When I'm on the hunt for affordable furniture, decor or even certain appliances, I always check Facebook Marketplace first. While not everything in my apartment is used, a good chunk of it is, and there are a few key reasons for that.
One, why buy something new when you can find the same thing in excellent shape for a fraction of the price? Two, there's something charming about a piece of furniture with a few nicks and scratches, at least to me — not to mention, it's better for the planet. And lastly, I've just had so many positive experiences on Facebook Marketplace that I find it hard not to keep crawling (or scrolling) back for more.
Still, the platform can be a bit tricky to master, especially in the beginning. After years of using the site to buy and sell everything from dressers to tables and even coffee machines, I've compiled a list of what I find to be the most useful tips and tricks for Facebook Marketplace newbies.
⌛ Practice patience.
You've probably heard this before, but it's true. When it comes to Facebook Marketplace, or any second-hand online shopping site for that matter, you can only work with what people around you are selling, and what's available is completely out of your control.
When I first moved into my most recent apartment, I was shocked by how expensive a new dining set was (for context, my previous apartment was too small to even fit a full-sized table and chairs). I waited a few weeks before I was able to snag the perfect set.
Sure, it can be a tad inconvenient living in an apartment without a kitchen table, but that doesn't mean you should settle for something you don't love. Looking back at it, I'm glad I didn't cave and buy a new set or a used one that just didn't fit quite right. Keep your standards high and stay persistent when you're on the hunt, even if it's a bit frustrating.
💬 Express your interest quickly.
If you really want a piece of furniture or decor, express that quickly and eagerly for the best results. When I'm on the other end acting as the seller, I typically want to get rid of whatever it is as quickly as possible to free up space. That's usually how most sellers feel.
See something you're in love with? Send a message ASAP, and don't just send the automatic "Hi, is this available?" note that Facebook suggests — make it your own. Tell them how much you love it or how soon you can pick it up.
👀 Get a second pair of eyes (and hands).
I've enlisted the help of many, many friends and family members while on the Facebook Marketplace hunt. First of all, I feel a lot safer with a buddy by my side. But there are a few other reasons you should always bring a friend.
You'll want someone else to take a look at the item you're buying, particularly if it's an expensive or significant purchase. Plus, in that case, whatever you're picking up is probably pretty heavy. I borrowed my sister's truck and recruited my mom to come with me to pick up a matching set of two large dressers and two nightstands. It required multiple trips and lots of heavy lifting. I couldn't have done it on my own.
Plus, I felt a lot better walking into someone else's apartment with someone I trust. We both inspected all the furniture before sending the payment.
📱 Don't give away your phone number.
I've had buyers and sellers ask for my phone number while communicating, and while I can't say for sure if anyone was trying to scam me necessarily, it just didn't feel right. If there's an app built in for communicating, why is it necessary to share phone numbers?
Avoid sending any personal information — you never really know who you're talking to or what their intentions are.
❓ Ask all the questions.
I recently purchased a brand new espresso machine off Facebook Marketplace at a discounted rate. But before I committed, I knew I had to ask a few questions first. Why are you selling this brand new machine? Is it still under warranty? Have you opened the box?
If you're feeling weary about the situation, there's no harm in asking for clarification. Once I got the full story, it all made sense and I had peace of mind. Think about it this way — anyone who is genuinely trying to sell something is usually happy to share more details.
🛠️ Don't be afraid of a few scratches.
Used furniture or decor is bound to come with a couple of scratches. As long as the seller is upfront about those imperfections and shares photos or videos beforehand, it's usually nothing to worry about. Of course, everyone has their own standards, but for the most part, these pieces can be fixed or refinished. If you really love something, don't be afraid to take on a DIY project and fix it up. Chances are you probably won't find something like it again.
👤 Check the seller's profile.
When furnishing a home, most people are on the hunt for multiple pieces, whether it's furniture, decor or appliances. So when someone is moving out of a home, it only makes sense that they're looking to sell multiple things. If you're interested in one piece of furniture, you might also consider something else on their page.
Take a peek at the seller's profile to explore other items they have listed. Not only can you get a good deal, you can also limit the amount of trips you have to take if you were planning on purchasing elsewhere.
When I bought the dresser and nightstands previously mentioned, I checked the seller's profile and also saw that they were selling two glass side tables that were the perfect size for both sides of my couch. I snagged those at a discounted rate before someone else could.
💰 Figure out payment details beforehand.
This one's pretty simple, but it shouldn't be overlooked. Before pick up, send the seller a quick message to confirm their preferred payment method. Whether it's Venmo, Zelle or cash, come prepared to avoid any last-minute issues.
Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC's TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.