Facebook Marketplace allows users to post classified ads to buy, sell, and trade items within their local community. Marketplace makes it easy to list items for sale, find deals, and connect with others nearby. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to post a classified ad on Facebook Marketplace:
Step 1: Open the Facebook Marketplace
To access Marketplace, open the Facebook app on your mobile device or navigate to Facebook in your web browser. Click on the three line “hamburger” menu icon in the top right corner and select “Marketplace” from the dropdown menu. This will bring you to the Marketplace homepage.
Step 2: Click “Sell Something”
From the Marketplace homepage, click the blue “Sell Something” button to begin creating your classified ad. This will open up a listing form where you can enter details about the item you want to sell.
Step 3: Select a Category
The listing form will first prompt you to select a category that best describes the item you are selling. Categories include vehicles, furniture, electronics, fashion, toys, sporting goods, and more. Choose the most relevant category for your item.
Step 4: Add Photos
Next, you will be prompted to add photos of the item you are selling. Quality photos are important to garner interest from potential buyers. You can add up to 10 photos. Be sure to capture different angles and details of the item.
Step 5: Fill in Listing Details
In the listing form, provide key details about the item you are selling including:
- Title – Make it descriptive using keywords a buyer would search for
- Description – Include details like condition, dimensions, age, etc.
- Price – Research similar items to set a competitive price
- Location – This auto-populates based on your profile location
Step 6: Specify Additional Options
The listing form allows you to specify additional options including:
- Negotiable price – Allow buyers to offer a different price
- Delivery options – Offer to ship the item or local pickup
- Firm on price – Non-negotiable price
- Trade options – Open to trading for other items
Step 7: Review and Post
Once you have filled out all the listing details, review everything to make sure it is accurate. Then click the blue “Post” button to publish your classified ad to Marketplace. It will now appear in search results so buyers can find it!
Tips for Creating Effective Marketplace Listings
Here are some tips to make your Marketplace listings stand out and sell faster:
- Use clear, high-quality photos – Take photos in good lighting from multiple angles
- Provide complete details – Include dimensions, defects, age, etc.
- Use keywords – Incorporate keywords a buyer may search for in your title and description
- Set a competitive price – Research prices for similar items in your area
- Highlight features and benefits – Mention things that add value for the buyer
- Update frequently – Bump your listing to the top with new photos or details
Marketplace Listing Options
Marketplace offers several options when creating a listing:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Negotiable Price | Allow buyers to offer a different price than what you listed |
| Firm Price | Price is not negotiable |
| Delivery | Offer to ship the item to buyers |
| Local Pickup | Buyers must pickup the item from your location |
| Trades | You are open to trading the item for something else of value |
Marketplace Categories
Marketplace has over 20 main categories you can list items under. The most popular include:
- Vehicles – Cars, trucks, boats, RVs, etc.
- Furniture – Tables, couches, chairs, etc.
- Electronics – Cell phones, computers, TVs, etc.
- Home & Garden – Decor, tools, lawnmowers, etc.
- Clothing & Accessories – Adult & children’s clothing, shoes, jewelry, etc.
- Toys & Games – Kid’s toys, video games, board games, etc.
- Sporting Goods – Exercise equipment, bicycles, hunting gear, etc.
Listing Fees
One of the best parts of Marketplace is that Facebook does not charge any listing fees. You can post unlimited classified ads for free. The only potential fees are:
- Optional promoted listings – Pay a small fee for added visibility
- Shipping costs – If you elect to ship an item to a buyer
- Payment processing fees – If you use Facebook Pay for transactions
Accepted Payments
If you elect to ship an item, Facebook provides a few payment options including:
- Facebook Pay – Buyers pay through Facebook which deposits funds in your account
- PayPal – Accept PayPal payments for goods and services transactions
- Local pickup – Accept cash, check or other payment at pickup
Facebook Pay includes purchase protection for added security when shipping items or accepting payments. There are also no fees for an individual to send or receive money through Facebook Pay.
Selling Limits
Facebook does place some limits on paid transactions through Marketplace based on your account history. These include:
- 5-item limit – New users can only sell 5 items in a 30 day period
- $250 max price – Per item for new accounts
- $10,000 lifetime limit – Once exceeded, Facebook’s review is required
As your account builds a history of successful transactions, these limits will increase over time. There are no limits on items listed for local pickup only.
Listing Expiration
Listings will automatically expire after a certain time period if they do not sell. The expiration timeframes are:
- 30 days – General Marketplace listings
- 3 days – Vehicle listings
- 7 days – Home & Garden listings
You will receive a notification when your listing is about to expire. At that point, you can choose to relist the item which will bump it back to the top of Marketplace search results.
Prohibited Items
While Marketplace allows most items, there are some prohibited listings including:
- Illegal items – Drugs, drug paraphernalia, etc.
- Weapons – Firearms, ammunition, etc.
- Adult items – Pornography, adult services, etc.
- Endangered animals – Ivory, exotic animal parts, etc.
- Misinformation – Fake documents, medical misinformation, etc.
Facebook monitors listings and removes any prohibited items or services. Violating their commerce policies can result in your account being banned from Marketplace.
Additional Rules
Here are some other Marketplace rules to keep in mind:
- No third-party transactions outside of Marketplace payments
- No Craigslist-style posts for jobs, services, rentals, etc.
- No dropshipping items directly from suppliers
- No raffles, contests, or donation solicitation
- No buying/selling/trading accounts or followers
Facebook wants Marketplace to facilitate personal transactions within local communities. Listings should be for used, personal items only.
Reporting Issues
If you come across prohibited items, fake listings, or experience issues with a transaction, you can report them to Facebook by:
- Using the report link on the listing or in your messages
- Going to the Marketplace support page and filing a report
- Submitting feedback through the Facebook app
Facebook investigates all reports and takes action against bad actors violating their commerce policies.
Conclusion
Facebook Marketplace provides a robust platform to buy and sell locally. By following their listing policies and providing quality listings, you can quickly post and sell items through Marketplace. Just open the Facebook app, tap “Sell Something” and you’ll be on your way to posting your first classified ad.