In Parts 1 & 2 on this series on selling on Facebook Marketplace, we discussed the important terms you need to know and how to start your listing. We’ll cover the remaining elements of creating your listing.

Caption

The caption you write is just as important as the photos of your item. It’s time to put on your salesperson hat! Be as specific and detailed as possible in your description so your potential buyers don’t ask questions that could easily be answered by a thorough description. Here are a few pieces of information you can share:

  • Brand, name, and/or model number
  • Highlights of the item (what makes it better than other items like it)
  • Size/dimensions
  • Working condition and any damages
  • Age of the item
  • The original purchase price (optional)

Hashtags

When buyers want a particular item, they’ll search keywords into the Facebook Marketplace search bar to find options. It’s important to attach hashtags to your listing that are both general and specific. For example, if you’re selling a nightstand, you want to include “home” “home decor” “side table” and “nightstand.” Notice that those words started as general and became more specific, but all the words are fitting to the item. Avoid hashtags that make no sense. For a nightstand, you wouldn’t want to say “car.” This seems obvious, but a lot of people use the wrong hashtags and don’t attract the right buyers because of it.

Location

Before you can post your item for sale, you’ll need to set a location, either globally, nationally, or within a certain radius of your current location. Depending on the item and how quickly you want to get rid of it, it may not be worth the shipping hassle of listing it globally or nationally. High-value, compact items are best to list for shipping. Listing the item within ten miles of your home should get you a decent amount of interested buyers.

These tips should help you create your listings on Facebook Marketplace. If you decide to sell on Facebook Marketplace, make sure that you take measures to be safe with the delivery of your items and accepting buyers’ payment. Sometimes, when considering the amount of time and effort to list items, take offers, take payment and deliver or arrange pick up of items, you have to weigh that time and effort against the profit you will make so that you can decide the best use of your time and effort.