Facebook Marketplace is an awesome way to find a great deal. There are some down sides to it. Driving to a total stranger’s house to buy their stuff or worse, driving there and realize it’s not what you want. Let’s not forget the scammers, they are everywhere. Proportions can be another big problem when buying online. Items don’t always look their actual size in a photo and some photos are not helpful at all. I have learned my lesson the hard way, but you are going to have great success when you shop on Facebook Marketplace. Just follow these tips and avoid buyers regret.
Rule No. 1 Don’t Trust a Deal That Seems Too Good to Be True
Someone is selling the newest Play Station Console for $50 and all you have to do is prepay to a sketchy Venmo account. You won’t get the Play Station or the $50 back. These scammers are very good at what they do. If something doesn’t feel right, do not give them any information. Report the listing as fraud if you know it is scam.
Rule No. 2 Know What Proportions You Want When Buying
This goes for anything. Ask for dimensions and photos from different angles. Use a measuring tape to get a feel for how large the item is. Do this for anything from a vase to a couch.
Rule No. 3 Use Safety Precautions To Shop on Facebook Marketplace
Whenever possible, meet at a public location when purchasing an item. Always let someone know where you are going and who you are meeting. Send them a screen shot of the name and transaction information. If you have to go to someone’s home to pick up a larger item, bring someone with you. If it is a larger item, you will need the help anyway.
Rule No. 4 Don’t Take Their Word For It, Even If They Are Cute
When my oven died, I decided to buy a used one to tide me over until I could afford to update the kitchen. My husband and I found a good deal and went to pick up the stove from this lovely, young gentleman. He insisted that it works and he would be happy to show us but he would have to unplug his new stove and move it out of the way to plug in the one we were purchasing. Well, we aren’t monsters, so of course, we told him not to worry. He was gracious enough to help us load the stove onto the trailer. After the hour drive back home, we plugged in the oven. The glass top worked, the oven did not. The gentleman with our hard earned $200 was never heard from again. Tell the seller you had a friend that had been burned recently and you would just feel so much better if you could test it first. If the seller is honest, they’ll understand. If not, well at least you get to keep your $200 and you don’t have to lug that heap of garbage to the dump.
Rule No. 5 It’s Never Too Late to Walk Away When Shopping on Facebook Marketplace
You ask all the right questions, take the measurements, scrutinize the photos but somehow it’s just not what you thought. Walk away. It’s uncomfortable and awkward. Do it anyway, as graciously as you can.
Shopping on Facebook Marketplace is worth the effort. You will find amazing one of a kind items. Follow these steps and remember it’s not personal. If the item isn’t what you want, politely decline and delete the conversation. Most importantly if something feels off, walk away immediately. Be safe! Soon you will be bragging about the great deals you found.
