What are the Facebook Marketplace pitfalls?

[QuimReaper]

First time selling, and it's something too large for me to carry. I've seen several threads on MN over time about sellers falling prey to unsavoury behaviour (people not paying, turning up to 'case the joint') but I can't remember any of the usual advice! Any tips?

Thanks!

It is a nightmare.no shows..agreeing a price then beating you down when they get there. suggesting somethingis broken and wanting refunds, wantingyou to save til friday then not turning up ...just awful.Woudnt touch it with a barge pole anymore been stung far too many times.

This. I wouldn't bother.

Probably obvious but if someone messages asking if your item is ‘like this’, don’t click on the link!

Oh and never sell anything valuable. That's how that poor guy on 24 hours in police custody got a couple of thieves breaking into his garage!

Most people on there are fuckwits.

• Are you on facebook often as messenger lumps all the marketplace messages together and does not alert you when you receive a response!
• Put a time limit "Need to find a new home for this in 2 weeks" but don't put a date. You are trying to encourage the genuinely interested.
• Join all the local facebook mums groups. once you are approved, then post your item. This will help your item get listed in multiple local boards
• what kind of negotiator are you? are you nice and let people walk off with £10 off? then mark up your price £10. Know what your walk away price is. If, for example, your price is £35, then make sure you have change, find out how much they are bringing.
• be brief and honest about your item. Sounds like they have to carry and transport it themselves.
• i've had a pretty good time on there, if anything, people probably complain about me due to point 1! I never see the messages! I have now decided to provide my mobile number so I stop missing messages. and the £££ is used to fund other things
• be prepared for items to be listed for months. And also for an overwhelming amount of interest. I have only ever experienced these 2 extremess.

PS I see scams mentioned on mumsnet about potential buyers asking you to send them money, something about paying for transport. Say no to anyone offering this - collection only.

all the best

Oh lawd, I'm nervous now!

I've already had one person saying they'll send a 'GLS courier' to collect, found a long thread saying this is a scam, so blocked them. Might just chuck it on TippTapp and give it away.