In recent years, there has been a much greater focus on e-commerce. With the global pandemic changing the way our society functions, it was inevitable that more and more people would start shopping online.
This focus on e-commerce has led social media platforms to add various online shopping features to their sites. This kind of social commerce allows users to shop on their favorite social media app without leaving it. One example of social commerce is Facebook Marketplace – but what is it exactly and how can you use it?
Facebook Marketplace – What Is It?
Facebook Marketplace is a feature introduced by Facebook that allows users to sell and buy products on Facebook. Both individuals and companies can do this. Facebook Marketplace is an example of social commerce when online shopping is done through a social media platform.
Essentially, Facebook Marketplace is like a digital mall. For sellers, it is a great way to reach more people and connect with customers easier. Besides, Facebook also offers different advertising options which means you can also promote your products through the platform (and elsewhere, e.g. Instagram).
For buyers, Facebook Marketplace is a good place to quickly find the products they are looking for. Moreover, you can look both for new and used products as well as use filters for finding local sellers (more on this later). All you need to do to access the Marketplace is visit the according page on Facebook (“Shop”) from your desktop or mobile device.
What Is the “Local Only” Feature?
The reason why Facebook Marketplace was created in the first place is not just the growing trend of social commerce. Before the Marketplace was created, users would often sell and buy goods and services through Facebook Groups. Obviously, this frequently caused problems. Luckily, the Marketplace became the best solution for the situation.
For sellers, it is easier to list their items and let customers discover them. All you need to do is enter the details about your product, but if you need help writing the description, you can hire a professional to help you. You can find the most experienced writers through the writing services reviewing site Best Writers Online where it is easy to compare different agencies and choose the best one for your needs.
For buyers, it is easier to find the products they are looking for. The “Local Only” feature is by far one of the most important aspects of the Marketplace because it lets users see sellers that are not far away from them. When buying goods and services through Facebook Groups, it was much harder to sort and filter listings to find the right offer.
How Can You Enable the “Local Only” Feature?
If you are a buyer and want to search for products on Facebook Marketplace, it is definitely much better for you to enable the “Local Only” feature from the get-go. This way, you will only see listings from the sellers that are close to you, and you won’t have to travel far to get your product (or wait for a long time for it to be delivered to you). There are two main ways you can enable the “Local Only” feature:
• In your app, go to Facebook Marketplace (“Shop”) and choose the “Categories” icon. Click the “Location” icon in the settings and choose a local location. You can either set your area or zoom through the map. You can also set a custom radius.
• In your app, go to Facebook Marketplace (“Shop”) and choose the “You” icon. Set the area for your search by entering it manually or zooming through the map. You can also set a custom radius. Once finished, click “Apply” to save the changes you made.
Both methods will help you see the local listings in the area you chose. However, keep in mind that you will still be seeing ads and promoted products. These may not be from your area, so you should focus on the actual listings that come up in your search results on Facebook Marketplace.
Why Should You Use Local Delivery?
Sellers have two ways to get their products to their buyers. One is to let buyers travel to a physical location and get the product. Another is to deliver the product to the buyer. Obviously, sellers need to explain which methods are available to their buyers, so if you are a seller, consider different writing services and find a writer who can make a text for you that will explain your delivery options.
Sellers on Facebook Marketplace vary from individuals to brands, so buyers need to be aware of this when purchasing any kind of product. In many cases, buyers will have theoption to get their product delivered locally. If you are using the “Local Only” feature on Facebook Marketplace, then this kind of delivery is for you.
Facebook Marketplace has many partnerships with local delivery services so you can essentially get your purchase delivered right to you. On the other hand, you can also buy products internationally and get them shipped to you. It all depends on how you are shopping and what you are buying.
What Are Some Tips to Use?
Lastly, it’s worth using some helpful tips when shopping on Facebook Marketplace. This way, you can have the most enjoyable customer experience and get the most from the platform. Here are some tips to follow:
• Consider what you want to buy before you enable the “Local Only” feature. Some items may not be eligible for local delivery, but products in categories such as Electronics, Clothing & Accessories, Entertainment, etc. are.
• Remember that you will need to pay for delivery or shipping separately. Make sure that you know how you want to get your purchase. If you are shopping locally, perhaps getting it from the seller yourself is a better option for you.
• Beware of scams. There are many sellers who want to fool you, so you need to make sure that you aren’t getting right into their traps. If you are suspicious about a specific seller, just don’t purchase from them.
• Try selling your own goods or services through Facebook Marketplace. It’s a way to earn some extra cash and get rid of the things you are no longer using. Think of it as a digital garage sale.
Wrapping Up
All in all, using Facebook Marketplace can definitely help you find more products that are relevant and interesting to you. However, you need to know how to use it properly to utilize this Facebook feature to the fullest. If you want to shop locally, you can use the tips in this article to help you.
