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Selling your stuff online has never been easier, thanks to a number of websites and apps that cater to buyers and sellers of all things secondhand. A relative newcomer, Facebook Marketplace, was introduced in 2016, and as of 2021 it has more than 1 billion users. Facebook Marketplace has several advantages over other online selling platforms, including ease of use and a lack of anonymity because messages are done through users’ personal Facebook accounts. Read on to learn the best practices for how to sell on Facebook Marketplace in order to maximize your profits and get rid of your unwanted stuff quickly.
1. Set a reasonable price.
One of the most difficult decisions when you’re figuring out how to sell on Facebook Marketplace is setting a price. Though you certainly want to make as much money as possible, it’s important to set a reasonable price to ensure that your item sells in a timely manner. A good general rule is to always list items at 50 percent or less than their original retail price. You should also search for similar items in your area to scope out the competition and gauge price ranges. If you’re hoping for a quick sale, you may choose to undercut the current market by pricing your item a bit below comparable listings. Or, feel free to set a slightly higher price if you think your item is of better quality than similar products currently listed, and include details in the item description that explain what sets your listing apart.
Related: The 7 Best Selling Apps for Making Money on Everything You Own
2. Take high-quality photos for your Facebook Marketplace listing.
One of the best ways to ensure that your item sells quickly is to provide high-quality photos to attract potential buyers and let them see what the item truly looks like. If possible, set the item in front of a neutral background and minimize distractions so the focus is on the item itself. Take photos from several angles to provide a complete picture for interested parties.
Take advantage of natural light by placing the item in front of a sunny window, if possible. As an alternative, consider taking photos outdoors in a shady area to avoid harsh shadows. Indoors, turn off overhead lighting to keep the colors as natural as possible. Feel free to use an app to brighten the photos. While it’s completely acceptable to take photos on your phone for selling on Facebook Marketplace, photos taken with a DSLR camera will stand out from the pack.
Make sure that you’re providing an accurate image of the item. If it’s damaged in any way, take clear photographs of the affected areas so buyers can see the extent of the damage.
3. Provide a detailed description.
Offer as many details as possible about the item up front to reduce the amount of back-and-forth you’ll have to do fielding questions from potential buyers. If the information is available, be sure to include details about the brand, manufacturer, and model number. Provide accurate measurements and any relevant details about the item’s condition, including flaws and signs of use. Be honest when describing the item, particularly when it comes to size, place of origin, and condition. You’ll only be wasting your own time—as well as the buyer’s—if the item doesn’t match the description at pickup time.
4. Be sure to include search tags.
First, make sure to list your product in the correct category so it’s easy to find. But in addition to providing general categories, Facebook Marketplace allows sellers to label their listings with search tags to make it easier for potential buyers to find exactly what they’re looking for. So, for example, if you’re selling a vintage mirror, include tags like “vintage,” “mirror,” “gold,” “antique,” and so on. Facebook currently allows up to 20 tags, and it’s advantageous to use as many as possible.
Related: 12 Online Shopping Mistakes You’re Probably Making
5. Respond to inquiries quickly.
Facebook Marketplace transactions tend to move quickly, so it’s important to monitor your messages closely when you have an item listed. Respond to interested parties as soon as possible to answer questions or negotiate on price. If you don’t respond to inquiries within 24 hours, potential buyers may have already purchased a similar item from another seller.
6. Be willing to negotiate.
It’s common for potential buyers to haggle a bit on Facebook Marketplace. Consider your bottom line before setting the price, and be willing to negotiate if interested parties offer an amount that’s slightly lower than the listed price. It’s usually best to be flexible and accept reasonable offers rather than waiting for a few dollars more. If you decide to list your item at the lowest price you’re willing to accept, be sure to make it clear in the listing that the price is nonnegotiable.
7. Offer to deliver.
If your item doesn’t sell quickly, consider including delivery. For larger pieces (like furniture), free delivery can offer an extra incentive to buyers who are on the fence. Especially if you live in an urban area, many interested buyers may not have easy access to a vehicle to transport the item. Consider offering to ship an item to those living out of town to increase the pool of potential buyers.
8. Be realistic and patient.
While some items are in high demand and will sell quickly on Facebook Marketplace, you may have to wait for the perfect buyer when it comes to more niche items. Be patient, and consider lowering the price of the listing after a week or two if there’s a lack of interest or if the offers you receive are at a significantly lower price. You can also renew your listing periodically so it reaches a new crop of potential buyers. Renew every 2 weeks for the best results. Consider dropping the price by between 5 and 10 percent each time you renew.
9. Know the platform’s limitations.
Certain items are prohibited on Facebook Marketplace, and it’s a good idea to check the platform’s guidelines before posting a listing. So there’s no confusion, Facebook clearly lists their Terms and Policies. Some of the items you can’t sell on Facebook Marketplace include:
- Alcohol
- Tobacco and related accessories
- Illegal substances like recreational drugs
- Animals
- Medical and healthcare products
- Counterfeit products and anything that infringes on intellectual property
- Used cosmetics
- Weapons and ammunition
By following these guidelines for how to sell on Facebook Marketplace, you’ll have a better chance of selling your items in a timely manner and at a good price.
