If you’d like to learn how to sell on Facebook Marketplace as a business, you’re in the right place. Garage sales are a great way for Facebook users to get rid of unwanted items and make some extra cash. However, for small business owners looking to sell on Facebook Marketplace, there are a few things you need to know.
This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step and show you how to sell on Facebook Marketplace and make the most of this powerful platform. Let’s jump in!
What are the Benefits of Using Facebook Marketplace for Businesses?
Facebook Marketplace offers a variety of features that make it an attractive option for businesses of all sizes. Here are five benefits of using Facebook Marketplace for businesses.
- Massive reach. Facebook has over 2 billion active users, which gives businesses a massive potential customer base. Trying to generate the same amount of traffic to your own website would be incredibly difficult and expensive.
- Easy to use. Facebook Marketplace is easy to use and navigate both for buyers and sellers. Setting up a listing is a simple process, and buyers can easily search for what they’re looking for.
- Highly targeted advertising. Facebook Marketplace allows businesses to target ads very precisely, which can lead to a significant increase in sales. You can create listings that target specific demographics, interests, and even locations.
- Lower fees. Facebook Marketplace isn’t charging seller fees on items marked as shipped for the remainder of 2022, so businesses will get to keep more of their profits. The regular seller fees are 5% per shipment. However, if your shipment is $8 or less, you’ll pay a flat fee of only $0.40.
- The ability to build trust and credibility. Because Facebook Marketplace is operated by a major and well-known company, it helps build trust and credibility with potential customers. This is especially important for small businesses that may not have an established online presence.
| Benefits of Using Facebook Marketplace for Businesses | Description |
|---|---|
| Massive Reach | Access to Facebook's 2+ billion active users provides businesses with an extensive and potential customer base that would be challenging and costly to replicate on their websites. |
| Easy to Use | Facebook Marketplace offers a user-friendly platform for both sellers and buyers, simplifying the listing process and enhancing the search experience for customers. |
| Highly Targeted Advertising | Precise ad targeting within Facebook Marketplace enables businesses to reach specific demographics, interests, and locations, increasing the potential for higher sales. |
| Lower Fees | Businesses can benefit from reduced seller fees, with no fees for items marked as shipped for the rest of 2022, and only a 5% fee per shipment afterward. Low-value shipments under $8 incur a flat fee of $0.40. |
| Build Trust and Credibility | Operating under the Facebook umbrella, Facebook Marketplace lends credibility and trustworthiness to businesses, particularly smaller ones looking to establish a reliable online presence. |
- READ MORE: You Can Now Buy Ads in Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace Categories
Categories on Facebook Marketplace are used to organize and categorize the items being sold on Facebook Marketplace.
This makes it easier for buyers to find what they are looking for and for sellers to list their items in an easy-to-find way. The main categories include:
- Vehicles
- Property Rentals
- Apparel
- Classifieds
- Electronics
- Entertainment
- Family
- Free Stuff
- Garden & Outdoor
- Hobbies
- Home Goods
- Home Improvement Supplies
- Home Sales
- Musical Instruments
- Office Supplies
- Pet Supplies
- Sporting Goods
- Toys & Games
How to Set Up Your Business’s Facebook Marketplace
The setup process to begin selling on Facebook Marketplace is simple, and all you need is a Facebook page and an online store. Follow the four steps below to get started:
Step 1: Make Sure Your Facebook Business Page and Shop are Set Up
Before you can sell on Facebook Marketplace as a business, you will need to set up your Facebook Shop and your Facebook Business Page, so be sure to get that out of the way.
Facebook Shops and Pages are easy to set up. So if you need to, set these up now so you can begin using Facebook Marketplace to sell online.
Step 2: Enable Shopping Checkout Feature
To enable the Shopping Checkout Feature, you’ll need to have an active shop as well as a commerce account. You have three options when choosing your checkout method. You can have buyers checkout on Facebook and Instagram, through your own site, or through Facebook messenger.
To select your checkout method, you’ll need to go to the Commerce Manager, then click on your shop name. Click Settings in the menu found on the left side of the screen, then click Checkout Method. Choose your desired checkout method, follow any on-screen instructions, then click Confirm.
Step 3: Add Facebook Marketplace as a Sales Channel for Your Facebook Shop
To add Facebook Marketplace as a sales channel, you’ll need to go to the Commerce Manager and click on your shop name. Next, click on Settings, which you’ll find in the left-hand menu. Then click on Business Assets and select the Enable Marketplace option.
Step 4: Advertise Your Store and its Items on Facebook Marketplace
To start selling on Facebook Marketplace, you’ll need to advertise your store and its items. The good news is that there are a variety of ways to do this, so you can choose the method that makes the most sense for your business.
