Member-only story
When You Are Greeted With ‘Hi, Is This Available?’
Sifting through Facebook Marketplace in search of a buyer
I posted an item to sell on Facebook Marketplace and woke up this morning to over 100 messages: “Hi, is this available?”
Not all customers are serious. Some are browsing and just inquiring, not yet convinced they really want a used item for free or for a bargain.
How do I decide which ones to pursue?
1️⃣ I check the buyer’s Facebook profile for their pictures and location. The location is not always visible, but I at least need to know what they look like. No picture, no go.
2️⃣ A really interested buyer will keep the conversation going in the chat until a day and time for pick up is confirmed.
3️⃣ If it is an item I can carry, I will meet them at a public parking lot. If it is a heavy item like furniture, I give them my address when they are ready to leave their place to pick it up. I want to make sure they are serious.
I accept only cash, as Marketplace cautions against any other form of transaction. I also do not give out my phone number; all communication is through the app.
There are people who back out at the last minute, and I move on to the next interested buyer.
