How to Use Facebook Marketplace and eBay to Profit

Last Updated:
November 22, 2022
Author:
Kimmy

how to use facebook marketplace and ebay

Are you looking to make some extra money? Consider using Facebook Marketplace and eBay to sell things you no longer want. This will allow you to declutter, and organize your home while also giving you some extra money. If this sounds tempting, keep reading to learn how you can use Facebook Marketplace and eBay to make a profit.

Step 1: Look around to find things to sell

A good way to find things to sell is by asking yourself why you own certain things. If you haven’t used the item in the last six months it may be worth getting rid of. You may be surprised at how many unused items you have in your home once you start looking. Furthermore, you can sell almost anything online as long as it is in good condition. Here are just some items you can consider;

  • Mugs or cups
  • Electronics
  • Plants
  • Books
  • Toys
  • Clothing (items that are seasonally relevant will sell fastest)
  • Art supplies
  • Home décor
  • Fitness equipment

If you are not finding things you want to sell at home, then consider going to yard sales and garage sales to see what else others are trying to get rid of and buy things at a cheap price to resell yourself on Facebook.

Step 2: Photograph your items

Once you collect the items you want to sell, you must photograph them. Make sure that you have a clear background, and take multiple photos of each item. You want to show each side of the item, along with a close-up of any details or slight damage. Aim for at least 5 pictures of the item, but less than 10 as that is the maximum Facebook allows. If you are selling products as a group, including a group shot and individual photos is smart.

Ensure that you have good lighting, as the better your photos, the faster items will sell. Good-quality photos help to build trust and give people the confidence to buy from you.

Step 3: Choosing where to sell

Listing a product on both Facebook Marketplace and eBay can help products sell faster. This is because humans are often unpredictable, so by listing it on both, you have a higher chance of selling. However, if you choose to only use one platform, choose wisely. Below are the benefits and disadvantages of both Facebook Marketplace and eBay.

Benefits of Facebook Marketplace

  • No fees
  • Pickup only option
  • Easy to use

Disadvantages of Facebook Marketplace

  • Detailed communication and timing is important
  • Having to share private information, or organize a meeting point.
  • Negotiation is crucial as many people will offer you much less than you are asking.

Benefits of eBay

  • Larger audience, as you can ship nationwide or internationally
  • You can see what previous items like yours have sold for
  • Sell via eBay auctions to drive up the price
  • Has an inbuilt customer service platform

Disadvantages of eBay

  • High fees, eBay will take 10% of the selling price, and shipping cost. Then, PayPal is a further 2.9% plus $0.30 per transaction.
  • Need to pack and ship items. This includes printing shipping labels.
  • You may have to deal with returns.

Now, if you choose to list items on both platforms, ensure that you remove it from the other site as soon as it sells. However, a better option may be to list more niche items on eBay and Facebook, and in-demand items only on Facebook. This is because it is much easier to mark items as sold on Facebook.

Step 4: Create your listings

When creating a listing on Facebook Marketplace or eBay, aim to include as much information in your title as possible. For example, instead of NEW sketchbook, try including the brand and size as well, such as NEW Moleskine Sketchbook Hardbound 8.25” x 11.75”. This will help your product stand out and also reduce the number of questions about the item. If you can, include even more details in the description. On Facebook Marketplace, ensure you list your payment methods in the description box.

Step 5: Respond to messages

If your item is in demand, you will likely receive a few messages the day after you publish, once Facebook approves it. However, on eBay this could happen in just a few hours. Take your time and make sure you respond to any serious offers. If people make lowball offers, just tell them that it is too low, rather than ignoring the message. Often, people will want the product and come back with another offer.

Step 6: Ship the item or organize pickup

On eBay, once the item sells, you must ship it as quickly as possible. This is imperative to ensure you get a good rating. On Facebook Marketplace, once you agree on a price, organize the payment method and a place to meet. For expensive items, you may want to meet in a public place, but for smaller items, it may be more convenient to give your address. This is completely up to you, but just be careful who you give out your information to.

It is relatively easy to use Facebook Marketplace and eBay to make a profit, especially once you get used to making listings. Both platforms allow reviews, so make sure you offer the best service to those buying from you. Start small with unused clothing, or mugs, then start adding more expensive items once you have good reviews. This will increase buyers' trust, and ensure your items sell faster.

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