Facebook Marketplace has introduced some new rules and policies in 2023 to help make the platform safer and easier to use. Some key changes include new seller requirements, updated commerce policies, and adjustments to prohibited content. Here is an overview of the key new rules for Facebook Marketplace.
New Seller Requirements
Facebook now requires all sellers on Marketplace to provide proof of identity by submitting an ID. This is part of an effort to reduce scams and fraudulent activity. Sellers must upload a copy of a government-issued ID that includes their name, photo, and date of birth. This information will not be visible to buyers.
Once a seller has submitted an ID, they will get a blue verified badge on their Marketplace profile so buyers know they are a legitimate seller. The blue badge will start rolling out in early 2023.
In addition to providing an ID, sellers must also comply with all Facebook terms of service. Those who violate policies may have their selling privileges revoked.
Updated Commerce Policies
Facebook has updated its commerce policies for Marketplace to clarify what can and cannot be sold. Here are some of the key changes:
- Alcohol and tobacco sales are now prohibited.
- The sale of live animals is restricted to household pets only.
- Products that require prescriptions are not allowed to be sold.
- Sales of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and dangerous goods are banned.
Facebook has provided more details on restricted items to help sellers understand what is permitted. The full commerce policy can be viewed at facebook.com/commerce_policies.
Adjustments to Prohibited Content
Facebook has also updated its rules around prohibited content in Marketplace listings. Listings are no longer allowed to promote or facilitate:
- Illegal drugs
- Online gambling
- Unsafe supplements
- Adult services
Listings also cannot contain nudity, profanity, hate speech, or violent content. Sellers are advised to carefully review listings to ensure they comply with policies.
Enhanced Review Process
Facebook has introduced more advanced technology to proactively detect policy violations in listings. Machine learning algorithms will continuously scan listings and remove any that violate rules.
There is also now a team of content reviewers who manually check listings flagged as potentially policy-breaking. This enhanced review process aims to keep Marketplace safe and trustworthy.
Stronger Accountability for Sellers
To hold sellers more accountable, Facebook has improved its reporting system. Buyers can now easily report sellers if they engage in misconduct like delivering damaged goods, not delivering an item, or harassing the buyer.
Sellers may have their accounts restricted or disabled if they accumulate too many valid reports. Facebook will also work with law enforcement in cases of criminal behavior.
Updated Marketplace Shopping Features
Along with new policies, Facebook has introduced some new shopping features to improve the Marketplace experience:
- Cart: Buyers can now add multiple items from different sellers into a Cart before checking out. This makes it easier to purchase multiple products.
- Shopping tags: Sellers can add tags like “fast shipping” or “price negotiable” to listings to highlight important details for buyers.
- Dropoff locations: During checkout, buyers and sellers can now select Facebook dropoff spots to handle exchanges in public locations.
These upgrades aim to streamline the shopping process and add protections for both buyers and sellers.
Stronger Payment Protection
Facebook has partnered with Stripe to help secure payments made through Marketplace. When buyers pay for an item, the money will be held by Stripe until the sale is complete.
If any issues arise, buyers can request a refund through Stripe’s resolution center. This payment protection helps avoid scams and gives buyers peace of mind.
Expanded Customer Support
To assist users with any questions or issues, Facebook has expanded Marketplace customer support. Users can now access support in the following ways:
- Request support directly through the Marketplace interface
- Use the @Marketplace Twitter handle for real-time assistance
- Call the dedicated Marketplace support phone number
- Email the Marketplace customer support team
Increased support should help both buyers and sellers have positive experiences on Marketplace.
Clearer Rules and Policies
Facebook has updated the Marketplace policies page to make rules more clear and easy to find. Sellers are encouraged to thoroughly review all policies to ensure their activity remains compliant.
There are specific policies covering areas like:
- Allowed and prohibited items
- Advertising and promotions
- Payments
- Profiles and accounts
- Restricted content
- Seller conduct
Staying up-to-date on the latest rules will help Facebook maintain Marketplace as a safe and trusted community.
Conclusion
Facebook Marketplace’s new rules for 2023 focus on improving trust and safety. Requiring seller IDs, updating commerce policies, enhancing reviews, and adding payment protections all contribute to a more secure experience.
Buyers should feel confident that Marketplace puts their interests first. Meanwhile, responsible sellers who follow policies should find the platform provides helpful exposure and commerce capabilities.
With more than 1 billion users, Facebook Marketplace remains a popular way for people worldwide to shop and sell locally. These updated rules position Marketplace to continue growing while maintaining its integrity as a community-driven shopping destination.