With moderate sucess I've used both methods to get things to flip. Is there certain keywords that structure the post that get more people to respond? I mostly flip video games and purses, but I don't bother with ISO posts for purses since a lot of women post them freely themselves.
Last week I was getting lots of responses from my posts specifically from craigslist- and this week nada, or if they do respond it's a lot of video game stuff that's overpriced/not good.
How does everyone else write their ISO and Looking for Posts?
Facebook’s Marketplace feature is a place to buy and sell products from other Facebook users. Think of it as an online yard sale, but you can reach potential buyers beyond your neighborhood. However, like with all social media platforms, there is an optimal way to post your items. Whether you’re a social media novice or expert, these are the tips you need to know to make the most profit or quickly get rid of the items building clutter in your home.
General lingo
First time Marketplace users, this section is for you. There are a few phrases and abbreviations to learn so you can navigate the site better. You may not need to use these terms every time you post an item, but they are handy to know when you need to use them because these are the words buyers use while searching.
OBO
You might see OBO in the description of a listing; for example, “$20 OBO.” This abbreviation means “or best offer,” which lets you know you might need to ask the seller what their best offer is so far before you give yours.
PPU
“Porch pick up” is a common phrase, especially during COVID-19, when most people prefer contactless transactions. This means they prefer you to come to their home and pick up the item from their porch or driveway.
Meet up
If someone lists an item and wants to “meet up,” this means that they prefer to meet a place agreed upon by both parties to ensure safety. Plus, it can also be helpful if you like an item that’s a bit farther away so you can meet each other halfway.
ISO
“In search of” or ISO might be listed under items that people are giving away as a trade. They’ll say something along the lines of, “Looking to trade my antique lamp ISO a nightstand.”
Pending
When the seller has an interested buyer, they might label the listing as “pending,” meaning it’s still available if their buyer falls through. Use the save button to keep watch on the item because sometimes their buyer won’t show to pick it up.
Sale post
It’s always a nice feeling to give old items new life when you’re organizing your home. Facebook Marketplace makes it easier than ever to find the right buyers. But how you list your items is key to making a profit or getting rid of it quickly.
Items
Avoid overloading your post with too many items that are different. For example, don’t group home decor in the same post as electronics. Instead, it can be worthwhile to have separate posts. This makes it clear what you’re selling, and it will make it easier to mark as pending or sold.
If you want to make money, make sure the item is in working condition or free of significant structural damage, unless you’re selling it as parts. If it has damages, consider reducing your price significantly or listing it for free. There is a market for damaged items that can be refurbished, but buyers can be picky about prices.
Photos
Facebook lets you put up to ten photos of your item on the listing. Make use of each available photo spot if possible. Take quality photos from different angles, review them to ensure they’re clear, and be sure to highlight any damages or signs of use. The more photos you have, the more likely people are to look closely at the item and consider purchasing it.
Consider photographing your item in natural lighting. Put your item near a window, and stand on the same side as the window to take the photos. If you’re handy with any editing software, you can label different parts of your item or mark the measurements on the photo as well.
Pricing
The price you list your item for should reflect its value minus damages, normal wear, and the demand for it. It’s up to you how much you list your item for, but be careful not to go too high because buyers do their research and won’t go for items listed at an unreasonable price. You also don’t want to miss your opportunity to make a bit of a return on your item, so do your research and price it fairly!
Caption
The caption you write is just as important as the photos of your item. It’s time to put on your salesperson cap! Be as specific and detailed as possible in your description so your potential buyers don’t ask questions that could easily be answered by a thorough description. Here are a few pieces of information you can share:
- Brand, name, and/or model number
- Highlights of the item (what makes it better than other items like it)
- Size/dimensions
- Working condition and any damages
- Age of the item
- The original purchase price (optional)
Hashtags
When people want a particular item, they’ll search keywords into the Facebook marketplace search bar to find options. It’s important to attach hashtags to your listing that are both general and specific. For example, if you’re selling a nightstand, you want to include “home” “home decor” “side table” and “nightstand.” Notice that those words started as general and became more specific, but all the words are fitting to the item. Avoid hashtags that make no sense. For a nightstand, you wouldn’t want to say “car.” This seems obvious, but a lot of people use the wrong hashtags and don’t attract the right buyers because of it.
Location
Before you can post your item for sale, you’ll need to set a location, either globally, nationally, or within a certain radius of your current location. Depending on the item and how quickly you want to get rid of it, it may not be worth the shipping hassle of listing it globally or nationally. High-value, compact items are best to list for shipping. Listing the item within ten miles of your home should get you a decent amount of interested buyers.
Now that you’ve read these tips, you’ll be a Facebook Marketplace selling expert!