By Sarah N.
If you have spent any time on Facebook in the last few years, you are sure to have noticed Facebook’s Marketplace, an online garage sale where you can buy anything from furniture to craft supplies to vehicles…the list goes on and on. And most of the sellers are just normal people, wanting to re-home their stuff and make a few bucks.
I love scrolling through the sale posts looking for deals (and sometimes just to see what crazy items someone thinks they can actually sell). I have purchased many items, mostly furniture, over the last several years, and it is the number one place I look when I am wanting something new-to-me.
The huge amount of things for sale can be a bit overwhelming. And arranging a transaction with a stranger can be intimidating, but I’ve compiled some of my best tips for buying items on Facebook Marketplace and I’m sharing them with you!
To market, to market…
First, let’s look at exactly where to find this magical market. I’ll be using screenshots from the Facebook mobile app for Iphone, but this should be similar for Android and not too far off from a desktop view.
There are two ways to access Marketplace when you open your Facebook app- 1:. Look for the Marketplace icon in the row of icons along the bottom of your screen (circled in red). Or 2: Click the menu icon in the bottom right corner (circled in purple), then click the Marketplace tab on the left (circled in green).
If you have never perused Marketplace, it should prompt you to choose a search area. If not, or if you want to change your desired search area, click your location (circled in red). I have selected Austin, TX as my (hypothetical) location.
A map will come up and you can either use the suggested local radius or you can set your custom radius by moving the slider to the left or the right . Consider how far you are willing to drive to pick up items when choosing this radius.
Now you can scroll through the categories and sale posts that Facebook suggests, or you may search for specific items using the search bar near the top of the screen. I searched for “king headboard” for example.
IMPORTANT!! Once you search for an item, the first results will include local items found within your designated search radius AND items from elsewhere that can be shipped to you for a fee. If you are not interested in paying shipping fees, make sure you select LOCAL by clicking the middle button at the top of the screen that says “shipped & local” that you can see in the screenshot below.
When you see an item that interests you, click on it to view the details. You can scroll down to read descriptions, scroll through photos, even see how the seller is rated by other buyers. You’ll notice a pre-written message that is ready to send to the seller to inquire on availability. I believe it’s better to erase that text and write your own, so the seller believes that you are really interested. (I can’t tell you how many “Hello, is this still available?” messages I’ve received only to never hear from the sender again.) This is your chance to ask questions and even send a lower offer if you want to. Don’t be offended if they don’t accept a lowball offer, but most people expect to negotiate a little, especially on higher priced items.
TIPS FOR BUYING
–Change up your search words. Try searching for items using various phrasings, for example: end table, night stand, table, etc. all could yield different results. Include key words like “modern”, “rustic,” or the particular color you want.
–Change up your search area. Increase your search radius or even try a different city if you don’t mind a drive.
–Search and search again. You never know when someone will post what you’re looking for. Buyers are usually dealt with on a first come first served basis, so you have to be quick to see and claim your item. And the more you search for specific things, the more Facebook tailors Marketplace to your interests, so you’ll see more an more of what you like.
–Be open minded. It may be difficult to find EXACTLY what you have in mind. Look for the hidden potential in items. Maybe that dresser isn’t exactly the style you were looking for, but with a little paint it could be a totally new piece.
–Don’t waste time. If you know you want it, contact the seller immediately. Customize that scripted message by adding “I love this!” or something similar to show you are serious. You can even include a REASONABLE offer or ask to pay immediately (partially or in full) with virtual payment to secure the item.
–Ask questions. If the seller hasn’t provided enough information in their description, ask your important questions in the first message also. Perhaps you want to know the dimensions of a piece of furniture to make sure it fits your space.
–Familiarize yourself with common acronyms. NWT- New With Tags (never used, still has tags). EUC- Excellent Used Condition (near perfect condition). GUC- Good Used Condition. ISO- In Search Of (someone looking for an item, not selling). OBO- Or Best Offer (the seller is willing to accept lower offers). PM- Personal Message (send a message via Facebook Messenger). PPU- Pending Pick Up (item is promised to someone and they are waiting for it to be picked up. Deal may still come available for other buyers).
–Schedule pick up ASAP. Sellers want to get rid of their items. Don’t ask them to hold it beyond a reasonable amount of time (usually 12-24 hours MAX).
–Be safe. Tell someone else when and where you will be meeting the seller. Even better, take someone with you, especially if you aren’t meeting in a public place. And if you ever feel unsafe when arriving at an agreed upon location, there is nothing wrong with backing out of the deal politely.
–Be smart. Unfortunately, not everyone who sells on Marketplace is going to be honest and upright. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is (new Macbook for only $100? Let’s proceed with caution). Inspect items before handing over the cash, ask for videos of electronic items working properly, etc.
–Be a good human. I shouldn’t have to add this, but I have experienced a lot of…let’s just say not good humans when selling items! Be polite and respectful. BE ON TIME! Respond to messages promptly. Don’t show up offering less than the agreed upon amount (unless you see a problem with the item). And if you decide to walk away, do so kindly.
Facebook Marketplace is full of amazing deals and fun finds if you have a little bit of knowledge and a lot of luck. Considering these tips can give you a leg up on the competition when you find your perfect item. Good luck and happy hunting!
**Check back soon for my tips on SELLING your own stuff on Marketplace!**
(see some of my Marketplace finds below)
