How does selling something on Facebook Marketplace work

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October 3, 2016April 23, 2020

How does selling something on Facebook Marketplace work

For the latest information on how to use Marketplace, visit our Help Center. 

Facebook is where people connect, and in recent years more people have been using Facebook to connect in another way: buying and selling with each other. This activity started in Facebook Groups and has grown substantially. More than 450 million people visit buy and sell groups each month — from families in a local neighborhood to collectors around the world.

To help people make more of these connections, today we’re introducing Marketplace, a convenient destination to discover, buy and sell items with people in your community. Marketplace makes it easy to find new things you’ll love, and find a new home for the things you’re ready to part with. We’ll continue to build new options and features to make this the best experience for people. 

To visit Marketplace, just tap on the shop icon at the bottom of the Facebook app and start exploring.

How does selling something on Facebook Marketplace work

Discover Items for Sale Near You

Marketplace opens with photos of items that people near you have listed for sale. To find something specific, search at the top and filter your results by location, category or price. You can also browse what’s available in a variety of categories such as Household, Electronics and Apparel. Use the built-in location tool to adjust the region you’re looking in, or switch to a different city altogether.

When you find something interesting, tap on the image to see more details from the seller, including a product description, the name and profile photo of the seller, and their general location. You can also save the item to find it later.

How does selling something on Facebook Marketplace work

Decided that you want it? Send the seller a direct message from Marketplace to tell them you’re interested and make an offer. From that point on, you and the seller can work out the details in any way you choose. Facebook does not facilitate the payment or delivery of items in Marketplace.

How does selling something on Facebook Marketplace work

Post Items for Sale in Just a Few Steps

Selling an item in Marketplace is just as easy as browsing for one. Simply:

  1. Take a photo of your item, or add it from your camera roll
  2. Enter a product name, description and price
  3. Confirm your location and select a category
  4. Post

How does selling something on Facebook Marketplace work

Now anyone looking in your area can find your item and message you if they want to buy it. You can also choose to post to Marketplace and a specific buy and sell group at the same time.

To keep track of all of your current and past transactions in Marketplace, visit the Your Items section. There, you can view your saved items, products you’ve posted for sale, and all your messages with people.

Now in Four Countries, With More to Come
Over the next few days, Marketplace will be rolling out to everyone over 18 years old in the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand on the Facebook app for iPhone and Android. We will continue expanding to additional countries and make Marketplace available on the desktop version of Facebook in the coming months.



  • You can sell items on Facebook Marketplace via the desktop website or mobile app.
  • Facebook Marketplace is only supported in the US and there are restrictions on what you can sell.
  • How you get paid is up to you and Facebook doesn't charge a fee — unless you're selling as a shop.

Selling your stuff online has become a popular alternative to garage sales. For casual sellers, Facebook Marketplace is a free option that connects you with potential buyers in your area. But there are restrictions to what you can sell, and it can take a bit of know-how to stand out on the platform.

Here's what you should know about selling on Facebook Marketplace.

How to sell on Facebook Marketplace

You can use Facebook Marketplace on either desktop or mobile.

On desktop

1. Open Facebook and log in to your account, if needed.

2. Click Marketplace, located in the left sidebar.

Select "Marketplace" in the sidebar. Devon Delfino

3. Click Create New Listing.

Select "Create new listing" to begin. Devon Delfino

4. Select Item for Sale.

You can choose item for sale to sell on the Marketplace. Devon Delfino

5. Click Add Photos and upload a photo of your item.

Add at least one photo to your listing. Devon Delfino

6. Add the information about your item. Enter 0 as the price if you want to list it as a free item. Select Next.

7. Choose the delivery method, if needed, and hit Next.

You may need to choose a delivery method to move forward. Devon Delfino

8. Click Publish to post the listing.

On mobile

1. Open the Facebook app and log in to your account, if necessary.

2. Tap the Marketplace tap, located in the center of the bottom toolbar.

Go into the Marketplace to start making a listing. Devon Delfino

3. Select Sell.

Hit the "Sell" button. Devon Delfino

4. In the pop-up, under Create New Listing, choose Items.

Select "Items" from the list of options. Devon Delfino

5. Add the information about your item, and at least one photo, and hit Next.

Add your description and a photo. Devon Delfino

6. Choose a delivery method and hit Publish.

Tap "Publish" to finish your listing. Devon Delfino

Facebook Marketplace payment details

The payment method on Facebook Marketplace is up to the seller. But the company recommends using Messenger or PayPal to get paid at the time of sale. 

You can also use Messenger to decide what method of payment works best for both parties. For example, if you prefer PayPal or Venmo, but the buyer doesn't have those, you might talk about a cash handoff when they pick up their item, provided they're local.

Facebook Marketplace shipping and returns

You can only use the shipping feature if you're selling as a shop. That means you'll also be subject to a selling fee of 5% per shipment, or a flat fee of $0.40 for shipments of $8.00 or less.

Once you've signed up for online checkout and shipping, you'll have a set amount of time after each purchase to ship the item to the buyer. Otherwise, the order will be deleted or canceled by Facebook. You can either choose to cover the shipping costs yourself or let the buyer pay. You must add tracking information and mark the package as shipped to get paid on items that use the shipping option.

If the buyer requests a refund, you'll have two business days to respond and attempt to resolve the issue. And any refunds have to be issued within two business days from when you receive the returned items.

Tips for selling on Facebook Marketplace 

Since many sellers are on the Marketplace, it pays to stand out. Here are some tips to help you do that:

  • Check out the competition and price your items competitively.
  • Take high-quality photos using good lighting.
  • Reply to questions in a timely manner.
  • Provide as many details as you can in the item description.
  • Say that you are open to offers and negotiate.
  • Use tags to make your listings easier to find.

You should also familiarize yourself with the acronyms commonly used on the Marketplace so you can use them as well:

  • PM: personal message
  • OBO: or best offer
  • NWT: new with tags
  • PUP: pick-up pending
  • NIL: next in line

Devon Delfino is a Brooklyn-based freelance journalist specializing in personal finance, culture, politics, and identity. Her work has been featured in publications such as The Los Angeles Times, Teen Vogue, Business Insider, and CNBC. Follow her on Twitter at @devondelfino.

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What happens when you sell on Facebook Marketplace?

After you sell an item on Facebook Marketplace, you have three business days from checkout to ship it using any carrier that has tracking services. For sellers used to different delivery methods, you will want to readjust to ensure that your items arrive in a timely manner and that there aren't any issues.

How do you get paid with Facebook Marketplace?

In order to get paid, you must mark your item as shipped and enter a tracking number. Learn more about how to get paid for something you sold with shipping on Marketplace. I need to change my bank account info. You can change your account detailsfor payouts on Marketplace at any time.

How much does Facebook Marketplace take from a sale?

When you make a sale, we deduct a fee from your payout automatically. We call this a selling fee. The selling fee is 5% per shipment, or a flat fee of $0.40 for shipments of $8.00 or less.

Is selling on Facebook Marketplace worth it?

It's great to sell exciting, trendy stuff, but reliable ecommerce best-sellers tend to fly under the radar. Facebook Marketplace is a great place to sell everyday household items like furniture, cleaning supplies, books, and glassware. There will always be demand for these kinds of products.