As you know, I’ve been selling everything we own on Facebook Marketplace. Okay, not everything, but we’ve certainly sold a decent amount of stuff. Today, I thought I would share some tips on successfully selling on this online platform.
Try to detach emotionally from your belongings.
This was probably the hardest part of selling my belongings. When I felt emotionally attached to an item (i.e. baby gear), I listed the item for too much money. For instance, it took me a while to figure out that the Baby Einstein Exersuacer we used with 5 babies wasn’t worth $50 anymore. It was a hard pill to swallow. Make sure you’re being reasonable in your expectations. No-one is going to pay top dollar for used and outdated items.
Be ready to field a million questions.
No matter how descriptive I was in my listing, I would always get 400 more questions about the item. Honestly, at times managing my listings felt like a full time job. I was constantly responding to people who were interested in an item. However, if you’re serious about selling your things, it’s important to take the time to fully answer each inquiry.
Expect to be disappointed with some buyers.
Unfortunately, people can be rude. Some people would set up a time to purchase an item, and then not show up. Other people would push a pickup time back by hours and even days! At times, it was a frustrating experience. However, most people do show up, on time, with money in hand. So keep trying, even when people aren’t being considerate of your time.
Always include a picture.
I always include a picture in my listings. Additionally, I usually clean the item and take it to a well-lit area before snapping my photos. Presenting an item in the best possible light will get you the most return.
Be prepared to negotiate.
I learned quickly that most people expect you have some wiggle room in your price. People typically ask “Is this still available?” and follow up with “Would you accept $___?”. It’s okay to refuse an offer, but always respond back with a counteroffer. I was usually always willing to knock $5 off. In one instance, I knocked $25 off. It all depends on the price and the condition of the item.
So there you have it – my top tips for selling on Facebook Marketplace. If you are in the process of decluttering your house, hopefully these pointers will help you earn a little extra cash in the process. Even if your intent is not to make extra money, I have found that people will take almost anything listed for free. Good luck!