I’ve become obsessed with shopping on Facebook Marketplace. Who would have known it would ever become more popular than Craigslist? Over the years I’ve used other selling apps such as Offer Up and Let Go, but they all seem dead in comparison. And let me tell you guys, in my area Craigslist is really, really dead. All of the people are on Facebook Marketplace! So I’ve compiled a list of tips to help you guys who may be new to buying on the app or may have not had great success on it in the past. Whatever the case is, I hope you guys find something sweet!

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When you see something, act on it.

Often times the first person to inquire about an item is the first person to have dibs on it. If you see something you’re very interested in, even if you just have a question about it, send a message to the seller. If the seller operates with any amount of morality, they will sell to the first person who messaged them that agrees on a price and time to pick the item up. Also, the sooner you can pick it up, at their convenience of course, the better for the seller.

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Save items you’re interested in.

I love doing this for an item that I think may be priced too high or if I don’t exactly have a plan or place in my home for an item I like and need time to ponder over it. The best thing about this tool is that once you save an item, you will receive notifications on it. So if the item has been receiving a ton of views and may risk being sold soon, Facebook will notify you. Also, If the seller drops the price on an item you’ve saved, you’ll receive a notification. If you’re unsure of how to save an item on Facebook Marketplace, click here.

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Check in often.

Getting a good deal and finding unique items is partly luck, so in order for the odds to be in your favor, you have to check the app frequently. Checking frequently will increase your chances to be the first person to message someone about an item and also to be the first person to see a price drop on an item you’ve saved.

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Utilize the search tool.

Sure, you can scroll through the marketplace aimlessly and see what you happen upon, but using the search tool will work in your favor. I often searchi for brands I love like “Anthropologie,” or “West Elm” just to see if anyone is getting rid of something they purchased recently that didn't work out. If you’re looking for a coffee table, for example try searching “table,” “coffee table,” or “living room furniture.” You can’t predict how the seller may have labeled an item, so searching using specific keywords is essential.

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Bargain, but only if you think it’s fair.

More often than not, I price my items to sell on Facebook Marketplace. And what I mean by that is that I list it for a fair price. I’m not as open to bargaining if I think I listed it for the lowest price I’m comfortable with. I want the person buying the item to feel they got a deal all the while feeling like I was compensated for my item’s worth. It’s a tricky thing, honestly. So when you see an enormous area rug in really good condition and the seller is only asking 50 bucks for it, maybe don’t try to talk them down. Clearly, it is priced to sell and they will appreciate that you didn't. On the other hand, if the item has been listed for a week and seems a bit pricey, it doesn’t hurt to offer a little less for it. Sometimes people just want things gone and will take what they can get. Use your best judgment and be fair.

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Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Not everyone on the marketplace is a seasoned seller. Sometimes they forget to list things like how long an item was used, whether or not they smoke, or the dimensions of an item. If you have questions about something, ask. It will save you a lot of time and trouble to be forthcoming on your inquiries.

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See the potential.

This is something I pride myself in. A little bit of paint can go a long way when it comes to sprucing something up. If you see something that has good “bones” as I like to say, use your imagination. Can you enhance an item by simply cleaning it up? Can you paint it a different color? Sometimes things just need a little love and they will find a special place in your home if you’re the one to give it. A good example is this desk I found on Facebook Marketplace listed for only 45 bucks, My word, this thing had seen better days, but I knew it had potential. It was dirty, beaten up and even had some veneer missing.

When I picked it up, the seller told me she had received dozens of messages about this desk and that I was the lucky first person that agreed to come get it. I didn’t try to negotiate on this. It was priced for 45 dollars and I really felt that was fair. Surprisingly, I fit this thing in the back of my Volkswagen Jetta! I really need to get an SUV or truck because I often find myself trying to fit large pieces of furniture into my tiny car. I transformed this thing in just a few hours and now it is a beautiful charcoal colored writing desk in my living room. Pretty amazing right?

I have an entire tutorial on how I chalk painted and distressed this desk on my Youtube channel. Check it out below.

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Keep it local.

So you get a great deal on a pair of nightstands for your bedroom. They’re practically brand new and everything you’ve been searching for to complete the look in your bedroom. The seller says they purchased them originally for 200 dollars and only wants 50 bucks for the pair. What a deal! You're giddy with excitement, feeling so lucky to have happened on such a great bargain when you realize something. The items are pickup only and the seller lives an hour away. This is a point in the process where you have to decide if it’s worth the time and money to purchase these. If it’s worth the time and effort, then great, but if it’s not, definitely keep looking. A deal in your town will eventually come along.

Wishing you all luck in your hunt! Leave a comment below and let me know the best thing you’ve happened upon thrifting or on the marketplace.
x Megan