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Bestselling items on Facebook Marketplace – and how to score them
There’s a lot of weird stuff for sale on Facebook Marketplace. It’s not just old strollers, an elliptical that collected dust for three years and a gross old couch. We’re talking drugs and a lot more … adult things.
But if you can sift through the strange listings, low-ballers and flaky folks who never respond, there are a lot of deals to be had and money to be made if you’re the one selling.
Insider Monkey rounded up the top five hottest-selling categories on Facebook Marketplace based on keyword search interest. Let’s go through the list, and I’ve got pro tips to help you snag a good deal or make the most cash.
Top 5 Facebook Marketplace categories
🏋️♀️ Fitness equipment, 11.13 million searches
Fitness equipment priced too low might not be too good to be true. Many people don’t know the actual value of what they have — or they need to dump it quickly because they’re moving. That stuff is a pain to lug around. Either way, you win.
Selling? Give your gear a thorough once-over so you know what you’re selling. For bigger equipment, include the manufacturer name and model number if possible. For weights and all the rest, take enough pictures to make the condition clear.
🏡 Rugs, 11.32 million searches
Look for rugs with high-quality, natural fibers like wool, silk or cotton. They’ll last the longest. If a listing doesn’t include this information, ask the seller.
Selling? List the dimensions so you don’t have to keep fielding that question. Include high-resolution photos of your rug from several different angles, too. It’ll help you sell it faster. Call out imperfections, like fraying and staining, and whether the rug comes from a smoke-free or pet-free home. (These are key phrases!)
👠 Shoes, 12.01 million searches
Freshen up used shoes before wearing them. Replace the insoles if they’re too worn or dirty. Disinfect the insides of the shoes with spray or wipes. Baking soda and vinegar kill fungus in sneakers, and rubbing alcohol disinfects suede and leather.
Selling? Think of worn shoes like used cars. They depreciate as soon as you drive them off the lot. If you wore the shoes once, list them for 50% of what you paid. Anything worn five times or more should be listed between 30% to 40% retail value, max.
📱 Phone accessories, 13.14 million searches
Look for sellers who bundle phone accessories, like a few phone cases and a charger, to get the most savings. Oh, and stay away from used earbuds. Even if you find a great deal, remember they’ve been in someone else’s ears.
Selling? Make sure the accessories you want to sell are for phones that are currently in use. Sorry, but you can toss the charger for your hot pink original Razor. (I had one, too!)
🧸 Toys and games, 69.6 million searches
I must say the obvious: Don’t buy used stuffed animals on Facebook Marketplace. You have no idea where they’ve been or what bacteria or bugs they’re carrying. LEGOs are tempting, but remember they’re the toughest to clean and disinfect.
Selling? Check the list of popular toys released around the holidays. Think Cabbage Patch Kids or a Furby back in the day. If you’re selling a hot item or something similar, you’ll get rid of them quickly and make top dollar.
Pro tips for selling on Facebook Marketplace
Selling on Facebook Marketplace can be a great way to earn extra cash, but it’s critical to do it safely. Here are tips to help you sell securely and successfully:
- Create clear, honest listings: Describe items accurately, including any defects or wear and tear. Use your own photos rather than stock images. This transparency builds trust with buyers and helps avoid disputes.
- Protect personal information: Avoid sharing details like your home address or phone number in the listing. Use Facebook Messenger for communication. Only share your address or contact number if absolutely necessary, and do so privately.
- Meet in public: For in-person transactions, meet in a public, well-lit area, preferably during daylight. Some police stations offer safe zones for online transactions. Always inform a friend or family member about the meeting, or take someone with you.
- Consider cashless payments: To avoid handling cash and to have a record of the transaction, consider using a secure payment method like PayPal. Avoid accepting checks or money orders, as they can be fraudulent.
- Be cautious with shipping: If you’re shipping items, receive payment first. Use a trackable shipping method and consider insurance for expensive items. Keep a record of all shipping and transaction details.
- Price items wisely: Research similar items on FB Marketplace to set a competitive and fair price. Be prepared for negotiation, but know your lowest acceptable price to avoid underselling.
- Avoid over-sharing in your profile: When using Facebook Marketplace, remember that potential buyers can view your public profile. Limit the amount of personal information visible to people you aren’t friends with.
- Trust your instincts: If a deal feels too good to be true, or if a buyer seems suspicious, it’s OK to back out. Safety should always be your top priority.
By following these tips, you can make your selling experience on Facebook Marketplace profitable, safe and enjoyable.
Tags: accessories, categories, Facebook, Facebook Marketplace, personal information, phone accessories, safety, selling, shipping, shoes, tips and tricks, transactions
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