9 Tips For Finding The Best Deals On Facebook Marketplace, According To An Expert

You’ll be the Nancy Drew of thrifting.

We all have that one friend who’s a secondhand shopping maven. Their home is more akin to a museum of vintage finds, mixed in with the best clearance section of high-end brands ever. You’re constantly asking them where they got their furniture and decor, even though you already know: Facebook Marketplace. And if they haven’t spilled their secrets to you yet? That’s what we’re here to do.

Meet Our Expert

• Stephanie Abernathy, co-founder and principal interior designer at Studio Wellington in Atlanta, Georgia

Learn Quality

There’s a difference between a steal and a scam, and the difference is quality materials and craftsmanship. “The key is to spend time in fabric, furniture, and high-end antique stores,” advises Stephanie Abernathy, co-founder and principal interior designer at Studio Wellington in Atlanta, Georgia. “See and feel what high quality is really like. It’s easier to spot a good piece when you know what you’re looking at.”

Identify Brands And Keywords

It’s hard to shop when you don’t know what you’re shopping for, right? So it’s time to do some research: poke around Instagram, visit blogs (or, ahem, southernliving.com!), and browse coffee table books. “Become familiar with names and prices, so you’ll know a good deal when you see one,” Abernathy says. You can also identify your search terms this way, allowing you to find what you’re looking for faster—these brands are a great place to start.

Related: 9 Brands You Should Always Look For When Thrifting And Antiquing

Set Alerts And Save

Facebook Marketplace is actually pretty shopper-friendly if you know how to navigate it. First, you should create alerts for the search terms you figured out in Step Two, which is done by submitting a search, pressing “Notify Me,” and deciding your desired price and location. After that, just start searching. You’re not looking for the exact pieces you want to take home (all the better if you find them!), but instead pieces that match your style. Facebook Marketplace has an algorithm that will show you similar pieces, making your hunt that much easier.

Know What’s Better Secondhand

Not everything should be purchased off Facebook Marketplace, but there’s still plenty that can be. Abernathy’s list of favorites includes:

• Lighting: Vintage lighting, she says, can be an awesome way to bring a bit of age to a space. In general, you’ll have luck scoring a great deal on any lighting because so many affordable options are readily available on the market.

• Vases: Abernathy’s team usually opts for a vintage vase instead of one that’s brand new. You can always find them in abundance on the cheap, and it’s an easy way to bring in character.

• Side tables: “Side tables from retail can look beautiful, but something unexpected like a column or a vintage piece adds interest,” Abernathy explains. Plus, like lighting, side tables are also readily available at a range of price points.

• Chairs: Even just one vintage or antique chair can transform a space, especially when you recover it, Abernathy emphasizes. (If you do pick an upholstered one, remember to check for bed bugs before bringing it home.)

• Art: Abernathy’s team is always looking for good vintage art, and it makes sense. Shopping secondhand is often the most affordable way to snag original art, and you can discover some serious gems.

Decor pieces, glassware, mirrors, and wood furniture are all worth adding to your search too.

Related: 8 Home Items You Should Never Buy Secondhand, According To An Expert

Search Often (And Thoroughly)

As any seasoned thrifter will tell you, this stuff is a marathon, not a sprint. If you don’t find something one morning, it doesn't mean it won’t be there the next (or even just later in the day). That’s why you should be looking at least daily if you’re on the hunt for something specific, even if you have your alerts set up.

This brings us to another point: A lot of people don’t understand what they’re selling—which can be great for you because you’re more likely to get a deal. Because of that though, they may not be using the keywords you so carefully researched. Try browsing just “curtains” or “coffee table” and see what pops up.

Pro Tip

Don’t write off a listing with bad photos. Try to reverse Google image or put enough search terms together to find out what the item actually looks like. You may be pleasantly surprised!

Be Willing To Drive

Your small rural town probably isn’t a hub for high-end furniture, but the suburb 40 minutes away might be. The wider you allow your search to be, the better chance you have of finding what you’re looking for. This may not be worth it for a needlepoint pillow you can snag on Etsy, but a mint-condition Chesterfield sofa? A totally different story.

Act Fast And Be Strategic

Once you find something, don’t wait—reach out immediately. You have to very quickly decide how you want to approach the seller, which depends on the item and price, as well as how badly you want it.

• Asking price: If the item is extra rare, highly in-demand, or an indisputable bargain, just give them what they want. Bonus points if you immediately offer to pay them and pick it up the same day—or even better, ASAP. Even if you’re not the first to reach out, that might move you up to the front of the line.

• Haggle: For the average item that’s well-priced and not uncommon, you can comfortably haggle without a lot of risk. This is more of an art than a science, but 20 percent less is typically safe. You can also look at what price similar pieces sold at for inspiration.

• Lowball: If you think something’s overpriced and not likely to move quickly, give them the lowball offer (kindly, without insulting them). If they say no, ask if they’ll keep you in mind if it doesn’t sell—at some point, they’ll just want to get it out of their home.

Know When To Get Creative Or Pass

There are some concessions you can make for the sake of potential and a good price, such as reupholstering a clean-but-stained sofa or buying a full set and reselling the pieces you don’t want. Other things, like any kind of bio-hazard or broken furniture frames, are non-negotiable red flags. Before you decide one way or another, think the possibilities all the way through. If you’re seeing the item in person, this should include a thorough inspection.

Be Safe

There’s inherent risk with meeting a stranger in person, but Abernathy’s tips will help minimize it so you feel comfortable with your transactions:

• Click on the seller’s name—you’ll be able to see their Marketplace rating, other items they’re selling, and their profile. Anyone with low ratings or a bare (not private) profile should be avoided.

• Communicate only on the app instead of moving over to your email or phone. This limits the exposure of your personal information and maintains a consistent record of conversation.

• Tell someone exactly where you’re going and when, bring someone with you, and ideally, meet in a public place (a police station parking lot is perfect).
  

The most important thing to remember? Nothing is worth compromising your safety for. If something feels off, it probably is.

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Read the original article on Southern Living.