Facebook Marketplace: Guide to Reselling Liquidation Merchandise

If you’re seeking an effective online platform for selling your liquidation merchandise, Facebook Marketplace is a great choice. This service allows you to market your items locally, enabling customers to come directly to you. Best of all, if you stick to standard features, listing and selling on the platform is free. Let’s take a closer look at how Facebook Marketplace operates, how to create listings, and what additional features you can utilize. What is Facebook Marketplace? Facebook Marketplace serves as a classified ads platform within Facebook, allowing users to list items for sale at no cost. Listings can include images and descriptions, and are tied to specific geographical locations. Its ease of use and vast user base make it a convenient option for sellers. Primarily focused on local sales, Facebook Marketplace recently introduced shipping options, which incur a selling fee. These sales must be managed through Facebook’s Commerce Manager, allowing you to test your local market with minimal risk. Key Statistics for Facebook Marketplace There are approximately 190 million users of Facebook Marketplace in the U.S. Facebook attracts over 2.91 billion monthly users globally, representing about 35% of the world’s population. 77% of internet users engage with at least one Meta platform. In the first quarter of 2021, Facebook Marketplace had over one billion global users. Usage for purchasing on Facebook Marketplace doubled from 6% in 2019 to 12% in 2020. Businesses experience conversion rates as high as 9% when advertising on Facebook. Popular items include furniture, children’s toys, vehicles, and tools. 70% of individuals earning over $75,000 annually frequently use Facebook. Facebook Marketplace generated $26 billion in gross revenue in 2021, marking a 48% increase from the previous year. Best-Selling Items on Facebook Facebook Marketplace is particularly suited for local pick-up sales, making it ideal for: High-demand items such as game consoles, televisions, and sofas. Products that aren’t worth shipping costs, like paperback books or used clothing. Bulky or fragile items, like large furniture pieces. Children’s items, as parent groups are very active on the platform. Less popular items tend to include: Rare or high-priced items like artwork and designer clothing. Adult clothing, which can be tricky due to size variations. Advantages of Selling Liquidation Merchandise on Facebook Marketplace You can sell a wide range of items on Facebook Marketplace without worrying about their condition, as long as you provide clear details in your listings. Local pick-up sales incur no fees, eliminating shipping costs. You can set your location and a radius of up to 500 miles for potential buyers. This means you won’t need to deal with shipping logistics if you opt for in-person transactions. With Facebook Messenger, communication with potential buyers is seamless, allowing you to share photos and address questions quickly. If you operate from a commercial location, these online listings can drive foot traffic, enhancing your store’s visibility and community engagement. Many users on Facebook Marketplace are seeking discounted items, making it an excellent platform for showcasing your liquidation products. How to Create a Listing on Facebook Marketplace Listing items on Facebook Marketplace is straightforward: Click on the Marketplace icon and select ‘Create new listing.’ Choose the category for your item, take and upload photos (multiple if desired). Fill in the title, description, and price, ensuring to include all relevant details. Select a category to help buyers filter their searches. Confirm your location to let buyers know where you’re based, without revealing your exact address. You can also share your listing in specific buying and selling groups to increase visibility. In the ‘Your items’ tab, you can track your sales, offers, and messages from interested buyers. Before finalizing a sale, review the buyer’s profile to ensure you’re comfortable proceeding. If an item doesn’t sell, consider reposting in another group or adjusting the price. Selling Fees on Facebook Marketplace Local pick-up sales are entirely free. However, if you opt for shipping, a selling fee will be deducted from your payout, which is processed through the platform. To sell items for shipping, you’ll need to register for Facebook Commerce Manager, which allows you to create a Facebook Shop and manage your inventory effectively. You can also sync your shop with Instagram and Shopify for broader reach. The fee for shipped items is either 5% per shipment or a flat fee for shipments valued at $8 or less, covering taxes and payment processing. This fee also includes purchase protection, and you can choose to use pre-paid shipping labels or your own. Tools to Enhance Your Selling Experience Several tools can streamline your selling process on Facebook Marketplace: Facebook Ads Manager: This built-in tool lets you promote your listings to a wider audience, significantly enhancing your visibility and conversion rates. You can choose between automatic and manual ad placements, allowing you to target your intended audience effectively. Ecwid’s Social Selling Tools: This app simplifies selling on Facebook by syncing your product catalog with your Facebook business page. It offers dynamic advertising and integrates customer support via Facebook Messenger. Facebook and Instagram Shopping by CedCommerce: This Shopify app allows for efficient multiple-lot uploads to both Facebook Marketplace and Instagram. It synchronizes listings and sales across platforms, making it easy to manage your online presence.