Which Items You Can't Sell on Facebook Marketplace?
Online sellers who are about to start posting on Facebook Marketplace must familiarise themselves with the rules of this online marketplace platform. After all, knowing what items you can't sell on Facebook Marketplace is crucial for complying with its rules and regulations. Let's explore all the categories that are prohibited on the platform.
Items You Can't Sell on Facebook Marketplace Grouped in Categories
Facebook Marketplace can be quite strict when it comes to its regulations, but that's not something that should worry you as an online reseller. If you color within the lines, you won't have anything to worry about. Every post on Facebook Marketplace has to comply 100% with Meta's Commerce Policies and the Facebook Community Standards. To ensure you're following the rules to the letter, every e-commerce business owner should be aware of what they can't list on this online marketplace platform. Let's take a look at the categories of prohibited items:
- Unsafe and dangerous items,
- Illegal goods,
- Controlled substances, alcohol, and tobacco,
- Gambling-related items,
- Live animals,
- Medical claims,
- Medial devices,
- Food and perishables,
- Used cosmetics,
- Professional services,
- Virtual currency,
- Intellectual property,
- Counterfeit goods,
- Digital products and subscriptions.
As you can see, the list covers a wide range of items, but that doesn't mean you can't come up with great ideas on what to sell on Facebook Marketplace. If you still haven't learned how Facebook Marketplace works and what you can expect from it, be sure to check out the video below, which explains everything in detail.
Items That Can Be Characterized as Dangerous or Illegal
It should go without saying that anything dangerous or illegal isn't allowed on this marketplace platform. It wouldn't only be against the rules of Facebook Marketplace, but it would also be breaking the law. Anything that can be considered a weapon or ammunition is off-limits, and the same goes for hazardous materials (toxic, flammable, or radioactive). Even a regular pepper spray falls under this category. Stolen property is also prohibited.
Keep in mind that Facebook uses AI to scan the listings, and AI can get it wrong sometimes - for example, if you list a toy gun (which is allowed), AI will flag that as dangerous because you used the word "gun."
Don't Forget That Alcohol, Tobacco, and Gambling-Related Items Are Prohibited on the Platform
You can't list alcohol and tobacco or any related accessories and production kits. We don't have to tell you that drugs are not allowed, but even something that promotes drugs is against the rules of the platform. The same goes for gambling-related items - and that includes benign things like lottery tickets.
Medical Supplies and Items Related to Health and Well-Being
Many online selling platforms don't allow selling items that are related to health and well-being, so this isn't anything unexpected for Facebook Marketplace. You can't sell medical devices or make medical claims about something you want to sell. Understandably, prescription medication is not allowed as well. Essentially, anything medical-related is off-limits. Keep in mind that supplements and weight-loss products fall under this category.
Food, Perishables, and Used Cosmetics Are off Limits as Well
Whether it's fresh food or pre-made meals, Facebook Marketplace doesn't allow this type of goods due to the risk of spoilage and possible health issues. Just like with dangerous and illegal items, it's important to note that AI scans listings for specific words, so you shouldn't include words that represent food to describe something.
When it comes to cosmetics, anything that's opened is prohibited due to safety and hygiene reasons. Note that even if you just swatched a certain piece of makeup, that's considered used, and you can't post it on this platform (or any other, for that matter).
Intellectual Property and Services
Anything that violates intellectual property is not allowed on Facebook Marketplace. This refers to copyrighted music, films, or even software, but also any other type of copyrighted materials like stock images, for example. You also can't post items with trademarks or logos. Due to this rule, the platform can sometimes remove designer pieces as a mistake, even when they're authentic. If you post designer items, be sure to have proof of authenticity so you can request a reinstatement of your listing.
Offering professional services is not according to Facebook Marketplace rules. This refers to services such as lessons, childcare, home repairs, or personal training. You also can't post job openings or seek jobs yourself.
Digital Products and Virtual Currency Also Fall Under Prohibited Categories
Selling digital content like PDFs or music files, subscriptions, or even accounts is not allowed. Follow this simple rule - if it's intangible, you probably can't sell it. Any virtual currency or cryptocurrency falls under this category. Remember that this includes even gift cards.
Additional Prohibited Items Worth Mentioning
There are a few other things that didn't fall under any of the categories we've mentioned above. It should go without saying that these can't be sold on this marketplace, but let's mention it just in case:
- Live animals - pets or livestock,
- Animal products,
- Plants,
- Items subject to safety recall,
- Adult products or sexual services,
- Human body parts or fluids.
Branch Out From Facebook Marketplace and Try Crossposting on Different Online Selling Platforms
You will undoubtedly find success selling on Facebook Marketplace - such a large community makes it easy to find your buyer. Still, it's worth expanding your business to other marketplaces and crossposting with multichannel listing software - Zipsale. By using this software for selling online, you can make managing dozens of listings on different marketplaces a simple task. Why not make the most of your online business? Sign up for Zipsale today, and enjoy selling online with this excellent crossposting tool.
