More than just a social platform, Facebook has become a mecca in the resale community, offering users a built-in sales feed without ever leaving the site. Today, we’re exploring how to sell on Facebook Marketplace to earn you fast cash from the comfort of your home.
What is Facebook Marketplace, you ask?
Picture an all-encompassing e-commerce platform that allows users to list and sell their used and unwanted items in just a few clicks.
You can list anything from baby clothes to real estate, marketing to locals in your area for fast and easy pickup. Think Craigslist or eBay without the anonymity. It’s an easy way to make money online on your own time.
In this post, we’re sharing how to best use this sales platform, with rules to consider, listing steps, and tips to guarantee success!
The Benefits of Selling on Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace has become massively popular since its launch in 2016, revolutionizing how folks sell their unwanted goods.
One of the platform’s many benefits is its ease of use. It’s incredibly simple to list and sell items. All you need is a Facebook page to launch your very own small business.
Beyond that, sellers have access to a massive customer base, with over 1 billion monthly active users. Business owners work decades to receive the kind of traction that you can access instantly.
Other benefits include:
- Zero usage fees
- Direct contact with potential buyers
- Functional feeds on both mobile and desktop
What Can You Sell on Facebook Marketplace?
Facebook users can use the sales channel to sell just about anything. Common categories include:
- Clothing
- Electronics
- Toys and games
- Jewelry
- Home goods
- Property rentals
- Vehicles
- Garden supplies
- And more!
The majority of users sell gently used items, much like an online garage sale. It’s a great way to declutter your home and live a more minimalist lifestyle while making some extra income.
Others use Facebook Marketplace as a serious enterprise, selling high-ticket items like limited-release clothing, refurbished antiques, and drop-shipped items to earn some real profit.
Both uses are technically allowed based on Marketplace guidelines.
That said, Facebook’s commerce policies require merchants to follow some straightforward item restrictions.
Banned Items on Facebook Marketplace
Meta requires that you follow their community standards and refrain from listings that include:
- Dangerous items, i.e. explosives, weapons, and ammunition
- Illegal substances
- Animals for sale, rehoming, or adoption
- Healthcare and medical-related items
- Services, including house cleaning, copywriting, pet sitting, etc.
- “In search of” posts
- Recalled products
- Products that infringe on intellectual property
- Counterfeit items
Failure to comply with these standards could get you banned from using Facebook Marketplace or the platform altogether.
How to Sell on Facebook Marketplace
Ready to start selling? Here’s how to sell on Facebook Marketplace:
Finding Items to Sell
Before you make your first sale, you’ll need a product.
You may think that there’s nothing in your life that you could part with. Though likely, you’re holding onto an excess of material goods that are ready to find a new home!
Here are just some ideas on how to find items to sell:
- Closet clearout: Been meaning to “Marie Kondo” your closet? Now’s the time! Pull everything out and set aside anything you haven’t worn in the past year.
- Storage downsize: Is your garage, attic, or storage locker bursting at the seams? It’s time to sift through your old items and give them a second life through the Marketplace.
- Thrift stores: You can find amazing goodies at thrift and antique stores for bargain prices. Search for clothing and home goods made from high-quality materials with popular name brands.
- Estate sales: Some real treasures can be found in estate sales. From designer clothing to works of art, they hold big potential in the resale game.
- Dropshipping sites: Create your Marketplace niche by curating a profile filled with drop-shipped items that consumers love. Customizable items are particularly popular! Popular sites include AliExpress and Temu.
Listing Items on Facebook Marketplace
Once you’ve gathered your products, you’re ready to start listing.
- Set up your profile: In order to sell on Facebook Marketplace, you will need a Facebook account. Linking your marketplace account to an existing profile will show credibility to potential buyers.
- Open Marketplace: Navigate to the Marketplace tab found on the top Facebook toolbar. This will bring you to the sales feed.
- Create a new listing: Find the “Create new listing” tab in the left-hand toolbar. From here, choose between listing types, selling an item, vehicle, or real estate.
- Add media: You can include both photo and video footage. High-quality photos will stand out from similar items and give your listing the edge.
- Include product details: Give your post a clear, searchable title and include a detailed description. You’ll also need to list a price, choose from product categories, and indicate the item’s condition.
- Publish: With all details filled out, publish your listing and watch the offers roll in! You can even boost your post to reach more potential buyers, turning your listing into an ad.
Contacting Customers on Facebook Marketplace
Interested buyers will message you directly through Facebook Messenger. To keep conversations organized, there is a separate tab with the Marketplace logo where all of your correspondence will go.
Buyers will often ask to see the item in person before making a purchase. They may also counter your listing price, searching for a better deal.
Bargaining is common practice on Marketplace, though it’s your decision whether or not you participate.
It’s also extremely common for users to send a message, then poof – they ghost. Expect this from the majority of messages and keep it moving.
Once you’ve agreed on a price with a buyer, choose a public location to meet and complete the transaction. You can also opt to ship the item, with the cost covered by the buyer.
Receiving Payment on Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace offers a relatively new system called “Meta Pay,” where shoppers can complete transactions using a secure checkout system. However, this system is only available in America at the moment.
Beyond its geographic limitations, many buyers hesitate to use this payment method, especially before viewing the item.
For local purchases, try using a secure payment method like PayPal or Venmo. Both applications are easy to use, offering instant transfers.
And when all else fails, cash is king! Simplify your payment process by indicating a “cash only” payment on your product listings.
How to Sell on Facebook Marketplace: Tips for Success
Beyond the basics, there are several ways to optimize your selling success on Facebook Marketplace. Here are some expert tips:
1. Create Quality Listings
When you’re creating listings, remember to prioritize quality on all fronts. This includes well-lit photographs from multiple angles, with items displayed on a neutral canvas.
List items with complete, well-written descriptions, answering consumer questions before they even ask!
These small details can make a big difference when on a sales feed of hundreds of items, catching the customer’s eye and letting them know the item is well worth the retail price.
2. Avoid Scams
Marketplace sellers are not exempt from scams. Both bots and users could potentially steal personal information, funds, and more.
To avoid scams, always communicate via Facebook Messenger, never divulge personal information, and use secure payment methods for each transaction.
In addition, never meet a customer at a private residence. Choose a public location for all transactions to maintain privacy and overall safety.
3. Market Your Product
Like with any product, marketing can make a huge difference in your success.
Increase organic traffic by using SEO or search engine optimization. In other words, add prominent keywords to your item’s title and description so that it pops up in more searches.
You can also market your products across social media platforms, sharing them to both Instagram feeds and stories to increase traffic.
Finally, you can even purchase Facebook ads to market your listings. Set a daily budget to increase visibility in Facebook Shops and newsfeeds.
4. Navigate the Marketplace Dashboard
The easiest way to keep track of your Facebook Marketplace listings is to use the Marketplace dashboard.
This tool is your one-stop shop for managing listings, making drafts, checking ratings, and responding to potential customers.
You can also use this tool to track insights, viewing how many clicks, shares, and saves your items are receiving.
5. Prioritize Professionalism
Remember that although Marketplace is run through a social platform, you’re still conducting a business transaction.
Maintain professionalism through all Marketplace encounters, even with “difficult” users.
Customers have the option to rate their experience with you, and ratings matter; they tell potential customers that you can be trusted to deliver.
Final Thoughts: How to Sell on Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is one of the most intuitive e-commerce platforms to use, making sales from items you no longer want or need.
Beyond this resale potential, entrepreneurs can take this platform to the next level, seeing impressive profits through dropshipping, antique sales, and more.
What do you think? Is Facebook Marketplace the easiest e-commerce site to use? Make your thoughts known below!