Practical Guide: How to resell your items on Facebook Marketplace?

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Today, reselling items online is more popular than ever. Whether you're looking to declutter your home, earn some extra money, or start an online sales business, Facebook Marketplace This could be an excellent option. 

In this guide, we will review all the steps to sell your items on Facebook Marketplace.

What is Facebook Marketplace?

Facebook Marketplace is an online marketplace accessible through the Facebook app. It allows users to buy and sell new and used items locally. Items are categorized, making it easy for buyers to search and browse.

How do I access Facebook Marketplace?

To access Facebook Marketplace, you will need a Facebook account. Open the Facebook app on your mobile phone and click on the "Marketplace" icon in the menu bar.

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How do I list an item for sale on Facebook Marketplace?

Post an ad on Marketplace

  1. From your homepage, select "« Marketplace » in the menu on the left side of the screen.
  2. Tap the (+) icon labeled "« Add an article«", then choose "« Item for sale« .
  3. Select "« Add photos » to download an image.
  4. Provide details about the item. If you wish to give it away, enter '0' in the price field.
  5. Press "« Following«" . If the option "« Following »" is not available, please check that all the necessary information has been entered.
  6. Finally, press "« Publish » to put your ad online.

Modifying ads on Facebook Marketplace

Edit an ad

If, for any reason, you need to change some details of your ad after it has been published, here's how you can do it.

First, go to the section "« Marketplace”Once there, select "« For sale »" in the menu located on the left side of the screen. Then, go to the "« Your ads« .

Find the ad you want to edit, then click the icon (…) next to it. In the menu that appears, choose « Edit the ad«"You can then make all the necessary changes before clicking on "« To update »"to record the changes.".

Updating your location

Updating your location on Marketplace is a crucial step to ensure your items are visible to people in your area.

To do this, first click on "« Marketplace »in your news feed. Then, click on your current location, which is located on the right side of the screen. You can then enter your city, neighborhood, or postal code. You also have the option to select your location on a map.

In addition, when creating a new listing, you will also have the option to assign it a specific location.

What types of items can you sell on Facebook Marketplace?

Facebook Marketplace has strict rules about the types of items that can be sold. First, all products listed for sale must comply with the Facebook's Business Rules, as well as Facebook's Community Standards. This means they must not violate any applicable laws or regulations and must not be prohibited or restricted by Facebook. 

If the rules are not followed, Facebook may remove ads and other content, reject product tags, or suspend or terminate access to some or all of the business features on Facebook, Instagram Or WhatsApp.

Here is a summary list of prohibited items and limited sales on Facebook Marketplace: 

Items prohibited on Facebook Marketplace

  • Products for adults
  • Alcohol
  • Body parts or organic fluids
  • Unauthorized electronic devices
  • Discriminatory advertisements
  • Real or fake currencies and financial instruments
  • Online gambling
  • Hazardous materials and objects
  • Human exploitation and sexual services
  • Dietary supplements to ingest
  • Job offers
  • Lands in ecological conservation areas
  • Medical and health products and services
  • Deceptive, violent, or hateful products
  • Products not for sale
  • Drugs and drug-related paraphernalia
  • Recalled products
  • Services
  • Sexually suggestive products
  • Stolen goods
  • Subscriptions and digital products
  • Infringements of third-party rights
  • Tobacco products
  • Used cosmetics
  • Weapons, ammunition and explosives

Limited sales on Marketplace

  • Entrance or event tickets
  • Gift cards and vouchers
  • Pet adoption matching services

It is therefore important to check Facebook's Business Rules and Community Standards before posting an ad.

Manage your sales on Facebook Marketplace

Indicate the status of an item on Facebook Marketplace

You can indicate the status of the item you are offering on Marketplace as:

  • Shipped
  • Sold
  • On hold
  • Available

Mark an item as sold

Once the sale is complete, you have the option to mark an item as sold.

Once the item is marked as sold:

  • It will no longer be visible to others on Marketplace.
  • Buyers who expressed interest in this item will receive a message indicating that it has been sold.
  • A message will be sent to you asking if you wish to archive the conversation related to this article.

Mark an item as pending

When a sales agreement is reached with a buyer, but the sale is not yet finalized, you can mark the item as pending.

Buyers who have expressed interest in this item will receive a message indicating that it is pending. New buyers will see that the item is pending before contacting you.

Mark an item as available

If an item has previously been marked as sold or pending, it is possible to mark it as available again.

Buyers who expressed interest in this item will receive a message indicating that it is available again. If the item was previously marked as sold, the associated Messenger conversations will be removed from the archive.

To change the status of an item to "available", follow these steps:

  • Access "« Marketplace« .
  • Select "« Your account« .
  • Go to "« Your ads« .
  • Find the ad you want to edit, then click on "« Mark as…« .
  • Finally, choose "« Mark as available« .

Tips for selling effectively on Facebook Marketplace

Comparative price analysis

Before listing your item on Facebook Marketplace, it's wise to examine similar products already listed. By comparing prices and terms, you can get a clearer idea of the price to set for your own item. This approach allows you to position yourself competitively while maximizing your chances of a quick sale.

