12 Things You Should Never Buy on Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace can be a great resource for finding deals on furniture and appliances; I've furnished nearly my entire living room off Facebook Marketplace. It provides a platform for individuals to sell their used items locally, and for buyers to browse listings, search for specific items, and negotiate prices directly with sellers, which can result in significant savings. But as handy as Facebook Marketplace is, it may not be the best place for buying certain items. Here are 12 things to avoid buying on Facebook Marketplace. 

Related: 12 Things You Should Never Buy at a Thrift Store

Personal care items such as toothbrushes, hairbrushes, skin care products, and makeup should ideally never be bought used. Since these can carry bacteria, germs, and viruses that are difficult or impossible to fully sterilize, they can make you sick or trigger allergies — or, worse yet, lead to infections or other health issues.

Related: The Best Beauty & Makeup Subscription Boxes

Electronics such as smartphones, gaming consoles, and laptops can be expensive to buy new, which makes purchasing them on Facebook Marketplace sound appealing. However, many electronics have a short lifespan as the battery life decreases with usage, and buying used, outdated items can end up costing more in the long run if you wind up having to get the battery replaced. If you really want to save on electronics, consider refurbished devices instead.

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Used shoes can carry germs and bacteria such as foot fungus, and lingering odors can be difficult to treat or properly clean. It's always best to buy new shoes to ensure they're clean and hygienic; new shoes will also fit more comfortably, provide better support, and last longer, since they haven't already been molded to someone else's feet.

Despite Facebook Marketplace banning the private sale of firearms since 2016, sellers still find ways around it by using code names. Buying one online can be a risky, and potentially illegal, endeavor. Since you may not know the seller or their background, there's a risk the firearm is not properly registered or safe to use. Buying a firearm that was not legally obtained can result in serious consequences for both buyer and seller. If you are going to buy a firearm, it's best to purchase one from a licensed dealer. 

When it comes to pet food, supplements, and medicine, it's essential to prioritize the health and safety of your furry pal. Buying these items on Facebook Marketplace can be risky if you don't know the source of the products or how they were stored. There's a chance that the products could be expired, contaminated, or counterfeit, which can harm your pet's health.

High-value items such as designer jewelry, clothes, and handbags can be tempting to buy on Facebook Marketplace, but it's difficult to determine if they're authentic or if the seller is reputable. It's best to buy these items from a trusted retailer or online thrift store to ensure their authenticity and quality.

Medical equipment such as blood glucose monitors or nebulizers are essential for managing certain health conditions. However, not all medical equipment is created equal, and using substandard or low-quality equipment can be dangerous, or even life-threatening. Purchasing these on Facebook Marketplace can be risky because you can't guarantee the quality or safety of the product, or whether the seller is legit or not. 

Buying a car on Facebook Marketplace can be another dicey choice because it's difficult to determine the condition of the vehicle and whether it has any underlying problems that would be costly to fix. It's always best to buy a car from a reputable dealership, or at least have it inspected by a trusted mechanic before deciding to make a purchase. 

Prescription medication should only be purchased from a licensed pharmacy or medical professional to ensure its safety and effectiveness. Buying medication on Facebook Marketplace can be risky and potentially dangerous. Substandard medication may not contain the right amount of active ingredients or could be contaminated, which could result in adverse health effects. 

Items that have a high risk of injury such as trampolines or motorized vehicles, like ATVs and bicycles, should be purchased from reputable retailers to ensure their safety and quality. These retailers will provide products that meet industry standards, have been tested for safety, and come with warranties or return policies to give you peace of mind if they break or malfunction. 

Baby equipment such as cribs, car seats, bassinets, strollers, and high chairs can be pricey to purchase new, but they are worth doing some research and spending a bit more on. Buying these on Facebook Marketplace can make it difficult to determine if the items meet current safety standards or have been previously recalled — potentially putting your child at risk.

While it can be tempting to buy a mattress on Facebook Marketplace, it's not worth taking the chance. Used mattresses can be a cesspool for allergens and bacteria such as dust mites and bed bugs, and can also carry bodily fluids that can't be seen by the naked eye. We recommend always buying mattresses new to ensure they're safe, clean, and will provide the proper support for your body.