Selling on Facebook Marketplace – how to increase your sales?
Facebook Marketplace - how to sell more on this platform?
Trading using virtual platforms is very popular, as evidenced by the number and size of sites providing such services (examples include Amazon and Aliexpress). Social media also have their share in this field. Facebook is opening its own marketplace called Marketplace. Since 2016, on the most recognizable portal in the world, you can not only chat with friends, but also sell an old book or used clothes.
What is Facebook Marketplace?
The Marketplace allows you to put your things up for sale. Thanks to the combination of an online marketplace with a social network, it is easier to advertise your offer among friends and people in the neighbourhood. The function is designed for local sales by private persons, so you will not find here advanced sales tools. However, there are no restrictions on the type of items you can sell. They just have to comply with Facebook’s commercial guidelines. Even a car or house can be put up for sale.
Is this a good place for companies?
The essence of Facebook Marketplace is to enable the sale of second-hand items between individuals. This does not mean that companies cannot place their offers on this site. They only have to use a private account for this purpose (a fictitious account can also be used). However, it is worth knowing that there is another section on Facebook for entrepreneurs. The Facebook shop is often mistakenly identified with the Marketplace, but these are two completely separate subpages.
The Shop is a company section linked to the company’s Fanpage, in which products for sale are presented together with links leading to the e-shop. Transactions between the company and customers are carried out outside Facebook in this case.
Marketplace vs. e-stores
Although Facebook created its local sales marketplace for individuals, entrepreneurs quickly found a way to take advantage of the new opportunities. They gained a new sales channel that perfectly complements their own online shops. How are they using the new tool?
- To display relevant ads, allowing to redirect to online shop. Combining Marketplace with other Facebook options (including sales groups) makes it easier to reach many more customers.
- To dispose of individual products that are remain in stock.
- To sell faulty goods or second quality products that they don’t want to offer in the official shop.
- To redirect to the main offer of their official online shop.
Sales offers from entrepreneurs quickly appeared on Marketplace and became a permanent feature of this section of the portal, despite Facebook’s efforts.
Doing business in the Facebook Marketplace
What can you find in the Marketplace? Almost everything:
- used items such as books or games,
- decorations and basic home furnishings,
- furniture, rtv equipment and household appliances,
- potted plants,
- used cars,
- bicycles,
- computers and other electronic equipments,
- house or flat,
- real estate, plot or building.
Facebook allows you to buy almost any product from people living near you. But how do transactions take place on this platform?
Adding an ad to the Marketplace
To go to the Marketplace, select this option in News. You will find the option to create a new ad. In the next step, you select the item for sale. Now you can give the exact characteristics of the item for sale. Start by adding a photo so that others can quickly see what you have for sale and what condition it is in. Then enter all the necessary details. You can also put a price on the item you are selling. If you are interested in giving something away for free, enter a price of 0.00.
When the offer is fully described, you can click “next”. If you do not have this option, please check that all fields have been filled in correctly. Finally, you can publish your ad on the Marketplace. From now on, it is also visible to other users.
Sale and purchase
Facebook does not offer a sales or payment system. For this reason, if you are interested in a product, you must write a message to the seller. The transaction depends on your arrangements. Marketplace does not protect your payments, so it is advisable to use cash on delivery or self-pick up. However, Facebook does not hide information about other ways to complete the transaction (such as simple bank transfer and send by courier).
Shipping
Once the item has been sold, you should complete the transaction as agreed. The safest way to complete the purchase is self-pickup. You can check whether the device is as described and works properly. If the distance is too long, a safe option is cash on delivery. However, the seller may require you to pay part of the shipping fee to avoid unjustified returns.
Opportunities of Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is a great place for individuals who want to sell old books or second-hand clothes. Domestic chores can help the family budget. However, entrepreneurs also benefit from the options offered by Facebook. It is an attractive channel for them to acquire new customers, especially thanks to the combination of the Marketplace with other services of the portal, such as sales groups or access to friends.
Facebook does not allow you to put up a sales ad through your business account, but instead offers a parallel shop service where any business can offer their products with a link to the e-store. Most businesses use both opportunities to achieve the best possible sales results.
If you are interested to start see HERE how we can help you.
