Pros and Cons of Online Selling Platforms - eBay vs Facebook Marketplace

Online selling platforms have become essential tools for individual sellers and business owners. The debate "eBay vs Facebook Marketplace" has caused many resellers to provide strong argumentation for both sides. Since both online marketplace platforms cater to a vast global audience, understanding the pros and cons of each can help individuals decide where to post their new listings. Let us help you during the decision-making process.

What Is Facebook Marketplace?

Facebook's additional feature, launched in 2016, allows the app and site's users to buy and sell listings with their local community. The growth and expansion of the platform are significant due to the activity of 250 million shoppers each month and the low seller fees. The use of Facebook Ads and Messenger makes it easy for customers and sellers to make deals about sales prices and shipping to the buyer's home.

Pros of Reselling on Facebook Marketplace

There are numerous advantages of using this app for seasoned as well as brand-new sellers. First and foremost, the posts are exposed to millions of users who frequent Facebook daily. 

This is also a rare multi-vendor marketplace platform that doesn't impose a fee for posting a product. It promotes in-person exchanges of items since there is no built-in shipping option. The instant messaging feature creates an efficient and personal experience.

Cons of Reselling Facebook Marketplace

The drawbacks that most new online resellers need to be aware of include:

• Security concerns - In-person transactions can pose risks to personal safety.
• No Seller Protection Program - Unlike Depop or Etsy, Facebook doesn't have a program for protecting sellers in case of suspicious disputes with buyers.
• More opportunities for scams - Since the transactions are a bit loose and less formal than on other best online selling platforms, scammers use this opportunity to purchase products and later demand refunds.
• Shipping is arranged by the seller - This can be a drawback and a benefit based on what type of business you are interested in running. However, individuals who don't want to go through the complexities of calculating postage might find this easier to handle.

What is eBay?

eBay is a worldwide online shipping and auction platform launched in 1995 by Pierre Omidyar in San Jose, California. Upon its launch, a myth was created that the site was designed for collectors to purchase and sell Pez dispensers. As a result of the rumor, toy collectors are credited as the users who made it grow in the first place.

Today, this is the leading multi-vendor marketplace platform with 182 million active users. It offers resellers the opportunity to use fixed-price listings and auction-style formats.

Pros of eBay

eBay provides sellers with a global reach, allowing a product to tap into an international market. There are different reselling formats available, such as auctions, which are beneficial for collectible and rare items that can generate a lot of money for a user. 

eBay's established reputation system promotes trust among users. Unlike Facebook's Marketplace, eBay's Seller Protection program is a safety net for users who get into disputes with buyers. There are also built-in shipping and payment options to help streamline the transactions.

Cons of eBay

Apart from the various benefits of reselling used products from your home on eBay, potential disadvantages can impact the profit of a new e-commerce business, such as:

• Competition - Gaining visibility with numerous users on the app can pose a significant challenge.
• Compulsory return policy - The platform's return policy for buyers can sometimes work against sellers, especially if they are dealing with dishonest buyers.
• Fee structure - The price of listing fees and final value charges can significantly reduce the seller's profit.
• Expensive shipping options - The charge for the built-in shipping options can cost a lot of money and impact the seller's earnings.

eBay vs Facebook Marketplace - What Online Marketplace Platform Is Better for You?

Choosing between selling on eBay vs Facebook Marketplace depends on the individual preferences and products being sold. What are your priorities? What kind of features are needed for your business to succeed? Figure out a sales strategy to make sure the items reach potential buyers. Here are the core factors that will determine your choice.

Facebook Marketplace Fees vs eBay Seller Fees

Facebook Marketplace operates without listing or reselling fees, making it an attractive option for individuals or businesses to minimize expenses. In contrast, eBay has a more intricate fee structure that includes listing fees and final value charges based on the sale price. In case PayPal is used, a transaction fee on top of this will be involved.

Here is a video with an in-depth explanation of eBay's charges.

Best Selling Items on Facebook Marketplace vs eBay In 2023

What are the best items to sell on each app? Well, for users of Facebook Marketplace, the best products to resell in 2023 include:

• Unique furniture,
• Home decor,
• Clothing,
• DIY tools,
• Garden tools,
• Electronics.

On eBay, the auction-style listings feature the best items to sell, such as:

• Sports memorabilia,
• Antiques,
• Tech gadgets,
• Collectibles,
• Fashion.

Ease of Use and Opportunity to Grow Your Following Easily

Facebook Marketplace is user-friendly, being part of a popular social platform. It allows sellers to easily tap into their existing social networks to gain visibility. On the other hand, eBay, with its longstanding e-commerce foundation, offers detailed tools for serious online reselling. However, building a following on eBay is more about garnering positive reviews than social connections. Both platforms cater to different reselling styles and goals.

With a Crossposting Tool, List Items on Both Platforms as Well as Additional Ones

If you cannot decide between selling on Facebook Marketplace vs eBay, we have a tip for you. Make your product visible on both platforms with the help of cross-listing software. Instead of using only one app, use additional ones simultaneously, such as Depop, Vinted, Shopify, and Etsy. A useful crossposting tool will make managing numerous listings a piece of cake with only one inventory. What is more, posting a listing is made easier since you only have to create it once using the selling software. Zipsale, the best multichannel listing software, offers these perks and much more. Sign up today and benefit from the perks of a crossposting app.

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