What not to do on fb Marketplace?

Facebook Marketplace allows users to buy and sell items locally. With over 1 billion monthly active users on Facebook, Marketplace provides a huge potential audience for your listings. However, there are some common mistakes that sellers make which can sabotage your sales. Follow these tips on what not to do if you want to successfully sell items on Facebook Marketplace.

Using Bad Photos

The first impression of your item is made through the photos. Using bad photos is one of the biggest mistakes sellers make on Marketplace. Follow these tips for taking great photos:

Take photos in natural daylight. This shows the true colors of your item.

Use a clean, neutral background. A messy background is distracting.
Take photos from multiple angles. Different views give buyers a better idea of the item.
Show scale. Photograph the item being held or next to a common object so buyers understand the size.

Clean the item. Wipe off dust and dirt so the item looks its best.
Check for blur. Make sure photos are in focus before posting.

With smartphones having high-quality cameras, there’s no excuse for bad photos. Taking a few minutes to take good shots will get your item more attention from buyers.

Failing to Provide Details

Providing enough details is crucial when selling on Marketplace. Follow these tips:

Give the brand name and model number. This helps buyers research the item.
Note the dimensions. List height, width, and depth measurements.

Describe the condition. Specify if it’s new, used, or has any defects.
Mention age. State when the item was purchased if it’s used.
Provide accessory and part details. Note if batteries, chargers, cords, etc. are included.

Add serial numbers. This proves ownership if the item is valuable.

Adding this relevant information builds trust with buyers and clears up any questions they may have.

Using Vague Titles

The title is the first thing buyers see when browsing Marketplace listings. Vague, overly broad titles make it hard for buyers to know what you’re selling. Some examples of bad titles:

“Selling this item”
“Used condition”
“For sale”

Make your title descriptive of the item. Include details like the brand, model, size, age, color, and condition. This helps your listing appear in searches for the specific item.

Setting the Wrong Price

Failing to price items competitively is a common seller mistake on Marketplace. Follow these tips for pricing:

Research current market value. Check completed eBay listings and Craigslist for similar items.

Factor in condition. Used items in great shape can demand higher prices.
Consider brand value. More desirable brands tend to have higher resale value.
Compare local listings. See what other sellers in your area are pricing similar items.

Leave room for negotiation. Price a little higher than your minimum to allow for offers.

Pricing too high means your item sits unsold. Go too low and you lose out on getting the best value. Do your research to find the optimal price.

Being Inflexible on Pickup/Delivery

Coordinating pickup and delivery on Marketplace can be tricky. Avoid these mistakes:

Refusing delivery. Many buyers expect sellers to deliver bulky/heavy items.
Charging for delivery without mentioning it upfront. Disclose any delivery fees in your listing.
Having a narrow pickup window. Give several days and time range options.

Making buyer pickup items alone. Assist buyers in loading large purchases.
Picking distant meetup spots. Choose public locations close to your home.

Being adaptable and buyer-friendly on logistics makes sales go smoothly. Communicate clearly on delivery options before buyers commit to purchase.

Negotiating Poorly

Buyers expect to negotiate prices on Marketplace, so don’t be offended when you receive offers below asking price. Follow these negotiation strategies:

Stay calm and polite. Avoid taking lowball offers personally.
Make reasonable counteroffers. Offer 10-20% below your listing price.

Highlight your item’s value. Remind lowballers of its benefits and condition.
Know when to walk away. Don’t accept offers you’ll lose money on.
Consider bundle deals. Suggest discount for multiple items purchased.

With some back-and-forth, you can often meet at an agreed price that satisfies both parties.

Giving Out Personal Details Too Soon

When chatting with buyers, don’t reveal sensitive personal information like your address or phone number right away. Follow these tips:

Vet buyers by reviewing their profile first. Check for reviews and sale history.

Move discussion off Facebook early. Continue negotiations via email or text.
Meet purchases in public places. Avoid inviting strangers to your home.
Bring someone with you. Having help minimizes risk during transfers.

Save contact info for serious buyers only. Don’t provide it unprompted.

Protecting your privacy reduces chances of being targeted by scammers or bad actors. Take precautions until buyers prove trustworthy.

