Facebook recently announced the launch of Marketplace, a new feature that allows users to buy and sell on the social media platform. From jewelry to household goods to electronics, Marketplace will allow users to browse and buy on this new Facebook feature similar to how they would use eBay or Craigslist.
At the start of its launch, Marketplace is available to users over the age of 18 in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand on both iOS and Android. Facebook Marketplace will eventually be available on its desktop site and available for additional countries in the future.
To find the Marketplace on your smartphone or tablet, you must have the latest version of the Facebook app. Marketplace is at the bottom of the menu, represented as a shopping bag icon where the Messenger and Notification icons are also located.
Currently, Facebook has a user base of 1.7 billion people – making it a viable place to launch a feature like Marketplace. It is common for people to use Facebook to buy and sell products, usually within “Groups.”
Right now, businesses cannot sell in the marketplace. Only individual users can sell. Businesses can use Pages for that purpose. However, for individual users who are also small business owners, this allows an additional channel for them to sell their products.
For example, if you make your own skin care products such as soaps and lotions, you can sell on Marketplace from your individual Facebook account. This will expose your friends and family, who are not active on your business page, to see and buy your products.
With the initial launch of Marketplace, no money will be sent through Facebook. The buy and seller are in charge of sorting out the delivery and payment options. Facebook also won’t be taking a cut from your sales, which make the platform unique compared to eBay or Amazon.
If you want to amp up the selling of your small business’ products, Facebook Marketplace may be a beneficial place for you to post. Awareness of your business will grow as those around you are exposed to your products for sale on Marketplace.
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