Since I happen to be on Facebook frequently these days, I have noticed a new trend. Friends are posting photos of items for sale on their walls, much like a Craigslist post.
The difference is, Facebook friends are prequalified. Chances are, you know them (hopefully), you have the same interests or children of similar ages, and many of them are local to you. Rather than risking a barrage of emails from strangers or hassling with potential Craigslist scams, people are choosing to list items for sale directly on Facebook, for free.
But does it work?
Well, I have recently been in the market for some new used furniture. I set aside some funds for a new sofa set for the family room. Of course, I was looking for a bargain and I was not in a hurry.
I just happened to notice a local friend who posted about selling some furniture in excellent condition. Within minutes of her post, I requested photos with a quick comment. The photos appeared on her wall shortly thereafter along with her asking price. I knew this was a deal too good to pass up! The price was a fraction of the retail cost and the set looked brand new. Since I know the seller personally, I trusted that they were in the condition she described.
A few emails and phone calls later, this beautiful sofa is now sitting in my family room, along with a matching chair and ottoman.
I am so pleased with the entire experience. We ended up with some quality furniture that will last our family for years. My friend sold the set for her asking price within minutes of posting.
The irony? She had posted it on Craigslist but got no response!
I think we will see more selling on Facebook as this trend catches on. You just never know when a friend might post something you have been waiting for!
Have you ever bought or sold something via Facebook?
Linked to: Frugal Friday
This happened to me a few weeks ago with a hardly even used carseat being sold for just $10.
@Amanda, Wow, that’s a great deal!
Wow, that is beautiful!
.-= MaryEllen´s last blog ..In the Pocket Baby Review and Giveaway =-.
I’ve bought a Pier 1 table and chairs off Facebook before from a friend. Nothing from craigslist but I have sold a few items on there.
Haven’t bought anything, but I have given away some passes and tickets for things we couldn’t use. Also I have put a need out there to borrow things, like costumes. It’s great when friends work together to fill a need!
.-= Robin´s last blog ..I HIT THE JACKPOT =-.
Yes! My dad has posted his cars to sell and I’ve thought about selling some stuff that way too. Good to know others have seen success!
.-= Amy´s last blog ..Random Wii =-.
This is funny because not 15 minutes ago I responded to a friend who has a car she is selling the she posted on Facebook. I have twins who just got their driving permits this week and would like something smaller than a mini van for them to learn to drive. Deal’s not complete yet, but I’m hoping!
@Carolyn, Too funny! Wow, twins with driving permits- that is a big milestone. 🙂 Are you ready?
@Alyssa Francis, Can you ever be ready for your child to start driving???? 🙂 lol We’ve stuck to the church parking lot and the cemetary so far. May try country roads later this week. And the transaction will be officially completed tomorrow. My friend had 8 other people “in line” for the car within an hour of posting. Truly an answer to prayer that I posted first!
I’ve had my ho tub posted on Craig’s list for 2 months and have not even received a call. You just gave me a great idea…My next status update is gonna read: Hot Tub for sale!
I got a Hungry Hippos game for my 4 year old. The prices of games are totally obnoxious! With a quick post I was offered a free one from a friend who was happy to get rid of her game! It worked great!
Now, that’s an interesting concept. I’ve seen friends post their garage sales on Facebook (usually in another state, bummer), but so far nothing for sale. My husband and I are part of a clothing giveaway ministry called Christ’s Clothes Crew, and we take clothes to neighboring communities (most of them are small, struggling areas) about once a month. We always run out of one size or another, and I’m thinking if I posted a need on FB, I would be inundated within minutes. Thanks so much for the idea!
Great! Thanks for sharing such an amazing post