I've never sold on Facebook - what do I need to know before I do please?

[Houseplantmad]

Just that. Have a few items to sell but have never used FB before to list. Any top tips appreciated.

Check out the prices of similar items before you list them. Plenty of photos too.

I always put the first bit of my postcode because I list on Marketplace in my city area to attract more buyers.

From experience I always put £5-10 on top of what I'd like to sell for as buyers always offer under the asking price. I tend to ignore any silly offers completely.

I've sold three things and a trying to sell another.

Have the lowest price you want to sell at in mind. If you don't want to haggle say so because depending on the item some people will try - although not always.

Price it fairly though.

I joined local selling groups and specified local pick up only so I didn't have to deal with postage etc.

Put relevant details like brand, size, be honest about the condition.

So far I've had cash offered for the items so haven't had to deal with any payment issues.

I would use Paypal if needed.

The first three things sold quickly and at asking price, the latest one has had a lot of interest but the offers are too low.

Everyone who has bought from me has been really lovely, although one was slightly bonkers!!!

Good luck

Don't be messed around by people who can't commit. I've made the mistake before of holding an item until they could collect and then they didn't turn up. Now I reply to anyone who shows interest that yes it's still available and then I ask when they want to collect and what time. I work from home so I am relatively flexible. I then give them the address once they lock in a time. I'm very clear though that it's first come first served.

Don't imagine any of the 200 people who click the 'interested' will actually buy it.

I tend to prefer those that actually take the effort to type something themselves as they are more likely to follow through

Don't take PayPal if items are being collected unless you are willing to lose the money. Via friends and family is ok and cheaper.

If an expensive item though do not take it via paypal

@Whyareblokesonhere

Don't take PayPal if items are being collected unless you are willing to lose the money. Via friends and family is ok and cheaper.

If an expensive item though do not take it via paypal

Oh! It was recommended to me.

Thanks for the head's up, will bear that in mind.

What's the best way, cash?

Cash on collection.

Only arrange collection for when you are at home anyway - don't inconvenience yourself as there is a good chance a number of people won't turn up.

Don’t cancel any plans to be at home for collection, because they probably won’t turn up anyway.

Give a day and time that suits you for collection, and make it clear it’s first come first served and you won’t hold the item until payday/they can get a lift/ the other million bullshit excuses you’ll get!

Oh my goodness you are so right - I've already had a few requests to ask if I could hold it until x etc. I've said first come first served, cash on collection and no offers!

Be ready to agree a price and then they haggle on the doorstep or 'forget' to bring the right amount . I don't sell much anymore but I got a pretty thick skin to it now

PayPal can be ok via friends and family as they can't open a dispute.

And as elsewhere get the thick skin ready!