Selling online has never been easier, and Facebook Marketplace is one of the most convenient platforms to use. At Remitly, we know secure transactions matter just as much as making the sale. Follow this guide to learn how to sell on Facebook Marketplace like a pro, from creating eye-catching listings to expert negotiation tips.
Getting started on Facebook Marketplace
Before you can start selling on Facebook Marketplace, you’ll need to ensure your account is properly set up.
To use Facebook Marketplace, you’ll need:
- An active Facebook account
- A verified location, either by giving Facebook access or by manually setting your city/region. Marketplace is available in most countries.
- Your age verified—you can only use Facebook Marketplace if you’re considered a legal adult in your country.
How to access Facebook Marketplace depends on whether you’re on desktop or mobile.
If you’re on desktop, look for the Marketplace icon (a little storefront) on the left-hand menu of your Facebook homepage. If you’re on mobile, open the Facebook App and tap the same Marketplace icon at the bottom (iOS) or top (Android) of the screen.
The importance of a complete Facebook profile
Many buyers and sellers check people’s profiles before deciding whether to continue with a transaction. Filling out your Facebook profile as completely as possible can start you off on the right foot with other users.
Make sure your profile has:
- Your real name
- A clear profile picture and cover photo
- Basic information about yourself, including your current city and job
Creating your first listing: step-by-step
Now that your account is set up, you’re ready to create your first listing. Thankfully, Facebook Marketplace makes the process simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Access the listing tool: Enter Facebook Marketplace. On desktop, click the “Create new listing” button on the left-hand menu. On mobile, tap the “sell” button at the top of the screen.
- Fill in listing details: The form that pops up has several fields to complete.
- Photos: Upload clear and well-lit photos
- Title: Keep it short and descriptive (for example, “3-drawer dresser” instead of “dresser”)
- Price: Determine a fair price, or set as “free” or “negotiable”.
- Condition: Choose from options like “New”, “Used—Like New”, or “Used—Fair”.
- Description: Add details like brand, size, condition, age, and any imperfections.
- Location: Confirm your city or neighborhood.
- Review and publish: Double-check your photos, spelling, and location. Finally, click or tap “Publish”.
How to write a great description
If you’re wondering how to make a sale, writing a great description is a good place to start. Since people are sometimes hesitant to buy online, clear descriptions can help you seem trustworthy. Here are some tips to create one that gets you a sale:
- Be clear and specific. Include pertinent details, including dimensions and model.
- Be honest. Mention any scratches, dents, or wear and tear up front.
- Be buyer-friendly. Include information on pickup preferences or delivery options.
- Use keywords buyers might search for, like “solid wood” or “adjustable height”.
- Keep your description concise, using bullet points.
Photography that sells: taking great product photos
Photos are the first thing a buyer sees on Facebook Marketplace. They directly affect whether someone looks into your listing further.
Extremely professional photos can actually get you worse engagement. Shoppers may think you’re selling for a living, won’t budge on prices, or are dropshipping (selling items that ship straight from a supplier, not from you). Opt for cell phone pictures over an expensive camera.
Nice photos from a variety of angles can catch a buyer’s attention, build trust, and reduce back-and-forth questions. Aim for 3-4 photos for a small item, and 6-10 for furniture, electronics, or other high-value items.
Practical tips for taking better photos
To ensure your photos are high-quality and effective, follow these tips:
- Use natural lighting. Take photos near a window or outside during the day. Harsh shadows and yellow indoor lighting can make your image look unappealing.
- Choose a clean background. A plain wall, floor, or table works best. Remove clutter and ensure your item is the main focus.
- Take multiple angles, including front, back, sides, and close-ups of important details, like logos, labels, or damage.
- Show scale. Place the item near a familiar object, like a hand or chair, to give buyers a sense of size.
- Edit appropriately. Adjust brightness, crop to center the item, and straighten if needed. Avoid heavy filters.
Smart pricing strategies
Pricing your item right can make the difference between making a sale quickly versus waiting weeks. With a little research and strategy, you can attract buyers while getting a fair deal.
Research similar items to determine a fair price. Pay attention to:
- Condition: a new phone will sell for more than one with scratches
- Brand: well known brands typically fetch higher prices
- Location: prices can vary between markets
The psychology of pricing
Small pricing tweaks can entice more customers:
- Prices ending in the number 9, like $49 instead of $50, feel cheaper.
- Start with a buffer price. Set an initial price a bit higher than your target, then lower it if no one buys.
- For high-value items, round numbers like $200 seem cleaner and trustworthy
- Choose when to be firm on price and when to negotiate. You can be firm if the item is in high demand, rare, or brand new. Make sure you put “Price is firm” in your description.
- Your pricing strategy can change based on the item.
- Electronics depreciate quickly. Include accessories to justify higher prices.
- Furniture quality matters; check the material.
- Brand-name and like-new clothing sells best. Bundling similar items can move inventory faster.
- Keep the season in mind.
- Electronics, backpacks, and furniture move quickly in late summer.
- Toys and gifts nab higher prices in November and December.
- Home decor and storage items are in higher demand in spring.
- Outdoor gear and equipment sell best in the summer.
Facebook Marketplace safety tips
While Facebook Marketplace is a convenient way to buy and sell locally, prioritize safety when you’re sharing your location online.
