Selling something online isn’t as easy as it might look. It’s a real learning curve that is usually full of trial and error. From poor listing photos and descriptions to inadequate pricing and communication, there are many things sellers and resellers online have to look out for if they want to succeed. Luckily, nowadays websites like Facebook Marketplace make it easier to sell, but even with their help, some people just can’t figure it out. 

Below you’ll find many instances of people being clueless while selling things on Facebook Marketplace shared by the ‘Idiots Of FB Marketplace’ group. Today we’re shining a light on them with hopes that it helps others not to repeat the same mistakes.

While you’re scrolling through, don’t forget to check out a conversation with Willow Wright, owner of a unique vintage shop, Urban Redeux, who kindly agreed to give us her best tips on conquering Facebook Marketplace.

#1 Hey Everyone; Do You Ever Wonder What A Canadian Fb Marketplace Looks Like?

Image credits: Danyal Bank

#2 Not Mine But I Thought It Was Funny

Image credits: Lorri Culley

#3 What An Odd Thing To Say

Image credits: Ryan León

Choosing to sell on Facebook Marketplace if you’re new to cashing in on secondhand items is a great idea, as other social media platforms don’t have the number of users Facebook has. This means that there are a lot of potential customers on this platform who would be interested in buying, making your chances of selling much higher than anywhere else. 

In general, buyers are changing their shopping habits, as surveys show that a growing number of people prefer to shop directly on social media platforms instead of e-commerce ones.

Willow Wright, who owns a unique vintage shop, Urban Redeux, and has spent a fair share of time selling and buying things on Facebook Marketplace, adds that the platform is also very easy to use. “The interface is very user-friendly and completely free to use if you’re selling locally. All you need is an account and a way to upload images, which can easily be done from your smartphone.”

With so many advantages, it seems that selling on places like Facebook Marketplaces is a great way to start.

#4 Damn Poor Guy

Image credits: Brad Nagy

#5 I Finally Found Something Worthy Enough For This Group

Image credits: Slant16Gamer

#6 Hmm

Image credits: Mike Kotsatos

However, it’s not enough to have a device and a wide audience to sell to. It’s much more complicated than that. For people to be interested in buying, there are many tips, tricks, and mistakes sellers should be aware of.

“While it’s easy to list items, the ease of selling can depend on what you’re offering and how competitive the market is,” said Wright. “For example, if you’re selling something like furniture or electronics, you’ll likely face more competition, so it’s key to have clear, attractive photos and a reasonable price. Also, be prepared for some buyers to message but not follow through—patience is key!” she noted.

#7 Someone Been Watching Breaking Bad And Gave Up

Image credits: Jimmy Valentine

#8 For Some Reason Its Just Funny

Image credits: Stephen Tonnar

#9 Can’t Say I’ve Ever Seen Koi Fish Traded For A Car

Image credits: Wyatt Warwick

Wright says that the two most common mistakes sellers make while listing items on Facebook Marketplace are poor-quality images and a lack of detail in the description. “In today’s fast-paced world, buyers don’t have time to go back and forth to ask simple questions, so make sure your listing includes clear photos, accurate measurements, and any important details about the condition of the item.”

#10 Y’all Please Feel Free To Rake Me Through The Coals If I’m Being A Pinecone, But This Was In My Marketplace Suggestions Multiple Times Today. It Looks Like The Mixer Committed A M**der

Image credits: Holly Ann

#11 “Fuel Tank”

Image credits: Cody Sheridan

#12 I Might Pick This Up Myself Just For The Flux Capacitor

Image credits: Mitch Gallagher

If an item is more expensive, like furniture tends to be, it might be even worth it to stage it and style it a bit so people can imagine how it will look in their own space. However, the photos shouldn’t just be aesthetically pleasing. They should also showcase the advantages, functions, and imperfections of the piece, as well as its size.

#13 Phew That Was Close

Image credits: Libby Barham

#14 It’s A Uncanny Resemblance

Image credits: Jay Webb

#15 Squoozies ? * Slaps Card On Table *

Image credits: Isaac Lanius

Don’t forget about the main photo too, which is the first thing buyers notice on their feed. It has to have great curb appeal and be cropped in a way that the piece is centered in the frame. In addition, including a video of the item for sale can be a good idea, as algorithms tend to favor it and they’re more helpful for the buyer.

