How to Sell on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and Other Platforms

Before you jump into listing your items online, take a moment to see what you’re actually ready to part with. You don’t have to go full minimalist or “Marie Kondo” your entire home overnight, but the longer unwanted items sit around, the harder they are to deal with. Even if you already have one or two big pieces in mind, like a sofa or bed frame, it’s worth doing a quick sweep through your other belongings while you’re at it. Taking care of everything in one go will make it easier to photograph, list and organize your sale.

After you’ve finished writing down the items you plan on parting with, divide the items into four categories:

• Sell. Items in good or excellent condition — think furniture, appliances, electronics, jewelry, quality clothing, unique decor and collectibles — are perfect candidates for resale on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and OfferUp.
• Store. Seasonal items or things you still need but don’t use often can be set aside. A short-term self-storage unit is a handy option for clearing space while keeping those belongings within easy reach.
• Donate. Lightly used clothing, household basics, toiletries, blankets and nonperishable food can make a big difference to someone in need. Check with local charities, shelters, or food banks to see what they accept.
• Toss (or recycle). Some items just aren’t worth keeping or passing along. But before you throw them away, check your area’s recycling guidelines or bulk item disposal rules. Certain things — like electronics, paint, mattresses, etc. — may require special handling.

Not every platform is well-suited to every type of product. If you’re selling larger items — such as furniture — you may have better luck selling on Craigslist, OfferUp, and Facebook Marketplace. Smaller items such as clothing, jewelry and collectibles, on the other hand, tend to fare better on eBay, Mercari, Depop, Poshmark, Grailed and other similar platforms. It never hurts to list your item on multiple platforms if you’re not seeing much engagement on one.

Facebook Marketplace

Pros: 

• Huge, active user base, especially in major cities
• Great for selling furniture and household items
• Built-in messaging, customizable listings and pick-up/delivery options
• No listing fees

Cons: 

• Privacy and safety concerns with in-person meet-ups — always meet in public.
• Scams via Zelle, Venmo, or fake profiles are common, so stay cautious
• Best for local sales; limited reach beyond your area
• Messaging can be slow or unreliable

Craigslist

Pros:

• Long-standing, trusted platform with a wide range of buyers
• Ideal for selling everything from furniture to electronics to vehicles
• Focuses on local pick-up, making transactions simple
• Free to list (except for certain categories like jobs or rentals)

Cons:

• The same safety precautions apply — avoid sharing personal information
• Stay alert for scams
• Basic, no-frills platform with limited features

OfferUp

Pros:

• Easy-to-use mobile app for quick listings
• Local selling and nationwide shipping options
• Secure payment and shipping features for added peace of mind
• Buyer and seller ratings help build trust

Cons:

• Shipping and service fees apply for national sales
• High competition, so standing out can take effort
• In-app messaging isn’t always reliable

Other Platforms to Consider

While Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, and WhatNot are some of the most popular platforms for selling items online, they aren’t your only options, and they may not be the best fit for everything. For example, if you’re selling clothing, you’ll likely have better luck on Depop or Poshmark than on Facebook Marketplace. Likewise, if you want to reach a national or international audience for items like artwork or collectibles, platforms like eBay can offer much broader exposure than Craigslist.

• For furniture: AptDeco, eBay, Chairish, 1stdibs, Etsy
• For clothing: Depop, Poshmark, Mercari, Grailed, The RealReal, Vestiare Collective, eBay, Etsy

Selling on WhatNot

WhatNot is a live auction-style platform popular for selling collectibles, sneakers, vintage clothing, trading cards and other niche items. Sellers host live streams where buyers can bid and interact in real time, making it a great option for high-demand or one-of-a-kind products. Here are some tips:

• Be ready to go live — success depends on being comfortable on camera and engaging with viewers
• High-quality visuals matter, so set up good lighting and clear displays for your items
• Start with popular categories like vintage apparel, toys and collectibles if you're new to the platform
• Build credibility through positive reviews and consistent, honest listings

WhatNot isn’t ideal for everyday household items, but for the right products, it can help you tap into a highly motivated buyer community.

Sometimes, your items may not sell for weeks or even months after you list them. If you need to clear space in your home quickly, consider placing items in a self-storage unit. This is particularly helpful if you’re getting rid of furniture or other large items. Self-storage facilities typically offer flexible month-to-month rental terms, meaning you can keep your unit while you wait for your items to sell and then downsize to a smaller unit or terminate the rental agreement once the sale happens. Many storage units are also climate-controlled and regularly cleaned/inspected for pests, which can help keep upholstered or leather furniture in mint condition.

Selling on an online platform isn’t as easy as posting a picture and closing a sale. The most successful listings are thoughtfully created for maximum traction and visibility. If you’re just learning how to sell on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and OfferUp, remember these three principles: 

• Price your items strategically
• Take well-lit and clear photos
• Include as many relevant details in your description as possible

Price Your Items Strategically

Doing a little research upfront can make the difference between a quick sale and weeks of waiting. Start by checking the original price from the manufacturer, even if you didn’t buy it at full retail. (Use Google Lens to reverse image search your item if you’re not sure who the manufacturer is.) Then compare similar listings on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, etc., to get a sense of current resale value. Create a simple list or spreadsheet noting:

• The lowest price you find
• The highest price
• The current retail price (if applicable)

Next, consider:

• Condition: How old is the item? Any damage? Missing parts?
• Market: Are you selling in a big city where demand and prices are higher?

