How To Sell on Facebook Marketplace: Beginner Tips for Success
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Garage sales used to be all the rage, but lately, selling used items online has become the preferred method for selling local items. For local sellers, Facebook Marketplace is a great way to sell things. Whether you're trying to get rid of some old furniture or sell your car, Facebook Marketplace makes it easy to connect with buyers in your area. All you need to get started is an active Facebook account.
This article will give you ten tips for selling on Facebook Marketplace. For beginners, however, the process can be a little daunting. You need to keep in mind selling restrictions and other information before selling.
Why Sell on Facebook Marketplace?
With over two billion active Facebook users, the chances are good that there are buyers in your area who are already using the platform. The main reason is that it's convenient. Facebook Marketplace is integrated into the Facebook app, making it easy to list items and communicate with buyers without leaving the app.
Another reason to sell on Marketplace is that it's a great way to declutter. If you have items around your house that you no longer use or need, selling them on Marketplace is a quick and easy way to make extra cash.
Who Should Sell on Facebook Marketplace?
Anyone can sell on Marketplace, but it's especially well-suited for people who:
-Have items to sell that are too large to ship
-Are selling items locally
-Want to declutter their home
-Are looking for a convenient way to sell used items
Unlike most other e-commerce or reselling marketplaces, Facebook does not charge fees to list your items locally.
The Facebook App vs. Desktop
Facebook Marketplace is available on both desktop and mobile.
Go to facebook.com/marketplace and click on the “Create New Listing” button. Select “Item for Sale” and “Add Photos.” Next, add relevant information about the item you are selling. Specify delivery method and publish your listing.
To list an item on mobile, open the Facebook app and tap on the Marketplace icon. Tap on the “sell” icon, and in the popup under “create a new listing,” select “items.” Add relevant information about the item and at least one photo, choose a delivery method and publish the listing.
Once your marketplace listing is live, buyers in your area will be able to see it and message you if they're interested in buying it.
Facebook Marketplace Rules
Prohibited Content
- Adult products
- Weapons, Ammunition, or Explosives
- Alcohol
- Body Parts or Body Fluids
- Digital Media and Electronic Devices
- Documents, Currency, or Financial Instruments
- Gambling
- Hazardous Goods or Materials
- Ingestible Supplements
- Jobs
- Land, Animals, and Animal Products
- Medical and Healthcare Objects
- Prescription drugs, drugs, and Drug Paraphernalia
- Recalled Products
- Services
- Sexually positioned products
- Stolen Goods
- Subscriptions or Digital Products
- Tobacco Products and Related Paraphernalia
- Used Cosmetics
Restricted Content
- Events or Admissions Tickets
- Gift Cards and Vouchers
What Method of Payment Should I Ask For?
There are a few different options for payment, and the best method will depend on your preference and the buyer's preference.
For digital transactions, most sellers prefer to use PayPal for transactions. Paypal is great because it's a secure way to receive payment, and there is usually some buyer protection in case of fraud.
Some people also pay directly through the Facebook messenger app. It pretty much boils down to preference.
How Do Shipping and Returns Work?
If you're selling an item that needs to be shipped, you need to set up a shipping method. The most common methods are through the post office. You can print out a shipping label from home and attach it to the package.
If you want to use the shipping feature on Facebook, you'll need to be selling as a shop. Selling as a shop comes with a selling fee of 5% per shipment or a flat fee of $.40 for shipments of $8 or less.
If you choose this method, you'll also need to have a set amount of time after each purchase to ship the item to the customer, or else the order may be canceled or deleted by Facebook.
You can pay the shipping charges yourself or have the buyer pay. To get paid on items that used the shipping method, you must add tracking information and mark the package as shipped.
If the buyer requests a refund for some reason, you have two business days to respond and solve the issue. You must issue a refund within two business days of receiving returned items.
How to Communicate With Interested Buyers
Once a buyer expresses interest in an item, you will receive a notification from Facebook. You can then choose to message them through the Marketplace app or website.
It's essential to be polite and professional when communicating with buyers. Be sure to respond to messages promptly so that potential buyers are not left waiting.
If a buyer asks a question about the item, answer it thoroughly. If they're asking for additional photos, provide them with what they're asking for.
You should also avoid profanity or making any rude comments, as this could lead to negative feedback on your profile (which could hurt your chances of selling in the future).
How to Handle Local Sales and Pickups
If you're selling an item locally, you must add your location to the listing. When a buyer expresses interest in the item, they will also be able to see that it's available for pick-up.
For local sales, you have the option to meet in a public place or have the buyer come to your home. If you choose to meet in a public area, pick a safe location that is well-lit and busy.
You should also avoid meeting at night or in isolated areas. If you choose to have the buyer come to your home, be sure to let them know ahead of time so that they are expecting it.
