Choosing to sell on Facebook Marketplace if you’re new to cashing in on secondhand items is a great idea, as other social media platforms don’t have the number of users Facebook has. This means that there are a lot of potential customers on this platform who would be interested in buying, making your chances of selling much higher than anywhere else. 

In general, buyers are changing their shopping habits, as surveys show that a growing number of people prefer to shop directly on social media platforms instead of e-commerce ones.

Willow Wright, who owns a unique vintage shop, Urban Redeux, and has spent a fair share of time selling and buying things on Facebook Marketplace, adds that the platform is also very easy to use. "The interface is very user-friendly and completely free to use if you’re selling locally. All you need is an account and a way to upload images, which can easily be done from your smartphone."

With so many advantages, it seems that selling on places like Facebook Marketplaces is a great way to start.

However, it’s not enough to have a device and a wide audience to sell to. It’s much more complicated than that. For people to be interested in buying, there are many tips, tricks, and mistakes sellers should be aware of.

"While it’s easy to list items, the ease of selling can depend on what you’re offering and how competitive the market is," said Wright. "For example, if you’re selling something like furniture or electronics, you’ll likely face more competition, so it’s key to have clear, attractive photos and a reasonable price. Also, be prepared for some buyers to message but not follow through—patience is key!" she noted.

Wright says that the two most common mistakes sellers make while listing items on Facebook Marketplace are poor-quality images and a lack of detail in the description. "In today’s fast-paced world, buyers don’t have time to go back and forth to ask simple questions, so make sure your listing includes clear photos, accurate measurements, and any important details about the condition of the item."

If an item is more expensive, like furniture tends to be, it might be even worth it to stage it and style it a bit so people can imagine how it will look in their own space. However, the photos shouldn’t just be aesthetically pleasing. They should also showcase the advantages, functions, and imperfections of the piece, as well as its size.

Don’t forget about the main photo too, which is the first thing buyers notice on their feed. It has to have great curb appeal and be cropped in a way that the piece is centered in the frame. In addition, including a video of the item for sale can be a good idea, as algorithms tend to favor it and they’re more helpful for the buyer.

If there are things about the item you’re trying to sell that can’t be conveyed in the photos or videos, use the description box for it. The thing that is important here is being truthful and noting all the imperfections of the piece. This prevents misunderstandings and the hassle of trying to solve them.

When it comes to setting a price, Wright says that sellers are often shooting too high. "If your item is priced too high compared to similar listings, it might not sell. It’s also important to keep your listing updated. If your item’s not selling, try refreshing the post or adjusting the price to attract new buyers. And don’t forget to be flexible with pricing; buyers often expect to negotiate," she advised.

To receive more sales opportunities, Wright suggests following this short guide:

"Start with quality images and clear descriptions. Be realistic with your asking price and be ready to consider lower offers—negotiation is part of the game. Also, temper your expectations. Facebook Marketplace has become a major player in the reselling world, so there’s a lot of competition, especially in bigger cities."

"Some people will message you but won’t be serious buyers, so don’t get frustrated," she added. "Respond quickly to inquiries, keep your communication clear, and be patient. If you’re open to shipping, using Facebook’s shipping option can help broaden your reach and increase your chances of selling."