Published: October 15, 2024
Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes
If you’re looking for a popular, user-friendly platform to sell on, look no further than Facebook Marketplace. A recent article from Capital One Shopping states that in an average month, as many as 1.228 billion people purchase something from the site. In fact, 51.2% of all social media users made their most recent social media purchase from the platform. Shoppers in 227 countries and territories browse Facebook Marketplace every day. This makes it one of the world’s most popular places to sell online. It also stands out as one of the world’s most accessible platforms.
In order to shop in the marketplace, all you need is an active Facebook account. Additionally, to sell on the marketplace, you need either a PayPal account or a bank account for Facebook to deposit your earnings.
But what can and cannot be sold on Facebook Marketplace? Keep reading to learn this as well as the steps to list an item and how to utilize both shipping and in-person pickup.
Summary (TLDR)
- Massive reach: Facebook Marketplace attracts 1.228 billion monthly buyers across 227 countries, making it one of the largest platforms for selling online.
- What you can sell: From used furniture and vehicles to handmade items like jewelry and soap, nearly anything physical can be sold on the platform.
- Restrictions: Prohibited items include alcohol, body parts, used cosmetics, and digital products. Digital items and services are also not allowed.
- Easy listing process: Create a listing with photos, a title, and description, incorporating high-volume keywords from eRank’s Trend Buzz tool for better visibility.
- Delivery options: Offer shipping for smaller items or in-person pickup for larger ones, and note that local pickups incur no additional fees.
What Can You Sell on Facebook Marketplace?
Well…pretty much anything! Most sellers use Facebook Marketplace for resale. So, unsurprisingly, commonly sold items on the platform are used furniture, clothing, and vehicles. However, you’ll find no shortage of handmade jewelry, hand-poured soap, and other artisan goods. It truly has “something for everyone.”
Want to research keywords trending on Facebook Marketplace? Check out eRank’s Trend Buzz, located under the TRENDS section of the main eRank menu. This tool helps you discover what keywords are trending on Facebook Marketplace as well as other popular marketplaces and is updated daily.
The Trend Buzz shows you the top 100 trending searches for Facebook Marketplace. Click the star next to any term to add it to a Keyword List and then use your list to compile terms for your listings’ SEO, assess the search volumes, and examine the competition.
What Is Not Allowed on Facebook Marketplace?
Facebook does not allow the sale of alcohol, body parts and fluids, and used cosmetics, just to name a few. . View a full list of restricted items in the Facebook Marketplace Policies. Most items listed are not surprising.
Also note that you cannot sell services of any kind or digital products on the marketplace. If your business doesn’t include physical products, this may not be the platform for you.
How Do You List an Item on Facebook Marketplace?
Listing an item is a quick and easy process. After you list your item, the algorithm inserts it into local searches for items with similar keywords. When shoppers search for an item, the marketplace defaults to displaying listings that are local to them.
To list your item:
- Log into your Facebook account.
- In the main menu on the left, click MARKETPLACE.
- Select CREATE NEW LISTING.
- Unless you’re listing a vehicle, house, or apartment, click ITEM FOR SALE to go to the listing editor.
- Upload your item’s photos. You have the option to add a short video of the item as well.
- On the left side of the screen, use the fields to add a title, price, category, condition, and short description for your item. Remember to work in any high-volume keywords that you found in eRank’s Trend Buzz into the title and description but in a way that sounds natural.
- Click the down arrow (⌄) underneath MORE DETAILS to reveal more (optional) fields such as color, material, and SKU. Add as many as you’d like.
- Use the first toggle button underneath the SKU field to boost your listing—in other words, opt to pay Facebook to turn your listing into an ad. Use the second toggle button to hide your listing from your Facebook friends. Both these selections are optional.
- Click NEXT in the bottom left corner. This takes you to DELIVERY METHOD, where you select how to deliver your item to its purchaser. (If you need help with this, it is discussed in more detail in the next section.)
- Click NEXT in the bottom left corner.
- Here, decide if you wish to publish your listing in any Facebook groups that you’re a member—in addition to the main marketplace. NOTE: If you decide to do this, be sure to read the rules in the group beforehand. Many groups do not allow members to sell items in them.
- Click PUBLISH in the bottom left corner, and you’re done!
What is the Best Delivery Method?
When selling an item on Facebook Marketplace, shipping may be ideal for smaller items, especially if the purchaser lives far away. However, please note that this incurs a 10% fee (or a minimum of $0.80) for each item purchased with shipping and checkout.
For larger items, offering local pickup is often easier for both you and your customers. Weighing, measuring, and crating a large item to ship can prove to be a hassle. Same with receiving a large item, especially if the recipient lives in an upper-level apartment! Facebook does not charge the 10% fee for local pickup.
If completing a local transaction in person, make sure to meet your customer during the daytime in a well-lit, busy area. All police stations in the US and Canada allow transactions of this kind on their property (parking lot, sidewalk, etc).
Start Selling
Facebook Marketplace offers an easy, accessible platform for sellers of all types, from resellers to handmade artisans. With its massive global reach and user-friendly tools, it provides a great opportunity to connect with local buyers and grow your business. By following the tips outlined here and using tools like eRank’s Trend Buzz for keyword optimization, you can maximize your visibility and sales on one of the world’s most popular marketplaces.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
5 Essential eRank Tools for Handmade Business Owners–eRank Blog
Prepare for Cyber Weekend–eRank Blog