How to Sell on Facebook Marketplace!
So you have lots of extra stuff you want to sell but you don’t know where to start? Facebook marketplace can be a fantastic resource for both buying and selling.  Here are some tips to find success as a seller!
Be sure to check out my 10 tips to selling on Facebook Marketplace post, it gives a great basic outline of things to know. So let’s expand/add some additional info!
Photo Styling
These are very important and not just in the lighting and clean backdrop sense. Now folks are liking to see more styled shots.
This is a recent listing photo of mine
I am dabbling with this but some folks do a full setup. For example they are selling a dresser so they pop a rug under it with a pretty background and accessories on top. This is a great option if you have the time and desire to style it. I’m kind of testing it to see if styling up a bit actually makes a difference in the time it takes to sell and for how much.
This pic was also from the listing for the sofa. I posted these (along with 6 others) and within an hour I had a buyer, who picked it up 2 hours later. The coffee table sold within 2 days.
Now was it the piece itself that led to the fast sale or was it the photo of it with a coffee table showing a bit more styled look? I decided to test this out by doing a similar style setup with a couple of other pieces.
I just listed this 5 ft vintage engraved mirror and chaise recently. So far not much movement but it is during the week which tends to be slower for selling. (It’s important to note the listing also has full mirror shots and close ups without the chaise blocking so the buyer can see all aspects.)
Overall I’m hearing that styled shots can assist in a faster sale for more money but it does take extra time and effort to create the look, especially if you go so far as to add accessories/other furnishings.
Video
Facebook introduced the option to put small videos on your listing along with photos. This can be helpful for buyers to get a feel for the piece and if you are comfortable doing it should absolutely include.
Listing Description
I touched on this in the 10 tips for selling post but its worth mentioning again. Include all measurements in the listing! This will hopefully reduce the amount of inquiries you get asking questions like “what size is it?” Especially when its not the size they are looking for. It ends up being a waste of time for you which we don’t want.
Include information on delivery!
Delivery
This came up for me recently. If you are willing to offer delivery (completely up to you but can help aid in a sale) decide if you are willing to offer free delivery, if so how far, or delivery with x fee up to x miles. In other words decide on what you are comfortable with both fee and distance and include that clearly in your listing.
I have always included “delivery available” in my descriptions and its free within a local area but there’s a fee for over 25 miles. I had a few buyers want free delivery over an hour away and ghosted when I responded there was a $30 fee for that distance. If I had included that in the description I would have saved myself the time of responding to folks that weren’t serious.
Deposits/Holds
Someone messages you, they really want your item but can’t get there to pick it up until tomorrow or later in the week. I will offer to hold it for them with a 50% venmo deposit. No deposit no hold. Too often people will make an appt to pick up and just don’t show. By requiring a deposit you are ensuring the sale (and your time) since they already put money down on it.
50% minimum up to full payment is also required if you are delivering the item.
Payment options
I personally only accept Venmo and cash. Of course there are some other options out there so use what you are comfortable with. But in my experience having an electronic option (venmo, zelle, etc) makes it much easier for buyers.
Be wary of scams
Anyone messaging you saying they are interested or want to pick something up and ask you text or call their number is a scam. I never move off of FBM for communication.
Never send anyone money or accept a check.
Safety/Pickup
I never coordinate a pickup of an item where I will be alone. I always double check before making an appt with a buyer that I will have someone with me. (my husband, 2 older kids who are adults, etc)
Also anything that is being picked up from FBM is in a side garage. I don’t allow people inside the house to view or purchase items. I head outside (with a safety person) and set up the item in the driveway clearly in view of the street so they can see it when they pull up. This helps them to find the right house and its clearly in full view with full sun so there’s nothing hidden about the item.
Some sellers like to meet at a public location which works too, whichever you are most comfortable with.
Hopefully this is helpful and you are on your way to cleaning out your basement with success! Combining the 10 tips to selling and the 8 above should give you a great head start leaving you with some money in your pocket.
Do you have any other tips to selling that I haven’t already covered? I always love to hear from you so be sure to hit me up in the comments.
Coming up later this week some updated tips on getting deals and buying on Facebook Marketplace!