Once you have a feel for pricing, aim slightly above what you hope to get. Many buyers will negotiate, especially on Facebook Marketplace. If you’re willing to deliver, factor in a reasonable delivery fee and set a distance limit.

Take Clear, Eye-Catching Photos

On platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and OfferUp, your photos are the first — and often only — chance to grab a buyer’s attention. You don’t need fancy equipment, but clear, well-lit images are a must. If your phone photos are blurry or grainy, ask a friend to help.

Quick photo tips:

• Use natural light whenever possible
• Place items in front of a plain, clutter-free background
• Clean the item before photographing (wipe down surfaces, polish wood, etc.)
• Take multiple angles, including close-ups and full shots

Each platform has generous photo limits: Facebook Marketplace allows 10, Craigslist 24, and OfferUp 12. Aim for at least three different angles. Be upfront about imperfections — include close-ups and mention flaws in the description or with a simple text overlay on the photo.

Write a Compelling Headline and Description

A good headline makes your listing stand out and prevents endless back-and-forth with buyers. Keep it clear, not clever. Think about what buyers would search for, and include key details like size, color and condition. For example:

• Instead of: Kardiel Nordic Couch
• Try: Black & Gray Kardiel Nordic Fusion Sofa, 83”, Like New

In the description, include the item’s condition, key features and how buyers can contact you. Two to six sentences is plenty — short and straightforward sells best.

Add Search Tags

On Facebook Marketplace, use search tags to help your listing appear in buyer searches. Be specific. Selling an antique credenza? Tags like antique, credenza, vintage and wood will boost visibility.

Extra Tips to Sell Faster

• Create urgency: Phrases like “Must go by Monday” can speed things up, but don’t make the deadline too close or buyers may try to lowball you.
• Offer bundle deals: Discount multi-item purchases (5-15% off or free shipping) to encourage larger sales.

Selling on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp or WhatNot means dealing with a few no-shows or tough negotiators. But once you find a serious buyer, prioritize safety. Get their full name and phone number to arrange pick-up or delivery. If you’d rather not share your personal info, use a free Google Voice number or proxy email.

Safe meetup tips:

• Meet in a public place, like a park or coffee shop, and bring a friend if possible.
• If the buyer comes to you, have the item ready outside (driveway or garage) and ask a friend to be there.
• Always meet during the day and stick to cash when possible. If you use PayPal or Venmo, only accept payment upfront or on the spot—never after they leave.

Not all sales require a face-to-face meetup. For smaller items (or if you’re willing to go the extra mile) shipping or local delivery can help you close the deal faster and expand your buyer pool. Here’s how to do it safely and efficiently.

Local Delivery

• If you're comfortable, offer to deliver items yourself for a small fee, especially for large pieces like furniture. Be clear about the fee and set a maximum distance (e.g., within 10 miles).
• For extra convenience, consider using a service like Uber Package, Roadie or TaskRabbit, which lets you schedule local deliveries without meeting the buyer in person.
• Always confirm the address and payment details before you head out.

Shipping Items

• Use tracked, insured shipping for higher-value items — platforms like OfferUp, eBay or Facebook Marketplace often have built-in shipping options with buyer protection.
• Package items securely with padding to avoid damage during transit. Include a note with your contact information for added professionalism.
• Factor shipping costs into your price or be upfront if the buyer is covering them.
• Shipping or delivery can make your listings more appealing. Just be clear about costs, timing and expectations upfront to avoid misunderstandings.

Unfortunately, online platforms attract scammers targeting both buyers and sellers. If you’re selling an item, watch for red flags like buyers trying to move the conversation off the platform, offering to pay via Zelle and have someone else pick up the item, asking for personal details right away or using brand-new profiles with little activity. Here are some scams to watch out for:

• Overpayment scams: They offer more than your asking price and ask you to refund the difference, usually with a fake payment.
• Fake payment confirmations: Emails or messages appear to confirm payment, but no funds ever arrive. Always check your payment account directly.
• Phishing links: Scammers send fake links to steal your login credentials. Never click suspicious links — log in through the platform’s official site.
• Fake buyers: They ask for unnecessary personal information under the pretense of shipping or payment.
• Identity theft: Be cautious of anyone asking for sensitive details not essential to the transaction.
• Shipping scams: They ask you to ship the item before payment — don’t do it. Always secure payment first.
• Fake reviews: New accounts with overly positive reviews can be manipulated. Cross-check buyer profiles for legitimacy.

Tips to Stay Safe

• Confirm payments through your account. Remember: cash is always safest!
• Meet buyers in public places; many police stations offer safe transaction spots.
• If something feels off, trust your instincts and walk away.
• Only share essential information with buyers.
• Stick to in-app messaging and payment tools to maintain platform protections.

Congratulations — you’ve sold an item on an online marketplace! Now that you’ve rehomed your item, don’t forget to remove the listing from the platform(s) on which it was posted. If your buyer ended up flaking out on you for whatever reason and the item is still in your possession, simply “refresh” your listing to give it added visibility — no need to remove and repost your listing. You may already have a queue of eager buyers waiting in your DMs.

Good luck with your selling! For more tips on organizing or reorganizing your space, explore the SmartStop blog.