Who doesn’t love to shop while relaxing on their couch? At least, I do. I don’t personally believe in taking time out just to travel and shop from the malls or supermarkets when I can do the same on my phone without getting tired. This is why e-commerce was introduced in the first place, isn’t it?
Facebook is one such place where people connect but today it is not just about chatting or scrolling through pictures. Imagine 2.5 Billion users just interacting throughout the day, such a waste of time! Correct me if I’m wrong.
Facebook also acts as a market for buying and selling. I will be amazed if it is new to you but the Facebook marketplace is ruling the e-Commerce world for quite a few years now.
To laymanize, I would say ‘Marketplace on Facebook is one of the convenient ways to buy and sell items to people near you’. You will easily find the things that you love and can part your ways with the stuff that no longer interests you.
“Approx. 2 Billion People log in to Facebook every day!” What more could you ask for as a businessman? Undoubtedly, the best way to reach out to the maximum number of potential customers in a single day, nothing can beat that.
From my perspective as a user, I like when I have so many options and love it when they can be combined with what I am already busy at”.
Didn’t understand?
“Shopping combined with Facebooking” ☺
I hope it’s clear by now.
But that’s not it.
If I get into facts and figures,
Let’s go for a deep-sea diving,
FB marketplace was introduced long back in 2016- not too long actually. The motive was just to bring people closer to buy and sell stuff. Now, in 2020, it has expanded to the whole world. Explore the things you love, connect with people, set up a business and start earning- that is what marketplace is all about.
One in every three people in the US uses the marketplace every month to buy everything from clothes, shoes, furniture to cars. The marketplace was not introduced all of a sudden and people were earlier involved in Facebook selling groups. A better version of the selling groups is what we know by the name of ‘Marketplace’.
Currently, “800 million people from 70 countries use Fb marketplace every month”.
Facebook has always been trying to create its own version of every popular activity on the internet. For the first time, Marketplace was introduced in 2007 mainly for classified listings but it didn’t earn much popularity. In 2009, it even transferred the control to Oodle but it was shut down in 2014. In October 2015, Facebook tested the ‘Local Market’ feature that eventually evolved into the marketplace used by millions today.
There is no rocket science, just three words- Buy, Sell and Explore!
You will find the products divided into the following categories:
It’s easy to find items on Marketplace, you can search for something specific or browse by category. Sort and filter your results, or change the location of the items you’re looking for.
As and when you find something interesting, tap on the image to see more details from the seller. The details will include product description, name and profile photo of the seller as well as their general location. Don’t forget to save the item to find it later.
If you have finally decided to be a seller on the FB marketplace, it may be a big decision. I will tell you how to enter the marketplace and how to be a pro at selling.
Step-1 Once you log in to Facebook, you will notice a ‘shop’ like icon, click on that to enter the marketplace. You will further see some information.
Step-2 On moving forward, Facebook will ask you to add a picture of the stuff you want to sell. They never charge for adding multiple photos to listings. Add the clearest picture of the item and make sure to give as much information as possible.
Step-3 Enter a title that shouldn’t be too long and must clearly describe what you are selling. Remember only 100 characters are allowed.
Step-4 Add a description for your item including as much detail as you can such as size, color, condition, etc.
Step-5 Add price for your item that will be displayed in your local currency. Edit this later, if required.
Step-6 After entering all the details, now, you need to choose a location to advertise and the category that your product belongs to.
If you have reached here, it implies you are done with the process. Facebook will set your item to active so that it can be seen by people. Your product will be sent to the management area where you can interact with buyers and edit your items. This is how Facebook marketplace works.
When you do something, you must know the underlying benefits. If I am asked to tell one of them- it is free of charge. Facebook Marketplace never charges any amount from anyone. I even find Facebook better than Craigslist for many reasons, some of them are listed below:
It may look unnecessary boasting to you, But I have some examples with me of those who have outgrown their businesses by being a part of Facebook Marketplace. Here’s the proof:
“Our sales have increased dramatically. It also gave our Facebook Business page a better presence,” said Danette.
“In the last few months we have seen sales growth of 20-30% attributable directly to Facebook Marketplace.
“Adding Facebook Marketplace was a natural extension.
We are focusing on making it easy to connect with our partners where they are, and making the checkout process as seamless and easy as possible.”
All items that are purchased or sold on Facebook Marketplace need to abide by the rules as set by the social media giant. All the rules, policies and regulations set by Facebook apply to:
If you are wondering what can’t be sold on FB, here are some examples:
If you are not satisfied with what you purchased from a store on Marketplace, here is what you need to do:
Most of the items can be returned within 30 days of delivery except when the sale is final. Check the return policy for a particular item by clicking on the ‘Shipping and Returns’ section of the product page or your order confirmation. Buyers also include the shipping costs of returns, except when the return is covered by Purchase Protection. If you have multiple items in your order, you have to request a return for each of them separately.
Now, if you are ready to sell on Marketplace, I want to recommend you some of the best ways to use FB marketplace for your business.
As always, competition is ever-increasing. Every other day a new marketing strategy hits the market. Businessmen look for opportunities to expand and diversify their sales channel. Facebook Marketplace is one such opportunity that lets people discover, buy and sell items.
List your item and reach the potential buyers, the process is quick, easy, cost-effective and informative. This will open up new business opportunities and people will automatically reach your doorstep.
“If you have an offer that they can’t refuse, the item will be sold in the blink of an eye”.
Facebook Marketplace is already built into your Facebook app or you can use the desktop version via facebook.com. There is no need to download any separate app for it.
Turn your Marketplace notifications ‘on or off’ from notification settings:
Facebook lets you report a seller, buyer, or even hide or report a listing if you don’t find it suitable.
You can manage your listings on marketplace by editing the details, marking your listing as sold or pending or by deleting your listing.
To mark your item as sold:
