Buying sneakers on Facebook Marketplace can seem appealing thanks to the convenience and potential deals, but it does come with some risks. As with any online marketplace, you’ll want to be careful and do your research before purchasing sneakers from Facebook Marketplace sellers to ensure you end up with authentic, high-quality shoes.
What to look out for when buying sneakers on Facebook Marketplace
When scanning Facebook Marketplace sneaker listings, keep the following red flags in mind:
- Prices that seem too good to be true – very low prices can indicate counterfeit sneakers
- Stock photos instead of actual photos of the item for sale
- Vague or sparse listing details
- Sellers with no reviews or low review scores
- Listings for hype or limited release sneakers at or near retail value
Authentic, new and in-demand sneakers will generally sell at or above their original retail pricing, even when resold. If you see a rare or hyped sneaker like a Travis Scott Jordan 1 listed at retail or below, it is likely a fake.
Tips for verifying legitimacy before buying
To feel more confident about your Facebook Marketplace sneaker purchase, take these steps:
- Ask for plenty of photos – Do not rely solely on stock images. Ask to see photos of the actual sneakers from all angles, including the box, tags, size tags inside the sneaker, etc. Legit sellers will gladly provide them.
- Ask detailed questions – Ask about when/where the sneakers were purchased, if they come with receipts or proofs of authenticity, why they’re being sold, etc. Detailed Q&A can help sniff out fakes.
- Ask for references – Request 1-2 references from previous buyers who can vouch for the seller’s legitimacy.
- Verify serial numbers – Many sneaker brands provide online tools to check serial numbers printed on tags to confirm authenticity. Ask the seller for serial numbers before purchasing.
- Buy local, meet in person – Try to buy from sellers located near you and arrange an in-person meetup. This allows you to inspect the sneakers closely yourself before purchasing.
- Pay safely – Use Facebook Marketplace’s payment system, avoid bank transfers or Venmo. This gives you recourse if the sneakers end up being fake.
Putting in the extra effort to vet sellers protects you from getting scammed with counterfeit sneakers. If a seller seems reluctant to provide detailed photos and information, move on to another listing.
How to spot fake sneakers on Facebook Marketplace
Here are some telltale signs that a pair of sneakers are likely to be fake:
- Cheap, flimsy box
- Misspellings anywhere on box or sneakers
- Wrong brand logos used
- Poor quality materials
- Uneven stitching
- Incorrect size/style tags inside sneaker
- Colors look slightly off
- Mismatched sneaker shapes (one looks different than the other)
- Fuzzy logos
- “China” listed as country of origin
Compare the sneakers closely to photos of authentic versions and you can usually spot flaws. Also trust your instincts – if something seems off, it probably is.
What to do if you receive fake sneakers
If you end up with counterfeit sneakers, all hope is not lost. Here are some options:
- Report the listing – Alert Facebook Marketplace by reporting the listing as promoting counterfeit goods. Provide details on why you believe they are fake.
- Issue a chargeback – If you paid with a credit card or through Facebook Payment, dispute the charges and issue a chargeback due to receiving counterfeit goods.
- Leave a review – Write a review detailing your experience receiving fake sneakers to warn other buyers.
- Request a refund – Reach out politely to the seller, provide evidence that the sneakers are counterfeit, and request a full refund.
- Report the seller – File a complaint against the seller’s Facebook profile and Marketplace account for selling counterfeit goods.
While getting scammed is frustrating, taking action can get your money back and prevent the seller from duping others. Make sure to report, leave reviews, and damage their selling reputation.
Are there risks to buying counterfeit sneakers?
Beyond losing money from getting scammed, there can be other risks associated with buying fake sneakers:
- Poor quality – Counterfeits are made from cheap, inferior materials and components. They likely won’t be comfortable or durable.
- Potential safety hazards – Fake sneakers may have things like lead paint and could fall apart while being worn, causing injury.
- No return policy or warranty – Counterfeit sellers will not allow returns or replace defective sneakers.
- Unethical – Buying fakes supports criminals stealing intellectual property. It takes sales away from legitimate brands and sellers.
- Illegal – In many countries, knowingly buying counterfeit goods is against the law and can carry fines or even jail time.
The risks mean it’s not a smart idea to knowingly buy fake sneakers, even if “just for yourself” and not for resale. Support legitimate sellers and brands whenever possible.
Are there any definitively legit sneaker sellers on Facebook Marketplace?
While there are certainly scammers, not every Facebook Marketplace sneaker seller is illegitimate. There are some solid indications a seller is trustworthy:
- Detailed listing information
- Responses quickly to questions
- Willingly provides extra photos when asked
- Has overwhelmingly positive reviews mentioning real shoes
- Offers references available to vouch for them
- Meets locally so you can inspect shoes yourself
- Accepts returns if shoes are proven fake
Vetting sellers thoroughly using the tips provided in this article is the best way to avoid fakes. Good sellers understand the need for transparency to earn buyer trust.
Are certain sneaker brands more likely to be faked?
When browsing Facebook Marketplace, these popular sneaker models have the highest chance of being counterfeit:
| Brand | Models Often Faked |
|---|---|
| Nike | Air Jordan 1s, Air Force 1s, Air Max 97s, SB Dunks |
| Adidas | Yeezy Boost 350s, Yeezy Boost 700s, Ultra Boosts |
| Puma | RS-X Toys |
| New Balance | 991s, 550s |
| Converse | Chuck Taylor All-Stars |
Due to very high demand and resale value, these models are frequent targets. Always authenticate before buying.
What are signs of a trustworthy Facebook Marketplace sneaker seller?
Look for these indicators that a Facebook seller is legitimate and transparent:
- Detailed listings with ample photos
- Photos are of the actual sneakers for sale, not stock pics
- Prices are fair and aligned with sneaker’s market value
- Will agree to meet locally so sneakers can be inspected
- Quickly provides additional pics from all angles when asked
- Includes receipts, proofs of purchase and other authentication details
- Has overwhelmingly positive reviews from previous buyers
Trustworthy sellers have nothing to hide and will happily prove the authenticity of their sneakers.
Should I report sellers of fake sneakers on Facebook Marketplace?
If you receive a pair of demonstrably counterfeit sneakers from a Facebook Marketplace transaction, absolutely report the seller. Here’s how:
- Click the “Report Listing” button on the listing you purchased from and select “Report for Intellectual Property Violation”.
- Select the contact linked to the seller’s account and choose “Report User”.
- Fill out the form fully explaining how the sneakers are counterfeits. Provide photos and include any other evidence.
- Hit submit to send the report to Facebook for review.
Also make sure to leave a review on the listing detailing receiving fake shoes, to prevent others falling victim too. While Facebook may not remove them entirely, reporting illegitimate sellers can help crack down on fakes proliferating.
Conclusion
Buying sneakers on Facebook Marketplace presents opportunities for great deals, but also risks of encountering scams. Apply the tips in this guide, thoroughly vet sellers, take steps to confirm authenticity, and only transact with transparent sellers. Avoid shady listings, report bad actors, and pay safely. With proper precautions, you can score awesome sneakers – just be diligent!