More than just a social platform, Facebook has become a mecca in the reselling community, offering users a built-in sales channel without leaving the site. Today we explore how to sell on Facebook Marketplace to make quick money from the comfort of your own home.
Wondering what Facebook Marketplace is?
Imagine all-encompassing e-commerce platform which allows users to list and sell their used and unwanted items with just a few clicks.
You can list anything from baby clothes to real estate, marketing to locals in your area for quick and easy pickup. Think Craigslist or eBay without anonymity. It’s an easy way to make money online in your spare time.
In this post, we share how to best use this sales platform, with rules to consider, a list of steps and tips to guarantee success!
Benefits of selling on Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace has become massively popular since its launch in 2016 and has revolutionized the way people sell their unwanted goods.
One of the many advantages of the platform is its ease of use. Listing and selling items is incredibly easy. All you need is a Facebook page to launch your own small business.
Additionally, sellers have access to a massive customer base with over 1 billion monthly active users. Business owners work for decades to get the kind of traction you have instant access to.
Other benefits include:
- Zero usage fees
- Direct contact with potential buyers
- Functional channels on mobile and computer
What can you sell on Facebook Marketplace?
Facebook users can use the sales channel to sell almost anything. Common categories include:
- Clothes
- Electronics
- Toys and games
- Jewelry
- Home goods
- Real estate rentals
- Vehicles
- Garden supplies
- And more!
Most users sell gently used items, similar to an online garage sale. It’s a great way to declutter your home and live a minimalist lifestyle while making something extra income.
Others use Facebook Marketplace as a serious business, selling high-priced items like limited-edition clothing, refurbished antiques, and dropshipping items to make some real profit.
Both uses are technically allowed under Marketplace guidelines.
This means that Facebook’s business policies require merchants to adhere to some straightforward item restrictions.
Prohibited items on Facebook Marketplace
The meta requires you to follow their community standards and refrain from postings that include:
- Dangerous goods, i.e. explosives, weapons and ammunition
- Illegal substances
- Animals for sale, rehoming or adoption
- Health care and medical items
- Services including cleaning, copywriting, pet sitting, etc.
- “Wanted” posts
- Downloaded products
- Products that infringe intellectual property
- Counterfeit items
Failure to comply with these standards may result in you being 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:
Searching for items for sale
Before you make your first sale, you’ll need a product.
You may think that there is nothing in your life to say goodbye to. Although chances are you are holding excess material possessions that are ready to find a new home!
Here are just a few ideas for finding items to sell:
- Closet clearance: Have you thought about “Marie Kondo” your wardrobe? Now is the time! Pull everything out and put aside anything you haven’t worn in the past year.
- Reduce storage: Is your garage, attic or storage closet bursting at the seams? It’s time to sift through your old items and give them a second life through the Marketplace.
- Savings banks: You can find amazing goodies at bargain prices in second-hand and antique stores. Look for clothing and home goods made from high-quality materials with popular brands.
- Sale of real estate: Some real treasures can be found in estate sales. From designer clothing to artwork, they have great potential in the resale game.
- Dropshipping sites: Carve out a niche in the market by creating a profile filled with dropshipping items that consumers love. Customizable items are especially popular! Popular sites include AliExpress and Temu.
List of items on Facebook Marketplace
Once you’ve gathered your products, you’re ready to start listing.
- Set up your profile: You will need a Facebook account to sell on Facebook Marketplace. Linking your marketplace account to your existing profile will show credibility to potential buyers.
- Open Marketplace: Go to the Marketplace tab on the top toolbar of Facebook. This will take you to the source of the sale.
- Create a new entry: On the left toolbar, look for the “Create New Entry” tab. Here you can choose between types of listings, sale of items, vehicles or real estate.
- Add media: You can insert both photos and videos. High-quality photos will stand out from similar items and add flair to your listing.
- Include product details: Give your post a clear, searchable title and include a detailed description. You will also need to enter a price, choose from product categories and indicate the condition of the item.
- Publish: With all the details filled in, post your listing and watch the offers roll in! You can even increase your post to reach more potential buyers and turn your listing into an ad.
Contacting customers on Facebook Marketplace
Buyers will message you directly via Facebook Messenger. To keep your conversations organized, there’s a separate tab with the Marketplace logo where all your correspondence will go.
Buyers will often request an in-person inspection of an item prior to purchase. They can also counter your list price and look for a better deal.
Bargaining is a common practice in the Marketplace, although it is up to you whether you participate or not.
It’s also very common for users to send a message and then puff – representing a ghost. Expect this from most news and keep it moving.
Once you and the buyer agree on a price, choose a public place to meet and complete the transaction. You can also choose to ship the item at the buyer’s expense.
Receive payment on Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace offers a relatively new system called “Meta Pay” where shoppers can transact using a secure checkout system. However, this system is only available in America for now.
In addition to geographic restrictions, many buyers are hesitant to use this payment method, especially before viewing the item.
For local purchases, try using a secure payment method like PayPal or Venmo. Both apps are easy to use and offer instant transfers.
And when all else fails, money is king! Simplify your payment process by specifying “cash only” payment in your product information.
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 lists
When creating listings, remember to prioritize quality on all fronts. This includes well-lit photos from different angles, with items displayed on a neutral canvas.
List items with full, well-written descriptions, answer consumer questions before they even ask!
These small details can make a big difference when, in a sales channel with hundreds of items, they grab the customer’s attention and let them know that the item is worth the retail price.
2. Avoid scams
Marketplace sellers are not exempt from fraud. Both bots and users can potentially steal personal information, funds, and more.
That avoid fraudalways communicate via Facebook Messenger, never disclose personal information and use secure payment methods for every transaction.
Additionally, never meet the customer at a private residence. Choose a public location for all transactions to maintain privacy and overall security.
3. Sell your product
As with any product, marketing can greatly influence your success.
Increase organic traffic with SEO or search engine optimization. In other words, add strong keywords to your item title and description so that it appears in more searches.
You can also sell your products on social media platforms and share them on Instagram feeds and stories to increase traffic.
Finally, you can even buy Facebook ads and sell your listings. Set a daily budget to increase your visibility in Facebook Shops and News.
4. Browse the Marketplace control panel
The easiest way to track your listings on Facebook Marketplace is to use Marketplace control panel.
This tool is your one-stop shop for managing listings, creating drafts, reviewing ratings, and responding to leads.
You can also use this tool to track statistics and track the number of clicks, shares and saves of your items.
5. Prioritize professionalism
Remember that even though the Marketplace is operated through a social platform, you are still conducting a business transaction.
Maintain professionalism in all Marketplace encounters, even with “difficult” users.
Customers have the opportunity to rate their experience with you, and ratings matter; they tell potential customers they can count on you.
Final Thoughts: How to Sell on Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is one of the most intuitive e-commerce platforms out there that allows you to sell items you no longer want or need.
In addition to this resale potential, entrepreneurs can take this platform to the next level and see impressive profits through dropshipping, antique sales, and more.
What do you think? Is Facebook Marketplace the easiest e-commerce site? Share your thoughts below!
