Tiny Bits of Happiness: How To Facebook Marketplace Finds

Scoring Second Hand Goodies

Facebook Marketplace is FULL of second hand gems. Finding items second hand often allow us to get something that is higher quality and doesn’t break the budget. I have found items that would normally be way out of our budget (I see you Restoration Hardware TV Credenza) or simple items like used clay pots that actually have the patina and time worn look I’m craving. And even though we are all living in a new normal, there are great options for no-contact pick ups and limiting any sort of human contact.

let’s be serious, we’re all on social media anyways.

I’ve rounded up a list of a few ways I search and find items on Facebook Marketplace. Some are simple. It requires a little bit of hunting and patience. This isn’t like shopping a store where they typically have a stock of what you need. Also, let’s be serious, how often are we popping into our social media apps on our phones? It can be as easy as checking in and what’s getting added.

Why Facebook Marketplace or Second-Hand?

Quality
- I’m a big fan of finding gently used items second-hand because you can often get something that is way higher quality and is made to last that would typically be out of budget. Or if you compare what you would spend on something second hand versus if you bought it new, then the quality can typically be much higher for the second hand.
good for the environment
- Rather than taking energy and materials to make something new, you are saving and diverting something from the landfill. One step closer to “zero waste”.
let’s you experiment and try new things
- You can often take a risk and try something new for relatively low risk. A color you’ve been wanting to try? Try it! Or a style you are unsure about ? You can give it a go. Tip: Always pay a price you feel comfortable with and you would feel comfortable possibly reselling it for.

TOP TIPS FOR FINDING ITEMS:

BE SAFE. Safety first always.
- Always search a profile first, look at their ratings and facebook page, etc.
- Always tell someone you are picking an item up or have someone go with you.
- Try to meet in public places or make sure you are comfortable going to the address where you need to pick it up
- If you have a bad feeling, just say no.
search often
- We are all on social media more than ever these days. Whenever you pop in and check in on Facebook, hop on over to the Marketplace tab.
- The more you search for an item, the Facebook algorithm will try to find those items for you and have those visible on your main Facebook Marketplace feed.
- Finding an item takes time. Be patient. Don’t rush purchase. Remember that this isn’t a store stocked with the items you are specifically looking for.
Start sEarch broard then go more specific
- I typically open my search up with broad categories like “chair” “outdoor” “patio” etc. Chairs will bring up a whole variety of finds like dining chairs, side chairs, recliners, etc. I often look to see how people are labeling what they are listing to help guide how I need to narrow down my search
- I then will start to narrow in my search. Let’s say I’m looking for an upholstered chair, I might go from “chair” to
  ”side chair” to “wingback chair” I start to add in styles, types, etc. Maybe even add in the room it would go in “living room chair”
- Tip: A lot of times the “specific” searches are people who know what they have (i.e. valuable) and have it listed for more versus someone who thinks they just have something basic.

Found: Schoolhouse Electric Pendant $50, Simple Handmade Bench $12

search by material or pattern
- I often search for items by material because I may not know what I’m looking for, but I’ve seen a texture or something I like
- Examples: Cane (for cane chairs, side tables, etc), wicker, rattan, leather, clay, terra-cotta, wrought iron, teak, cedar, ceramic, porcelain, brass, Ginger Jar, Blue & White, Gingham, etc.)
search by brands
- This may be obvious, but searching by favorite brands is sometimes super helpful because people only label it by that
- My favorite brands to search include: Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma, Crate & Barrel, Ethan Allen, Le Creuset, Kitchenaid, Serena & Lily, etc.
search spelling errors
- I’m serious. A lot of people type out their listings quickly and don’t edit what they write. Or they also don’t know what they have.
- Examples: “Rod Iron” for Wrought Iron, Cubbard for Cupboard, Don’t get me started with Credenza. It doesn’t always yield results, but it’s worth a shot.
search outside your area
- I was having doctor appointment about 2 hours away earlier this year and I started to look on FB marketplace for that area knowing I would be over that way when I had my doctors appointment. That’s how I found my two (!) Schoolhouse Electric Lights for $50 each (they retail over $300 each)
- Maybe your willing to take a day trip or a mini road trip, but it’s always worth a check if you are going somewhere new. And of course, be safe.

Items i’ve gotten from the marketplace:

Restoration Hardware Solid Wood Credenza
- Retail: $2,500+
- FB marketplace: $700
West Elm Dining Room Table
- Retail: ~$1000
- FB Marketplace: $300
Pottery Barn Velvet Drapes
- Retail: ~$100+ per panel
- FB Marketplace: $25 per panel ($50 for set)
Wood Bench
- $12 Simple Handmade
Schoolhouse Electric Pendant (2)
- Retail $400+
- FB Marketplace: $50
Dining Chairs
- Retail $400+
- FB Marketplace $80
Art
- Varies
Jute Rug
- Retails: $100+
- FB Marketplace: $50
Terracotta Pots
- Retail: Collection $40+
- FB marketplace: $8
Outdoor Hose Caddy
- Retail: $30
- FB Marketplace: $15
Brass Knobs (38! knobs)
- Retail: $140+
- FB Marketplace: $20 (!)

Tips for Avoiding Bad Deal & Advice:

Approximately 85-90% of the deals I have gotten on Facebook Marketplace have been wonderful and I’ve loved them. There is always a risk and a small percentage of those have been disappointing or feeling like I wasn’t happy with them. We recently overpaid for a set of used big box store rocking chairs. I knew it in my gut when we arrived, but I had been impatient and I was really wanting something for our porch. What I thought was a simple paint job turned out to reveal way more weathering and wear and structural issues with these rockers. I was super bummed.

pricing
- I typically look at paying approximately 50% of retail price for normal wear. That’s typically what I feel comfortable selling something for, so that is also my philosophy for buying something. The price I am buying something at has to feel comfortable with me selling it at.
- That being said, some things are still out of our budget even though they are second hand. That Restoration Hardware console? It was still an investment for us. However, we had been looking at Target, Walmart, Amazon and other retailers and we were going to be paying about that price for something that was not nearly as nice or high quality. However, I would not pay near retail pricers for almost any good on FB marketplace.
- However, be respectful of others pricing, but feel free to pass up or offer less if it doesn’t gel with what you think it’s worth. Even if something is new in box, the max I would pay would be 60-75% of that price because I also miss out on return policy and any sort of warrantee with that retailer. Some people will try and get the max value and that might not mesh with your value.
ASK QUESTIONS
- Confirm the item is still in good working condition (i.e. it functions like it should)
- If you suspect damage or it’s a higher used item you can question if any damage has taken place or if there is any wear and tear you should know
- Ask anything else that is pertinent to the item that would make you feel differently
- But also don’t string a seller along, it’s a fine line. You are only sending these questions if you are truly interested and can see yourself buying this item.
be patient & stick to logic
- Don’t rush it and don’t settle for something when it doesn’t quite fit the bill.
- Whenever I start to getting impatient and I feel myself start to settle I step back.
- Ask yourself if you really love it? Would you buy it at a store? Does that price work with your budget and what you wanted to spend? Is it a quality piece? Will it last?
- Walk away when it’s not right and be okay with saying no. Maybe give yourself an out by saying “I’d like to come check it out and if it works then we can settle the deal”

I hope this helps, have some fun! It’s right at the tip of your finger tips. My main rules are quality pieces that feel like I’m adding value to my home, not clutter. Sticking to a price point that feels reasonable and fair. And knowing when my impatience is driving the car and I need to step back.