Facebook Marketplace is a convenient way to buy and sell items locally on Facebook. Here are some quick answers to common questions about accessing and using Facebook Marketplace:
What is Facebook Marketplace?
Facebook Marketplace is a feature within the Facebook app that allows users to post items for sale, search for items to buy, communicate with buyers and sellers, and arrange for pickup of purchased items. It’s designed for local peer-to-peer sales rather than commercial listings.
How do I access Facebook Marketplace?
To access Facebook Marketplace, first make sure you have the latest version of the Facebook app installed on your mobile device or are logged into Facebook in a desktop browser. Then follow these steps:
- Open the Facebook app on your mobile device or navigate to Facebook.com on your desktop.
- Tap the Menu icon (three horizontal lines) on mobile or click Marketplace in the left menu on desktop.
- This will take you to the Facebook Marketplace homepage where you can start browsing items for sale or search for specific items.
Who can use Facebook Marketplace?
Facebook Marketplace is available to users who meet the following requirements:
- You must have a personal Facebook account (business accounts cannot access Marketplace).
- Your account must be over 18 years old.
- Your account must be in good standing and not restricted.
How do I post an item for sale?
Posting an item for sale on Facebook Marketplace is easy and takes just a few steps:
- Open Marketplace and tap the blue “Sell Something” button.
- Select the category your item belongs in – For Sale, Home, Vehicles, etc.
- Add photos and description of your item.
- Include important details like price, condition, size, etc.
- Tap “Post” and your listing will go live on Marketplace.
Tips for creating a good Marketplace listing:
- Use clear, well-lit photos that showcase your item.
- Be detailed in your description – mention any flaws or defects.
- Price your item competitively based on condition and demand.
- Indicate whether delivery/shipping is available.
- Edit or remove listing when item sells.
How do I find items to buy?
There are a few ways to search for items to purchase on Facebook Marketplace:
- Browse categories: Scroll through featured categories like Furniture, Appliances, Clothing, etc.
- Search for keywords: Use the search bar to search for a specific item like “mountain bike” or “sofa”.
- Set location: For local pickup, enter your city or zip code to scope results.
- Filter: Refine your results by filters like Price, Item Condition, Location, etc.
- View listings: Scroll through listings in your area and “heart” items you’re interested in.
Tips for buying on Marketplace:
- Read listings closely and ask sellers questions before meeting up.
- Inspect items carefully before purchasing.
- Pay securely by cash, PayPal, Venmo, etc. Avoid bank transfers.
- Meet in a public place for pickup if meeting locally.
- Trust your instincts – if a listing seems suspicious, avoid it.
How does payment work?
Facebook Marketplace does not process payments directly. Buyers and sellers must arrange payment amongst themselves:
- In-person: Cash, credit/debit, PayPal, Venmo, etc. Complete transaction at pickup.
- Online: PayPal, Venmo, bank transfer, etc. prior to shipping.
- Facebook Pay: Can be used for transactions on Facebook Messenger.
Always use secure verified payment methods. Avoid bank transfers with people you don’t know.
How do I communicate with buyers/sellers?
You can communicate with interested buyers or sellers directly within Facebook Marketplace in a few ways:
- Marketplace message: Send and receive messages using Marketplace’s built-in messaging.
- Facebook Messenger: Message them using Messenger if already connected.
- Comments: Leave public comments asking questions on listings.
- Contact info: Share phone number or email in listing to be contacted.
Marketplace messaging is secure and keeps personal info private. Avoid sharing contact info in comments.
How does shipping work on Marketplace?
Sellers have a few options for shipping Marketplace transactions:
- List as “Pickup Only” – require local pickup only.
- Buyer arranges shipping – buyer handles carrier, cost, etc.
- Seller arranges shipping:
- Use Facebook Shipping to print discounted labels.
- Ship through desired carrier like USPS, FedEx, UPS, etc.
- Communicate shipping costs and details through messaging.
- Meet up locally and then ship item.
Be clear in your listing about your shipping options. Pack items securely and ship with tracking.
Is Facebook Marketplace safe for buyers and sellers?
Facebook has implemented various safety measures for Marketplace:
- User profiles must be verified to interact.
- Location sharing uses approximate areas, not exact addresses.
- Marketplace messaging keeps personal info private.
- Facebook monitors and removes suspicious content.
- In-app reporting allows flagging inappropriate behavior.
Additional tips for safe buying/selling:
- Meet in a public place during the day for transactions.
- Bring someone with you or tell a friend where you’re going.
- Only pay through secure verified payment methods.
- Inspect item thoroughly before completing a purchase.
- Trust your instincts – if something seems unsafe, don’t proceed.
How do I report a problem on Marketplace?
If you encounter improper behavior, suspicious activity, harassment, or other issues on Marketplace, you can report problems in a few ways:
- Use the in-app reporting feature – tap the “…” icon on a listing or message thread and select “Report”.
- File a complaint through the Facebook Help Center.
- Block the user to prevent further contact.
Provide details on the situation, problematic content, policy violations, etc. Facebook will investigate reported issues and take action as needed against rule-breakers.
What type of items are allowed/prohibited on Marketplace?
Facebook prohibits certain types of items and content from being sold on Marketplace:
| Allowed Items | Prohibited Items |
|---|---|
|
|
Sellers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations when posting items for sale. Listings that violate Marketplace policies will be removed.
Can businesses use Facebook Marketplace?
Facebook Marketplace is intended for peer-to-peer sales between individual users. However, small personal businesses are permitted under certain conditions:
- Must use a personal Facebook account, not a business Page.
- Limit of 5 unique items for sale at a time.
- No commercial storefronts or auction-style listings.
- No promoted posts or ads pointing to Marketplace listings.
Usage is monitored for compliance. Larger businesses, repeat sellers, and commercial listings are prohibited. Appropriate venues for businesses include Facebook Shops and Facebook Classifieds.
Is Facebook Marketplace available in my area?
Facebook Marketplace is available worldwide, but with some region-specific availability:
- Fully available in most countries globally.
- Limited availability in China, Bangladesh, and a few other regions.
- Unavailable in Iran due to US sanctions.
If accessing Marketplace from a desktop browser, you may need to select your country/region from the footer of Facebook to view region-specific listings.
On mobile, Marketplace should automatically reflect listings for sale near your current location. Listings can only be posted and transacted within the same country.
What are some Facebook Marketplace alternatives?
Some popular alternative platforms for buying and selling locally online include:
- Craigslist
- OfferUp
- Letgo
- eBay Classifieds
- 5miles
- VarageSale
- Nextdoor
Each platform has different features, fees, and audience base. Facebook Marketplace makes it very convenient to access a local peer-to-peer marketplace directly within the Facebook app. But other classifieds sites may also be worth checking out for buying and selling certain types of items.
Conclusion
Facebook Marketplace provides a useful platform for individuals to buy and sell locally within the Facebook community. Key features include easy searching/posting, built-in communications, and integration with Facebook profiles and location services. While there are certain rules and restrictions, Marketplace offers a secure and convenient option for transacting peer-to-peer sales that is accessible right within the Facebook app for over a billion users worldwide. Following some basic best practices around payment, shipping, meeting up, and reporting issues can help ensure smooth buying and selling experiences on Marketplace.