Before I get into my tips for buying successfully on Facebook Marketplace, I have to show you my most recent purchase!
I got a new coffee table.
We moved almost three years ago, and before the move, I tried to sell everything I could. First, that made the move easier. Second, it gave me a fresh start when it came to decorating!
Temporarily, we used our old side table as a coffee table while I hunted for a round one. I eventually found one at Junkstock, and after procrastinating for months, I finally stripped and stained it to the color I wanted. HERE I share that process.
But it never seemed quite right.
When I spotted this leather tufted coffee table—or ottoman—on Facebook Marketplace, I immediately grabbed the tape measure. I thought it was going to be too big, and it wasn’t round, so I didn’t message the seller.
Once I decided I wanted to try it and take the risk, it was marked pending/sold.
A few days later, I saw it again on Marketplace. This time I didn’t hesitate—I messaged the seller. The previous buyer hadn’t shown up, and hubby and I went and picked it up.
Once we got it home and in place, we fell in love!
So, what tips do I have to help you succeed when buying on Facebook Marketplace?
Look Frequently
This might sound obvious, but I mean more than once a day. I check Facebook Marketplace more than I check social media. I probably look at it 10 times a day—easily. That doesn’t mean I’m constantly buying, but I’m always looking.
Scoring a good deal is all about timing. You usually need to be the first to message the seller—and often, the first to pick it up.
Teach the Algorithm
I’m currently addicted to leather chairs (though I haven’t bought one… yet). But the algorithm knows I want one. Why? Because I’ve searched for leather chairs. I’ve saved leather chairs by clicking the little heart. I open and read every leather chair post.
All of that trains the algorithm to show me more of what I love.
It also knows I like antiques, original paintings, wicker, brass, antlers, chess boards… The more you interact—save, search, open posts—the more likely your feed will show you what you’re actually into.
Use Broad Search Terms
People often don’t know what they have. They might not realize it’s antique or mid-century modern. They might not know it’s solid wood or brass. Maybe they call it a “chest,” and you searched for a “dresser.”
Is it a hutch, pie safe, cabinet, armoire, bookshelf, dresser, buffet? I’ve seen all of those words used to describe the same piece.
If you’re hunting for something specific, be broad in your terms. Looking for a farmhouse table? Try searching: farmhouse, table, desk, school, wood, farm, church—each one separately. You never know what might pop up!
Personalize Your Message
Don’t just hit the autofill button that says, “Is this available?”
If the seller has been bombarded by spammers, they might not even respond to that message.
I usually say something like:
“I want this—when can I pick it up?”
Or: “Would you take $X? I can pick it up today.”
Whatever you do, don’t use the automated message.
Haggle (Kindly!)
Especially if it’s been listed for a while—people post on Facebook Marketplace to get rid of stuff, not to get top dollar. You definitely want to be polite, but it’s okay to offer less or ask for their bottom dollar.
Be Personable
Be nice—and a little chatty—when you pick something up.
Why? Because if they had one thing you liked, they might have other things you’d love too.
I recently sold an extra jacket just because the girl who came to pick something up chatted with me and asked if I had anything else similar.
A girlfriend sold extra pieces of art to someone picking something up. And my son? He just missed out on a rug because another buyer who was there for something else saw it and scooped it up.
Absolutely! Here’s a conclusion that matches your voice and ties the post together:
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Final Thoughts
Facebook Marketplace can be a goldmine if you’re patient, persistent, and just a little strategic. Whether you’re searching for that perfect piece or just browsing for fun, these tips can help you snag the good stuff before someone else does. Keep looking often, train that algorithm, and don’t be afraid to send a friendly message or make an offer. You never know when your next favorite find is going to pop up!
Happy hunting—and let me know if you score something amazing!
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You can shop for things I’ve decorated my home with HERE.
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