The summer season is prime time for yard sale hunters. After all, 25% of those with two-car garages can’t even use them to park their cars because they’re filled with belongings instead. When families clean out their storage spaces in the spring, they might want to sell what they don’t donate or throw away. But while these consumers may love antiques, that doesn’t mean they want to rely on a printed newspaper to find out who’s selling them. Now, Facebook has made it easier for its users to find local garage sales in their area by making an update to their existing marketplace feature.
Around 97% of consumers use the internet when they’re researching local products and services, and Google has certainly taken notice of the growing number of web searches that contain the phrase “near me.” It only makes sense that popular platforms like Facebook are highlighting results by proximity. Facebook’s commerce section, called the Marketplace, already emphasized individual sales listings within a given area. Users could search by very specific categories, giving the platform a bit of an edge over Craigslist.
With its most recent update, the Marketplace seems to be taking on Craigslist once again. Not only has this section gotten a more user-friendly and attractive redesign, but Facebook has now added a section that allows users to find local garage sales. These listings can be found under the new “Classifieds” category, which also includes real estate openings. To many experts, this roll-out seems like a deliberate attempt to hit Craigslist where it hurts: housing and garage sales are two of that site’s most popular categories.
While Facebook’s Marketplace doesn’t have a missed connections or personals section like Craigslist does, it has a much bigger emphasis on visuals and a streamlined design. Some consumers who shy away from Craigslist may also find that Facebook’s version carries an increased sense of trustworthiness along with it. Whether that trust may be misplaced in some sellers is difficult to say. But because sellers have to use an account and will generally upload more photos to make a sale, the Marketplace makes duping someone a bit more difficult.
Launched in October of 2016, Facebook Marketplace was created to simplify selling on social media. While apps like LetGo have recently burst onto the scene, the widespread popularity of Facebook gives the platform a distinct advantage. Even before the Marketplace was launched, 450 million Facebook users utilized the platform to sell items. But since the platform has embraced the idea and made it part of the site itself, users can search for more exact terms and narrow down locations and price points.
For some, driving around the neighborhood for a garage sale sign might still be more exciting than turning to an app. But for those who want to find great deals quickly and beat out the competition, the Marketplace could be the new way to get your hands on old stuff.
