In 2018, almost half of all online purchases were made from social media sites. While the vast majority of these were on Facebook, it’s no surprise that this is the platform where users are most comfortable buying and selling secondhand goods.
With so many people using it to make new friends, find partners or even just pass time, it makes sense that they would start using it as a marketplace for their belongings too.
Social media has become our primary source of news and information; it’s not difficult to see why we trust these sites with our stuff too. Read on for everything you need to know about buying and selling on Facebook Marketplace.
How to use Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is a relatively new feature on the site, having only been around since 2017. It allows users to buy and sell items right within the site itself, rather that go to a dedicated marketplace site or app. This makes it incredibly easy to use, but also makes it easy for scammers to use.
Also read: How to Sell Clothes on Facebook Marketplace
For example, it’s hard to verify the identity of another user, which makes it easier for someone to sell stolen goods or use fraudulent ads. That being said, if you take the same precautions with buying on Facebook Marketplace that you would with other platforms, you should be fine.
First, be sure to only use it on a desktop computer. Facebook Marketplace is not available through the mobile app, so it’s easier for scammers to go unnoticed on a small screen.
Tips for buying from Facebook Marketplace
- Research the Seller Most people who use Facebook Marketplace are individuals looking to make a few extra bucks. While this isn’t something you should rely on, it can be an easy way to save a bit of money on something you need. Before you buy, make sure to thoroughly research the person selling it. Facebook allows you to see their full name, current city and other information. Make sure you find the person selling the item and not someone else.
- Avoid Scammers Unfortunately, people who use Facebook Marketplace to sell items are often scammers. Avoid these people by carefully checking them out. Check the item’s history to see if it has been sold multiple times before. Also, take note of the seller’s location. If they are not in your state, you may want to avoid them.
- Use Venmo Facebook Marketplace allows you to use Venmo for payments. This is a great option instead of giving someone your bank information and being at risk of getting scammed yourself.
Tips for selling on Facebook Marketplace
- Make sure you’re selling what you say you are Before you start selling, make sure you have the items you are selling. Facebook makes it easy to report fraudulent ads, and having a lot of them can be a sign that you aren’t trustworthy. Be sure you have the items you say you do, and that you sell what you say you are selling.
- Take photos of everything If you want to sell something, you need to show what it looks like. This means you need to not only take clear photos of the item, but also show the condition it is in. If the item has wear and tear, make sure to note this in the photo. This will help you sell the item faster.
- Be careful with payment When someone buys something from you, they will likely pay you through the site using a third-party app like PayPal. This is a safer way to sell than accepting cash or other payment methods. You might need to pay a small fee for using this service.
What should I know before buying Facebook Marketplace?
- Read the description As obvious as this sounds, it’s still something that people often forget when they are looking to buy. Read the description carefully and make sure it is what you are looking for. Pay special attention to wear and tear, damage and any other things you cannot see in the photo.
- Ask the seller questions If something doesn’t seem right about the seller or item, it’s completely fine for you to ask them questions. Facebook has an option for this built into its platform, so it’s perfect for those who aren’t super comfortable with communication.
Is Facebook Marketplace a Good Thing?
Facebook Marketplace makes it easy for people to buy and sell items from their computer or phone. While it does make it easier for scammers to operate, it also makes it very easy for honest people to find exactly what they need.
Overall, Facebook Marketplace is a very good thing. It’s a great way to get the things you need, or make a little bit of money if you have unneeded items lying around.