Failing to Screen Buyers

Not adequately vetting buyers on Marketplace can lead to no-shows, scams, and other headaches. Take these steps:

Review their profile. Check for previous sales/purchases and reviews.
Ask questions. Gauge responses to see if their story is consistent.
Request contact info. Talk further over text/email before meeting.

Google their name and number. Check for any red flags that appear.
Confirm payment method. Accept secure payments like PayPal or cash.

Trusting your gut instincts about buyers you interact with helps avoid problematic sales. Don’t be afraid to block suspicious users.

Failing to Describe Flaws

Upfront disclosure about any damage, defects, or missing parts is essential when selling used items. Avoid these mistakes:

Hiding existing wear and tear in photos. Inspect closely and call out imperfections.
Downplaying damage as “minor.” Let buyers judge flaws for themselves.

Forgetting to note missing accessories or parts. Double check everything is included.
Claiming electronics/appliances work 100% if untested. Test thoroughly before listing.
Omitting reasons for selling. If it’s broken, be direct about issues.

Surprising buyers with undisclosed issues almost always leads to unhappy customers and returns. Be transparent about an item’s true condition.

Forgetting to Remove Listings

It’s easy to forget to take down Marketplace listings after selling an item. This causes problems like:

Interest from buyers on unavailable items. Have to field messages saying it’s sold.

Inaccurate inventory if reposted. Hard to keep track of what’s still available.
Multiple buyers for one item. Overselling by mistake can damage reputation.

Avoid these hassles by promptly removing listings. Double check that each one is archived after successful sales.

Providing Poor Customer Service

How you communicate with buyers makes a big difference in your success selling on Marketplace. Don’t make these customer service mistakes:

Ignoring buyer messages and questions. Being unresponsive turns off buyers.
Refusing reasonable requests. Saying no to small accommodations like meeting closer.

Arguing with negative feedback. Remain professional if issues arise.
Making sales feel transactional. Build rapport with small talk and friendliness.
Dismissing after sale concerns. Follow up if buyers report problems.

Treating buyers well maximizes the likelihood of completing sales and getting 5-star reviews.

Failing to Ship Safely

When shipping Marketplace sales, properly packing and handling items prevents damage complaints. Don’t:

Skimp on packing materials. Use bubble wrap, foam, and boxes sized for the item.

Reuse old boxes. Use sturdy new boxes from the post office or moving supplies store.
Ignore “Fragile” labels. Clearly label delicate items so carriers take care.
Send uninsured. Purchase shipping insurance in case of loss/theft.

Ship without tracking. Tracking provides delivery proof and security.

While shipping takes extra effort, going the extra mile prevents heartache if items arrive broken or get lost.

Not Getting Payment Upfront

Requiring payment before pickup or delivery is smart business when selling high-value items on Marketplace. Avoid assuming good faith by:

Accepting only fully cleared payments. Don’t allow checks or promised future payment.
Being wary of fake payment apps and email scams. Only accept legitimate methods like PayPal.
Avoiding sob stories. Don’t give special exceptions or discounts.

Meeting in secure public places. This minimizes risk of theft.
Bringing helpers for safety. Extra hands discourage fraud attempts.

While most buyers are honest, verifying real payment before releasing items limits ability to rip you off. Don’t hand over anything until money is in hand or cleared to your account.

Not Checking Feedback

Leaving feedback encourages buyers to do the same. This builds up your seller rating and reputation over time. Avoid these feedback mistakes:

Not reminding buyers to leave reviews. Ask them nicely to provide feedback.
Leaving generic, non-descriptive feedback. Personalize with specific comments.

Skipping feedback because of minor issues. Focus on the overall experience.
Making feedback demands. Politely request but don’t require.
Delaying feedback too long after sale. Strike while it’s still fresh in their mind.

Putting effort into getting quality feedback establishes you as a trustworthy seller that people feel confident buying from.

Conclusion

Avoiding these common seller mistakes takes some extra work but pays off with faster sales, fewer headaches, and happy customers. Following best practices maximizes your chances of Marketplace success. Focus on great photos, detailed listings, fair pricing, smooth logistics, safe payments, and excellent service. This helps you build a stellar seller reputation and stand out from the competition. With some practice and diligence, you can become a Marketplace pro.