Chances are if you spend any time on Facebook you have seen a Facebook marketplace ad or two. You might have even purchased something or tried to sell something on the marketplace.
In 2018 Facebook Marketplace was used in 70 countries by 800 million people around the world each month. That’s a lot of eyes looking at what’s for sale on Facebook.
Ok first of let’s explain what Facebook Marketplace is for those of you who haven’t used it before, then we will get into how to make money with Facebook Marketplace and tips I have learned from selling different items.
What is Facebook Marketplace?
Facebook Marketplace was launched in 2016 and is a digital marketplace where users can buy, sell and trade items with other people in their local area.
The idea of Facebook Marketplace is very similar to Craigslist or other classified websites. I personally like the set up of Facebook Marketplace better than Craiglist.
On Facebook Marketplace you can search for items by location as well as by category.
What Can You Sell on Facebook Marketplace?
In the Marketplace, you will find everything from cars and homes to clothing, electronics, furniture and pretty much everything else.
There are some restrictions on what you are allowed to sell on the marketplace. A few of those items that can’t be sold on Facebook include services or event tickets, animals, healthcare, items with before and after pictures, and listings where the description and photo don’t match.
As long as you avoid those few restricted items you can sell pretty much anything on the Facebook marketplace and make some extra money.
There are several people out there who have created a full-time job out of selling on Facebook, eBay and other sites.
While it’s not something we will ever do full time it’s a great way to get rid of stuff and make a little extra cash. This last week we made almost $1,000 getting rid of stuff we no longer need or use around the house.
What To Sell (List)
As I mentioned above you can sell almost anything on the marketplace as long as it’s not a restricted item. To see if an item is worth selling or if you should donate it, search the Facebook marketplace and see if there are other listings.
Here is a list of some of the things you might sell on the marketplace.
- Clothes (Children’s clothes seem to sell better)
- Furniture
- House Rentals
- Shoes
- Electronics
- Vehicles
- Machinery
- Appliances
- Tools
- Toys
- Jewelry
- Handmade Items
- Kitchen (appliances, dishes, etc)
- Home Decor
- Wedding Stuff
How to Sell on Facebook Marketplace
Here’s how you can sell items on Facebook Marketplace. Don’t worry it’s easy!
I usually list items from my phone because it’s easy to take and add pictures with it. So these instructions are for a mobile phone.
First, find the marketplace icon in the Facebook app. Mine is at the bottom of the feed.
Click on the icon and then click sell and choose the category of your listing.
Add several pictures of your item from different angles, be sure to include images of many flaws in the item.
Create a title for your listing, add the price, category, and description. Be sure to use keywords in your description.
Be sure to put a general location of where the item will need to be picked up or where you will meet them in your description. Even just putting your town name will help people know where they will have to go to get the item.
Click next at the bottom of the page and choose all the places you want to publish your listing. If you are in any local resell groups you can add your items there.
I’m currently not in any of those groups and I just use the marketplace. I find the marketplace is easier to use than the groups. Though I have sold things in groups in the past.
Now click publish and your item will be seen everywhere on Facebook.
Tips for Selling on Facebook Market Place
Prep Items
Before listing your items on Facebook make sure you do some simple prep. Make sure the item is clean and look good for photos as well as appealing for a buyer.
Do Research
Before listing your item do a quick search and see if any similar items are currently listed. See how long they have been listed for and at what price. Use this information to decide how much you might be able to get for the item.
Take Good Photos
Take good photos. Make sure they are clear and have good lighting. Be sure there is at least one photo at a distance and one close up. Make sure to take photos from different angles and include photos of any imperfections. My listings typically have between 5-10 photos.
Price Items Carefully
Make sure your items are priced competitively for your area, but also make sure that you are listed slightly higher than how much you want to make. This allows you to have a little wiggle room to negotiate.
Write a Good Description
Be sure to use keywords ( words people will search) in your description.
For example, I recently sold a children’s table. Instead of writing the description “wood children’s table and bench”, I wrote a “handmade wooden farmhouse style children’s table with bench.” Along with a few more details.
Including Handmade and farmhouse style will help the listing show up in more searches and give people a better idea of the item. (This item was sold and picked up within a couple of hours of listing.)
Be Willing to Negotiate
Just like I mentioned above about picking your price, it’s important to be willing to negotiate. But it’s also important to know that some people will try to lowball you so they can turn around and resell the item.
So be willing to move on your pricing but don’t let others take advantage of you. Make sure you are happy with the price before agreeing to the deal.
Be Safe!
I feel like Facebook is a lot safer than craigslist for selling items because you can actually see the person your messaging’s picture and public profile. But you still need to be cautious and stay safe when meeting strangers.
If you can schedule a meeting at a public place where you know there will be a lot of people. A police station works well as does a busy shopping location. If you can it’s nice to have someone go with you. If you’re alone make sure that someone knows where you are and that you have your phone with you.
Item’s We have sold (So far!)
About two years ago we sold our first item on Facebook Marketplace and it was actually a bigger item. We sold our van on the marketplace and since then we have sold several other things. The list below is some of the items we have sold, they are very random.
- Mini Van
- Kids Drumset
- Chafing Dish
- Kids Clothes
- Kids Basketball Hoop
- Weight Set
- Piano
- Sound System
- Wii
- Water Cooler
- Fridge
- Kids table
- Patio Furniture
- Grill
We have had a great experience selling things on Facebook Marketplace. We have sold things from around the house and even a few things we have picked up at yard sales or thrift stores.
It has been a great way for us to get rid of stuff we don’t need and make a little extra cash. Have you ever sold anything on Facebook Marketplace?