- If meeting in person, meet in a public, well-lit area like a coffee shop or shopping center during the day. Bring a friend and notify others. Some local police stations offer their parking lots as meeting points.
- Check potential buyers’ and sellers’ profiles, their activity, and any reviews.
- Only communicate on the platform so there’s a record of all conversation that takes place.
- Avoid sharing financial information, like bank account details, or unnecessary personal information.
- If you’re selling electronics, ensure you’ve completely wiped the device, deleting all personal information.
- Request certificates or proofs of purchase for luxury goods.
- Inspect items when meeting a buyer before payment.
Red flags when communicating
Common red flags for scams include:
- Offering more money than your asking price. Buyers will “accidentally” send you more money than they intended and ask you to “refund” the difference, but the initial payment will be fake.
- Unusual payment requests, like gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
- Urgency tactics pressuring you to act fast, like “I’ll pay double if you hold the item for me right now.”
- Insisting on shipping an item when they’re local.
- Generic, copy-paste or automatic messages followed immediately by a payment request.
Double-check any deal that seems too good to be true. Trust your instincts and walk away if someone seems wrong or off.
Payment safety tips
The right payment method is key to avoiding scams. Here’s a breakdown of the best payment options and safe practices.
Cash is king on Facebook Marketplace and is best for most local transactions. If you’re selling, count the money in front of the buyer before handing over your item.
If you’re selling something more expensive, meet at or very close to a bank so the buyer can withdraw and the seller can deposit cash immediately. This helps avoid counterfeit bills and reduce time spent carrying a large amount of cash, which can make you a target.
Digital payment methods may seem convenient for medium or high-value items, but they can make it more likely for you to be scammed, especially if you’re not meeting a seller in person. If you’re using a third-party payment app, try to use one that offers buyer/seller protection.
Apps mainly designed to send money between friends, like Venmo, typically don’t include fraud protection. Avoid using or accepting personal checks, money orders, or wire transfers.
Managing questions and negotiations
Once your listing goes live, you’ll probably receive messages—some from serious buyers and some not. Managing questions and negotiations can save you time and help you close deals.
Effective negotiation strategies
Before you start negotiating, know your bottom line—the lowest price you’re willing to accept. Your negotiation strategy depends on the kind of message you’re getting:
- Lowballers (offering less than 70% of your price with no justification): Respond once with your counteroffer, then stop replying if they persist.
- Time wasters who are indecisive, ask too many questions, respond slowly, or won’t commit to the purchase: Pack your message with all the key info, offer to hold an item for a small window of time to give them a nudge, or let them know a cutoff time for them to make their decision.
- No-shows: Confirm the meeting on the same day, pin your meeting location when you arrive, and give a 15-minute grace period. If someone doesn’t show up more than once, archive or block them. Don’t offer to hold something for extra time if they reschedule repeatedly.
- Aggressive, rude, or manipulative buyers: Block and report any conversations that make you uncomfortable.
Advanced tips for boosting sales
Post at the right time
Timing can make a big difference in how many people see your listing. The best times are usually weekends and evenings after 6 p.m., when more people are browsing casually.
Take your audience or most likely potential customers into account—more students may browse later at night, while parents may check more mid-morning. Experiment with posting at different times and track which time gets you the best results.
Refresh listings to stay visible
Facebook promotes new or recently updated listings, placing them higher in search results. Every seven days, you can renew a listing to push it back up to the top. Small tweaks like title wording or photo order can also cause Marketplace to re-promote your listing.
Cross-post for more exposure
You don’t have to limit yourself to just Facebook Marketplace. Share your listing on other platforms, including local buy/sell groups on Facebook, or other platforms like eBay. Use the same information in every post to avoid confusion.
Build a positive seller reputation
Trusted sellers often sell faster. Respond quickly, be professional, and ask for ratings after a successful sale. The more transactions you complete effectively, the easier it will be to sell more.
By following this guide, you can confidently create listings, attract serious buyers, and handle transactions safely while maximizing sales. Whether you’re decluttering or selling high-value items, being thoughtful and communicative will get you the best results.
FAQ
How much does it cost to sell on Facebook Marketplace?
Posting and selling items face-to-face on Facebook Marketplace is free. If you pay to ship an item, use the Facebook Marketplace online payment system, or pay for boosted ads, Facebook Marketplace will charge a commission or fee.
Can I ship items through Facebook Marketplace?
In limited countries, yes. The buyer, seller, and item need to meet certain criteria to offer or choose shipping. Only items sold through the Marketplace payment system are eligible, and Facebook collects a 5% selling fee on these purchases. After payment, the seller generates a prepaid shipping label, packs the item and sends it within three business days. Sellers select the shipping carrier and method, and they are responsible for sending the buyer tracking information.
What items can’t I sell on Facebook Marketplace?
You aren’t allowed to sell services (like house cleaning), animals, healthcare products (like thermometers), or recalled products on Facebook Marketplace. You also can’t make posts with no item for sale, like a post in search of a specific item.
How do I report a scam or suspicious activity to Facebook Marketplace?
If you see something you think is suspicious or a scam, don’t communicate with the user. Click on the listing you want to report, which will open the chat with the seller. Click on the seller’s photo, and then click “Report.” If you want to report a suspicious buyer, open your chat with the buyer, click on their photo, then click “Report.”