Wednesday, 31 July 2024
by BD Banks
Image source: Getty Images
When you find yourself in a financial bind but still have bills to pay, you’ve got two choices: Take on debt or find a way to cover costs upfront. The latter is harder if you have limited funds in your checking account. But if you can swing it, it’s well worth the effort.
Facebook Marketplace can be a useful tool here, offering a way to find a local buyer for something you no longer need. In fact, according to a recent report from Capital One Shopping, up to 40% of Facebook’s 3.07 billion monthly active users shop on Marketplace.
But selling on the platform can be tough, and you have to have something that’s in demand to make quick cash. Here are four things that I’ve personally found can sell fast on Facebook Marketplace.
Home goods can be expensive when you buy them directly from stores. As a result, many Facebook users go to the Marketplace to find discounted options that will make their homes more attractive. If you’re willing to part with some decor for a discounted price, you can quickly find buyers on the platform. I once sold a hanging disco-ball planter within just a few hours of posting it.
A well-kept piece of furniture can fetch a great price on the platform. That’s great news if you’re moving or have extra furniture to get rid of. I’ve found the key to this type of sale is to provide ample context about the item’s measurements and condition. Even better? Add a video of the piece to help buyers decide if it’s what they want.
Smaller items are usually easier to sell because they are easier for the buyer to pick up. But if it’s a particularly large or heavy piece, you might try to help the buyer by either offering to help them carry it out or providing curbside pickup. After all, a big furniture sale usually means a decent chunk of cash. And that can make all the difference for your budget.
Those with an extensive clothing collection can also find a plethora of eager buyers on Facebook Marketplace. This can depend on the style of clothing you have (or brands). You may find more success with certain high-value items than with more generic ones. Either way, you’ll find buyers more easily if you take good photographs and include sizing and measurement information in your post.
If you’re an avid reader and you’ve invested in that hobby by purchasing physical books, fellow readers may want what you have. Books can feel like difficult items to part with. But if you’re willing, special editions or books that are particularly popular (and potentially harder to find) are your best bets here.
Facebook Marketplace can be a useful resource when your finances are in jeopardy. Particularly if you’re trying to avoid or pay down debt. Just remember that the quality of your photos and the amount of vital context you provide in your description will make or break your chances of making fast sales.
It’s best to put yourself in the buyers’ shoes when creating your listings, including context like what forms of payment you’ll accept and what hours you can accept pickups. That way, your items will attract interest and, hopefully, provide the money you need.
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