, nearly anything you could sell at a yard sale, you can sell and ship from Facebook.

Should you give your address on Facebook Marketplace? ›

Don't share personal information like your home address. Create a meeting plan and share it with a trusted friend or family member. You can tap Send plan in Messenger to send your meeting plan to someone in your Facebook Friends list so they know the location, time and date of when you're planning to meet.

Should I sell on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace? ›

Choose the Right Platform

Not every platform is well-suited to every type of product. If you're selling larger items — such as furniture — you may have better luck selling on Craigslist. Smaller items such as clothing, jewelry and collectibles, on the other hand, tend to fare better on Facebook Marketplace and eBay.

Should I accept venmo on Facebook Marketplace? ›

Avoid accepting payments from services like Venmo, Zelle® and Cash App – Rather, use protective services such as PayPal and Facebook Checkout. Never give out private information to someone online that you've never met.

What item has the most demand? ›

What is the highest in-demand product in the world? Clothing is the most purchased item in the world. Whether its clothing for women, men or children, the industry is booming.

What is the best selling product of all time? ›

These are the best-selling products of all time. 1. Rubik's Cube > Category: Toy > Units sold/sales: 350 million units > Parent Company: Seven Towns Ltd. Ernő Rubik created the first prototype of the “Magic Cube” in 1974 in Budapest, Hungary.

What is the highest selling product in the world? ›

What is the Most Sold Product in the World? The fashion industry produces the most sold product in the world: clothing and accessories. This trillion-dollar industry has a wide range of products such as shoes, accessories, clothing, jewelry, etc. that appeal to types of people.

Who pays for shipping on FB Marketplace? ›

Depending on how you've set up your listing, shipping will either be paid for by the buyer, Facebook, or you as the seller. If you've selected to pay the shipping costs, the costs will be deducted from your payout.

What to sell to make $1,000 dollars? ›

What Can I Sell For $1,000?
  • Jewelry. If you want to sell something for $1,000 or potentially more, it could be time to clean out your jewelry closet. ...
  • Electronics. When you need $1000 ASAP, many individuals think about selling electronics. ...
  • Collectibles. ...
  • A Vehicle. ...
  • Furniture. ...
  • Cameras. ...
  • Fitness Equipment. ...
  • Designer Clothing.
Apr 19, 2023

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