Snag the Best Deals on Facebook Marketplace With These 9 Tips

With more than one billion active users as of 2021, Facebook Marketplace can be a super tool for finding a plethora of (sometimes free) items ranging from electronics and furniture to pet supplies and cars. The platform's wide variety of listings and filtering options allow for easy communication between buyers and sellers — making it simple to negotiate prices or ask questions about items you're interested in. Next time you're in the market for a bargain deal on a unique piece of furniture or home appliance, keep these tips in mind to maximize your chances of snagging the best deals on Facebook Marketplace.

Related: 12 Things You Should Never Buy on Facebook Marketplace

Using specific keywords in your search bar to filter the items you're looking for can be a great way to save time and weed out irrelevant listings. Try typing in specific words like "brand new," "unused," or "gently used" to help you find items that are in good or fair condition. For instance, searching for "brand new iPhone 13" will exclude any listings for used or refurbished iPhones, as opposed to just typing in "iPhone 13." 

Related: 22 Insanely Expensive Electronics You Don't Actually Need

Facebook Marketplace features filter options like "local" or "condition," which can be a handy tool when searching for deals that match your criteria. Don't want to drive too far to pick up an item? Set your custom location radius to a couple miles. 

For more great shopping tips, please sign up for our free newsletters.

You've stayed vigilant and have finally come across a sweet couch that would complement your living room aesthetic perfectly. How do you stand out from the influx of contenders vying for it? You'll notice Facebook Marketplace has automatically-generated prompts such as, "Hey, is this still available?" However, messaging the seller a more unique, personalized message like, "Hi there! I'm very interested in X item and can come pick it up within an hour. Let me know, thanks!" means that you're more likely to get a quick response. Time is money, after all. 

Most sellers on Facebook Marketplace will be open to negotiation, and it's not uncommon for items to be sold for less than the listed price. This is especially true for used or secondhand items, where the seller may be looking to get rid of an item quickly. When negotiating prices, remember to be polite and respectful; keep in mind that the seller may have an emotional attachment to the item or is selling it to make ends meet, so be empathetic and offer a reasonable price to get the ball rolling. 

Before making a purchase, check the seller's profile to see if they have a history of positive transactions. You can also read reviews posted by other buyers to check if they have a good reputation for selling quality items. Note, however, that Facebook does not "verify whether or not every person who writes seller reviews has actually purchased a product from the seller they are reviewing."

Unfortunately, like other classified ad sites, Facebook Marketplace is not immune to scams — and it's important to be aware of the most common ones to avoid falling victim to them. One common scam is the "advance payment" scam, where the seller asks for payment upfront but never delivers the item. Another scam is the "fake payment" scam, where the buyer sends a fake payment confirmation to the seller and never actually pays for the item. 

To identify and avoid these scams, it's important to be vigilant and take precautions. Always communicate with the buyer through Facebook Messenger directly, and avoid giving out personal information such as your address, credit cards, or phone number. 

Asking the seller specific questions is an essential part of making an informed decision on Facebook Marketplace. By doing so, you can get more information about the item's condition, history, and any other relevant details that may not be included in the listing description. This can help ensure that the item meets your needs, and that you avoid any surprises or disappointments after making a purchase.

The best deals will sometimes take time to find, so it's important to be patient and not rush into a purchase just because you want to buy something quickly. While there may be listings that seem like a great deal at first glance, taking the time to really browse and weigh your options can help you save money in the long run. Additionally, the price of an item may fluctuate over time, and waiting a bit can result in prices dropping. 

On the flip side, if you come across an item that is reasonably priced and looks to be in good or perfect condition, get on it as soon as you can; the best deals will go fast. 

Since Facebook Marketplace is designed to connect buyers and sellers locally, it can be useful to narrow down searches for only items in your area. By searching for items locally, you can save money on shipping costs, which can be particularly beneficial for larger or heavier items such as furniture and large appliances. Additionally, local transactions can provide you with the opportunity to inspect an item in person before deciding to buy.