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Facebook Marketplace Seller's Guide
Write listings that get serious buyers, filter out time-wasters, and close deals faster.
Write a listing that answers questions before they're asked
The more detail you include upfront, the fewer pointless messages you'll receive. Think about what a serious buyer needs to know and put it in the listing.
- 📸Photos: Take 4–6 clear photos in good lighting. Show all sides, any damage, serial numbers if relevant, and what's included in the box.
- 📝Description: State the condition honestly. Include dimensions, age, reason for selling, and anything that affects value (missing remote, cracked corner, etc.).
- 💲Price: Research what the item actually sells for—not what people are asking. Check completed sales on eBay for realistic comps. Leave a little room for negotiation if you want, but don't overprice so much that you scare off real buyers.
- 📍Pickup details: Mention your general area and whether you can deliver for a fee. "Pickup only in [neighbourhood]" eliminates messages from people 2 hours away.
Responding to messages effectively
You'll get a wave of "Is it available?" messages. Here's how to handle them without losing your mind:
- →Respond with a simple "Yes, still available—when would you like to pick it up?" This immediately separates serious buyers from browsers.
- →If someone doesn't reply after you confirm availability, move on. They were just browsing.
- →Keep a mental (or literal) list of interested buyers. If your first buyer flakes, you have backups.
- →Don't take the item down until money is in your hand. "First to show up with cash" is a legitimate policy.
Setting the pickup
Once a buyer confirms they want the item, get specifics locked in quickly:
"Great! I'm available [day] from [time] to [time]. Does that work? My address is [street/area]—cash only please."
- →Mark the listing as "Pending" once you have a confirmed time.
- →Send a confirmation message the morning of pickup.
- →If they no-show, reactivate the listing and message your next interested buyer.
More on this: Dealing with no-show buyers →
Handling lowball offers
You'll get them. The key is to respond without emotion.
Buyer: "Would you take $20?" (Item listed at $80)
You: "Thanks for the offer—best I can do is $70. Let me know if that works!"
They push back with $30:
You: "I'm going to hold at $70—it's a fair price for the condition. Happy to wait for the right buyer."
Common questions
Should I include "OBO" (or best offer) in my listing? ▼
Only if you genuinely are open to offers. OBO signals flexibility and will attract more messages and lower offers. If you know your floor price, just price it there and skip the negotiation theatre.
Should I ask for a deposit to hold an item? ▼
For high-value items it's reasonable, but many buyers won't agree to it. A better approach is to not take the item down until cash is in hand—keep your backup buyers warm.