Facebook Launches Marketplace To Rival eBay, OLX, JiJi

Facebook is everywhere, on your phone, on your PC, in your chats and now in your business. Facebook today launched its own marketplace called "Facebook Marketplace" to rival other top existing marketplaces like eBay, Craiglist, Gumtree etc. Facebook Marketplace works just like every other online marketplace. Sellers are required to upload a short description with price and image of item and buyers will contact them through the app or other offline means. The only catch is that all transaction will be done offline, increasing the risks of getting duped or buying a substandard item.

Here in Nigeria, there are numerous online marketplaces for buying and selling. Notable ones include Jiji.ng, OLX.com.ng, Efritin.com and Jumia Deals.All these platforms are expected to be the competitors of Facebook's Marketplace in Nigeria. 

Let's get straight to business...

WHAT IS FACEBOOK MARKETPLACE?

Facebook Marketplace is a convenient destination to discover, buy and sell items to people in your community. Marketplace is designed for you to find new things you are ready to love and find a new home for things you are ready to part with.

HOW TO USE FACEBOOK MARKETPLACE?

To use Facebook Marketplace, just tap the "Shop" icon at the bottom of your Facebook app. Marketplace automatically opens with photos of items that people near you have listed for sale. If you are looking for something specific, you can just tap the search button and filter the results based on location, price etc. 

When you find an item you are interested in, just tap the image and you'll see more information including the description, name and profile photo of the seller and location of the seller. To buy an item, you can make an offer or send a direct message to the seller within the app and agree meeting point or method of delivery and payment.

HOW TO POST ITEM FOR SALE ON  FACEBOOK MARKETPLACE?

To post an item for sale, just follow these simple procedures:

1. Take a photo of the item you want to sell.

2. Enter description, product name and price of the item.

3. Confirm your location and select a category

4. Post the item.

Once you post the item, anyone looking in your area can find your item and message you. Marketplace also helps you keep track of your transactions, items on sale and all your messages with people.

Facebook Marketplace is only available in four countries (USA, New zealand, Uk and Australia) for now. Facebook plans to add more countries over the coming months and introduce a fully functioning desktop app for Marketplace. For now, users can only access marketplace via the Facebook App for Android and iOS.

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In Summary..

Marketplace by Facebook is a bold step by the social media giant. The major problem is Facebook does not offer any form of protection for either the buyer or seller of goods leaving both parties vulnerable to potential dangers. Also, unlike eBay and other top online marketplaces, Facebook does not ban sale of illegal items like drugs, guns, animals etc. with a lot of these items already spotted on the platform. Facebook has issued an apology and should probably rectify this soon.

Some "illegal" items already on sale *coughs*

I just hope by the time it arrives here in Nigeria, more security options must have been added to the platform as Nigerians are already tired of the numerous numbers of fraudulent activities happening in these online Marketplaces. Meanwhile if you are looking for where to get extremely affordable goods and services, For2k.ng is your best option. You can read more about them here.

What do you think about Facebook Marketplace? Tell me in the comment box, i'm waiting :)