10 Expert Tips for Scoring the Best Bargains on Facebook Marketplace

When Katie Mundo and her husband settled into their new home, they quickly realized that furnishing a home was both a daunting and pricey task. "We were young professionals and not in a position to spend a lot of money on furniture," Mundo explains.

Even if starting a business isn't on your agenda, buying second-hand items locally is beneficial for the environment and helps reduce waste. On top of that, shopping locally eliminates the extra shipping or delivery fees. It's a win for everyone!

Refine Your Search

Mundo advises creating a wish list to limit your search to just a few items at a time. This helps you stay focused and prevents the stress of handling multiple conversations about different items all at once.

"When I first began using the platform, I had certain pieces in mind," Mundo explains. "I was aiming for items I'd seen in stores, specific styles, fabrics, or colors that I wanted to recreate. Without a clear list, it can be overwhelming."

Search the App Regularly

Customize Your Marketplace Feed

Become a Member of a Group

"You're not just using the search feature and connecting with people nearby," Mundo explains. "You're also becoming part of a community. It's about being involved in a smaller circle rather than just engaging with the vast search feature on Marketplace."

Examine the Seller's Profile

Before reaching out to a seller, take some time to review their profile. Look at the types of items they usually sell, check ratings and reviews from past buyers, and get an overall sense of their activity. Avoid sellers with negative feedback or profiles that seem suspicious.

Respond Quickly to Sellers

To stay competitive, ensure your notifications are on so you can reply to sellers right away. For popular items, sellers often have multiple interested buyers and will prioritize those who respond quickly and are ready to pick up items without delay.

Arrange a Viewing

Showing interest doesn't equate to committing to a purchase, Mundo explains. Seeing an item firsthand can help you determine whether it's truly a good buy. "If you find something [you like] and you're eager to get it, or perhaps you're only somewhat interested but feel it's priced well, don't hesitate to reach out and schedule a time to inspect the item in person," Mundo suggests.

For larger or pricier items, Mundo advises inspecting the quality: Check the drawers on a dresser, ensure all hardware is present, and look for any splits in the wood. If you're still interested in a piece with minor damage, pointing out the flaw may give you leverage to negotiate a better price.

Try to Bargain

Negotiating the price of an item may not come easily, but it could help you score a better deal, especially if the item requires some care. "Sellers are usually just looking to part with their items," Mundo points out. They may be open to negotiation if it means they can make the sale quickly.

However, this doesn't mean you can lowball an offer that's far below the listed price. (This is especially crucial when negotiating with members of a buying and selling group you frequently interact with.)

Be ready to put in some effort on the item. If you manage to buy a vintage dresser for a great price, it might require a bit of restoration, like touching up the paint on the wood or replacing hardware. If DIY isn't your thing, be ready to pay a higher price.

Steer Clear of Online Money Transfers

When buying large or expensive items (such as cars), it's wise to hold off on paying a deposit until you've verified the item's availability and had the opportunity to inspect it. You can agree to pay in cash in person or use a digital payment method (like Cash App, Venmo, etc.) after the meeting. If the item is out of your local area, consider setting up a video chat to verify the details.

Stay Determined

"If you stick with the search, you might find exactly what you're looking for," Mundo shares. "And for half, or even a quarter, of the original price."