How to Sell on Facebook Marketplace and Rules to Follow

What you'll learn:

• Strategies to maximise your visibility, sales performance, and expand your business reach.

• Essential Facebook Marketplace rules: what you can (and cannot) sell.

• The difference between individual and business selling on the platform.

• Key operational requirements, including shipping deadlines and communication best practises.

• How BigCommerce seamlessly integrates with Marketplace for efficient, scaled selling.

Facebook is huge.

It's been a global online force for over fifteen years. In 2025, it still boasts 2.11 billion daily active users worldwide.

That's a massive audience.

Facebook leveraged this reach, tapping into the needs of individual sellers, startups, and small businesses with Facebook Marketplace.

And it's paying off.

In less than a decade, Marketplace now drives over half (51.2%) of all global social commerce activity.

For businesses like yours, this represents a real opportunity.

Understanding how and what to sell empowers you to connect with millions of potential customers.

Let's dive in.

3 reasons to consider Facebook Marketplace for your business

Facebook is more than just social media.

It's a powerful sales channel.

Originally, Marketplace was just for peer-to-peer selling. Now, it's open for businesses too.

This is huge for omnichannel retail.

Merchants can now connect with customers where they already spend their time — right on Facebook.

Consider these key benefits:

1. Extended reach.

Tyred of limited visibility?

Facebook Marketplace gives your products a massive stage. It boasts nearly 1.1 billion monthly active users.

That's a staggering number.

Your brand can reach targeted audiences you might otherwise miss. Tap into new demographics and expand your customer base significantly.

It's about putting your products directly in front of engaged buyers.

2. Personalised customer experience.

Modern shoppers value connection.

Marketplace facilitates direct communication between buyers and sellers. This isn't just a transaction; it's a conversation.

• Answer questions in real-time 

• Build rapport

• Offer tailored advice

This personal touch can turn a one-time buyer into a loyal customer. It fosters trust and builds your brand's reputation.

3. A low-barrier entry point.

Starting a new sales channel can be daunting.

Facebook Marketplace makes it accessible, especially for small businesses and startups.

You don't need to build a new storefront from scratch. Leverage an existing, highly trafficked platform.

For BigCommerce merchants, this entry is even smoother. We'll show you how to integrate seamlessly, making it an efficient way to expand your presence without significant overhead.

How to sell on Facebook Marketplace

Ready to start selling?

The process varies slightly, depending on your setup. Are you an individual or a business?

Individual sellers vs. business sellers.

Anyone can list an item on Facebook Marketplace.

• For individuals: It's typically a direct, peer-to-peer transaction. You list. You chat with buyers. You arrange pickup or shipping. It's straightforward for a few items.

• For businesses: The approach is more integrated. You're looking for scale, efficiency, and consistent brand representation. This is where the right tools make all the difference.

For BigCommerce merchants: Seamless integration for scaled selling.

Selling as a business requires more.

You need efficient inventory management, automated order processing and centralised customer service.

Manually listing hundreds of products? Tracking sales in spreadsheets? That won't scale.

This is where BigCommerce steps in.

Our platform offers robust integrations designed to streamline your operations. Connect your BigCommerce store directly to Facebook Marketplace.

Here's what that means for you:

• Centralised inventory: Manage all your stock from one dashboard. No more overselling.

• Synchronised listings: Push products from your store to the Marketplace with ease.

• Streamlined orders: All Marketplace orders appear in your BigCommerce control panel.

• Consistent data: Product details, pricing and availability stay up-to-date automatically.

Sell smarter, not harder.

BigCommerce helps you leverage Facebook Marketplace as a powerful, integrated sales channel.

Understanding Facebook Marketplace rules: What you need to know

Selling on any platform comes with rules.

Facebook Marketplace is no different. Knowing these guidelines is crucial for success and avoiding issues.

Here's what you need to understand:

What you can sell.

Marketplace focuses on physical goods.

Think tangible products. Anything that can be shipped or picked up.

Common categories include:

• Apparel and accessories

• Electronics

• Home goods and furniture

• Vehicles

• Digital cameras

• Books

• Collectibles

Always ensure your item is a physical product.

What you cannot sell.

Just as important as knowing what's allowed is knowing what isn't. Facebook has strict policies.

