From used clothes to collectible sneakers, Facebook makes a bid with its new feature ‘Marketplace’. Only available on the Facebook app, Marketplace takes the form of many already existing free buying/selling sites such as Gumtree and Craigslist.
If you’re putting off making yet again another tedious update, think again.
The new service has only been introduced into four countries, Australia being one of the lucky ones along with New Zealand, USA and the UK and has been reported to have already been visited by 450 million people (CNBC).
Is this a good thing?
Facebook is widely regarded as the best platform for connecting and engaging with other individuals, and has seen a huge rise of public and private localised selling pages in recent times so the fact that they have now consolidated the process can only be a good thing – right?
Well especially if you’re trying to get rid of your used crap!
As mentioned earlier, one of the key advantages of “Marketplace” has, that other entrants don’t, is that it already has the market. Facebook’s user base already dominants its key competitors in the field making short work of any barriers they may be facing.
What does it look like?
Once updated, check the launch bar to see the new “shop” icon down the bottom to access the new function. From here you will be presented with hundreds of localised listings all of which are peer to peer, with transactions free of charge (as in, Facebook doesn’t take a cut).
The layout is simple, and provides the ability to filter into sub-categories and includes a search function – with a radius of up to 100km’s.
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Should you switch?
Like we said before the markets already there and it seems as though the ad localisation is working perfectly.
Still use the old favourites, but another platform to sell can only mean more eyes seeing your stuff.
Top Tips for Selling on Facebook Marketplace
Pricing
If you’re familiar with other free to sell sites, you’re probably well aware of the amount of “low ballers” and time wasters that exist, crawling through the site looking for something for nothing. Ween these guys out straight away by asking for a decent or fair asking price (that is, if you’re not desperate to sell).
Serious buyers are always open to negotiate, and it will ensure that the value of your time is not wasted selling something for 20 bucks.
Look good
Something perhaps more specific to Facebook, but it may not be a bad idea to give your profile a brief review. If you’re trying to sell a higher priced item, let’s say for example a BMW, how do you think a prospective buyer may like to see the person he’s buying it off? Probably more of sensitive topic, suggesting to look a certain way but we’re all about trying to sell here!
Alternately, a cool little function you may not know about – click on those three little dots in your Facebook profile banner. From here it should say “view as” and you will be able to look at what users can visibly see without being your friend. If there is anything you don’t like, just adjust accordingly from the privacy section.
Pictures are everything
Yes, good copy has its place – but with used items, people want to see what they’re opting to buy. Well lit photos with a clean space around the item are always a winner and will do wonders for selling space.
Not only that, if the item is defective in any way don’t try and hide it in the photos – especially if you are listing it in the copy! If buyers can see that you’ve been upfront and honest about the fault and the price somewhat reflects that, you have already built a trust with them.
- Facebook allows you to upload 10 photos per listing.
- Don’t use stock photos – take your own
Now I am aware, that the first picture above, is quite a professional spec. But you’ll be amazed at what an iPhone camera can do under the right lighting.
Choose your copy wisely
As mentioned above, selling second hand is more about pictures, so don’t give a potential buyer a mountain of information.
Just the basics will do
- Name of product
- Price
- Location
- Condition
- Negotiability
In fact, listing it in bullet points is even better and straight to the point.
Final Thought
That’s about it, the rest is pretty self-explanatory. With these tips you are now ready to post your first ad – so hit the sell button, follow through the prompts and thank us later when your friends stop calling you a hoarder!
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