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Facebook Marketplace for Beginners: Selling Furniture and Household Items Nearby

ByDorothy Kemp

That extra dining chair, the bread maker you used twice, the golf clubs in the garage. Many households have a few hundred dollars sitting quietly in closets. Facebook Marketplace is one of the simplest ways to sell those things to people nearby.

Why Marketplace works well for bigger items

Marketplace shows your item to people in your area, so there is no packing or shipping. That suits furniture, tools and anything bulky.

Selling for local pickup has generally carried no Facebook selling fee. If you choose to ship an item instead, Facebook charges a fee on shipped sales, which a 2026 fee guide listed as 10% of the sale with an $0.80 minimum. Fees can change, so check the amount Facebook shows before you confirm a shipped sale.

How to list an item, step by step

Facebook moves its buttons around from time to time, so the wording on your screen may differ slightly. The basic steps stay the same:

  1. Open Facebook on your phone or computer and tap or click Marketplace.
  2. Choose the option to sell or create a new listing, then pick “Item for sale.”
  3. Add photos. Take them in daylight near a window, against a plain background. Show the item from a few angles and include any wear or damage.
  4. Write a clear title, such as “Solid oak rocking chair, good condition.”
  5. Set a price. Search Marketplace for similar items nearby, then price a little above what you’d accept to leave room for haggling.
  6. Add a short, honest description: size, condition, and “pickup only” if that’s what you want.
  7. Publish the listing and keep an eye on your messages.

Staying safe with buyers

A few simple habits keep you safe:

  • Meet in a public, well-lit place. Many police stations have a “safe exchange” spot.
  • Bring someone along, and tell a friend where you’re going.
  • For large furniture, have a family member or neighbor home with you, and keep the item in the garage or by the door.
  • Take cash for local sales, and count it before you hand over the item.

The Federal Trade Commission warns sellers about a few common tricks. Watch for a buyer who:

  • Sends a “payment” notice and pushes you to hand over the item before you see the money
  • “Overpays” with a check and asks you to send back the difference
  • Asks you to read them a verification code sent to your phone

The FTC’s advice: never share a verification code with a stranger.

Could it cover a bill?

As a rough idea, selling one or two unused items a month might cover a $15 to $20 streaming plan for a while. Results vary with what you have and what sells in your area.

Taxes

Selling your own used things for less than you paid is generally not taxable, according to the IRS, though a loss can’t be deducted either. If you sell something for more than you paid, that gain is taxable. Check with the IRS or a tax preparer about your situation.

More on Replace a Bill

Sources

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