Set a fair price

Setting a fair price is crucial for success on Facebook Marketplace or any other online sales platform. Here are some things to consider when determining the right price for your item:

  1. Market value

Search for similar items on Marketplace and other sales platforms. Compare prices for new and used items. This will give you an idea of the price range buyers are willing to pay for a similar item.

  1. Item status

A new or pristine item can be sold at a higher price than a used or damaged one. Be honest about the condition of your item and adjust the price accordingly.

  1. Sentimental value

The sentimental value you attach to an item has no value to the buyer. An object that holds great sentimental value for you may not hold the same value for someone else. Try to detach yourself emotionally from the item and set a price based on its actual value, not its sentimental worth.

  1. Delivery costs

If you offer delivery, remember to include the delivery costs in your item's price. You can either include the delivery costs in the item's price or add them separately. 

  1. Urgent sale

If you need to sell quickly, you might consider setting a price slightly below market value to attract more buyers. If you're not in a hurry to sell, you can set a higher price and wait until a buyer is willing to pay that amount.

  1. Size and dimensions of the item

Large or bulky items may be less appealing to buyers because they can be difficult to transport or store. Even if a bulky item has high value, its size can diminish its attractiveness to potential buyers. Adjust the price according to the size and bulk of the item.

By taking these factors into account, you will be able to set a fair price for your item, which will increase your chances of making a successful sale.

Adjust prices according to demand

After posting your listing, pay attention to the feedback and inquiries you receive. If your item isn't generating much interest, or if potential buyers are offering significantly less than your asking price, it could be a sign that it's time to adjust your price. Actively listening to comments and offers can help you tailor your price to meet demand and ensure a faster sale.

Increase your chances by using local resale Facebook groups

To maximize your chances of finding a buyer, consider posting your ad not only on Marketplace but also in Facebook resale groups specific to your city or region. 

Here are some suggested resale groups on Facebook in Switzerland that might interest you: 

Members of these local groups are often more inclined to buy, especially when pickup and delivery are easier. Geographical proximity can also make transactions safer and more convenient for both parties.

Use high-quality photos

Photos are the first thing buyers see when browsing listings. Make sure you use clear, high-quality photos that show the item from all angles. The images should be well-lit and the background neutral to highlight the item.

Detailed and honest description

Provide a detailed and honest description of the item you are selling. Include the item's condition, features, dimensions, and any other relevant details. Be transparent about any defects or damage. This will help buyers know exactly what they are purchasing and can help prevent disputes or returns.

Quick response

Respond promptly to messages from potential buyers. A quick response time can make the difference between closing a sale and losing it. Furthermore, good customer service can encourage buyers to do business with you again in the future.

Anibis or Facebook Marketplace?

Besides Facebook Marketplace, there are other online sales platforms in Switzerland such as Anibis. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so choose the one that suits you best. Why not use both? 

Facebook Marketplace and Anibis are two popular platforms for buying and selling items online, but they operate slightly differently. Facebook Marketplace is a feature of the Facebook social media platform, meaning users can access it through their existing Facebook account and view items for sale in their region or other regions if they wish. It also allows users to see the public profiles of both sellers and buyers, which can offer a degree of security and trust. 

On the other hand, Anibis is an independent website that doesn't require a social media account to access. It's specifically designed for classified ads and is very popular in Switzerland. While users can't see other users' public profiles like on Facebook Marketplace, Anibis has systems in place to help ensure security and trust among users.

Comparison table: Facebook Marketplace VS Anibis

Features Facebook Marketplace Anibis
Account creation required Yes (Facebook account) No (but recommended)
Viewing the profile User's public profile No
Ad location Yes Yes
Categories Numerous Numerous
Transaction fees None None
Payment options Depends on the seller Depends on the seller
Search function Yes Yes
Email options Messenger Anibis internal messaging
Delivery option Depends on the seller Depends on the seller
Job posting Yes Yes

Although both platforms offer many similar features, there are notable differences, particularly regarding the requirement for a social media account and the viewing of user profiles.

If you can't find a buyer…

It's possible that despite all your efforts, you may not be able to find a buyer for your item. In that case, there are a few alternatives you can consider as a last resort:

Express Clearance

If you are unable to resell an item, Express Clearance can help you. We offer a service of Building clearance service starting from CHF 89. It's a simple and effective option for quickly getting rid of bulky items without any hassle.

Express Recycling

If your needs are more specific, Express Recycling also offers a customized clearance service. Our commitment doesn't end with collecting your items; we also ensure they are recycled responsibly. This gives you peace of mind knowing your items will be handled ethically and sustainably.

Finally, it's good to know that the items collected by Recyclage Express often get a second life thanks to Recycling Market. This initiative helps reduce waste by offering an option to resell second-hand items.

Conclusion

Facebook Marketplace offers a valuable opportunity to turn your unwanted items into cash while helping someone else find what they need. By taking a professional approach, being responsive, and showcasing quality items at fair prices, you'll maximize your chances of success. 

Remember, patience is a virtue, and it's important to remain flexible and adjust your strategy based on buyer feedback. Happy selling!