Facebook Marketplace is a feature within Facebook that allows users to buy and sell items locally. It operates similarly to sites like Craigslist, eBay and OfferUp, but is integrated directly into the Facebook platform.
How does Facebook Marketplace work?
Facebook Marketplace allows Facebook users to post items for sale, search for items they want to buy, communicate with other users about listings, and ultimately buy and sell items directly through Facebook. Sellers can post items for free by selecting “Marketplace” from the left menu on desktop or the menu icon on mobile and clicking “Sell Something.”
Buyers can browse Marketplace on desktop by selecting “Marketplace” from the left menu. On mobile, tap the menu icon and select “Marketplace.” Users can search for items by keyword, location, category, price and more. When buyers find an item they want, they can contact the seller through Messenger to ask questions, negotiate and arrange pickup or delivery.
Payment and pickup/delivery are arranged between the buyer and seller. Facebook does not process payments or handle shipping. All transactions happen offline once a listing is connected with an interested buyer.
Key features of Facebook Marketplace
- Free listings for sellers
- Integration with Facebook profile and Messenger
- Search by location, category, keyword
- Photo galleries for listings
- Bump listings to top of search
- Save searches for notifications
- Reviews and ratings for buyers and sellers
- Facebook checkout for payments (in limited locations)
Benefits of buying on Facebook Marketplace
There are several advantages to using Facebook Marketplace as a buyer:
- Locally focused: Listings are mainly focused on local pickup from sellers in your area.
- Connection with sellers: You can view seller profiles and see their Facebook connections and activity.
- Messaging: The integrated Messenger app makes communication easy.
- Reviews: See reviews and ratings for sellers.
- Prices: Items may be cheaper than retail as they are often secondhand.
- Variety: Almost anything can be found from cars to furniture, electronics, clothing, etc.
Tips for buying on Facebook Marketplace
Here are some tips for getting the most out of buying on Facebook Marketplace:
- Search locally for faster and cheaper pickup.
- Use filters to narrow down item types, conditions, prices.
- Look at seller profiles carefully before transacting.
- Ask questions through Messenger before agreeing to buy.
- Search for keywords related to the item you want.
- Save search alerts to get notified of new listings.
- Meet in a public place and bring someone with you.
- Pay only after inspecting the item.
- Leave seller reviews after transactions.
Benefits of selling on Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace also offers several benefits for sellers:
- Free listings: No fees to list items for sale.
- Exposure: Huge built-in audience of Facebook users.
- Existing connections: Buyers can view your profile and connections.
- List from anywhere: Add listings from mobile device or desktop.
- Messenger: Built-in messaging simplifies communication.
- Bump listings: Pay to bump listings to top of search results.
- Reviews: Seller reviews help establish credibility.
Tips for selling on Facebook Marketplace
To maximize your sales on Facebook Marketplace as a seller, keep these tips in mind:
- Take clear, detailed photos to showcase items.
- Write detailed descriptions with keywords buyers may search.
- Set competitive prices based on item condition and demand.
- List locally for faster selling and no shipping hassles.
- Share listings to your Facebook profile for added visibility.
- Respond to buyer messages promptly and professionally.
- Arrange safe public meetups for transactions.
- Leave feedback for buyers after transactions.
- Bump stale listings periodically to get new visibility.
Things to buy and sell on Facebook Marketplace
Almost any type of item can be listed on Facebook Marketplace, though some of the most popular categories include:
| Category | Example Items |
|---|---|
| Furniture | Tables, chairs, sofas, beds, dressers |
| Electronics | Smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles, TVs |
| Vehicles | Cars, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, boats |
| Clothing & Accessories | Men’s, women’s, children’s clothing, shoes, handbags |
| Home Appliances | Refrigerators, washers, dryers, air conditioners |
| Home & Garden | Furniture, decor, tools, mowers, pots, plants |
Almost anything used and in good condition has the potential to sell. Make sure to price items competitively based on condition and demand.
Prohibited items on Facebook Marketplace
While Facebook allows most legal, non-restricted items to be sold, some prohibited items include:
- Illegal drugs
- Weapons, including firearms, ammunition, explosives
- Pornography, adult materials
- Tobacco, e-cigarettes, and related products
- Live animals
- Certain health products, supplements, pharmaceuticals
- Counterfeit or replica products
Facebook prohibits the sale of illegal, regulated, dangerous, or infringing items. Listings that violate these rules are subject to removal and seller accounts may be disabled.
Is Facebook Marketplace safe for buyers and sellers?
Facebook Marketplace offers some safety features, but ultimately transactions happen directly between users so there are risks:
- View seller profiles and reviews to identify potential issues
- Facebook scans listings for prohibited items
- Messenger provides communication history
- Meet in public places and bring someone with you
- Inspect items before paying as you would with direct sales
- Facebook payments includes purchase protection (where available)
However, there is still potential for fraud, misrepresentation, theft, violence, etc. Use caution and common sense with any marketplace transactions.
Facebook Marketplace fees and payment processing
Facebook does not charge any listing fees, commissions or transaction fees for items sold through Marketplace. All negotiations happen directly between buyers and sellers.
For payment, Facebook is rolling out Facebook Pay as an option for Marketplace transactions. This is currently limited to certain areas. Facebook Pay provides purchase protection and support for disputes.
Otherwise, buyers and sellers must arrange payment independently through cash, credit/debit cards, PayPal, bank transfers, etc. There are risks here as Facebook does not mediate payments.
Facebook Marketplace vs Craigslist
| Facebook Marketplace | Craigslist |
|---|---|
|
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The choice between Facebook Marketplace vs Craigslist depends on your priorities. Facebook makes transacting easier with its integration, profiles and messaging, while Craigslist has more scale and options but less protections.
Conclusion
Facebook Marketplace provides an easy way to buy and sell locally through an existing platform you likely already use. As a buyer, take advantage of search filters, seller profiles, reviews and messaging to find good deals conveniently. As a seller, Marketplace makes it free and simple to offload unused items to motivated local buyers.
Just use caution with any transactions, do your research on sellers and buyers, meet in safe locations and inspect items thoroughly. With some common sense, Facebook Marketplace is a useful tool for connecting local buyers and sellers.