The cost of living is certainly something that a lot of people (most people, in fact) have to think about on a daily basis, and buying brand-new items just isn’t all that cost-effective right now. That’s why platforms such as Facebook Marketplace are so popular; you can find things you need that other people no longer want, and with some time put in for research, you can really find some great bargains.
Of course, there are also some truly terrible items on the platform, as well as potential scams, and if you want to be sure you’re doing the right thing and you get items that are good value for money, there are some important ‘rules’ you’ll need to follow. Keep reading to find out more.
Browse Well
Buying something on Facebook Marketplace can be seen as just the same as buying something in a store – or any other website, come to that. In other words, you wouldn’t just grab at the first thing you see, and instead you’ll need to spend some time browsing to make sure you’re getting a good deal and that the item is exactly what you’re looking for.
Of course, since you’re looking at Facebook Marketplace, there are going to be thousands of potential purchases for you, so that browning might take longer than you think, which is why you need to remember that buying anything on Marketplace could be a long task, and you need to set aside time.
The best thing to do is to use the search bar to look for what you want, or browse through categories to find new listings. You can also refine your search using filters like your location, price range, and even the condition of the item so you can narrow down your options and find exactly what you’re looking for.
Do Your Research
When you find an item that catches your eye, make sure you read the listing carefully all the way through, and pay special attention to details like the item description, condition, price, and, of course, the seller’s location – you don’t want to find something perfect only to realize it’s miles and miles away from you and you can’t collect it.
If you’ve got any questions at all about the item you want to buy, don’t hesitate to reach out to the seller using the Facebook app. When you engage with people you’ll not only get the answers you’re looking for (to help you decide whether to buy or not), but you’ll also be able to confirm that the seller is a real person, and perhaps even establish a rapport with them, which could help when it comes to the price!
Know How To Spot A Scam
As we mentioned above, as well as all the great bargains you can find on Facebook Marketplace, there are scams around as well, and if you know how to spot one, you’ll be a lot safer.
There are a few things to look out for including deals that seem too good to be true, sellers who refuse to meet in person or who won’t accept secure payment methods, and listings with vague information or even misleading details. The best thing to do is to trust your instincts and if something seems off, err on the side of caution and steer clear. It also can’t hurt to know how to report scam on Facebook Marketplace because your report will lead to an investigation and listing might be removed if it’s found to be a problem, saving others from falling for the trick.
Arrange Safe Meetups
If you find a great item and everything seems legitimate, you might have to meet up with the seller to actually make the transaction, or at least to inspect the item before you send a bank transfer, for example. If that’s the case, it’s crucial that you arrange a safe place to meet just in case – it’s unlikely anything nasty will happen, but you just never know, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
The best thing to do is avoid meeting sellers in secluded areas or late a night, and always make sure a friend or family member knows what you’re doing and where you’ll be – or take someone with you if you prefer. Once again, it’s a matter of trusting your instincts, and if something feels off, don’t hesitate to walk away – you might worry about appearing rude, but rude is much better than the alternative if your gut is right.
