Selling on Facebook Marketplace can be a great way to make money, but it’s not always easy. For every serious buyer, you might encounter lowball offers, no-shows, or scammers trying to take advantage of you. These frustrations can turn a simple sale into a waste of time.
This guide will help you spot the most common scams and frustrating scenarios you’ll face and give you the proven strategies to handle them with confidence. You’ll learn how to quickly filter out the time-wasters and focus on getting your products sold to real buyers.
Common Facebook Marketplace Scams:
The vast majority of people on Marketplace are legitimate, but a few bad actors can spoil the experience. Here are the most common scams to watch out for.
The "Fake Payment" Scam:
This is one of the most widespread scams. The buyer agrees to your price and says they will pay with a digital app like Zelle, Venmo, or PayPal. They then send you a fake email or message that looks like it’s from the payment service, claiming the money is “pending” and you need to pay a fee or provide personal information to “upgrade your account” to receive the funds.
How to spot it:
The email will often have errors, and the request will feel unnatural. The money will never actually be in your account.
The solution:
Never pay a fee to receive money. Always check your actual app or bank account directly to confirm funds have been received. If the money isn’t there, do not proceed with the sale.
The "Shipping" Scam:
The buyer, often located far away, offers to send a shipping label or arrange for a courier to pick up the item. They may even send a fake email from a courier service. The goal is to trick you into providing personal information or paying a fee for a fake service.
How to spot it:
The buyer is pushing for shipping on a local pickup item. The payment method often involves a “pending” payment.
The solution:
For local pickups, only accept cash or a secure, in-person payment method. Never accept a pre-paid shipping label or pay a fee for a courier service arranged by the buyer.
The "Fake Check" or "Overpayment" Scam:
This scam is for higher-ticket items. The buyer sends you a fake check for more than the asking price and asks you to deposit it, then send them the difference. The check will bounce, but not until after you have already sent the item and the extra money.
How to spot it:
The buyer is willing to overpay and is insisting you send them the difference.
The solution:
Never accept a check on Facebook Marketplace. If you do, wait for the check to fully clear with your bank before taking any action. Never send back a portion of the funds.
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How to Deal with Lowballers and Difficult Buyers?
Dealing with a scammer is one thing, but a difficult but legitimate buyer requires a different skill set. Here’s how to handle common frustrations.
Handling Lowball Offers:
When someone sends a ridiculously lowball offer, the best strategy is to avoid getting emotional. You are in control of the negotiation. A simple, polite counteroffer is often the most effective response. For example, if a buyer offers you $50 for an item you listed for $150, you can respond with: “Thanks for the offer, but I’m firm on my price. It’s a great item for $150.” This shows you’re a serious seller and are not going to be easily swayed.
Setting Boundaries:
You do not have to accept an offer or agree to unreasonable requests. Your time and convenience are valuable. A buyer might ask you to hold an item for a long period, which can cause you to miss out on other potential buyers. You can politely but firmly decline. For instance, if a buyer asks you to hold an item until next month, you can say: “I’m sorry, I can’t hold the item. It will be sold to the first person who can pay and pick it up.”
Dealing with No-Shows:
One of the most frustrating things to deal with is a no-show. To prevent this, the key is to be proactive and set clear expectations. One or two hours before your planned meeting, send a quick message to confirm the time and location. For example, you can write: “Hi, just confirming our meeting at [Time] at [Location] today. Does that still work for you?” If they respond, you know they are still interested and you’ve confirmed the meeting. If they don’t, you’ve saved yourself the time and frustration of waiting for someone who was never going to show up.
Best Practices for a Safe Transaction:
Prevention is always the best solution. By following these simple rules, you can minimize the chances of running into scammers and difficult buyers.
Meet in a Public Place:
Always meet in a well-lit, public location like a coffee shop, a grocery store parking lot, or a police station’s safe exchange zone.
Be Clear in Your Listing:
In your product description, be upfront about the price, the item’s condition, and your policies (e.g., “Cash Only”).
Trust Your Gut:
If something feels off about a buyer, the way they communicate, or their offer, it’s okay to walk away from the sale. A few dollars aren’t worth the hassle or risk.
Final Thoughts:
Selling on Facebook Marketplace requires a strategic approach. By learning to spot the red flags and handling difficult buyers with a clear, polite, and firm attitude, you can save yourself a lot of time and frustration.
