Can You Actually Make Money on Facebook Marketplace?
I sold an old blender for $10, and I swear, the guy haggled me down from $15 like we were trading cattle in a 1920s bazaar. But I remember the feeling that hit me afterward. Not pride. Not joy. Relief. Relief that I could turn something collecting dust into cash, even if it was barely enough for a meal.
That was three years ago. Since then, I’ve flipped over 600 items, from broken iPhones to antique furniture, and I’ve made a little over $27,000. No courses. No fancy tools. Just a crappy hatchback, some late nights, and the burning desire to make rent.
But I’ve also made mistakes. I’ve driven across town for a no-show. I’ve been ghosted, lied to, and once even robbed (more on that later). So when people ask me, “Can you actually make money on Facebook Marketplace?” I tell them the truth.
Yes, but only if you’re ready to treat it like a side hustle and not a garage sale.
Why Facebook Marketplace?
Before we get into tactics, let’s get real about why this platform matters.
Facebook Marketplace is a digital flea market with over 1 billion active users monthly. According to Statista, over 70% of U.S. adults use Facebook, and nearly 1 in 3 have bought or sold something on Marketplace.
Think about that. You’re not just selling to random buyers; you’re selling to your neighbors, classmates, and coworkers. That proximity makes deals happen faster. Unlike eBay or Poshmark, there are no seller fees, no shipping costs, and no waiting days for auctions to end.
It’s Craigslist with a profile picture.
The Emotional Rollercoaster of Selling
I won’t lie to you. This gig messes with your head.
There are days you sell five items and feel invincible. Then there are days when no one replies, your car battery dies, and some dude named “Tyrell” ghosts you after promising to buy your dining table for $80.
Have you ever stared at your phone, rereading the last message from a buyer who never showed up, wondering if they’re just laughing somewhere?
It can feel personal. It shouldn’t. But it does.
One time, I listed an old GameCube for $60. A mom messaged me, saying her kid loved vintage games but they couldn’t afford new ones. She offered $30. I hesitated, then said yes. She showed up with her son, who couldn’t stop smiling. That was the best $30 I didn’t make.
Selling on Facebook Marketplace isn’t just about money. It’s about stories. Some will break you. Others will restore your faith in humanity.
What Sells (And What Doesn’t)
If you’re just starting out, here’s a hard-earned truth: Not everything is worth selling.
Here are categories that move fast:
- Furniture (especially small items like desks, shelves, nightstands)
- Electronics (working or even broken if clearly labeled)
- Baby gear (strollers, high chairs, baby clothes in lots)
- Appliances (microwaves, toasters, washers)
- Tools (drills, saws, lawnmowers)
Here are things that almost never move:
- Generic wall art
- Old textbooks (unless they’re super niche)
- Used makeup or opened toiletries (just… don’t)
- Faded clothing with no brand value
Don’t waste your energy on dead weight.
Tips That Actually Work
Forget the influencer fluff. These are the tactics that actually helped me make money:
1. Photos Matter More Than You Think
Shoot in natural light. Clean the item. Take pics from multiple angles. Make it look like it belongs in a lifestyle ad.
2. Keywords Are Everything
Title your listing like someone would search it. Say “IKEA LACK coffee table – black, minimal, good condition” instead of just “Table.”
3. Price Smart, Negotiate Smarter
List slightly higher than your minimum. Expect hagglers. Know your bottom line, and don’t budge out of desperation.
4. First Come, First Serve? Not Always
People cancel. Hold for those who actually confirm a pickup time.
5. Don’t Be Desperate
Buyers can smell it. Confidence sells. Neediness doesn’t.
6. Safety First
Always meet in public. Bring someone if it’s a big item. If they insist on your house, have someone home and keep the transaction outside.
The Dark Side: What No One Tells You
Let me tell you about the worst day I had selling.
A guy messaged me about a $200 lawnmower. He seemed legit, asked good questions, said he’d be there in an hour. He arrived in a beat-up SUV, looked around nervously, then pulled a knife and took the mower.
Yes, I filed a police report. No, they didn’t find him.
Since then, I only meet in daylight, in front of a police station. Facebook even has “Safe Exchange Zones” now. Use them.
And trust your gut. If something feels off, cancel. No sale is worth your safety.
Turning This Into A Side Hustle
Once you get a few sales under your belt, it becomes addictive. Here’s how to level up:
1. Source Strategically
Garage sales, thrift stores, curb alerts, and even other Facebook Marketplace listings (yes, people underprice stuff all the time).
2. Clean and Fix
A $5 end table becomes $30 with a little paint. A dirty blender becomes new again with vinegar and baking soda.
3. Track Your Profits
Use a spreadsheet. Record what you spent, what you sold for, mileage, time spent. Know your actual profit.
4. Reinvest
Don’t blow your earnings. Use them to buy better inventory. Flip more. Scale slowly.
When It Stops Being Worth It
Let’s be honest: not everyone should do this long-term.
If it’s draining you more than it’s paying you… If you’re skipping meals or losing sleep to chase no-shows… If it makes you hate people…
Then take a break.
This isn’t a forever job for most of us. It’s a stepping stone. A way to pay bills, build confidence, or clean out your closet with purpose. You’re allowed to outgrow it.
But while you’re in it, give it your best. Show up with integrity. Learn from every sale. And remember, someone out there needs what you have lying around.
Final Thoughts: Your Turn Now
You came here wondering if you can actually make money on Facebook Marketplace. Not could someone, but could you.
And the answer is yes.
You can.
But it won’t be easy. It will test your patience, your negotiation skills, your sense of safety, and sometimes your belief in humanity. But it will also teach you resilience. Hustle. Empathy.
Maybe you’re not just selling stuff. Maybe you’re learning how to value your time. Maybe you’re clearing space to make room for something new, in your garage and in your life.
If you’re serious about getting started, read our guides:
And when you make your first sale, come back and tell me. Because I promise you, that $10 blender is only the beginning.