How to Shop Sustainably Using Facebook Marketplace
Baddies everywhere are getting into the natural nesting vibes of early fall. Furnishing and decorating your space is often daunting, but it can be fun too! We are huge supporters of local estate sales, flea markets, and stooping websites for finding amazing home decor and furniture. Still, when it comes to finding the basics, Facebook Marketplace is an essential susty resource. But if you don’t know how to navigate it, Facebook Marketplace can feel just as overwhelming as moving into a new place.
How do you find what you’re looking for? Dive into our Facebook Marketplace guide for some tips to get started!
#1 What do you NEED? (Not to be mistaken with want)
Think essentials and big ticket items first
You need a bed, babe. It can be hard when you are in transition to keep track of what you need vs. what you want. You’ll have more fun decorating your space after you get your most important items.
Be critical about your investments
If you have given it some thought, you’ll know when it’s worth it to splurge on a more expensive, quality item!
Do your research
Have an idea of what brands, styles, and conditions you want in your new furniture. Having specific parameters in mind will help you find your dream pieces that you’ll ideally keep for a lifetime.
#2 Can you get it for free?
Check Buy-Nothing or Stooping pages.
You can often find quality items for free in your neighborhood. Once you’ve stocked up on your essentials, Buy-Nothing or Stooping pages are super helpful for filling in the blanks, like lamps, rugs, bedside tables, etc…
#3 Get familiar with filters
Shop local
When you begin your search, be thoughtful about how far you’re willing to go. Set your location filter for as far as you can manage.
SB Tip: Set your pick-up method as “local pickup only” to make sure you don’t get any weird bots selling knockoffs from some remote factory.
Set your price range
One of the great benefits of FB Marketplace is that you can message sellers to get an idea of the value of the product you are buying and work together to find a price that works for both of you.
Be realistic. We love a good bargain, but you won’t have great luck if you’re trying to get something from $500 down to $50. Use your noodle.
Set condition preferences
If you’re looking for pieces that can last through several moves, you’re going to want something in higher-quality condition. However, if you aren’t too picky or you are looking for something with a little extra character, then you might set your preferences for “lightly used” to find more affordable items.
#4 Search Smart
BE SPECIFIC!
Include keywords when you are searching on FB Marketplace, especially, if you are looking for a specific brand, year, material, style, etc.
SB Tip: Search terms we like include, “mid-century modern,” “lightly loved,” “vintage,” “handmade,” “y2k” or “early 2000s style.”
Put some time into it
As they say, good things take time. Don’t just click on the first page you see on Facebook, or you might miss your dream piece. Instead, try and scroll through the first handful of pages and flag the ones that look interesting. It’s like doing your first lap at the thrift store before finally landing on the items you need to try.
#5 Safety First (This might be the most important rule!)
ALWAYS HAVE A BUDDY!
Worried about in-person transactions? Make sure you have a roommate, friend, or neighbor around to provide a buffer. They can also lend a hand if you have something extra big to move! Friends are busy? Make sure someone knows the situation and share your location just in case!
Trust your gut
Like with most things, if something feels off, it probably is. If a seller’s or buyer's messages seem weird, it might be worth it to pass. No secondhand home good is worth putting yourself in a scary situation.
Beware of scams
There will be some listings that just seem…off. If it looks like it could have come straight off some Amazon dupe page or a black market-type situation just don’t go with it. We are looking for deals but we aren’t looking for scams.
The most important thing to remember is that sometimes FB Marketplace doesn’t work out for you. And that’s okay! You never have to buy something that you don’t like after you’ve seen it. Have your hype-up buddy next to you, and don’t be afraid to say “No, thanks!”
Here are a few final tips and tricks:
Have cash ready – not everyone has Venmo or Zelle!
Don’t pay until it’s in your hands!
Ask for measurements and measure your space too!
Sometimes, taking style risks is worth it.
Communicate and get details on pickup time, place, and sizes/weight so you can show up with the right helping hands. (You might have to carry it down a walk up!)
TaskRabbit, Uber, and Uhaul are your friends. But so is the guy next door with a Subaru Forester. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.