Facebook Marketplace has become the elite version of Craigslist in so many ways. With less clutter to sort though and more confidence in the seller (based on their Facebook profile), learning how to sell on Facebook Marketplace is essential for successful online selling.
This post may include affiliate links, which means that if you end up buying something, I will earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
When I first started out selling items, I sold everything I could. Then I realized I had nothing left to sell! That’s when I started offering to sell for other people with a commission. With my latest client, I was able to sell $2500 worth of items in 3 weeks.
You might be wondering how… I’m ready to give my secrets on how to sell on Facebook Marketplace like a boss.
1. Make a List
Oh, the power of lists!
Look around and make a list of everything you’re interested in selling. I usually start with writing the list down on paper, but it inevitably evolves into a list that’s on a Google Drive sheet or excel spreadsheet.
2. Take Notes (& Measurements)
In order to sell on Facebook Marketplace, you’ll need some details on your items. Each piece will have unique characteristics. Take note of those, and make sure you take measurements of each item.
3. Quality and Detailed Photos
It is VERY hard to sell on Facebook Marketplace without photos or with a photo that isn’t good. You DO NOT need a professional camera. Smartphones have come a long way with their photo capabilties, and they’ll work just fine.
Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned with taking photos:
- Try to use natural lighting. Taking a photo without natural sunlight usually gives this yellow tint to the photo. It distorts the photo so that your potential buyer can’t tell exactly what color your item is.
- Make sure the photo is IN FOCUS. There’s nothing worse than looking up photos that aren’t even in focus. It’s very difficult to tell the quality if you can’t even tell what you’re looking at. Take a second to zoom in on your photo after you snap it to ensure it’s good quality.
- Take detailed images. Get up close and personal with the item you’re selling. Show the fabric, the wood grain, the details that make it unique. These are all selling points, and not enough people are showcasing them!
- If you’re selling more than one of the same item, show them all together. For example, if you have barstools, make sure that you’re showing them all in one photo. People want to make sure that all of them are in the same shape (instead of you just showing the best one).
- If there’s a blemish or issue, take a photo. The last thing you want to do is mislead someone on a purchase. Because if it gets to the point where you’re meeting them, you could waste both of your time if they see something that wasn’t discussed prior. If there’s a knick or a scratch, show it. It’ll save you time upfront so that you don’t waste more time later on.
- Take a few angles and more than enough photos. Facebook Marketplace only allows 10 photos per post. But that doesn’t mean you can’t take more than that and choose later. You DON’T have to take all 10 photos, but make sure you take photos from all angles to showcase your item the best.
4. Do Your Research
This is the step that I see a lot of people skip, but it makes them lose out on SO. MUCH. MONEY. and usually a lot of time.
If you’re trying to sell on Facebook Marketplace, it will behoove you to do your research. A lot of people don’t know what their stuff is worth, or they highball it because they want exactly what they paid for it a decade ago. The right price point is so important for selling items on Facebook Marketplace! Especially in a timely manner.
Here are a few hacks for finding the right price point:
- Look on Google to see how much a similar item is selling for that’s brand new (your price should be below that).
- Go to Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist to see how much people are asking for their used items that are similar to yours.
- Go to eBay and search for similar items. Look at the listings that actually sold and how much they sold for (there is a different between ASKING price and sold price!).
5. Set a Price Guideline and Stick To It
Once you’ve done your research, it’s time to make a price range. When I list something to sell on Facebook Marketplace or any other platform, I list for more than I’m expecting to get.
Secondhand furniture is a hot market, but people are looking for deals. There are some times where people don’t barter, but more often than not, they’ll lowball you and you’ll work to meet somewhere in the middle.
BUT you don’t want to “get got” so I always recommend a price range: your asking price, and then your lowest acceptance offer. Beyond that, STICK TO IT! When a prospective buyer gets serious, it’s important that you remember your price range.
Remember – you’ve done the research. Your asking price is commiserate with others’. If someone lowballs you, don’t get impatient and cave; stick to your guns!
6. Write Your Description
Your description is how people are going to find you. It’s just as important, if not slightly more important, than your photos.
In the description, you’ll write about the item, the style that people might be looking for, any issues with the item, and unique characteristics that are important (including the measurements).
[Related Article: How to Write Product Descriptions that Actually Sell]
7. Post
Now that you’re armed and ready with all of the essentials, it’s time to publish.
Put your best foot forward – post the best photo and talk about the magical parts of the item you’re selling.
Any photos showcasing blemishes or issues should be the last photo uploaded. Your description should also include the blemishes, but again, at the end.
Bonus tip: find local Facebook groups to list and sell there, and cross post in Craigslist, and other platforms for ultimate exposure.
8. Update the Listing
Some items take longer to sell than others – that’s ok. It could be the season, or it could just be a unique item. Be patient.
Facebook Marketplace allows you to renew your listing at least 5 times, every 7 days. Take advantage of this!
Here’s a helpful guide of how I organize when I help others sell their items.
And that’s it.
Hopefully you feel a little more at ease on how to sell on Facebook Marketplace, because it truly is a wonderful spot to post, and more safe (in my opinion).
So, get to posting, and if you ever have any questions, leave a comment below!