How to Use Facebook Marketplace on Mobile (2024)

Facebook Marketplace offers a simple and efficient way to connect with buyers and sellers in your area, and it’s even more accessible on mobile devices. If you’re new to the platform or looking for some tips to streamline your experience, you’re in the right place.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to navigate the app and make the most out of your marketplace experience on your mobile device.

How to Use Facebook Marketplace on Mobile Device

With a mobile-friendly interface, users can access and explore Facebook Marketplace easily and conveniently. Whether you’re looking to purchase a new item or sell an old one, the platform has all you need.

Follow these steps to start using Facebook Marketplace on your phone:

1. Launch the Facebook app on your phone.
   
2. At the top of the page, there’s a row of icons. Tap on the “Marketplace” icon, which looks like a little storefront.
   
3. You can browse through the items available for sale by category, scroll through the listings, or by using the search bar at the top-right of the screen.
   
4. When you’re interested in an item, hit on it to view more details. You’ll see the product description and the seller profile.
   
5. If you want to ask for some details or buy the item, you can tap on the “Message” box to contact the seller and arrange the transaction.
   

How to Sell Goods on Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace can be a fantastic option if you’re looking for a quick and simple method to sell your goods online. Here’s what you can do:

1. Log in to your Facebook app.
   
2. Look for the “Marketplace” icon in the navigation bar at the top of the page. It looks like a storefront. Press on it to go to the Marketplace.
   
3. Tap on the “Sell” button in the top-left corner of the screen, then select the type of products you wish to sell.
   
4. You’ll be directed to a page where you should describe the details of your product. You need to upload photos of your product (up to 10), create the title for your post, set the price, select the category, explain the condition (new or used), and add other details if necessary. Don’t forget to set your location for better audience targeting.
   
5. Click “Publish” at the top right corner of the screen to make your listing visible to all Facebook users.
   

Before publishing, you can also make some adjustments under the “Listing Options” section. It enables you to hide your listing from friends, promote it to reach more prospective buyers, broadcast it in various sell groups, and include extra listing options.

By selecting the “Additional listing options,” you can change the availability of the product you’ve listed for sale (as a single item or in stock), determine the shipping options, or specify your preferred method of meeting with the buyer (public meetup, door pickup, or door dropoff).

Don’t Sell These Items on Facebook Marketplace

In Facebook Marketplace, some categories of items may be restricted from sale due to safety and legal concerns. Make sure to read Facebook’s policies on prohibited items before attempting to sell anything.

Here are some items that you can’t sell on Facebook Marketplace:

Non-Physical Products

Facebook Marketplace only allows the sale of physical products. That means you can’t sell digital subscriptions (such as Netflix and Spotify subscriptions), downloadable digital content (including films, PDFs, music, games, etc.), gift cards and vouchers, and digital accounts (like Netflix or game accounts).

Services

The marketplace is designed for the sale of physical goods only, and as such, selling services on the platform is not allowed. These services include house cleaning, plumbing, photography, wedding planning, automotive maintenance, spa and salon, car rentals, hotel accommodations, airline services, etc.

Animals

Facebook does not allow the sale of live animals, including posting about animals for adoption. This is to protect animals from exploitation and being sold to unsuitable homes.

Adult products

The platform strictly prohibits adult products, such as sex toys and anything related to nudity or p*rnography.

Healthcare-Related Items

You’re not allowed to sell healthcare products, such as thermometers, testing kits for diseases, first-aid kits, contact lenses, and breast pumps. This might be due to the potential risks associated with selling medical devices and products, and concerns about the sale of counterfeit or unregulated items.

Items With Before and After Photos

The Facebook Marketplace does not allow listings that feature before and after pictures, such as weight loss products or cosmetic procedures. This is to prevent misleading or deceptive advertising and to ensure that all listings accurately represent the items for sale.

In addition, there are also other products that you should avoid selling on Facebook Marketplace, such as tobacco products, currency or virtual currency, alcoholic drinks, weapons, ammunition, and explosives.

How to Find a Reputable Seller on Facebook Marketplace

When buying items on Facebook Marketplace, it’s important to find reputable sellers to avoid scams or purchasing faulty products. Here are some tips to help you find reputable sellers:

Check the Seller’s Profile

Click on the seller’s name to view their Facebook profile. Look for details such as how long they have been on Facebook, their profile picture, and the number of friends they have. A reputable seller typically has an established Facebook presence with many friends and an active profile.

Look at the Seller’s Ratings

Facebook Marketplace has a rating system, where buyers can rate sellers based on their experiences. Look for sellers with a high rating, as this is a good indicator of their reputation.

Ask Questions

Before making a purchase, ask the seller questions about the item. Reputable sellers will be happy to answer any questions you have and provide you with additional information or photos.

Look For Clear Photos

Sellers should provide clear photos of the item they are selling. Look for photos that show the item from multiple angles, as this will help you get a better idea of its condition.

Be Cautious of Low Prices

If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often list items at prices that are too low to attract buyers, so be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.

Meet in a Public Place

When meeting with the seller to purchase the item, choose a public location, such as a coffee shop or shopping mall. This will ensure your safety and help you avoid any potential scams.

The Benefits of Using Facebook Marketplace

Whether you’re looking to declutter your home or find great deals on items, Facebook Marketplace is a great place to start. Here are some benefits of using Facebook Marketplace:

Easy to Use

Facebook Marketplace is integrated into the Facebook app, making it easily accessible. With just a few taps, you can start browsing listings or post items for sale. The interface is intuitive, and you can easily search for specific items or browse by category.

Large Audience

With over two billion active users worldwide, Facebook Marketplace offers a massive audience for sellers to reach potential buyers. You can target your listings to specific locations, making it easier for local buyers to find your items.

Local Buying and Selling

Facebook Marketplace is designed to help users buy and sell items locally. This feature is particularly useful for buyers who want to find items within their immediate vicinity, and for sellers who want to reduce shipping costs and reach local buyers. Additionally, Facebook Marketplace allows buyers and sellers to communicate directly, making it easier to arrange in-person transactions.

Free to Use

Facebook Marketplace is completely free to use. You can list items for sale, communicate with buyers or sellers, and make transactions without paying any fees or commissions. Sellers keep all the profits from their sales, which makes it an attractive option for people who want to sell items without incurring additional costs.

Trustworthy Community

Facebook Marketplace is built on a trusted community. All users have a Facebook profile which includes their name, profile picture, and location, which can help buyers and sellers feel more comfortable during transactions.

Facebook also provides a rating system, which allows buyers to leave feedback for sellers based on their experience. This system helps users identify trustworthy sellers and avoid scams.

Safe Transactions

Facebook Marketplace provides a secure platform for buyers and sellers to communicate and make transactions. Don’t send money to a seller’s bank account straight away when making a purchase.

It is suggested that you use PayPal or other secure person-to-person payment platforms, which can help guarantee a secure and dependable transaction. Both the buyer and the seller can rest easy knowing the transaction is safe and private by using a reputable third-party payment site.

Alternatively, you can arrange in-person transactions, which can be safer for both parties because it allows buyers to inspect items before making a purchase.

Don’t Miss the Opportunity to Grow

Facebook Marketplace presents an excellent opportunity for small businesses to expand their reach and connect with a wider audience. By utilizing the platform’s easy-to-use interface and large audience, small businesses can increase their sales and grow their customer base.

So, if you’re a small business owner, don’t miss out on this opportunity. Start exploring Facebook Marketplace today and see how it can help your business reach new heights.

How often do you use Facebook Marketplace for buying or selling items? What improvements do you believe Facebook Marketplace can make? Let us know in the comment section below.