Facebook Marketplace is a feature within the Facebook app that allows users to buy and sell items locally. Marketplace listings appear in the Marketplace section of the Facebook app, which is accessible from the left-hand menu. Sellers can create listings directly within the Facebook app and interested buyers can contact sellers through Marketplace messaging.
How to Post a Listing on Facebook Marketplace
Posting a new listing on Facebook Marketplace is easy and can be done directly from the Facebook app on your mobile device or computer. Here are the steps to create a new Marketplace listing:
- Open the Facebook app on your phone, or navigate to www.facebook.com on a computer.
- Tap on the Menu icon (3 horizontal lines) in the top right corner.
- Select “Marketplace” from the menu.
- Tap on the blue “Sell Something” button.
- Select the category your item falls under – For Sale, Housing, Jobs, Services, etc.
- Add photos and details about the item you’re selling.
- Set a price and pickup location.
- Tap “Post” when finished.
That’s all there is to it! Your listing will now appear in the Marketplace for local buyers to find. You can edit or delete your listing at any time.
Who Can See and Respond to Marketplace Listings
When you create a Facebook Marketplace listing, it will be visible to others within your local community on Facebook. Specifically:
- Anyone located within the pickup radius you set will see your listing in Marketplace searches.
- Friends and followers within your pickup radius may also see your listing posted in their feeds.
- Anyone can send you messages about your listing via Marketplace messaging.
So your visibility is broad to facilitate connecting with local buyers, but limited to your geographic area. You can also choose to hide your listing from friends, if desired.
Tips for Selling Successfully on Marketplace
Here are some tips to help your Marketplace listings attract interested buyers:
- Post clear, high-quality photos – use natural lighting and photograph any flaws
- Provide detailed descriptions of your item’s features, condition, etc.
- Set a fair, competitive price based on research
- Respond to inquiries quickly and communicate reliably
- Be flexible with pickup locations and timing
- Use keywords strategically to help buyers find your listings
- Share listings in relevant local Facebook Groups
The more effort you put into your Marketplace listings, the greater the chance of selling your items quickly and easily.
Requirements to Sell on Facebook Marketplace
To create listings on Marketplace, you simply need:
- An active personal Facebook account
- To be 18 years or older
- To follow Facebook’s Commerce Policies
Business accounts are not able to sell items directly through Marketplace at this time. But anyone with a personal Facebook profile can start selling right away without additional requirements.
Facebook Marketplace vs. Facebook Buy/Sell Groups
In addition to Marketplace, many people also use local Facebook Buy/Sell Groups to buy and sell products secondhand. Here is a comparison between the two options:
| Facebook Marketplace | Facebook Buy/Sell Groups |
|---|---|
| Integrated into Facebook app | Need to join each Group individually |
| Listings visible locally based on your location | Listings visible to all Group members |
| Can filter searches by location | Group listings are a mix of locations |
| More broad visibility to casual browsers | Reach depends on Group membership |
| Focused on local buyers and pickup | Can ship items nationwide |
In general, Marketplace is better for reaching local buyers who can pick up items, while Groups provide a more targeted audience of engaged buyers for niche items.
Advantages of Facebook Marketplace
Some key advantages of Marketplace include:
- Large built-in audience of Facebook users
- Listings are visible locally based on location
- Easy search and browse capabilities
- Simpler listing process than third-party apps
- Secure payments through Facebook
Advantages of Buy/Sell Groups
Some benefits of Buy/Sell Groups include:
- Connect with an engaged audience of buyers
- Target niche item categories or demographics
- Can ship items beyond your local area
- Groups build member community and trust
- Better for high-value items due to admin vetting
Selling Limits on Facebook Marketplace
Facebook does place some limits on how much you can sell on Marketplace:
- Up to 25 active listings at a time
- Limits on number of messages sent through Marketplace messaging
- Cannot sell real estate, housing rentals, or financial products
These limits aim to prevent spam and ensure local peer-to-peer sales stay focused on secondhand items. But active sellers can still drive significant earnings over time within Facebook’s rules.
Facebook Marketplace Fees
One of the biggest advantages of Facebook Marketplace is that there are no listing fees or commissions on sales. You keep 100% of your earnings when selling items.
The only potential fees are:
- A payment processing fee if you use Facebook Payments for transactions.
- Shipping costs if you opt to ship an item rather than local pickup.
So Facebook Marketplace offers a free platform to post listings and connect with buyers for only minor transactional costs.
Is Facebook Marketplace Safe for Sellers?
Facebook Marketplace does come with some safety considerations, like meeting strangers from the internet to exchange items locally. Here are some tips to stay safe:
- Meet in a public place like a store parking lot
- Only accept cash payments to avoid scams
- Bring a friend or family member with you
- Trust your instincts – if a buyer seems suspicious, cancel the meetup
- Require buyer to message you through Facebook before sharing contact info
- Turn on Marketplace real-time location sharing when meeting
As long as you exercise good judgment, take precautions, and meet in public areas only during the daytime, Marketplace can be used safely by individuals and families.
Pros of Selling on Facebook Marketplace
Key advantages of Facebook Marketplace for sellers include:
- Free to post unlimited listings
- Large base of potential local buyers
- Easy mobile app interface
- Keep 100% of your sales earnings
- Listings can gain viral reach
- Secure payments via Facebook
Cons of Selling on Facebook Marketplace
Some downsides to be aware of include:
- Have to handle local meetups/pickup
- No integrated shipping options
- Lower prices than dedicated ecommerce sites
- Need a Facebook account
- Limited seller support from Facebook
Best Practices for Facebook Marketplace Sellers
Follow these best practices when selling on Marketplace for the best results:
- Post high-quality photos and detailed descriptions
- Price competitively based on market value
- Respond to inquiries quickly and communicate reliably
- Ship items or deliver locally whenever possible
- List diverse items to appeal to broader audiences
- Bump stale listings frequently to keep them fresh
- Stay patient – the right buyer will eventually come along
Top-Selling Categories on Marketplace
While you can sell almost any legal, non-regulated item on Marketplace, some categories see higher demand. Top-selling categories include:
- Furniture – chairs, tables, sofas, etc.
- Electronics – phones, tablets, game consoles, etc.
- Apparel & accessories – women’s, men’s, kids’ clothing
- Home items – decor, kitchenware, outdoor patio, etc.
- Baby & kids – clothes, toys, strollers, baby gear
- Sports & outdoors – sporting goods, camping, hunting equipment
- Cars – used vehicles in good condition
Focusing your Marketplace listings in high-demand categories will yield the most interest and sales.
Alternatives to Facebook Marketplace
While Facebook Marketplace provides an easy peer-to-peer sales platform, some alternatives to consider include:
- Craigslist – Popular classifieds site to sell locally
- OfferUp – Mobile app focused on local buyers/sellers
- eBay – Largest online auction marketplace
- Etsy – Marketplace for unique handmade/vintage items
- Poshmark – Buy & sell new/used clothing online
- Letgo – Simple local shopping & selling app
Each platform has pros and cons, so choose the one(s) that align best with your audience, item types, and approach.
Conclusion
Facebook Marketplace provides an easy and free platform for individuals to sell products locally to their community. By following tips on writing compelling listings, pricing competitively, and trading safely, you can effectively use Marketplace to earn extra income. Focus on high-demand categories, take clear photos, communicate reliably with buyers, and leverage Marketplace to extend the reach of your listings for successful selling.