Selling On Instagram Without A Website

How Do I Sell My Things on Facebook Marketplace?

Photo Courtesy: @buzzfeeding/Twitter

Whether you're running a small business or just trying to make extra cash from unwanted belongings, Facebook Marketplace can help you quickly and easily sell things over the internet. It's essentially a giant virtual classifieds section where more than 2 billion people can buy or sell everything imaginable, including used recliners, books, video games and even vehicles, properties and rentals. By default, the app form of Market comes bundled with many iOS devices, while the website version is integrated into the larger Facebook platform.

With a massive user base that includes people from all walks of life and every corner of the globe, Marketplace makes it easy to reach out to buyers that you could never have reached otherwise. Finding success on Marketplace can take some effort, but with these tips, you should be ready to get started.

What is Facebook Marketplace?

Facebook Marketplace allows you to do more than conventional classified ads. In addition to item descriptions, you can also attach pictures to the listing, tag it with a specific location and mark it with a specific category to make it easier for buyers to find. These steps help buyers find your listing and build confidence in you as a seller.

Photo Courtesy: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

An important advantage of selling through Marketplace is that it simplifies the transaction process. You can evaluate items for sale, check buyer or seller backgrounds, ask questions and negotiate without any need to meet in person or use another service.

How Do I Get Started?

The actual process of listing items for sale is also easy. Log on to your Facebook account and click on the Marketplace link in your News Feed — it's probably in the top-left corner. Click on "Create a New Listing" and then "Item for Sale." You'll then be prompted to add a title, pictures and the location of where you want the item to be aimed for sale. If the price is negotiable, you can say so in the item description. Finally, set the item category to help buyers find your listing.

Photo Courtesy: Bloomberg/Getty Images

If you've filled everything out correctly, you'll be able to click on "Next." If not, look for any fields you may have missed and add in the relevant information. Once you're satisfied that everything is correct, click on "Publish" to post your item for sale.

How Can I Sell Things Faster?

While you might be able to find a buyer on Marketplace just by creating a listing, there are a few things you can do to give yourself an advantage. For starters, do a bit of research on what you're selling. Check out similar items for sale in your area so that you can price competitively. Demand for a product goes up if it's in short, although if there isn't a market for it, you may not be able to sell it either way.

Photo Courtesy: Future Publishing/Getty Images

Take quality pictures. Even if an item looks and works as good as new, potential buyers will be less likely to buy it if the photos says otherwise. Pay attention to the lighting, angle and sharpness of the picture.You can even make a do-it-yourself (DIY) lightbox to improve photo quality. Your pictures should also answer any questions potential buyers might have, so make sure you provide multiple views of what you're selling.

When it comes to product descriptions, it pays to be straightforward and honest. If your item has some quirk or defect that the buyer should know about, add it to the description. Your customer will appreciate your honesty and will be more inclined to give you a good rating, which will in turn help you make more sales in the future.

Are There Any Restrictions on What I Can Sell?

While you can sell almost anything on Marketplace, there are restrictions. Many of prohibited items are what you would expect: alcohol, weapons, adult products, body parts and more. Others, such as listings for jobs or services, may be less obvious. Additionally, Marketplace can also restrict the sale of items on a temporary basis. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, Facebook restricted the sale of personal protective equipment to keep people from hoarding it and engaging in profiteering.

Photo Courtesy: Karwai Tang/Getty Images

Finally, you should be aware that Facebook is not involved in payment and delivery of items. That means you'll need to ensure on your own that customers pay for your items. You should also take measures to make buyers feel confident that they'll get what they pay for. Finally, whether you're buying or selling, you should make sure that all transactions are safe — avoid delivering goods or receiving payment in private residences.