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Originally published on March 11, 2022, updated November 17, 2022
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Amazon sellers are used to working in the largest global marketplace mankind has ever produced. What use would they have for a local “swap meet” like Facebook Marketplace?
The truth is, Facebook Marketplace has quite a few advantages that Amazon sellers can use to improve their businesses. With both new and used items, plus the option for nationwide shipping, sellers can do a lot on Facebook Marketplace to supplement their Amazon dealings.
But how does Facebook Marketplace work for Amazon sellers? Maybe you’ve heard about Facebook Marketplace scams and want to know how safe it is? In this short guide, we cover the basics of Facebook Marketplace and explain how you can use it to boost your Amazon sales.
Facebook Marketplace is a digital marketplace operated through Facebook that allows its users to buy and sell goods. It was originally started back in 2007 as a forum not just for selling, but also for job hunting and real estate. However, following a complete overhaul in 2016, the platform is now known mostly for online selling.
Facebook Marketplace offers a lot of benefits other online selling forums don’t. For one thing, listings are free, so you can use them in any capacity you want. On top of that, there’s an emphasis on communication between buyer and seller (facilitated through Facebook Messenger), allowing for personalized customer service and stronger brand loyalty. And because it’s a branch of Facebook, it’s easy to incorporate Facebook advertising for your Marketplace listings.
Facebook Marketplace seller dashboard
Although it’s often painted as a local trading forum and likened to Facebook’s version of Craigslist, it actually facilitates the selling of new products along with used goods. Facebook Marketplace further distinguishes itself with the option for nationwide shipping in some product categories, distancing itself from the “local marketplace” image. At this time, Facebook Marketplace has the following categories for items for sale:
You can also list vehicles and homes for sale (or rent). Things that cannot be sold include alcohol, gift cards, healthcare items, and unsafe supplements.
Still, at its heart, Facebook Marketplace retains that flea market feel, populated with plenty of used goods and amateur sellers unloading stuff from their homes they don’t use anymore. For professional retailers like Amazon sellers, that makes it a great place to both source inexpensive goods and sell off excess inventory.
There is a lot of talk about Facebook Marketplace scams and how it’s not safe to shop or sell there. These rumors are grounded in truth, sure, but it’s no more or less safe than any other marketplace for amateur sellers. In other words, it’s no more dangerous than selling on Craigslist or other unregulated forums.
While most of the scams target buyers, there are a few tricks sellers need to watch out for. For starters, don’t ship or deliver the item until payment has been confirmed. This is a classic con that thrives in any market forum open to the public.
Additionally, watch out for the “overpaying” scheme. In this scam, the buyer sends the seller too much money “by accident” using a counterfeit payment. The buyer then asks for a partial refund, pocketing the seller’s hard-earned money before they realize none of the payment was authentic. The consequences are even worse if the seller also ships the item without any compensation whatsoever.
With its emphasis on local sales and an open-door policy for amateur sellers, Facebook Marketplace is by no means a replacement for Amazon. However, the traits that separate it from Amazon also make it a great resource for Amazon sellers, especially for sourcing products and selling off excess inventory.
As long as you follow Amazon’s rules for reselling, Facebook Marketplace makes a great place to source and acquire goods, especially under an arbitrage sales model. Because of the prevalence of used goods, it’s easy to find great deals and low-cost items, perfect for profitable markups on Amazon.
On top of that, the focus on used goods means you can find plenty of rare items, antiques, and collectibles. While these items are typically associated with marketplaces like eBay or Ruby Lane, there’s still enough of a market for them on Amazon to make it worth your trouble.
Of course, as mentioned above, Facebook Marketplace is not as regulated as exclusive eCommerce sites. If you’re entering it as a customer, remember: buyer beware.
Having trouble unloading excess inventory? Amazon shoppers aren’t biting and storage costs are cutting into your profits? Facebook Marketplace is a great place to sell your unsold inventory and trim the fat off your maintenance costs.
The user base on Facebook Marketplace is typically different from that of Amazon, meaning you can reach new types of shoppers looking for an alternative shopping experience. With the excellent communication options, you’re also able to forge more personal relationships with customers, a great advantage for more mom-and-pop brands.
It’s fairly convenient to sell on Facebook Marketplace as well. There’s no registration or application process; all you need is a Facebook account. And because listings are free, you can use them as much or as little as you want. You can find much more information about selling on Facebook Marketplace in this article by BigCommerce.
So why not make Facebook Marketplace your main sales channel? The obvious answer is traffic. Amazon has a massive built-in customer base with daily traffic, and all its visitors come there specifically to buy. Facebook is a social media platform first and a marketplace second, so it’s a much smaller segment of users who are interested in shopping.
Also, the same benefits that make it convenient for sellers also make it risky: Facebook Marketplace is not nearly as regulated as Amazon in the case of disputes. All in all, Facebook Marketplace is better for assisting your Amazon business, not replacing it.
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