Prohibited items include (but are not limited to):

• Services (e.g., house cleaning, web design)

• Digital products (e.g., e-books, downloadable software)

• Experiences (e.g., concert tickets, travel packages)

• Animals

• Alcohol and tobacco

• Firearms and weapons

• Illegal products or services

• Medical/healthcare products

• Adult products or services

Always review Facebook's Commerce Policies for a comprehensive list. Violations can lead to Facebook removing listings or account restrictions.

Listing best practises.

Your listing itself needs to follow specific guidelines.

• Description matches image: This is vital. The item in your photo must accurately represent the item's description and condition. Misleading listings frustrate buyers and can lead to issues.

• High-quality images: Use clear, well-lit photos. Show the item from multiple angles. Clarity builds trust and helps buyers make informed decisions.

• Accurate pricing: Clearly state the price. Be transparent about any additional costs, like shipping.

Key operational requirements.

Once an item sells, your work isn't done.

Facebook Marketplace has clear expectations for order fulfilment.

• Prompt shipping: You must ship orders within three (3) business days from checkout.

• Timely delivery: Buyers expect to receive their order within seven business (7) days of shipping.

Why this matters:

• Buyer satisfaction: Fast shipping leads to happy customers.

• Seller reputation: Delays or missed deadlines can negatively impact your seller ratings.

• Tracking is essential: Use a carrier that provides tracking services. This protects both you and the buyer.

Failing to meet these deadlines can damage your brand's reputation and lead to penalties. Plan your fulfilment strategy carefully.

Maximising your success on Facebook Marketplace

Selling on Marketplace isn't just about listing products.

It's about optimising your strategy. Make your listings stand out. Delight your customers.

Here's how to truly succeed:

Managing buyer communications.

Expect messages — a lot of them.

Facebook Marketplace thrives on direct interaction. Buyers often have questions before, during, and after a purchase.

This is an opportunity.

Tips for stellar communication.

• Be responsive: Aim for quick replies. Promptness builds trust and can secure a sale.

• Master your tone: Keep it helpful, friendly, and professional. Let your brand voice shine through.

• Prepare templates: Develop quick replies for common questions. Preparation saves time and ensures consistency.

• Address concerns: Whether it's about product details or shipping updates, proactive communication resolves issues quickly.

Exceptional customer service isn't just a duty. It's a powerful tool for customer loyalty.

Optimising listings for visibility.

Getting seen is half the battle.

High-quality listings attract more attention and drive sales. Think like a buyer. What would make you click?

Key optimisation strategies.

• Stunning photos: Use bright, clear, high-resolution images. Show your product from multiple angles. Demonstrate its use.

• Compelling descriptions: Be thorough, but concise. Highlight key features and benefits. Use bullet points for scannability.

• Strategic keywords: Think about what buyers are searching for. Include relevant keywords naturally in your title and description.

• Competitive pricing: Research similar items. Price your products attractively while ensuring profitability.

• Regular updates: Refreshing listings or adding new inventory can boost visibility within the algorithm.

Leveraging analytics and insights.

Data drives better decisions.

While Facebook Marketplace's direct analytics might be simpler than a complete ecommerce platform, pay attention to what you can track.

Consider these:

• Sales performance: Which products sell best? When?

• Customer engagement: Which questions are most common?

• Listing views: Are certain types of listings getting more attention?

If you're using BigCommerce, you can gain even deeper insights by cross-referencing Marketplace sales with your overall store data. Use this information to refine your product offerings, adjust pricing, and improve your listing strategies.

The final word

We've covered a lot.

Facebook Marketplace offers an undeniable opportunity. It's a vast, active platform. It connects sellers directly with billions of potential customers.

For individual sellers, it's a quick way to list items.

For businesses, it's a powerful channel to expand your reach. Especially when integrated efficiently.

Consider the upsides:

• Massive audience reach

• Direct customer engagement

• A chance to diversify your sales channels

But remember the commitment:

• Meeting strict shipping deadlines

• Managing customer enquiries promptly

• Adhering to Facebook's commerce policies

Is it a good fit for your business?

If you're ready to tap into a huge active user base and engage directly with buyers, absolutely.

For BigCommerce merchants, the integration makes this even more compelling. Manage your inventory, orders, and listings from one central platform. It simplifies the entire process.

Explore Facebook Marketplace. Evaluate its potential. It might just be the next big step in your ecommerce journey.

We're here to help you navigate it.

FAQs about Facebook Marketplace