10 Tips to Buying on Facebook Marketplace

Continuing the Facebook marketplace theme today.  I mentioned in the last post how I buy and sell on there.  It’s actually been my primary thrifting source in 2020.  Our local thrift stores just didn’t have much in the way of good stuff, and of course the drastically limited times I’ve gone, mean that I’ve shifted to this approach for my thrifting obsession.

I view Facebook marketplace as one giant garage sale.  Some folks have things that are way overpriced and some have steals.  And the best part is you can shop from your couch!  I’ve been having a lot of luck and of course a few that got away (I still cry over) so I’m passing on some of the things I’ve learned to snag your perfect pieces.

My top 10 tips to snagging that perfect piece AND having a positive experience doing it!

     1. Pay attention to photos and listing info

I always analyze all the listing photos and read over the description at least a few times.  This gives me time to decide if I have any further questions regarding condition, size (if not included), color, etc.

   2. If it’s something you know you want contact immediately

If you wait, for example you got distracted by your toddler running around pantless, even that few minutes means it could be gone.  I always take that second to send the message and say “I love this!” and depending on my intent to purchase I will make an offer.  This gets the convo going and also records you as being the first (hopefully) to want it.

  3. Offers must be reasonable on Facebook Marketplace

If you have ever sold on FB marketplace or CL you know you always get people offering 50% of your price.  This is completely unreasonable and frankly insulting to the seller.  I never offer below 25% of asking.  I usually offer 15% less but once in a great while I will do a 25% offer only if I am willing to let it go because I don’t feel comfortable with more.   I usually always offer to pick up same day which helps to sweeten the deal.

The satellite chaise, the iceberg coffee table and the TOGO are all FB marketplace finds!

     4. Schedule pickup ASAP

Most sellers want the item out of their house or garage so the quicker you can pick it up the better for them.  Which also means the more likely they are to take a little bit less (see last tip).

   5. Offer to send a 50% deposit

If you can’t get there right away and you agree to a price, offer to send a 50% deposit via Venmo.  This holds it for you and assures the seller you will be showing up to get the item.  Too many folks no show, by committing to a deposit you are saying “I have some money on the line and want the item” and their perspective is they haven’t gotten their full payment but you will show up to buy it.  You can then pay the other half when you pick it up!

   6. Be polite and respectful

Sellers don’t have to sell to you.  As a buyer you want to show respect and be polite.  Approaching with this attitude is far more likely to get you the item and a deal vs not.  I always include a comment in my initial message like “This is so funky cool!”  or “I LOVE this!”  and then proceed on with the rest.  It let’s them know you appreciate the item, you are nice and you want it.  Buyers that are rude, expectant or condescending get nowhere.

This sectional, the trio set of travertine tables, the stone side table, art on the blue table and fish lamps are all FB marketplace too!

    7.  Show up on time

When you arrive to pick up your item make sure it’s on time.  If something happens (because life) immediately message the seller and inform them of your delay and an expected time of arrival.  This is common courtesy, you don’t want them waiting on you thinking you will be there at 1 and don’t show up until 4.  Even 10 minutes is too much without informing them.  This goes back to being polite and respectful of their time.

    8. Arrive with appropriate form of payment

I always ask if they have Venmo or prefer cash.  Some don’t have Venmo in which case the only option is cash.  Don’t assume just ask up front, it’s much easier for a smooth transaction!

   9. If you must walk away, do so with grace

I talked about a seller experience I had recently in this post.  It was awful, I immediately didn’t want to sell to them and happily refunded the deposit just to get rid of them (it was that bad).  If you arrive to pick up an item and for some reason you change your mind, do so with respect.  “Oh dang, I thought this was a darker color.”  or “I thought it was longer and I’m not sure it will fit in the spot I wanted to use it”  That could be great grandma’s dresser or Aunt Lydia’s coffee table.

Some items are tough for folks to let go of.  You never know the circumstances so ALWAYS be kind.  Follow up with a “thank you so much for your time though I really appreciate it”  or “thank you so much, have a great rest of your day”  This shows consideration for them.  For the love of all things, don’t be rude.

The stone y coffee table and burlwood campaign desk are both from FB marketplace.

     10. Be the buyer you would want to have

Put yourself in the sellers shoes and think about how you would want a buyer to be, this is a great way to help decide the best approach, offers, etc.

Really all you need is to do your due diligence (inspect listing), offer a fair price and be willing to negotiate up, be prepared with a quick pickup and be polite.

Oh and the other thing is spending some time on there.  I take a quick peek usually once a day and if I’m looking for a specific type of item maybe more than that.  The algorithm will pick up on your searches and views and show you those types of things as they get listed on your main page.  It makes it much easier!

Happy treasure hunting!  Are you a big FB marketplace fan?  Do you buy a lot on there? I always love to hear from you so hit me up in the comments below!

And don’t forget to subscribe, I’ve got some main bathroom 6 months later updates to share and I’m finalizing a design plan for our laundry room makeover!  Things are getting exciting!

XOXO