Buy/sell in Facebook groups?

[ThisVNchick]

thanks
no problems with buyers?
what about buying? have you used for that?

Not yet, so far (knock on wood). You tend to have more interaction (back and forth communication). All of the “red flags” on eBay still apply (I.e. buyer who asks a thousand questions when the answers are all on the listing, super picky buyers, etc...) but when I sell on fb I am able to weed these buyers out (and block them for good), as I am not forced to sell to them. Basically, you’re allowed to pick and choose who you want/don’t want to sell your item to.

I have bought on the group page. It was just like buying on any other resell platform. I talked to the buyer expressing my interest, asked her last minute questions, she sent invoice, I paid, and she shipped.

 

[Kidclarke]

I am in a couple of buying/selling groups on facebook. It has been about the equal amount of flakes I get on craigslist, offerup, etc, but I feel like you have more control on who you decide to sell to vs eBay. I can be a lot pickier who to sell to on FB vs eBay (meaning if I see red flags I can block them and not deal with them).
As for buying the sellers seem to be easier to deal with and faster with questions answered (though you do still get a couple of them that seem like they don't even care to sell whatever they have listed). Also it feels like it's easier to see red flags.

Most of the groups I am in tend to look out for their buyers and have great advice etc too. I would definitely give it a try.

 

[northerndancer]

I have had great experiences buying and selling on the FB groups. From what I have seen they are well monitored with a commitment to assuring authenticity. Listings must comply with certain requirements or they are deleted. Buyers using PayPal invoice are protected. Payment plans seem to be very popular in these groups.

 

[cap4life]

I like the chanel and hermes groups on fb. They're managed by the same group of people and feature authenticated sellers. The chance of being sold a fake is much lower.

 

[luxurylucy]

Have you sold anything on the OfferUp? It a Craigslist competitor and doesn't charge fees.

 

[sdkitty]

Have you sold anything on the OfferUp? It a Craigslist competitor and doesn't charge fees.

I've sold some household items - rugs, a dresser,etc on Offerup

 

[giligy]

How is protection ensured for the buyer and the seller if you are shipping the item? Like how do you ensure that the seller only receives the money after they send the item but also that the buyer only ships the item after they receive the money?

 

[vernis-lover]

How is protection ensured for the buyer and the seller if you are shipping the item? Like how do you ensure that the seller only receives the money after they send the item but also that the buyer only ships the item after they receive the money?

Buyer asks to purchase.
Seller sends an invoice.
Buyer pays invoice.
Seller ships item.

In a nutshell. PayPal buyer and seller protection exists for both parties.

 

[BeenBurned]

How is protection ensured for the buyer and the seller if you are shipping the item? Like how do you ensure that the seller only receives the money after they send the item but also that the buyer only ships the item after they receive the money?

How are you sending money? If you use Paypal, Venmo or another online service, there's the same protection you'd get if you buy from ebay or another online selling site.

If you do a wire transfer or send a check or money order, there's no protection on any site and you're at the mercy of the seller. Many sellers are honest and will ship once the payment has cleared; others are not honest and will steal your money.

 

[giligy]

Buyer asks to purchase.
Seller sends an invoice.
Buyer pays invoice.
Seller ships item.

In a nutshell. PayPal buyer and seller protection exists for both parties.

Got it thanks! I think I will avoid it because the buyer can always say they didn't get it or that I sent them a fake.

 

[BeenBurned]

Buyer asks to purchase.
Seller sends an invoice.
Buyer pays invoice.
Seller ships item.

In a nutshell. PayPal buyer and seller protection exists for both parties.

Got it thanks! I think I will avoid it because the buyer can always say they didn't get it or that I sent them a fake.

Whenever you ship to a buyer, you ship with tracking (and if $750+, signature confirmation) and even if a buyer claims non-receipt, with tracking showing delivery (and signature if applicable), you will win a case.

As for buyer claiming you sent a fake, that can happen on any site and the only way to avoid it is to sell in person so the buyer can see the item before buying. (In-person transactions should be cash only.)

 

[vernis-lover]

Got it thanks! I think I will avoid it because the buyer can always say they didn't get it or that I sent them a fake.

A buyer can say that on any site if they so choose. Where do you normally sell?

 

[Rachelkelter]

I belong to a few LV Facebook groups where people regularly sell items using PayPal for payment. I’m look on to sell my classic speedy 30 and upgrade to the bandolier version. I’ve sold plenty of things on eBay before but I know eBay takes 10% so I think that is why Facebook groups have become popular. Is it safe to sell via a Facebook group? Does PayPal offer the same type of seller protection as I might expect if I were to sell through eBay? Also considering fashionphile but I feel they will probably low ball me. My bag is in pristine condition…bought at the start of Covid and barely been used because I never leave the house!! Thanks in advance.

 

[EverSoElusive]

If you don't want to do the hard work, selling to FP and the likes is easy because you just need to wait to get paid once they receive your item. Yes there's a high possibility of getting a low-ball offer but sometimes they make a good offer. Even if your item is pristine, don't expect to receive a close to retail offer. They are a business and they have an overhead to account for. All the items I sent to FP were new and pristine and I still lost a good percentage but payout was guaranteed. One duplicate item I sold to FP actually got me $250 more than retail and I was really surprised.

As for selling in FB groups, always use PayPal invoicing NOT Friends & Family. PayPal invoicing gives you seller protection because the item is sold as a business transaction and they also charge you a small fee. If you do Friends & Family, there's no PayPal fee but there's also no seller protection so if someone vicious is scamming you, you'll be out of money and/or the item.

Do what's best for you and be careful if you're selling on your own

 

[Love Of My Life]

I might just see what FP would offer for your bag. The market is inundated at the moment
& you just never know what the offer will be I would see what their offer is & then explore other options.
If you are not in a hurry to sell your bag & should it turn out that FP doesn't give
the offer you were expecting try re-submitting the offer.. sometimes the second go around
with FP turns out to be better..
ANd should you decide to sell on Facebook, EverSo Elusive gave you good advice