As a small business entrepreneur and consultant focused on assisting startup founders, I often recommend Facebook Marketplace to help young ventures make supplemental income, liquidate assets, or even source unique inventory.
With over 1 billion monthly active users on Facebook, Marketplace grants easy access to a massive base of potential buyers and sellers. Whether you‘re decluttering your home or launching an ecommerce side hustle, Marketplace simplifies local peer-to-peer commerce.
Below I‘ve outlined a comprehensive guide on how entrepreneurs and small business owners can access and utilize Facebook Marketplace, with plenty of tips I‘ve picked up consulting many early-stage ventures.
Accessing Facebook Marketplace
Gaining access to Facebook Marketplace only takes a few quick steps on both desktop and mobile. However, you may encounter issues if Marketplace hasn‘t rolled out in your region yet or your account is not in good standing.
Access Marketplace on Desktop
- Log into your Facebook account on your computer browser.
- Click the Marketplace icon on the left sidebar of your News Feed. This looks like a little shopfront icon.
- You‘ll land on the Marketplace homepage. Now you can browse items and categories or search for specific listings.
If the Marketplace icon does not appear for you, try updating your Facebook browser, clearing your cache/cookies, or logging in and out. If it still does not show up, Marketplace may not have launched in your location yet.
Access Marketplace on Mobile
Here are the steps to reach Marketplace on iOS or Android devices:
- Open the Facebook app on your phone.
- Tap the "hamburger menu" (the icon with 3 horizontal lines) in the bottom right.
- Scroll down and select Marketplace.
- You‘ll now be on the Marketplace homepage where you can browse or search listings.
If you cannot see Marketplace as an option in your mobile menu, double check that both the Facebook app and your phone OS are up-to-date. Outdated versions can prevent Marketplace from appearing.
Troubleshooting Access Issues
Here are some troubleshooting steps if Marketplace is still not accessible:
- Confirm your Facebook account meets eligibility rules
- Check if your region supports Marketplace at facebook.com/marketplace/expansion
- Report issues via Facebook Help Center
- Request Marketplace access by reaching out to Facebook support
Joining Facebook Marketplace
To access Facebook Marketplace, make sure your Facebook account meets the following eligibility rules:
- You are 18 years or older
- You are using your authentic full name
- Your account is in "good standing" with no violations
According to Facebook’s latest metrics from Q3 2022, their active user base has reached 2.96 billion with nearly 3 trillion ad impressions per day. So unlocking access means tapping into an engaged marketplace of almost 3 billion people.
Buying Safely on Marketplace
I‘ve picked up several used furnishings and hobby equipment from Marketplace over the years. But blindly meeting strangers from the Internet always poses risks. Here are my top safety tips when buying items in-person on Marketplace:
Research Sellers Thoroughly
The first step I take is vetting a seller’s profile. Warning signs include:
- No profile photo
- Very few posts and friends
- Account was recently created
Positive indicators:
- Detailed bio section
- Numerous posts/photos
- Many friends
A reputable seller with nothing to hide will have a transparent profile. I also scan to see if we have any friends in common.
Meet in Busy Public Spaces
My consulting partner bought a used GoPro camera off Marketplace, asking to meet at a nearby park. But the small park was deserted that afternoon. I now urge both buyers and sellers to choose locations that are:
- Open, spacious areas
- Well-lit spaces with visibility
- High foot traffic from other people
Crowds and witnesses can deter unsafe behavior. Choose swap spots like store parking lots, malls, parks, bookstores, cafes, lobby atriums, or police station parking lots.
Inspect the Item Thoroughly
Before finalizing any transaction, thoroughly inspect the item‘s condition while still together with the seller. Check for:
- Damage not shown in photos
- Missing pieces or parts
- Functionality of electronics
Ask sellers to demonstrate the working condition of appliances, instruments, or vehicles on the spot. Never feel rushed during examinations. If anything seems off, trust your gut feeling.
Selling Successfully on Marketplace
The most successful Marketplace listings utilize high-quality photos with detailed descriptions. As an avid seller myself, I‘ve adopted the following best practices:
Professional Photos Are Paramount
Over half of shoppers say the photos are most important when browsing listings. Use good lighting and shoot at multiple angles to showcase all sides.
- For apparel, shoot flat lay photos plus a wearable photo
- Show vehicle interiors and any mechanical issues
- Capture any scratches, dings or defects
Invest in quality images because that’s the first impression driving potential buyer engagement.
Provide Detailed Descriptions
The written description should provide ample details on the product type, measurements, model numbers, damage, functionality plus contact/shipping info. Recycle relevant info from the eBay or Amazon listing if you previously retailed the item there.
Competitive Pricing Strategy
A big mistake I see from new sellers is pricing items too high relative to similar competing listings. Make sure you‘ve scanned sold items from both local sellers and larger retailers like Amazon or Walmart. The sweet spot is 10-15% below comparable listings.
Promptly Address Prospects
Once an interested buyer contacts you with questions about availability, functionality, shipping options etc, promptly reply within 24 hours while the listing is still fresh in their mind. I prefer communicating over typing phone number digits to text quickly. WhatsApp also streamlines the back and forth relative to Facebook messaging.
Key Takeaways
In closing, here are my top tips for unlocking and leveraging the full potential of Facebook Marketplace:
- Troubleshoot any access issues manually or via Facebook support.
- Research seller profiles and public meeting spots for safety.
- Boost sales with quality photos, descriptions and competitive pricing.
- Respond ASAP to buyer inquiries via calls, texts or WhatsApp.
The active community, expansive reach and seamless peer-to-peer exchange fueled Marketplace‘s rapid rise to account for nearly 20% of Facebook’s total income. I hope this guide has been helpful to anyone launching a small business or side hustle looking to tap this commerce channel. Let me know if you have any other questions in the comments!
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