The Facebook Marketplace is a fantastic place to sell and purchase gently used items. However, you must use caution throughout this treatment. From avoiding fraudsters to following basic rules, there are a few things you can do to keep yourself safe when selling on Facebook Marketplace.
How to Get the Most Out of Facebook Marketplace
Buy and Sell Locally
When you go to Facebook Marketplace, it will automatically show you what’s available within 60 kilometers of where you are now. It’s better to stick to places you’re comfortable with while buying and selling on the Marketplace. While you can look for items within 100 miles of your current location, placing mail orders with strangers is risky. There’s always the chance that the buyer will back out of the transaction while the item is in transit.
If you’re a buyer, there’s always the chance that the item won’t look or work the way it did on Marketplace. Meeting in person allows you to inspect the item you’re buying to ensure it’s exactly what you’re looking for. If you’re the seller, you’ll (hopefully) be able to walk away with your cash. As a result of this agreement, everyone is pleased.
Read Also
Zoom Meeting | All you need to know about the Zoom Meeting
Facebook Dating – How To Unmatch On Facebook Dating
Make an immediate payment arrangement
When buying or selling something on Facebook Marketplace, the best payment methods are cash or an e-transfer right away. If you pay for something via e-transfer before picking it up, there’s a chance the individual won’t show up, and you won’t get it. If you provide the item to someone and they say they’ll transmit the money electronically later, don’t believe them.
You can pay in cash or make an e-transfer at the meeting. Make sure you leave just when the payment has been processed. Meeting the person in public and completing the transaction on the spot ensures that the transaction runs smoothly and fairly for all parties involved.
Bringing a Friend along
When meeting someone to buy or sell an item, we recommend bringing a friend or family member with you, especially if it’s a high ticket item. Buying or selling with a friend on Facebook Marketplace has a few perks. If the item you’re selling or buying is large or heavy, you’ll need help carrying it. You’ll be less likely to get wounded as a result of this.
If you’re carrying a large sum of money or a costly item, having a friend with you will lessen the chances of something bad happening during the transaction. A friend will not only keep you safe, but they will also function as a witness for you if something goes wrong during the transaction.
Convene in a Public Space
When conducting any transaction requiring an in-person meeting with someone you met online, meet during the day in a well-lit, preferably populated area. Your police department may allow you to meet there if you call before. If it isn’t possible, suggest a coffee shop, shopping mall, or packed parking lot. Meeting the buyer or seller at their home or inviting them to yours is not recommended. While someone may appear to be friendly over the internet, it is always a good idea to be careful and vigilant. This drastically minimizes your chances of being robbed.
A gadget might occasionally help you feel more confident if you are concerned about your personal safety. This list of the best personal safety gadgets may provide you some ideas for personal safety devices.
Your Gut Feelings Should Be Trusted
Keep in mind that this person is a stranger to you when doing business on Facebook Marketplace. Even if you have mutual friends, you should not send this person money or items.
If something doesn’t feel right when you’re selling or buying something from someone, don’t meet with them. Cancel the meeting and hunt for a buyer or seller elsewhere. Above all, trust your instincts; if something doesn’t seem right, it’s probably because you’re experiencing it for a reason.
Personal information should not be shared
You are not obligated to answer any personal questions posed by the buyer or seller because this is a one-time transaction. Questions like whether you have a spouse, your working hours or place of employment, and where you live are generally inappropriate.
If you’re asked a question like this, you can defend yourself by refusing to answer it. Most of the time, it’s just curiosity—but in some cases, crooks will go so far as to make a legitimate transaction to gain access to your home or personal information.
Examine the Facebook profiles of both the seller and the buyer.
This is a crucial point in the process. To take advantage of you, some scammers will create phony or disposable profiles. Some people will attempt to conduct an internet exchange without meeting in person in order to convince you to send money and then fail to deliver the goods.
Meanwhile, a buyer with a disposable profile could “purchase” your goods, cancel the bank transaction, delete their profile, and abandon you.
To check a seller’s profile on Facebook Marketplace:
- Click on the post of the item you wish to purchase.
- Click the seller’s name under Seller Information.
- To view their profile, click View Profile.
If the buyer or seller you’re dealing with has a large number of friends on Facebook, it’s unlikely that they created a “burner” profile for selling or buying products. It will also be comforting if you and the buyer or seller have mutual friends.
Before the meeting, talk about the specifics of the transaction
Make sure you have all the details worked out before meeting with someone to buy or sell something. Things like where you’ll meet, when you’ll meet, and how to contact the person if you’re running late. This will help to calm your nerves.
Instead of trying to haggle with them once the meeting has started, you should ask if they are willing to negotiate the price before you meet. When customers try to bargain with them, some people become enraged, so it’s best to avoid this type of confrontation in person. We also suggest looking through their profile for a photo of them so you know how they look and can recognize them in a crowd.