With Facebook announcing its plans to discontinue Facebook Marketplace in 2023, many users who relied on the platform to buy and sell items are wondering if they can still access Marketplace without a Facebook account. The short answer is yes, Marketplace will still be available to use even after it is removed from Facebook. Here are some quick facts about accessing Marketplace without Facebook:
Marketplace is becoming a standalone app
Facebook Marketplace originally launched in 2016 as a feature within the Facebook app, allowing users to easily buy and sell items locally. In 2021, Facebook began testing a standalone Marketplace app, separate from Facebook. With the announcement that Marketplace will leave Facebook in 2023, the standalone app will become the primary way to access Marketplace moving forward.
You don’t need a Facebook account to use Marketplace
While Marketplace has up until now required a Facebook account to use, the standalone Marketplace app will not require users to have an active Facebook account. This means you will be able to access all of the same buying and selling features through the Marketplace app, without needing to log in to Facebook.
Existing sellers can transfer their shop
For those who have already established a selling presence on Marketplace via their Facebook account, there will be an option to transfer your Marketplace shop from Facebook to the standalone app. This will allow you to maintain your existing shop reviews, reputation, and information.
Marketplace has a website in addition to the app
In addition to the Marketplace mobile app, there will also be a Marketplace website that can be accessed from a desktop computer without logging in to Facebook. The website will have the same features and inventory as the mobile app.
Your purchase history remains intact
All of your Marketplace purchase history and seller interactions will be saved and carryover to the new standalone app. So you’ll still have access to your full message history, reviews, purchases, sales, and more without Facebook.
You can use Apple or Google to log in
The new Marketplace app will allow you to log in using your Apple or Google account information. This removes the need to have a separate Facebook login to use Marketplace.
Marketplace payments are handled independently
Facebook Marketplace’s payment processing will no longer be tied to Facebook Pay. The standalone app will have its own independent payment system to complete transactions between buyers and sellers.
Customer support still available
Marketplace will continue to offer customer support via email, in-app messaging, and phone. User guides and help documentation will also carryover to the new Marketplace experience outside of Facebook.
Future Marketplace improvements planned
Part of the reason Marketplace is leaving Facebook is to allow for more rapid innovation and improvements to Marketplace. Separating it from Facebook will provide the Marketplace team more autonomy to roll out beneficial seller features, better search and discovery, improved security, and more.
Making the transition
Facebook will provide ample notice and transition instructions as Marketplace officially separates from Facebook in 2023. Sellers will want to ensure their inventory, payment information, and profile data is properly transferred over to the new experience. Buyers simply need to download the Marketplace app or visit the website to pick up where they left off.
Conclusion
Marketplace removing its reliance on Facebook accounts and infrastructure opens up the platform to a much broader audience. Those without Facebook accounts or who have left Facebook will now have access to Marketplace’s convenient local buying and selling features. And existing users who appreciate Marketplace don’t need to stick with Facebook just to have access to the marketplace – they can delete or deactivate their Facebook account and just use the standalone app or website going forward. With a strong foundation of users and data in place, Marketplace is poised to thrive as an independent brand.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No Facebook account required | Transition may initially be confusing for some users |
| Keep purchase history and reputation | Will take time to build awareness as standalone brand |
| Use Apple/Google logins | Sellers will need to transfer existing shops |
| Allows innovation and new features |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I access Marketplace without Facebook?
You can access Marketplace in two ways without a Facebook account: via the Marketplace mobile app available on iOS and Android devices, or via the Marketplace website that can be accessed from any web browser.
Can I still use my existing Marketplace account?
Yes, sellers with existing Marketplace shops and purchase history will be able to transfer those accounts to the new Marketplace platform. Facebook will provide instructions on how to do this as Marketplace transitions away from Facebook.
What if I don’t transfer my account?
If for some reason you don’t transfer your Marketplace account, you will simply be starting fresh without your historical information. But your account information would remain intact on Facebook.
How will I pay and get paid on Marketplace?
The new Marketplace platform will have its own payment processing system, separate from Facebook Pay. Payments between buyers and sellers will be facilitated securely through this new system.
Can I still communicate with buyers and sellers?
Yes, you will be able to message buyers and sellers within the Marketplace app and website. These conversations will no longer rely on Facebook Messenger.
What if I have other questions?
Facebook will be providing more details directly to Marketplace users leading up to and throughout the transition. You can also contact Marketplace customer support via email, in-app messaging, or phone.
How Marketplace Stacks Up to Competition Without Facebook
With Marketplace becoming its own entity outside of Facebook, how will it stack up against competing platforms? Here is a comparison of key features:
| Marketplace | Craigslist | OfferUp | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seller profiles | Yes | No | Yes |
| In-app messaging | Yes | No | Yes |
| Buyer reviews | Yes | No | Yes |
| Listing format | Structured template | Free text | Structured template |
| Listing visibility | Searchable listings | Individual posts | Searchable listings |
| Payment processing | Built-in payments | Self-arranged | Built-in payments |
As you can see, Marketplace differentiates itself from classifieds sites like Craigslist by having structured listings, review profiles, and integrated payments. And compared to apps like OfferUp, Marketplace has the advantage of years of data and reviews that carry over even without Facebook accounts.
Tips for Selling on Marketplace Post-Facebook
Making the most of selling on a standalone Marketplace takes some preparation and best practices. Here are some pro tips:
Link your identity
Use your Apple or Google ID to link your Marketplace account. This will establish your identity and transfer over any seller history.
Price competitively
Check competing listing prices for similar items so you can price accordingly. Marketplace sorts by closest location, so price competitively.
Reply promptly
Set up notifications so you see buyer inquiries right away. Quickly answering questions builds trust.
List strategically
Research common search keywords that buyers use to find items in your category. Optimize titles and descriptions accordingly.
Photograph creatively
Take high-quality photos from multiple angles in good lighting. Stage items attractively against clean backgrounds.
Ship with care
For non-local sales, pack items very securely and ship promptly with tracking. Insured shipping is recommended for high-value items.
Provide great service
Be extra accommodating to build up your seller rating for future sales. Handle returns gracefully if needed.
Review reciprocally
Leave positive reviews for good buyers. This encourages them to “pay it forward” with a nice review of you as well!
The Future of the Marketplace App
What’s in store for the Marketplace app outside of Facebook? The standalone app provides opportunities to improve in a few key areas:
Enhanced search and discovery
Investment can be made exclusively in improving search relevance and recommendations to connect buyers and relevant listings.
More customization for sellers
Seller profiles, stores, and self-service advertising capabilities can be expanded without Facebook constraints.
Better safety and moderation
Implementing strict seller vetting, transaction tracking, and removing policy violations can reduce risks for users.
Expanded payment and fulfillment
Tapping into 3rd party payment and shipping providers can streamline transactions on and off the platform.
New vertical-specific features
Introducing category-specific tools tailored for auto, real estate, jobs, services, etc. can improve utility.
Transitioning Marketplace to a Solo Success
Marketplace has big shoes to fill as it steps out from under Facebook’s umbrella. But the fundamentals of its community, convenience, and extensive purchase data ideally position it to thrive independently. As long as the transition is thoughtfully executed – putting existing users first yet thinking ahead competitively – Marketplace brings strengths that set it apart in the peer-to-peer commerce space. The road ahead entails evolving creatively beyond its social network origins. But Marketplace has strong foundations and incentives to build positively in its new era of autonomy.