You can create advertisements for your products or services and specifically target those who are likely to be interested in what you’re offering. Additionally, you can create listings for each of your products or services on Facebook Marketplace. These listings will show up in the Marketplace tab on Facebook, making it easier for potential customers to discover them.
Finally, consider sharing your products or services in relevant Facebook buy and sell groups. These groups provide an excellent opportunity to connect with a new audience and showcase your items to potential customers who might not yet know about your business.
| Setting Up Your Business's Facebook Marketplace | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Make Sure Your Facebook Business Page and Shop are Set Up | Ensure your Facebook Shop and Business Page are created and set up, as these are prerequisites for selling on Facebook Marketplace. |
| Step 2: Enable Shopping Checkout Feature | To enable the Shopping Checkout Feature, have an active shop and commerce account. Choose your checkout method (Facebook/Instagram, your site, or Facebook Messenger) in the Commerce Manager under Checkout Method settings. |
| Step 3: Add Facebook Marketplace as a Sales Channel | In the Commerce Manager, select your shop name, go to Settings, click Business Assets, and enable the Marketplace option to add Facebook Marketplace as a sales channel. |
| Step 4: Advertise Your Store and its Items on Facebook Marketplace | Promote your products or services on Facebook Marketplace through various methods, such as targeted ads, creating marketplace listings, and sharing in relevant buy and sell groups. Tailor your approach to your business's needs and audience. |
Mobile Instructions for Setting up Facebook Marketplace with the Facebook App
Setting up a marketplace listing for your online store on mobile is just as easy as it is on desktop. Here are the six simple steps for doing so:
Step 1: Open the Facebook app
Your first step is to open Facebook’s app on your mobile device and either sign up for a new account or log in to your existing one.
Step 2: Tap the Marketplace icon
Once you’re logged in, tap the Marketplace icon, which looks like a little shopfront. This will bring you to the Marketplace home screen.
Step 3: Click the Sell button
On the Marketplace home screen, you will see a button that says Sell. Tap this button to begin the process of creating your listing.
Step 4: Choose Items under Create New Listing
When you tap Sell, you will be given a few options for what kind of listing you would like to create. If you’re selling physical goods, choose Items under Create New Listing.
Step 5: Add Your Item Information
After deciding to list an item, you will be asked to provide details about the item you are selling. This includes the item’s name, description, price, and photos.
Be sure to fill out all of this information as accurately and thoroughly as possible, as this will help you attract buyers.
Step 6: Publish Your Listing
Once you’ve added all of the necessary information about your item, it’s time to publish your listing. To do this, simply tap the Publish button at the bottom of the screen. Your listing will now be live on Facebook Marketplace!
Key Tips for Selling on Facebook Marketplace
It’s no secret that the art of selling has changed dramatically in recent years. With the advent of online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace, buyers and sellers can connect with each other more easily than ever before.
However, achieving success in this new environment demands a different skill set compared to what was needed in the past.
Here are five advanced selling tips for creating an effective marketplace listing you can use to sell items like a pro:
- Use high-quality images. To sell products on Facebook Marketplace, you need to use high-quality images that show off your products in the best light possible. This means using professional photos if possible and taking the time to edit them so that they look their best.
- Craft a compelling title and description. These elements are crucial for attracting potential buyers to your listing, so ensure they are clear, concise, and precise. Incorporate keyword-rich language that effectively conveys your product and its features.
- Set competitive prices for your items. To successfully sell your items, it’s essential to price them competitively. This involves conducting research to understand the selling prices of similar products on other marketplace platforms.
- Provide discounts and special promotions. Shoppers appreciate a great deal, so make sure to offer discounts and special promotions whenever you can. This could range from a percentage off the price to offering free shipping.
- Deliver exceptional customer service. After completing a sale, it’s crucial to offer outstanding customer service to your buyer. This involves being attentive to their questions and concerns, responding promptly, and exceeding expectations to ensure that buyers are satisfied with their purchases.
What are the Best Practices for Selling on Facebook Marketplace?
As a seller, it is important to remember the Facebook Marketplace rules and best practices.
All listings must include a full and clear description of the item being sold and must be priced in US dollars.
Listings cannot contain offensive or inappropriate content, and sellers are responsible for shipping their own items.
How Should Businesses Respond to Inquiries from Interested Buyers on Facebook Marketplace?
When a business gets inquiries from potential buyers on Facebook Marketplace, the most effective way to respond is by using the Facebook Messenger app.
This allows for a private conversation between the buyer and seller that can be easily monitored.
In addition, responding through Facebook’s messenger app allows both parties to have access to important documents, such as invoices and order information.
Image: Depositphotos
