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Has anyone actually sold anything on Facebook Marketplace?

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Comments

  • pinkshoes
    pinkshoes Posts: 20,232 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    I sell lots on FB, and at the right price it will sell.

    I just reply "yes" to the "Is this available?" messages.

    If I actually get someone who then responds again and wants it, I give them the post code, but not the house number until they commit to a time to collect. 

    I've posted the odd thing too but I can usually tell when someone is genuine.

    Gumtree is also good for selling things. I find people who buy from there are far more reliable. 
    Should've = Should HAVE (not 'of')
    Would've = Would HAVE (not 'of')

    No, I am not perfect, but yes I do judge people on their use of basic English language. If you didn't know the above, then learn it! (If English is your second language, then you are forgiven!)
  • GadgetGuru
    GadgetGuru Posts: 767 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 500 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Ive found even free items aren't good enough any more. 
    I've listed items for free in the past and have a surge of interest, with some even asking me to deliver it to them as well!! Is it not enough that the item is free in the first instance?!
  • marcia_
    marcia_ Posts: 2,477 Forumite
    Fifth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    edited 9 May at 4:52PM
     That is why I always insist on cash on pick up  or delivery in person 

  • Exodi
    Exodi Posts: 3,292 Forumite
    Seventh Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    edited 10 May at 11:51AM
    I think once you use Facebook marketplace for long enough you become wise to a lot of red flags.

    For example

    the seller/buyer - what does their profile look like (e.g. when was it created, what are their pictures of, etc - a profile made in 2024 that has no content is a red flag).
    the item - are they real pictures or stock images, are they consistent (e.g. I regularly see scammers copy other listings pictures, meaning you have an air fryer being sold with 5 pictures, each on different work surfaces).
    the price - is it to good to be true (e.g. while I am keen to shop for bargains, an iPhone that retails for £1000+ brand new in box for £59 including delivery is not believable).
    fakes - there are lots of fakes for high-demand items which regularly get implied as genuine (e.g. Apple Airpod Max, Dyson Airwrap, etc). These regularly get sold at a 'low price' (when compared to retail, but a significant mark up for a replica). There will usually be a pretend justification for the price, along the lines of "bought for my birthday but I already have a pair". I don't think people even get banned for this as they are often careful about specifically claiming they are genuine or apple branded. You see a lot of 16 year olds buying stuff off aliexpress or dhgate and relisting it on facebook marketplace (a lot of tiktok videos promote this practice as 'hustling'...).

    But finally, and most importantly, payment.

    If you don't pay for an item until you have it in your hands, you already avoid 90% of scams. No deposits, reservation fees, 'I can only post this', or whatever other story they say to make you pay before collection.

    I've probably bought 100 items off facebook marketplace over the years, many at steep discounts, and I've fortunately never been scammed - but i see plentyyyyy of scam listings.
    Know what you don't
  • MeteredOut
    MeteredOut Posts: 2,102 Forumite
    1,000 Posts First Anniversary Name Dropper
    GDB2222 said:
    400ixl said:
    Nebbit said:
    I have been trying to sell a lawnmower and I thought I would sell it easily when my phone started pinging with messages. How wrong I was! Endless 'is it still available?', silly offers, and vague queries. I am not prepared to give out my address unless to someone who stated a specific time they will visit, but no-one wanted to do that. What is the secret of selling with this method?
    Likely you are asking too much for it then. Never had any issues selling at the right price. Speak to neighbours who complain they get initial contact or sill offers, when I look at what they are asking its not surprise given what they are asking.
    We were having a clear-out, and I was happy to give stuff away for nothing. I still got loads of people messing me about.


    My experience is that you'll get many more no-shows when you offer something for free than when selling something with a cost.
  • Nebbit
    Nebbit Posts: 95 Forumite
    10 Posts First Anniversary
    In my exasperation I advertised my lawnmower on Ebay and I have had one bid already with two days to go. I think I may be sticking to Ebay in future
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