Score the Perfect Piece on Facebook Marketplace

I went over all the tips and tricks to selling on Facebook Marketplace (peep that info here) so how about some tips to finding all the goodies and getting a deal on FBM?!   Here’s a previous article with 10 tips to buying that covers some initial basics but let’s get into the nitty gritty.

This sectional and the yellow stools were both facebook marketplace finds!

 Search Terms and the Algorithm

So you ask yourself,  “how do they always find amazing stuff?”  It’s all about the search terms and the algorithm.   The key is to use search terms that hit on the type of item you are looking for.  The more you use those terms and search, the more the algorithm picks up on what you are interested in.  Pretty soon when you scroll the main marketplace feed,  your dream pieces pop up and you have an opportunity snag them!

For example some of the keywords I use are “sofa couch”  “vintage sofa couch”  “stone table” “vintage chair” etc.  Sometimes its good to be more broad  to cast the widest net.  Or you can get more specific like “marble table”  or “mid century sofa”  “sectional sofa” “blue chair” etc.

Save

As you scroll marketplace, saving listings that interest you or you want to see more of will also assist the algorithm to get more specific.  This is how I have found some of the coolest items, they are in some way relevant to what I have already saved.  It also cuts down on the amount of time searching since it gets more specific to your likes.

Search Often

Another key is to search often and regularly.  I pop on at least twice a day just for a couple of minutes each time.  This allows me to see what’s newly listed, what’s been renewed and dropped in price along with just random pieces that may pop up from my algorithms.

I snagged this bench off of Facebook Marketplace and gave it a gold leaf makeover.  Peep that here!

Negotiating and Setting up Pickup

Once you’ve found your dream item next comes starting communication.  Here I’ve got some really great negotiating tips in this post from initial message to negotiating, whether to place deposits and how to get the best deal through pickup. 

Pickup

Come prepared to load the item yourself.  Especially if its a larger or heavier item the seller can’t always assist with this.  Whether that’s tow straps, blankets, or a helper.

Make sure the vehicle you are bringing will definitely fit the item.  (I’ve had a few folks come to buy something only to discover it didn’t fit in their car)  This sucks for both the buyer and seller.

Safety

This is particularly for my ladies, never go pick something up alone.  That’s my golden rule just like I won’t meet a buyer alone.  Always lookout for your safety and bring a friend, teenage kid, spouse or family member.

Better yet you can be like me, I send my husband to pick up almost everything I want to buy. 😆

Scams

I haven’t run into many of these as a buyer but I’m sure there are unscrupulous folks out there trying to scam you out of your moolah.  Never pay in full prior to actually physically picking up the item.

I offer a 50% deposit in the event I can’t get there right away.  This tells the seller you’re definitely coming and they definitely want the rest of their money.  It’s equal skin in the game.

If it feels scam-y it probably is.  Always err on the side of caution, there will be another item.

This pink sofa was another Facebook Marketplace find that I joojed up with some upholstery trim.  Peep that post here!

I recently snagged a Milo Baughman modular sectional for a steal, I’ll have that coming up soon.  But I think a good 85% of my house is Facebook Marketplace finds.

It’s one of the best places to find amazing pieces on a budget!

Do you buy often off of Facebook Marketplace?  I always love to hear from you so hit me up in the comments!