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 you to buy, sell, and trade goods and services with other Facebook users. If you want to buy and sell to others in your local area, it's the place to go. Facebook Marketplace is free to join, and there are no fees for selling either.
Listings can include photos of the item, a description of its condition, and a price. You can filter your search results by category, location, and price range. And you can leave reviews and ratings for sellers, which helps build trust and credibility within the marketplace community.
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 a minor tries to sell, and will also suspend their account until they turn 18.
Why is there a minimum age for Facebook marketplace?
Selling items on 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.
Under-18s can still use Facebook Marketplace to browse and purchase items. They’re just not allowed to sell on the platform.
Tips for under 18s who wouldlike 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. 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
But as under-18s can’t sell on Facebook Marketplace, they’ll need to sell through a parent's account with their approval and knowledge.
If you give them permission, make sure they keep you in the loop about what they’re selling, who they’re talking to, and if buyers are collecting from your house or they’re 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
Take good-quality photos
Whatever you decide to sell, make sure you photograph it well and the image is sharp. Out-of-focus, poorly lit photos won’t promote sales. Buyers need to see exactly what they’re getting! Take multiple shots 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. Remember, buyers are often looking for a good deal, so they may try to barter you down. Stick to the price 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. Research and use relevant keywords so your listing shows up in search results.
Be safe when meeting buyers
Remind your child 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 in advance. 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.
Related: Entrepreneurship for kids, Best small business ideas for kids
How GoHenry can help
Our data shows that GoHenry kids in the US earned $26 billion in 2021. An increase in earnings of 16% 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.
Disclaimer
The information on this blog is for general information purposes only and does not endorse Facebook Marketplace. We are not affiliated with Facebook Marketplace in any way and cannot guarantee the safety or reliability of the platform.
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