Amazon sold Echos below cost, hoping for more Alexa shopping. Spoiler: it didn’t work. Venmo transactions aren’t private, and how your ‘digital twin’ could save your life. Also, Phil from Indiana isn’t happy about his ex-wife FaceTiming their kids at his place.
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.
Tech tip: How to use your phone to pay for everything
Get ready to ditch your old wallet for a faster, safer option. Instead of swiping your card at checkout, you only have to hold up your phone. Apple and Android smartphones allow you to pay for everything from your next latte to your new favorite sweater using built-in apps.
Wyoming’s No. 1: It’s the first state with its own U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin. The goal? Faster, cheaper transactions and more revenue for the state. Next year, public audits will show how many tokens are in circulation and the exact amount in the bank. Translation: There’s a real dollar in the bank for every crypto coin.
Use Venmo? Here's what secrets people discovered thanks to the payment app
As with any payment application, you would assume that your transactions are private. However, that isn’t the case with Venmo if you don’t make this change to security settings. As researchers exposed their spending habits, several politicians found this out the hard way.
Selling stuff? Apps and sites better than Craigslist
Back in the day, Craigslist was the go-to way to sell your old stuff online. We have all heard the stories of when things go wrong. It’s a reason why many local police departments let you conduct transactions in their facilities.
Your Venmo transactions aren't private
You know who can see your Venmo transactions? Spoiler: everyone. Here’s how to keep your payment history on the down-low.
Your venmo history may be public
By default your transactions history is public in venmo, here is how to turn it off.
TikTok caught tracking user data. Another nail in the coffin?
TikTok has been a hot-button topic in the news as of late. On one hand, the app is more popular than ever — with more than 100 million registered users in the U.S. alone. On the other, the app has become a security concern for the U.S. government due to threats of espionage and data collection from Chinese government affiliates.