7 Clever Facebook Marketplace Hacks Interior Design Pros ALWAYS Use
Picture this: You walk into a friend's new home and compliment their vintage artwork, old-school dining chairs and antique finds. You're about to ask where it's all from, but they're already bursting at the seams to tell you: "I got it on Facebook Marketplace!"
If you've experienced this exact scenario, you're not alone. Second-hand shopping is more popular than ever, and Facebook Marketplace has sneakily made it to the top of the list when it comes to the best platforms to discover one-of-a-kind pieces. However, there's definitely a Marketplace learning curve, so if you haven't gotten into your groove yet, don't worry.
Whether it's how often you're searching, what keywords you're using or the nature of communicating with the seller, there are plenty of factors that play into how successful you are when scrolling through the platform, and interior designers have the process figured out down to a science. Here, we've compiled home designers' favorite Facebook Marketplace tips and tricks for finding the perfect additions to your home.
📌 The More You Search, the Better
When you’re hunting for something specific on Facebook Marketplace, securing a piece before anyone else gets it first can feel like do or die. Although it’s hard to shake the feeling of losing a good deal, designers actually recommend taking a more relaxed approach, putting in more time so that the platform understands you and your aesthetic better.
“The more you search and shop on Facebook Marketplace, the more the algorithm gets to know you and what you're looking for. I recently searched for a corner table and now, when I sign on, I'm met with an abundance of corner table options,” says Meghan Jay, founder of Meghan Jay Interiors.
Instead of logging on and immediately hoping to find the perfect piece, try casually searching for what you’re looking for during your off time, whether that’s during your commute or while relaxing before bed. One of the many benefits of Facebook Marketplace is how often the platform refreshes with new pieces. Interior designer Tess Twiehaus of Tess Interiors suggests taking advantage of that by checking in daily to see what’s new.
📌 Discover Your Lucky Buzzwords
When it comes to buzzwords, there’s one rule that remains superior: Specificity is key. Jay suggests trying words like "vintage" or "reclaimed,” depending on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for something really specific, Twiehaus recommends doing your research. Find the particular style, color or era you’re drawn to and search away.
“For instance, if you're looking for an armchair with texture, get specific about the texture," says Twiehaus. "Would you like something more earthy, with a ‘rush seat?’ Or perhaps something cozier and more modern, like ‘mohair?' I often type in the phrase ‘French brutalist’ and have rarely been disappointed.”
📌 Be Passionate When Messaging a Seller
So you’ve been patient and you finally found the perfect piece. The price is right and you’re ready to buy. How do you make sure you actually get to take it home?
“If I'm really in love with something, I'll express to the seller that I'm very interested and motivated to make a deal. I've even gone so far as to describe to the seller why I'm attached to the piece and how I intend on using it. I think it helps to convey your level of interest and your ability to pick the item up quickly. It shows you're serious — and that's very appealing to sellers,” says Jay.
Facebook Marketplace is unique in that it gives you, the buyer, the opportunity to communicate openly with sellers. Show them you’re passionate about giving their item a home, and they’ll be more likely to work with you.
📌 Embrace the Unique
Whether in thrift stores or through Facebook Marketplace, the fun of second-hand shopping is finding that one-of-a-kind item you just have to buy. That’s when it’s time to go all in. That being said, it’s normal to have hesitation when purchasing something online.
“Check the item out in person and literally feel it out,” suggests Twiehaus. “What is the piece made of? How is it constructed? Vintage furniture is an incredible way to bring personality into your space, but it's also supposed to be built to last.”
Twiehaus recommends paying careful attention to tags and labels to determine the original manufacturer and whether the piece has synthetic materials (which is usually a red flag). Yet when it comes to that perfect vintage piece that screams your name, she recommends embracing imperfections. “Allow me to introduce you to what my team likes to call weirdo candy. Weirdo candy is an all-encompassing term for the quirky, oddball stuff that you didn't necessarily seek out, but you must have once you see it. It's a conversation starter and there is always a story attached to it,” says Twiehaus.
Because of the way the platform gets to know you and what you like, Facebook Marketplace is one of the best places to find these types of pieces. If there are some dents or scratches but the piece still speaks to you, go for it. Chances are you’ll never find it again.
📌 Use the Buddy System
If you’ve found something you love but you’re nervous to follow through and meet up with a stranger, you’re not alone. However, there are ways to keep safety as your number one priority when buying on Facebook Marketplace. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Bring a friend with you
Meet at a public location
Never give away any personal information
Share the listing and location with a friend
Stay in communication with a friend while picking up the piece
In terms of scammers, Amelia Strat of Kroesser + Strat Design has one rule: “NEVER send money ahead of time.”
📌 Know When to Negotiate (and When Not To)
While many sellers are open to negotiating, it’s important to understand when it may not be the best idea. If an item is truly everything you’re looking for and the price seems fair after conducting research, designers recommend skipping the negotiation.
“I first do a quick internet search to determine the fair market value of an item,” says Jay. “This is particularly easy if I'm looking at a retail piece. I then assess the condition of the piece I'm looking at. If the piece is in perfect condition, then I feel less able to ask for a heavily reduced price.”
With that in mind, if a piece is in less than ideal condition, especially after seeing it in person, negotiating may be worth it.
📌 Did We Mention to Keep Searching?
This may seem like a repeat of the first tip, but we promise there's always more to learn when it comes to searching. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, and you’ve been looking day in and day out, take a break for a bit. Give the platform time to refresh its inventory.
“If I’m not finding exactly what I want after a few days of checking daily, I walk away for a week or two and come back and suddenly there are way more options out there,” says Strat.
You can also try changing your search settings. Instead of typing in a specific item, try searching by location. Because your algorithm has gotten to know you better from your previous searches, you may start to see new pieces you love without all of the keyword play.
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