What is Facebook Marketplace, what can be sold and how do I use it?
A CONCEPT which began as a simple group on Facebook has led to a brand new section being launched on the social media site.
Marketplace is a convenient destination to discover, buy and sell items with people in your community.
In recent years more people have been using Facebook to buy and sell with more than 450 million people visiting such groups every month.
This prompted the company to introduce Marketplace.
So far the site, which can be accessed by tapping the shop icon at the bottom of the Facebook app, has been introduced in a number of countries such as the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand.
It can only be used by those aged 18-years-old and over.
What can be sold?
A number of items can be sold - from bikes and toys to furniture.
Of course having an open market leads to concern about privacy and safety.
Facebook does not condone transactions of illegal items like drugs or explosives.
It also bans the sale of firearms, animals and alcohol.
The company also says each listing is checked as to whether the item matches it's policies.
However in between all the normal listings – such as children’s clothes, electronics and household goods, there have been people selling drugs and duty free cigarettes.
How do I use it?
According to Facebook selling an item on Marketplace is easy.
You simply:
- Take a photo of your item or add it from your camera roll.
- Enter a product name, description and price.
- Confirm your location and select a category.
- Post.
If you are a buyer, you can search a number of items and filter results by location, category or price.
Marketplace also allows you to save items for later.
When you find something you want, you can send the seller a direct message via Marketplace to tell them you are interested and make an offer.
From that point on, you and the seller can work out the details in any way you choose.
Facebook does not facilitate the payment or delivery of items in Marketplace.
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