Selling on Facebook: A Step-by-Step Guide

Facebook Marketplace is a legit platform for everyday people to sell their items. It’s primarily something of an online yard sale featuring used items and one-off sales; although there are makers and craftspeople who also depend on selling on Facebook as their primary source of sales. 

Whether you’re looking to unload some clothes or housewares that you’re done with, or hoping to launch a product , here’s a step-by-step guide to help ensure your experience is successful while still being safe and protecting your privacy and identity. 

1. Start with a Solid Profile

• Get a clear and friendly looking profile picture
• Craft a brief bio to state what you sell — highlighting your aesthetic or style — and your general location (just the region or city)
• Double check your privacy setting to ensure your profile is visible to those you want to see it

2. Research your Product

• Search Facebook Marketplace for other listings of the same (or similar) products
• Compare prices and descriptions

3. Stage and Photograph

• Make sure your items are clean so they can be presented in their best shape
• Use natural lighting and take pictures from multiple angles
• If there are flaws, be sure to include close-ups for full transparency in your listing

4. Be Descriptive

• Write a product description that clearly outlines exactly what it is you are offering
• Include mention of any damage or highlight any aspects that make the item special or unique
• Either within the text or as an added line to to bottom, include keywords to make sure the listing shows up in online searches 

5. The Listing

• Price competitively based on your previous research for comparable items
• Select the category most relevant for your listing
• Double check your location parameters so that it is searchable for local buyers

6. Communication Safety

• Use a temporary online Hushed number to preserve your personal privacy
• Your Hushed number does not need to reveal your name or anything else about you — it’s just a safe, anonymous point of contact for the sale 
• Avoid sharing your home address or other identifiable features

7. Stay Safe

• Avoid giving your home address and instead suggest a public location to meet up 
• Bring a friend instead of going alone to the sale
• Cash or PayPal are easy and accessible ways to process the transaction without having to exchange personal banking information

8. Sale Completed

• Once money has exchanged hands, the sale is complete
• Mark the item as sold on Facebook Marketplace 

9. Follow-Up

• Encourage your buyer to leave you a good review to help with future sales
• If it’s someone who might purchase from you again, you can reach out to offer future products and maintain your professional rapport (but do not harass them or message frequently)

10. Bonus Tip: Boosting

• If you haven’t found traction on your efforts for selling on Facebook Marketplace, you might want to consider boosting the post
• By paying a small fee to bump your listing up in the search results you might be able to garner more views which can translate to more sales