Facebook Marketplace allows users to buy and sell items directly through Facebook. One of the key aspects of completing a transaction on Facebook Marketplace is organizing shipping for the sold item. There are a few different ways shipping can be handled when selling an item on Facebook Marketplace.
Shipping Options for Sellers
When listing an item for sale on Facebook Marketplace, the seller has to choose one of three shipping options:
- Local pickup – The buyer picks up the item from the seller locally. No shipping is required.
- Ships – The seller ships the item to the buyer. The seller is responsible for packaging and shipping the item.
- Local delivery – The seller offers delivery within a certain distance for an additional fee.
The shipping option selected by the seller at the time of listing the item will impact the buyer’s expectations and who is responsible for shipping. Sellers should carefully consider the shipping options when listing items for sale.
Local Pickup
Local pickup means the buyer will come to the seller’s location to retrieve the item themselves. This option works well for larger items that would be difficult to ship or for sellers who do not want to deal with packing and shipping an item.
With local pickup:
- The buyer and seller must live near enough to each other to make local pickup practical.
- The seller does not have to worry about packaging or transporting the item.
- The buyer must arrange pickup within the seller’s availability.
- There are no shipping costs for either party.
Local pickup transactions are completed entirely offline once the buyer and seller connect on Facebook Marketplace. Sellers should ensure they only allow local pickup for items they are comfortable giving the buyer direct access to.
Ships
Choosing the “Ships” option means the seller is responsible for packing and shipping the item to the buyer. This opens up sales to buyers located anywhere, not just locally. With this option:
- The seller has to arrange packaging materials, package the item securely, and ship it out.
- The seller may request the buyer pays shipping costs. Shipping costs should be stated upfront.
- The seller should ship the item within the stated timeframe after purchase.
- The seller must provide a tracking number to the buyer.
Sellers who choose the ships option take on more responsibility compared to local pickup. They have to properly package and ship orders in a timely manner. Sellers must factor in the costs of materials, postage, and labor when deciding to ship items.
Local Delivery
Local delivery means the seller is willing to deliver the item themselves within a certain distance for an additional fee. With local delivery:
- The seller sets a delivery zone around their location, like within 25 miles.
- An additional local delivery fee is charged to the buyer.
- The seller is responsible for safely transporting the item and delivering to the buyer.
Local delivery gives buyers a more convenient option than local pickup without the seller having to formally ship the item. However, the seller does have to own a suitable vehicle and set aside time for delivery.
Packaging and Shipping Materials
When a seller chooses the ships or local delivery options, they are responsible for properly packaging the item to withstand transit. Good packaging helps ensure the item arrives safely to the buyer.
Here are some tips for safely packaging items for shipping/delivery:
- Use new boxes in good condition – Old, damaged boxes are more likely to break in transit.
- Pack items tightly in the box so they do not shift around.
- Use plenty of appropriate cushioning material – Bubble wrap, foam peanuts, crumpled paper.
- Seal the box thoroughly with packing tape.
- Use appropriate filler or braces to protect anything breakable.
- Pack electronics very carefully and individually wrap cords.
- Affix shipping labels securely to the box.
Sellers may need to purchase some basic packaging supplies like boxes, tape, and bubble wrap. Using inadequate packaging materials increases the chances of the item arriving damaged.
Shipping Box and Envelope Sizes
| Box/Envelope Size | Typical Uses |
|---|---|
| Small envelope or mailer | Documents, small flat items |
| Medium envelope | Soft goods like clothing items |
| Large envelope | Bulkier soft goods or small electronics |
| Small box | Books, toys, electronics |
| Medium box | Multiple smaller items bundled, some electronics |
| Large box | Large or multiple items like electronics, dishes |
| Extra large box | Oversize items like furniture |
Choosing the right size box or mailer prevents items from shifting around. Oversized packaging leads to higher shipping costs.
Shipping Carriers and Rates
When a seller offers shipping on Facebook Marketplace, they have choices on which mail carrier to use. The major carriers in the United States are USPS, UPS, FedEx and DHL. There are some key differences between them:
- USPS – United States Postal Service. Offers regular mail, priority mail, media mail options.
- UPS – United Parcel Service. Offers ground, 3-day, 2-day and next day air options.
- FedEx – Federal Express. Similar to UPS with ground and priority overnight options.
- DHL – International shipping company, offers domestic and international options.
USPS tends to have the most affordable rates, especially for smaller packages. UPS and FedEx have faster transit times for 3-day, 2-day shipping. DHL focuses more on international shipments. All carriers offer tracking numbers to follow the status of shipments.
Comparing Shipping Rates
| Carrier | 2 lb. package NY to CA |
5 lb. package NY to CA |
25 lb. package NY to CA |
|---|---|---|---|
| USPS Priority Mail | $8 | $14 | $25 |
| UPS Ground | $10 | $15 | $35 |
| FedEx Ground | $11 | $17 | $40 |
| DHL Ground | $14 | $20 | $50 |
This table compares standard ground shipping rates across carriers for different weight packages going coast to coast. USPS Priority Mail tends to have the most affordable rates in many cases.