#16 Not Sure If I’m Into These Or Not

Image credits: Wayde Wilsonn

#17 Child For Scale

Image credits: Child for scale

#18 You Guys Think The Food Is Included?

Image credits: Lexi Adams

If there are things about the item you’re trying to sell that can’t be conveyed in the photos or videos, use the description box for it. The thing that is important here is being truthful and noting all the imperfections of the piece. This prevents misunderstandings and the hassle of trying to solve them.

#19 Anybody Want An Egg Bok ?

Image credits: TJ Pearson

#20 Thanks Trudeau

Image credits: Tina Rosalee

#21 Wedding Ring

Image credits: Cliff Boggess

When it comes to setting a price, Wright says that sellers are often shooting too high. “If your item is priced too high compared to similar listings, it might not sell. It’s also important to keep your listing updated. If your item’s not selling, try refreshing the post or adjusting the price to attract new buyers. And don’t forget to be flexible with pricing; buyers often expect to negotiate,” she advised.

#22 Pinecone Alert

Image credits: Eythain Diaz

#23 Ahahahha Just Found This Gem

Image credits: Kelly Lamontagne

#24 No Way He’s Even Getting Close To That Amount

Image credits: Amiyah Griffin

To receive more sales opportunities, Wright suggests following this short guide:

“Start with quality images and clear descriptions. Be realistic with your asking price and be ready to consider lower offers—negotiation is part of the game. Also, temper your expectations. Facebook Marketplace has become a major player in the reselling world, so there’s a lot of competition, especially in bigger cities.”

#25 Found My First One. Hmm Power Looks Safe If You Squint

Image credits: Mitch Gee

#26 First Time Poster, This Gotta Be One Worthy Of The Group

Image credits: Mike James

#27 Amazing Deal For What It Is, But That Is Certainly Not A Wii

Image credits: Sean White

“Some people will message you but won’t be serious buyers, so don’t get frustrated,” she added. “Respond quickly to inquiries, keep your communication clear, and be patient. If you’re open to shipping, using Facebook’s shipping option can help broaden your reach and increase your chances of selling.”

#28

Image credits: Tyler Harvey

#29 Is It Worthful Or Not. Please Help Me

Image credits: Syed Sameer

#30 What A Bargain

Image credits: Wade Youngs

#31 Don’t Touch That Wood

Image credits: Libby Barham

#32 Anyone Need Personal Grooming?

Image credits: Mauricio Escobar

#33 Originally $300, But On Sale For $50

Image credits: Caitlyn Jonsson

#34 275 For A Rusted Out Water Heater !?!

Image credits: Carson Thorpe

#35 Snow

Image credits: Natalia Liberatore Jimenez

#36 I’m Sold

Image credits: Adam Hoss Lauck

#37 What The Hell Kind Of Tweaker A*s Bulls**t Is This????

Image credits: John Sauceda

#38 You Know What, Hell Yeah

Image credits: Kaitlyn Jesmer

#39 Did I Do This Right?

Image credits: Jesse Mannausau

#40 It’s A Box

Image credits: Shaina Rose

#41 Gas Station Chickens

Image credits: Xavier Taylor

#42 I Don’t Think This Fits The “Idiots” Definition But It’s Definitely On Marketplace And My Favorite Find So Far

Image credits: Joanna McKinney

#43 This Indisputably Belongs Here

Image credits: Bradley Edward Langdon

#44 Are The Shorts In The Room With Us Lmfao

Image credits: Chloe Hackney

#45 Worn Once In Ww1

Image credits: Carl Lucas

#46 Who Is This For?

Image credits: Joshua Lopez

#47 I’m Scared LOL

Image credits: Kaden Appleby

#48 It’s A Free Book At Any Penndot Or Driver License Center

Image credits: Ron Turk Price

#49 I Have No Words

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#50 I Finally Found One Worthy Of Posting! Maybe There Is A Fool Out There Willing To Part With Their Cash For This Prize Piece Of Memorabilia

Image credits: Al Coon

#51 Finally Got One!

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#52 “It Functions” But No Pictures

Image credits: Wes Hall

#53 Asking The Real Questions Here

Image credits: Diego Deliz

#54 I Present You.. The Woke Guitar Strap.. Even Though Ernie Ball Have Been Making These Since 2008!

Image credits: Callum Reid

#55 Everyone Is So Creative!

Image credits: Justin Perry

#56 $25 For Garbage

Image credits: Michael Bruce

#57 Smoking Hot Deal

Image credits: Simon Ryals