If you have heard that Facebook’s popularity is weaning, you may be questioning the value of the platform. Don’t believe the rumors, because Facebook hit 2.27 billion monthly users at the end of 2018. The platform still offers incredible value for users, including the Facebook Marketplace feature.
Facebook Marketplace launched in 2016 to make it easier for users to engage in peer-to-peer shopping. The tool is simple to use, but it can be tricky to figure out the best methods for selling. Read on for some valuable information and tips on how to sell on Facebook Marketplace.
Familiarize Yourself with the Marketplace Rules and Standards
Like eBay, Etsy, and other sites, Facebook Marketplace has its own set of rules that users must follow. First, there’s a list of prohibited items. Users cannot sell alcohol, drugs, animals, event tickets, gift cards, tobacco, or healthcare items on the marketplace.
Facebook Marketplace is only for the sale of physical products. You cannot post “in search of” or “lost and found” type posts. All listings must include at least one photo of the item.
Knowing What to Sell Is Key to Knowing How to Sell on Facebook Marketplace
Before you start shilling homemade jams or your antique china, you’ll want to do some research. You should try to get a feel for what other people are selling on Facebook, and how successful (or unsuccessful) they’ve been with certain items. Look for what others are selling in your area, their asking prices, and the responses they’re getting.
There are several categories of items for sale on Facebook Marketplace. These include clothing and accessories, electronics, vehicles, and home and garden. Furniture, home goods, and children’s items tend to be especially popular items.
Be Ready to Communicate with Prospective Buyers
Brick and mortar stores allow shoppers to touch and test products. Amazon and other online retailers have customer reviews. Facebook Marketplace has Facebook Messenger and Facebook comments.
Prospective buyers will likely contact you with questions about your item or requests for more photos. When you have items listed for sale, be sure to check your Facebook account for messages and for comments on your listings. Respond to inquiries as soon as you can so you can work toward a quick sale.
Provide Clear, Important Information in Your Item Listings
You can reduce the number of questions shoppers ask you by providing as much information as possible up front. Take a look at some of the listings for similar items and take note of the included details. Also, notice the types of questions that people are asking in the comments.
Use this information to build your own item listing. Use clear, descriptive words for your items and include any details that may be important, like dimensions for furniture. Make sure the main product description is clear and strong, so people are more likely to click and learn more.
Take and Post Quality Photos of Your Item
No matter how detailed your item description is, providing a photo or several photos is always a good idea. Plus, many people often scroll through item listings and are more inclined to stop and look at a post if the photo catches their attention. You want your photos to make a strong impression.
First, be sure your photo is well lit, so the color, shape, and details of your item are easy to see. Also try to photograph the item on its own, as you don’t want other items or people in the picture taking the focus from what you’re trying to sell. It can be helpful to take a few different photos of your item, such as from various angles that can help people get an accurate idea of the shape and size.
Price Your Items Fairly, But Be Open to Negotiating
We noted earlier that when you are in the research stage, you should look at how others are pricing similar items. You should also check comments on these listings to see how people are reacting those prices. Are they showing interest in an immediate purchase or are they trying to get the price down?
Use the information you gather from other listings to decide how to list your own items. Be rational, and realize that most people are coming to Facebook Marketplace because they are looking for a good deal. Even if you feel you’ve priced your item fairly, you may need to keep an open mind and engage in requested negotiations.
Share Your Listings to Reach a Wider Audience
Facebook Marketplace has more than 800 million users across 70 countries. Your listings will have a sizable audience, but you can share your listings in other ways, too. You’ll find a “share” button on your post that lets you share on your own timeline, on a friend’s timeline, in a group, on an event page, or in a private message.
These methods can help your listing get more attention than it would among the countless other listings on Marketplace. And, once those other people see your listing, they may share it as well. Someone you know may even know someone else who is looking for the exact item you’re selling.
Know When to Seek More Advice
Selling items on any online platform can be confusing or overwhelming for anyone, and even more so for first-timers. The Facebook platform itself can be difficult to navigate, especially if you don’t use it often. If you don’t feel confident in how to sell on Facebook Marketplace, take your time learning more about how to use the tool.
We hope our tips have been helpful, but understand that you may need more information. If you have more questions, you can ask a Facebook expert by visiting our Facebook help page. You can submit a question and will receive a reliable answer from one of our experts.