You need to be 18 to sell on Facebook Marketplace, but it can still be an ideal way to help your teen make money. Here’s what you need to know.
What is Facebook Marketplace?
Facebook Marketplace is an e-commerce platform provided by Facebook that allows users to buy, sell, and trade goods and services with other Facebook users in their local area. If you want to buy and sell to others in your local area, it's the place to go. What's more, Facebook is free to join, and there are no fees for selling either, so it's very low risk.
Listings can include photos of the item, a description of its condition, and a price. Users can filter their search results by category, location, and price range and leave reviews and ratings for sellers, which can help build trust and credibility within the marketplace community.
Related: Simple and creative things kids can make and sell
Is there a minimum age to sell on Facebook Marketplace?
You have to be 18 or over to sell on Facebook Marketplace. While Facebook requires everyone to be at least 13 years old before creating an account, the Marketplace has different rules and restrictions. Facebook will remove any items that a minor tries to sell, and will also suspend their account until they turn 18.
Related: How old do you have to be to sell online?
Why is there a minimum age for Facebook marketplace?
Selling items on the Facebook Marketplace involves a legal agreement between the buyer and the seller. By setting an age requirement of 18, Facebook ensures that all users who sell on Marketplace can legally enter into such agreements.
Facebook Marketplace also involves in-person transactions between buyers and sellers, which can pose potential safety risks. By requiring users to be 18 or older, Facebook can help ensure its users are better equipped to handle potentially risky situations.
Users under 18 can still use Facebook Marketplace to browse and purchase items, but they are not allowed to sell items.
Tips for under 18s who would like to sell on Facebook Marketplace
For more than 70% of kids, earning their own money is very important, according to GoHenry's latest Youth Economy Report, and selling online can be ideal if your child is too young for a traditional part-time job.
Related: Ways for teens to make money online
However, under 18s can’t sell on Facebook Marketplace, so they will need to sell through a parent's account with their approval and knowledge.
Once they have your permission, make sure they keep you in the loop about what they are selling, who they are talking to and if users are collecting from your house or you are delivering items. You might prefer to handle all listings and communications yourself, or you may be happy for teens to simply use your account as long as you oversee the process. Remind them to never meet anyone alone or agree to any transaction without parental consent.
Next, know what works in terms of sales. Top selling items on Facebook Marketplace tend to be:
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Branded fashion clothes and kids' clothes
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Furniture & kitchen equipment
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Books and toys
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Sports supplies and equipment
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Health products
Related: Supply and demand for kids
Take good-quality photos
Once you have your item to sell, ensure it's photographed well and in focus. Take multiple photos from different angles and highlight any unique features or flaws.
Be honest about the condition
In the description, accurately describe the condition of the item you want to sell. Be honest about any scratches, dents, or defects, as this will help you build trust with buyers.
Set a reasonable price
Research what similar items are selling for on Facebook Marketplace and set your price accordingly. Keep in mind that buyers are often looking for a good deal, so they will try to barter you down. Stick to the price that you won't go below, or you might regret the sale,
Use descriptive titles and descriptions
Be specific and detailed in your product description and title. Use relevant keywords so that your listing shows up in search results.
Be safe when meeting buyers
Remind your child that they must always keep you up to date and never meet or invite buyers to your home when they are alone, or without your consent. Safety must always come first.
Offer delivery or shipping
Consider offering delivery or shipping options for your items, as this can make your listing more attractive to potential buyers and is a safer way to sell.
Sell on Facebook groups
Look for local buy/sell/trade groups in your area, as these can be a great way to connect and sell to potential buyers.
Decide how you want to be paid
If the deal is in person, ask to be paid in cash or paid in advance and check the money is in your account before you hand over the goods. Do not accept a cheque or a user's word that the money has been transferred. You can then pay the cash into your child’s GoHenry account after the sale.
How GoHenry can help
Our data shows that GoHenry kids in the UK earned a total of £148 million in 2021, representing a 9% increase in earnings per child since 2020. Once your kid has found a way to make money, they need to know how to handle the money they earn. This includes learning to track income and outgoing cash, something a prepaid debit card like GoHenry can help with! A prepaid debit card also makes getting paid via a transfer to their GoHenry teen debit card easier.
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