Are you looking to get rid of any old or discarded items? Craigslist, which allows you to post free local classified ads, was once the go-to resource. However, I’m here to argue that Facebook Marketplace is superior in nearly every way.
Indeed, I’d say it’s not just quicker and faster than Craigslist, but it’s also safer. Let’s look at some of the claims in favor of Marketplace, and then you can tell me why I’m nuts, and Craigslist is superior.
It’s easier to create listings on your phone.
Craigslist doesn’t have an official mobile app, and although creating an ad in your mobile browser isn’t tricky, it’s much simpler with the Facebook app.
In reality, here’s how it works:
Step 1: Tap in the “What are you listing” field and then choose Items for Sale.
Step 2: Add (or capture) photos.
Step 3: Fill in the remaining details, such as price, category, and description.
Step 4: If you want, add the listing to any local for-sale groups you’re already a member of (another perk).
So there you have it! You’ve completed the task. I can usually list an object in around 60 seconds, but it can take a little longer if it requires a more detailed explanation. When it comes to adding images, Craigslist’s interface is slower and clunkier.
It’s easier to browse listings on your phone.
Similarly, since there is no Craigslist app, you must access listings through your browser. This necessitates a lot more navigation, as well as a lot more clicking as you display an object, return to the previous tab, and so on.
One tap of the Marketplace icon in the Facebook app takes you to your local listings, where you can start scrolling through the available products right away. You can also quickly sort through the listings by distance, category, and price. If you want to look at the giveaways, there’s a “free” tab.
Another significant Marketplace advantage is that you can assign a radius for your searches, rather than only counties like Craigslist.
It’s probably safer
Craigslist, for better or worse, provides complete anonymity. From the item you’re selling to your address and identity, you can fake almost everything. (Indeed, this may explain why the service has resulted in some particularly heinous crimes.)
Facebook Marketplace is connected to the Facebook accounts of both buyers and sellers. Those can be faked as well, but at the very least, you can look at a person’s profile, see how long they’ve been on Facebook, see what they’ve achieved in the Marketplace in the past, and so on. (If anything seems to be suspicious, you can also report it.)
The Marketplace should be the safer way to buy and sell products because of this transparency (which is non-existent on Craigslist). Of course, there are no guarantees, and I have no evidence to back up this hypothesis. I’m just saying that if you put your name and face on something, you’re less likely to do something shady.
While we’re on the subject of protection, check out these six ways to prevent Facebook Marketplace scams.
Read: Facebook Marketplace Not Working? Try these steps
It offers better odds for selling your item.
I was hoping you could permit me to speak from personal experience as well as anecdotal facts. Selling products on Facebook Marketplace has a 70% success rate for me. I’ve sold goods the same day they were released in some cases.
On Craigslist, the percentage is closer to 25%. I have a few theories as to why this is. First, there’s the convenience of browsing items via Marketplace, as previously stated. People on Craigslist, I believe, do not browse; they hunt. As a consequence, there’s a lower risk that anyone will come across my piece.
Second, Facebook had 2.2 billion users at the time of this writing. That’s a lot of eyes, and while only a small number of them will see your post, it’s a safe bet that there will be more than will see your Craigslist ad. It’s all about the numbers.
When you add in the ease of contact (see below) and the increased transparency (see above), I believe you’ll be far more likely to sell on Marketplace than on Craigslist.
And while we’re on the subject of chances, check out these five tips for selling on Facebook Marketplace.
Read Also: View Facebook Marketplace | FB Marketplace App
You don’t have to give out your phone number or email address.
When dealing with strangers, you can be afraid to send out your phone number or email address. Facebook, luckily, allows for contact without disclosing any of that information.
Instead, you can use Messenger to send instant messages, which also helps you make phone calls. As a result, you can connect with the other party as quickly as you do use conventional methods without disclosing any personal information.
That’s what there is to it! That is my argument for using Marketplace instead of Craigslist. I believe that the former is a more vigorous outlet for local buying and selling. Do you agree? Do you disagree? Tell me why in the comments section.