It's also important to remember that you are not obligated to sell an item just because someone expresses interest in it. If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable during the process, you can choose to cancel the sale.
General Selling Tips
- Keep an eye on the competition and price your items competitively.
- Make sure your photos are high quality
- Reply to any buyer questions promptly
- Provide as many details on the item as possible in the description
- Make sure to state that you are open to offers and negotiations
- Utilize tags so that your listings are easier to find.
You should also be familiar with these shorthand selling phrases:
- PM: a personal message
- OBO: or best offer
- NWT: new with tags
- PUP: pick-up pending
- NIL: next in line
What to Do Before You List an Item
Product Research
The first thing you need to do is research your product.
You should start by looking at what similar items are selling for in the marketplace. Look at the prices, shipping costs, and condition of the items. Looking at these things will give you a general idea of what you can expect to sell your item for.
Once you have a good understanding of the market, take a look at your product. Consider its condition, whether it's new or used, how unique it is, and how much demand there is for it. These factors will affect how much you can sell your item for.
Also, research the demand for the item you're trying to sell. If there are a lot of other sellers selling the same product, you may have to price your item lower to compete.
Take Good Photos
If you want to sell your item quickly, you need to take good photos. Poor quality photos will make potential buyers think that the item is in poor condition, even if it's not.
Take a few different photos of the item from different angles. Make sure the lighting is good so that potential buyers can see all the item's details. If you're selling clothing, take a photo of the item on a person so that potential buyers can get an idea of how it would look on them.
Write an Accurate Description
After taking some good photos, you need to write an accurate description of your product. Include as many details as possible, such as color, size, brand, material, etc.
If there are any flaws with the item, mention them in the description. Mentioning flaws will help to avoid any potential returns or refunds.
Set a Competitive Price
Once you've researched your product and taken some good photos, you're ready to set a price. Make sure to select a competitive price in line with what similar items are selling for on the marketplace.
You can also offer discounts for bulk purchases or if the buyer is willing to pick up the item instead of shipping it.
Is My Item A Seasonal Item?
If you're selling a seasonal item, such as winter clothing or Halloween decorations, it's essential to price your item accordingly.
Seasonal items are only in demand for a limited time, so you'll need to make sure you sell them while they're still in season. After the season is over, you can lower the price of your item to get rid of it quickly.
Tips for Resellers and Private Sellers
Where to Source Products From
The first step to selling successfully on Facebook Marketplace is to source products from the right places. You want to find products in high demand and that you can sell for a profit.
Some good places to source products include garage sales, thrift stores, and online retailers.
Reselling Products from Retail Stores
One of the best places to source products is retail stores. You can find a wide variety of products at retail stores, and you can usually get them for a fraction of the retail price.
You should watch for clearance items and seasonal sales to find good deals at retail stores. You can also sign up for store loyalty cards to get additional discounts.
If You Have Your Own Brand, Sell Your Stuff!
If you have your brand or product, you should sell it on Facebook Marketplace. You can usually get a higher price for branded products because buyers know they're getting a quality product.
To sell your brand successfully on Facebook Marketplace, take good photos and write an accurate description. You should also set a competitive price in line with what similar products are selling for.
Advanced Selling Tips
Boost Listings
If you want your listing to get more exposure, you can boost it. When you boost a listing, more people will see it.
Go to the listing and click on the “Boost” button to boost a listing. You'll then choose how much money you want to spend on the boost and how long you want the boost to last.
Offer Free Local Delivery
If you offer free local delivery, you'll be more likely to sell your item. People are always looking for deals, and free delivery is a great way to get people to buy your product.
To offer free local delivery, go to the listing and click on the “Add Shipping” button. Then, select “Local Delivery” and enter your zip code.
Post Your Listing in Local Selling Groups
Another great way to get more exposure for your listing is to post it in local selling groups. There are many different selling groups on Facebook, and you can usually find one for your city or town. Use the Facebook Marketplace categories to determine which type of group will fit best for you.
Renew Your Listing
If your listing is about to expire, you can renew it. Go to the listing and click on the “Renew” button to renew a listing.
You can also choose to boost your listing when you renew it. Boosting your listing will help to get more people to see your listing.
Final Thoughts
Selling on Facebook Marketplace can be a great way to make extra money. Follow these tips, and you'll be well to become a successful seller.
By following these tips, you will be able to set up your listing correctly from the start and avoid any issues later on. If potential buyers can't find what they're looking for or have trouble understanding your listing, they will move on to the next one.
We hope these tips help you sell on Facebook Marketplace with a little less stress, and who knows, you might even feel the need to declutter and make some extra cash at the same time.
This post was originally published on Hello Sensible.
As a certified credit counselor and syndicated writer at MaxMyMoney, Max has coached over 250 Millennials to help take the stress out of money. When Max is not coaching, you'll find him reading financial books, indoor cycling, or visiting local pawn shops looking for swiss-made watches.