Facebook unveils Marketplace, a place where users buy and sell with the local community

Facebook unveiled Marketplace on its iOS and Android apps, which allow users to buy and sell items via a new tab at the bottom of the News Feed. With the new feature, you can make offers for items, but no money will be directly exchanged on Facebook’s platform.

Marketplace is the company’s take on Craigslist, allowing users to see items from people in the area, offer money, and figure out the details later. There is a distinct difference between Facebook’s new feature and sites like Etsy and eBay, which directly expedite transactions through credit card or PayPal. If all goes smoothly, you never even have to speak with the person to receive your item. With Facebook’s Marketplace, this is not the case.

To use the feature, hit the Marketplace tab at the bottom of your screen and you’ll be taken to a page with listings in your area. Users can search by keywords or categories, as well as expand the query to include different cities. Once you find something you want, message the seller directly or tap into their profile to ensure everything is legitimate.

The buyer and seller have to reach an agreement about how to complete the transaction. Facebook does not care how you pay, which makes it simpler as there will be no fussing over shipping fees, taxes, or linked credit cards.

Selling an item is also easy:

1. Take a photo of your item, or add it from your camera roll
2. Enter a product name, description, and price
3. Confirm your location and select a category
4. Post

There will be no ads within Marketplace, and businesses will not be able to target individuals based on how they use the feature. Users can report items that violate the terms, and listings will be monitored by Facebook’s staff.

Currently, Marketplace is only available in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand in the Facebook app for iPhone and Android, and you must be 18 or older to use the feature. Facebook noted that it will continue expanding to additional countries and make Marketplace available on the desktop version in the upcoming months.

Source: Mashable