How to earn a few extra bucks on Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is one of the newest ways to sell your personal goods to a large audience, with users often selling anything from clothing to cars to furniture.
The ads are written in a Craigslist fashion and can be viewed by anyone within a 100-mile radius of you.
Facebook Marketplace is not just limited to your friends on Facebook. It is in a venue type format and not a facilitator; the sale details are strictly between the buyers and the sellers.
Facebook does not receive any of the profits, yet this comes with zero protection to either party. The advantage of Facebook Marketplace over Craigslist is that it is linked to Facebook accounts so that you can verify who you are talking to.
When you are starting with Facebook Marketplace, it can be easy to be overwhelmed. Listed below are a few tips so you can get started easily, and begin to make a few bucks as soon as possible.
1. Post high-quality photos
Your first picture posted should be eye-catching and attractive, because the format of the marketplace is geared towards visuals.
The picture should be as focused and lit as possible. Any background clutter should be pushed out of the way, and the item should be cleaned so it is in its best condition.
Pictures should be taken at all different angles so that users can get a good idea of what they are posting.
It is recommended to use your own photographs instead of stock photographs so people feel they are looking at something authentic.
2. Set your prices higher than wanted
Most users on Facebook’s Marketplace will try to bargain down way lower than your set price.
A good reference for listing basis would be websites like eBay or Amazon.
Chances are you will not get the same price because eBay gives more protection to the buyers, but it will give you a solid idea.
People do not pay more than the price listed, but it is important to have an open mind toward negotiating.
3. List every item separately
As mentioned previously, Facebook Marketplace is picture-based and it is easier to show items separately than having them combined in the same post.
Buyers are less likely to swipe through multiple photos just to check if you have the item that they are looking for.
For example, if you have a group selling Christmas trees, it is better to post every tree separately so that users really take the time to check out each tree.
4. Consider your personal profile
One of the main differences between Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace is that the marketplace is directly linked to your profile.
Users can check your profile and see your name and other personal information.
This normally makes customers feel more comfortable than purchasing from someone they have no information about.
It is important to remember that you want your public profile to look presentable and somewhat professional.
Customers have to believe that you are trustworthy and will not end up scamming them. Facebook Marketplace creators recommend a profile picture that is lit well and is clear.
Be sure to double check what your privacy settings are before trying to sell something on the marketplace.
You want to be aware of what strangers are going to see if they happen to stumble across your page.
5. Make the sale as soon as possible
Do not waste time when making sales.
If a customer reaches out to you, return the message as soon as possible.
Some customers will move on to the next item if they do not hear from you in a timely manner.
Have you tried selling products on the Facebook Marketplace? What has been your experience so far? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
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