{"id":3638,"date":"2018-09-05T15:36:27","date_gmt":"2018-09-05T22:36:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dolly.com\/blog\/?p=3638"},"modified":"2026-04-28T07:53:31","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T14:53:31","slug":"facebook-marketplace-selling-buying","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.taskrabbit.com\/blog\/facebook-marketplace-selling-buying\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips & Tricks for Facebook Selling & Buying on Facebook Marketplace"},"content":{"rendered":"

Facebook: it\u2019s where your family comments on every single one of your photos, your old friend from high school constantly gives updates about their new baby, and now…a site where you can buy furniture? With the launch of Facebook Marketplace, Facebook is now no longer just family, friends, and a barrage of political posts: it\u2019s the place you can buy and sell just about anything you need.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re no stranger to online buying and selling, you probably are wondering just what makes Facebook Marketplace different. After all, there\u2019s already <\/span>Craigslist<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>OfferUp<\/span><\/a>, LetGo, and dozens of services popping up every day that allow you to buy and sell anything from the comfort of your couch. But Facebook Marketplace has a lot of distinct advantages that have landed it a reputation as one of the safest, easiest places to sell. <\/span><\/p>\n

What Makes Facebook Marketplace So Unique?<\/b><\/h2>\n

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Security<\/b>. In the past, online buyers can only weed out unsavory sellers by using the service-provided rating system (using systems like OfferUp\u2019s five-star seller ratings). Short of that, you can run a background check to make sure they\u2019re not a criminal, but that seems like a bit much for a used coffee table. With Facebook Marketplace, you get a much more complete picture of a person, starting with a literal picture, then on to any common friends, some basic information about where they\u2019re from, their age, and what their life is like. Plus, it makes it easier to recognize them in public when you meet up to make your purchase if you\u2019ve seen their face before.<\/span><\/p>\n

Messaging<\/b>. On Craigslist, you either have to give out your cell phone number or use their email-encryption tool to handle messaging. In 2018, those are not great options. Facebook Marketplace, on the other hand, runs through Facebook messenger. There\u2019s no extra inconvenience or safety measures: just message through the app or online the same way you can message your friends. You can even pay through Facebook Messenger, far better than the old standard of cash. <\/span><\/p>\n

Convenience.<\/b> Have you ever tried to use Craigslist on your phone? If so, you might\u2019ve ended up with your phone throw at a wall. We don\u2019t blame you – the interface isn\u2019t mobile-friendly. And while apps like OfferUp and LetGo offer the convenience of a native app experience, it\u2019s just so much easier to slide from your Facebook News Feed two buttons to the right for Marketplace. <\/span><\/p>\n

Tips for Facebook Selling on Marketplace<\/b><\/h1>\n

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Image Source: Facebook<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Detail, Detail, Detail<\/b><\/h2>\n

It doesn\u2019t matter what you\u2019re selling – used designer shoes, brand-new furniture, car parts – details matter. Is there a scuff on the heel of the shoe? Upload a close-up shot. Car part only work for a certain model? Include the model information. Give possible buyers every reason to trust you, and they\u2019ll be more willing to buy from you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Choose the Right Category<\/b><\/h2>\n

Don\u2019t spam the appliances section with a post for your used pickup truck. Not only is it annoying, it\u2019s an easy way to get your item taken down (and your account flagged). You\u2019ll regret it especially if you wind up blocked out of Facebook entirely – and unlike Craigslist, it\u2019s not so easy to create a new fake account to get your pickup sold.<\/span><\/p>\n

Be Clear About Your Price<\/b><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019ll only take $250 for your leather sectional, not even a dollar less, make that clear. While it\u2019s always a good idea to be open to offers, letting potential customers know upfront that you\u2019ll only take a fixed price keeps your inbox clear for interested buyers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Know What Items Facebook Marketplace Won’t Let You Sell<\/b><\/h2>\n

There are a few items Facebook Marketplace does not allow you to offer – and they\u2019ll get your entire Facebook account blocked if you try it too sneakily. Here\u2019s what you shouldn\u2019t try to sell:<\/span><\/p>\n