Where to find Marketplace on Facebook

Facebook Marketplace is a section within Facebook where people buy and sell items locally. You reach it from the main Facebook app or website by tapping or clicking the shop icon — it looks like a storefront and usually appears in the bottom menu on mobile or the left sidebar on desktop. On some phones, you may need to tap "Menu" first to see all options.

If you do not see Marketplace in your menu, your account may not have access yet. Facebook rolls out Marketplace gradually by region and account age. Accounts less than a few weeks old sometimes cannot use it. If you have had your account for months and still do not see it, try logging out and back in, or updating your Facebook app to the latest version.

Once you tap or click Marketplace, you land on a feed of items for sale near you. The default view shows listings sorted by how recently they were posted. You can search by category — like "Furniture" or "Electronics" — or type a specific item name into the search bar at the top.

Key Takeaways

  • Marketplace appears as a shop icon in your Facebook menu on mobile or in the left sidebar on desktop.
  • You can search by category or item name, and filter results by distance, price, and condition.
  • Sellers' names, ratings, and response times are visible on each listing so you can judge trustworthiness before messaging.
  • Facebook does not hold money or may provide transactions — you arrange payment and pickup directly with the seller.
  • Your Marketplace activity and messages are separate from your regular Facebook feed and visible only to people you contact.

How to search and filter listings

Once you are in Marketplace, use the search bar to type what you want — "dining table," "used bike," "iPhone 12." Facebook shows results from your area first, then expands outward. Below the search bar, you will see filter buttons for distance, price range, and condition (new, like new, good, fair). Tap or click these to narrow your results.

You can also browse by category without searching. Tap "Categories" or "See All" to view sections like Furniture, Electronics, Clothing, or Vehicles. Within each category, you can still explore the same filters. If you want to see only items posted in the last day or week, some versions of Marketplace have a "Sort By" option that lets you choose "Newest" or "Oldest."

Understanding seller information and ratings

Each listing shows the seller's name, profile picture, and a star rating based on past transactions. Tap the seller's name to see their profile, which displays how many items they have sold, how long they have been on Marketplace, and reviews from buyers. A seller with many sales and mostly five-star reviews is generally more trustworthy than someone brand new with no history.

You will also see a "Response Rate" and "Response Time" — for example, "Responds within 1 hour" or "95% response rate." These tell you how quickly and reliably the seller answers messages. If a seller has not responded to messages in weeks or has a low response rate, you may want to look at another listing instead.

How to message a seller and arrange a transaction

To contact a seller, tap the "Message" button on their listing. This opens a chat window where you can ask questions about the item — its condition, whether it works, if they will ship it, or if they only do local pickup. The seller receives your message in their Marketplace messages, separate from their regular Facebook messages.

Facebook does not hold payment or may provide the sale. You and the seller agree on a price, payment method, and how to exchange the item — in person, shipped, or picked up. Many people use cash for in-person sales or payment apps like PayPal or Venmo. If you ship an item, you arrange that directly with the seller and pay for shipping yourself.

Before you meet someone in person, choose a public location like a coffee shop or parking lot. Tell a friend where you are going and when you expect to be back. Bring only the cash you need, and inspect the item before handing over money.

What information Facebook collects about your Marketplace activity

When you use Marketplace, Facebook records what you search for, which listings you view, how long you look at each one, and which sellers you message. This data is tied to your account and used to show you more relevant listings and ads. Facebook also sees your location — it uses this to show you nearby items and to target ads based on where you are.

Your Marketplace messages are stored on Facebook's servers. Unlike regular Facebook messages, Marketplace chats are not encrypted by default, meaning Facebook can read them. If you discuss prices, payment methods, or personal details in a Marketplace message, Facebook can see that information.

Your Marketplace activity does not automatically appear on your regular Facebook profile or feed. However, if you post an item for sale, your name and profile picture are visible to anyone who sees the listing. People can tap your name to view your public profile information.

Selling items on Marketplace

To sell something, tap the "Sell" button or "Create New Listing" in Marketplace. You upload photos of the item, write a title and description, choose a category, set a price, and decide whether you will ship it or only do local pickup. Facebook asks for your location so buyers know where you are.

Once your listing goes live, buyers can message you with questions or offers. You control whether you accept or decline offers. When someone buys your item, you arrange payment and delivery with them directly — Facebook does not process the transaction. Keep your messages professional and respond quickly, because your response rate and rating affect whether future buyers trust you.

Privacy and safety on Marketplace

Your Marketplace profile is based on your Facebook account, so your real name appears on listings. You cannot create a separate anonymous account for buying or selling. If you want to limit what people see about you, adjust your Facebook privacy settings before using Marketplace — for example, you can make your profile picture visible to "Friends Only" instead of "Public."

Facebook does not verify sellers or items. Scams do happen — someone may misrepresent an item's condition, take payment and not deliver, or ask you to pay through an untraceable method. If a deal seems too good to be true, it usually is. Report suspicious listings or sellers to Facebook by tapping the three dots on their listing and selecting "Report."

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Marketplace without having my real name visible?

No. Marketplace is tied to your Facebook account, which requires your real name. Your name and profile picture appear on any listing you create. You can adjust your privacy settings to limit what else people see about you, but your name will always be visible to people viewing your items.

Does Facebook take a cut of what I sell?

No. Facebook does not charge fees for buying or selling on Marketplace. You keep the full amount you receive from a buyer. However, if you ship an item, you pay for shipping yourself. Some payment apps like PayPal may charge a small fee if you use them.

What happens if a seller does not respond to my message?

You can message them again, but if they do not reply within a few days, they may not be active. You can also look for the same item from another seller. If you believe a seller is scamming people, report the listing to Facebook.

Can I see who viewed my listing if I am selling?

Facebook does not show you a list of people who viewed your listing. You only see messages from people who contact you. You can see how many times your listing has been viewed in your "Selling" section, but not who viewed it.

Is Marketplace the same as Facebook Shops?

No. Marketplace is for individuals and small sellers to buy and sell used or new items locally. Facebook Shops is a feature for businesses to set up a storefront on Facebook and Instagram. Most people use Marketplace for secondhand items and local sales.