Shipping Time Estimates
Transit times can vary greatly depending on the shipping carrier and service selected. Here are estimates for standard ground shipping times from coast to coast:
- USPS Priority Mail – 2 to 5 days
- UPS Ground – 5 to 10 days
- FedEx Ground – 5 to 10 days
- DHL Ground – 2 to 5 days
Faster priority options are available from UPS, FedEx and USPS for quicker transit times of 2 days or less. Those faster options come at a higher cost than standard ground shipping. Sellers should communicate expected shipping times to buyers accurately based on the carrier.
Printing Shipping Labels
After the seller packages up the item and selects their shipping carrier, they need to generate a shipping label to affix to the package. Shipping labels can be purchased and printed in a few different ways:
- Carrier website – Labels can be purchased directly on the website of USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc. Requires having an account with that carrier.
- Marketplace tools – Facebook provides approved third party tools for Marketplace like Shippo to purchase labels.
- PayPal – If the transaction happens through PayPal, labels can be generated there.
- Independent tools – Services like Paystub allow users to create labels without a carrier account.
Having tracking numbers on the label allows both buyer and seller to track the shipment status up until delivery. Sellers should research which label purchasing method works best for their needs and volume.
Insuring Packages
Items that have higher value may merit purchasing additional insurance during shipping in case the items are damaged or lost. Insurance adds an additional cost but provides compensation in the event of issues. Insurance rates often depend on:
- Declared value – The reimbursement limit set by the seller.
- Carrier – Each carrier has their own rates.
- Service level – Express and priority services may include some built-in insurance.
Common insurance amounts range from $100 to full declared value. Higher value items merit more insurance. Sellers should consult carrier policies on reimbursement rules before purchasing insurance.
Confirming Delivery
Facebook Marketplace transactions are considered complete once the buyer has picked up or received the shipped item. It is important for sellers to confirm successful delivery before releasing funds. Ways sellers can confirm delivery include:
- Local pickup – Have the buyer sign something upon pickup saying they received the item.
- Shipped items – Check the tracking number online to verify delivered status.
- Local delivery – Have the buyer sign for the item.
- Request photo confirmation from the buyer of delivered item.
For high value items, signature confirmation or other delivery confirmation from the carrier may provide extra peace of mind. But tracking numbers generally suffice as delivery confirmation for most Marketplace transactions.
Returns and Refunds
Despite best efforts packing and shipping items, sometimes buyers need to return Marketplace purchases and get refunds. Sellers should consider their return and refund policies when listing items. Here are some aspects to think through:
- Will you accept returns at all? Not required, but may improve buyer confidence.
- Who pays for return shipping? Seller, buyer or split responsibility.
- Restocking fee to discourage excessive returns.
- Time limit for returns – 30 days is common.
- Condition of returned items – Unworn, tags attached, etc.
- Refund method – Original payment, marketplace credit, etc.
Clear return and refund policies set expectations for both buyers and sellers. Buyers should be instructed to contact the seller before initiating any returns to authorize. Returns can be inconvenient for sellers, so consider your appetite for returns before committing to policies.
Shipping Issues and Dispute Resolution
Despite best efforts, occasional shipping issues and disputes happen:
- Item damaged in transit.
- Item lost by carrier.
- Buyer never receives shipment.
- Wrong item shipped.
- Unauthorized return attempts.
Facebook Marketplace provides resources to resolve disputes between buyers and sellers. Those include:
- Reviewing conversations for context.
- Checking for proof of shipping/delivery.
- Blocking users if necessary.
- Issuing refunds from Facebook payments.
- Claiming insurance reimbursement.
For significant unresolved disputes, additional intervention may be required from relevant postal inspectors or law enforcement. But most shipping issues can get resolved through the Marketplace resolution center.
Shipping summarization:
Shipping items successfully on Facebook Marketplace involves:
- The seller carefully choosing a shipping option when listing.
- Properly packaging and addressing shipments.
- Selecting and purchasing shipping services through a carrier.
- Providing buyers with tracking info and confirming delivery.
- Resolving any delivery issues or returns promptly.
With good communication and execution on shipping, sellers can provide buyers with a smooth experience. This helps build the trust and reputation needed to thrive selling on Facebook Marketplace.
Conclusion
Shipping items is a key process for sellers on Facebook Marketplace. Sellers should consider factors like packaging requirements, carrier options, delivery speed, insurance needs and returns policies when listing and selling items. With well-documented policies, proactive communication and responsible shipping practices, sellers can deliver seamless purchasing experiences for buyers on Facebook Marketplace. Following best practices for shipping items successfully enables growing a trusted seller reputation on the marketplace.