From Beginner to Pro: 8 Tips for Selling Successfully on Facebook Marketplace

Home + Dine

Jul 8

If you're new to the world of selling on Facebook Marketplace, don't worry, you're not alone.

It can be super overwhelming to figure out where to start, but fear not - we've got you covered. With over 2 billion active users, FBM is a potential goldmine for making money while getting rid of stuff you no longer want. That's why we've put together a list of eight tips that will take you from beginner to pro in no time. These tips cover everything to get you started off on the right foot. So, if you're ready to learn the secrets of selling successfully on FBM, keep reading!

Tip #1: Start by taking an inventory

There are endless opportunities to sell just about anything on FBM.

Begin by going on a little tour of your home, office, or wherever you store your stuff. Look for items that you don't use anymore, don't need, or don't want. Next, determine if you want to sell the item or simply get rid of it for free.

If you're just getting started with selling on FBM, it can be tempting to hit the thrift stores and bargain shops in search of inventory to sell for a profit. It’s a fun hobby. But before you do that, do your homework. Check out what similar items are actually selling for on FBM, so you can make an informed decision about whether it's worth your time and money.

Keep in mind the key to success here is to start with what you already have. After you learn the ropes, you can always branch out and sell other stuff if you enjoy it.

Tip #2: Good photos make a difference

People will compare what you are selling with the next photo in their feed. It is baffling to me why some sellers will post a fuzzy photo, or worse yet, just one photo of the item. You are allowed up to 10 photos per listing. So go ahead and take photos from different angles! Be sure to show any flaws as well.

The goal is to paint an accurate picture of the item. No one is expecting it to be new (unless it is) so don’t be afraid to show it, warts and all. Take as many photos as needed to give a complete picture. I’ve even used simple editing software to enhance the photo and also write dimensions on the photo if appropriate. This and the following tips will minimize your work load answering questions individually.

In addition, you can upload a video if you think it will help showcase your item. If you’re comfortable doing this, go for it. But, so far I haven’t seen this feature used a lot and I’m not sure if it merits the effort.

Tip #3: The title is the key

If you want your stuff to be seen by potential buyers then pay attention to the title. It’s how Facebook determines if the item is of interest to the buyer and worth showing in their feed.

This is the time to get straight to the point with words buyers might search for. You can describe your item with more flowery language in the description. We’ll get to that in a minute.

Descriptive words such as ‘beautiful’, ‘unique’, etc. will not get you anywhere. But a brand name or style (such as MCM or Vintage) will get better results. Don’t shy away from using material as a keyword either. For example, Restoration Hardware Leather Sofa is more powerful than Leather Sofa. You can even use something like Anthropology-like dresser as a description if it has that Boho flare but not the brand name.

The goal is to have your item shown to the potential buyer based on what they are searching for and to stand out from the crowd. After all the point is to sell right? So take the time to create the right title before posting your item for sale.

One mistake I see people make is putting the price in the title. You are simply wasting space in your word count as the price will show up automatically without it being part of the title. The only exception is when it’s free. Then go ahead and shout it from the rooftops.

Right below the title enter your selling Price. (See tip #5 for pricing strategies.)
Next, choose your Category. Click on the drop-down menu and find what fits best. Be sure to open More Details drop-down. You’ll be prompted to add more descriptors.
Finally, you can enter more details in the Description box.

The other field to pay attention to is your Meetup Preferences.

Indicate if it’s to be picked up in your home if you’re willing to ship it, or meet up in a mutually agreed upon location. You are also given the choice if you don’t want your friends to see what you are selling to hide the listing from them.

Don’t get hasty right about now. Read tips 4 and 5 before hitting Next!

Tip #4: A good description sets you apart

A good rule of thumb is to start your description with the details first, then paint a story, followed by any parameters the buyer should know about. See tip #5 about what you should say about your price and state it as part of your parameters.

Let me give you an example. Say you want to sell a bassinet you no longer use.

Here is a good description:

Like new White Harlow Bassinet & Mattress Pad Set. 36" wide x 21" deep x 32" high and weighs 31 pounds. It is expertly crafted of poplar wood and MDF. We purchased it from Pottery Barn Kids for $499 and are offering it for $225 firm. Local pickup only. Bring help as there is no one to help you move it.
This vintage inspired beauty has a lot of life left, but our bundle of love has moved to a bigger bed. It’s so solid you’ll be able to pass it along or sell it with ease when you’re ready for your newborn to not sleep nearby.

Tip #5: Price to sell

When it comes to price, you need to ask yourself how badly you want to sell your item(s).

It’s always a good idea to do a little homework and see what similar items are selling for and price accordingly. My philosophy is that if I would have donated it to Goodwill anyway then pricing to sell is a convenient way to not have to drive it there.

One tactic other sellers take is to list o.b.o. (or best offer). This way you can set a higher price but subtly say you are willing to negotiate. Don’t be tempted to sell your product for the price you paid unless it’s a new item. But even still people are looking for deals. If they can get it from Amazon or another retailer at the same price they most likely will.

If an item is not selling you have two choices: 1. - Lower the price on the listing. The downside to this is the buyer will see the discount on the listing and you raise the possibility of low-ball offers. 2. - You can remove the listing and re-list it at a lower price.

Tip #6: Maximize your listing views

The default for your listing is FBM. But you can maximize your listing if you are part of any Buy/Sell groups. If you are not part of any, FBM will suggest groups you should join. Join as many as you can to gain further exposure and boost your reach to more potential buyers. You can always remove yourself from the group later.

Congratulations! You’ve posted your first item.

But don’t get too excited we have two more tips for you to best navigate the follow-up process.

Tip #7: Simplify your responses

A frustration I have with FBM is they encourage lazy buyers. What do I mean by this? Check out any item for sale. Scroll down the right side of the photo. Notice anything? There is a section that says: Send Seller a Message and right below that it says Hi! Is this available? As a default setting. Argh!!

Many will simply hit send and now you are stuck answering a silly message.

I suggest if someone does that, simply say Yes and put the ball back in their court. Don’t waste your time. If someone takes the time to ask you a question or writes more than this message take them seriously and message them back.

If the listing is something people are looking for you’ll usually get a couple of messages. You don’t have to sell to the first person that contacts you. You can wait to see what happens but don’t wait too long to answer people with offers or you may lose a sale to someone with a similar item.

Be prepared for crazy lowball offers. People are nuts and treat FBM as a flea market at times. For anyone who asks for a lower price, I write:

Thanks for your offer, but I have someone willing to pay full price. I’ll keep you as a backup in case they don’t actually come through. If you are serious and willing to pay full price I’ll let them know. I’m happy to sell it to you if they don’t pay first. Let me know if you’re serious.

Feel free to copy/paste this message to save time if multiple people do this.

Tip #8: Close the sales process wisely.

I don’t share my address or contact information unless I feel comfortable with the buyer. You can check out the buyer by clicking on their photo. Look to see if they are active on Facebook. There is a rating score as well if they have a buying history.

I’ve found that, for the most part, people are easy to work with on the platform. If you run into someone rude you don’t have to do business with them and can block them.

Don’t be too quick to mark the listing as sold if money has not been exchanged.

You’ll be surprised how many people say they will come get the item and they don’t show up. This is why I like to specify that I prefer Venmo or PayPal upfront to hold an item. Some will say they want to pay with cash. You’ll need to be the judge whether you think they will come through.

If you prefer to meet in a public space to exchange an item Starbucks or a similar public space is a good idea. Otherwise, have them come to you but if you do so don’t be home alone. It’s wise to ask a friend or neighbor to be there to be on the safe side.