Facebook Marketplace or Auto Trader: Comparison (2024)

FAQs

Why do people sell cars so cheap on Facebook Marketplace? ›

Why are cars on the Facebook marketplace so cheap? Facebook cars for sale are not only listed by dealerships or marketplaces but by individual sellers as well. Most of them aren't looking to make a profit; rather, they want to sell their vehicle quickly and without much hassle.

Possibility of scams: You must be aware of the various scams on Facebook Marketplace. There have been instances of people being duped by fraudulent sellers. No payment security: Since Facebook does not have a built-in payment system for Marketplace, there is no way to ensure the safety of your payment.

It's important to remember that a person's seller page is linked to their personal Facebook profile, which should theoretically showcase their lives over many years. If their seller's page and profile have no information, it might be a sign that it's a fake account.

If you follow the above guidelines, Facebook Marketplace can generally be a safe and affordable way to buy and sell used items in your community. However, you should avoid giving out personal information that is unnecessary to the transaction, or paying with payment methods that are less secure, like gift cards.

Be careful. The other posters are correct that the VIN is not exactly a state secret, but there is a scam on Facebook Marketplace where scammers try to make you pay for a fake report on a bogus vehicle history site (they will claim Carfax isn't working). They will then flee with the money.

If we approve a buyer's claim, in some situations, Facebook may offer a partial refund, otherwise the refunded amount will include the full purchase price of the item, tax, and shipping fees. Decisions on claims are made in our sole discretion. In some instances, we may offer a Goodwill Refund in our sole discretion.

A buyer overpays for your product.

If someone offers you extra money, they're most likely trying to scam you. They'll normally ask you to refund the extra with a gift card or wire transfer and then disappear. Later, you'll find out that the original payment was fraudulent.

While it's great to unload something you don't need or buy something you do, Facebook Marketplace still has drawbacks. Like every online marketplace, scammers lurk there to take advantage of people, steal their money and items, or even trick them into revealing information that could lead to identity theft.

What is the safest payment method on Facebook Marketplace? ›

Don't transfer money directly into a seller's bank account. Instead, offer to use a secure person-to-person payment site, such as PayPal or sending and receiving money in Messenger.

No item for sale: Anything that isn't a physical product for sale shouldn't be listed on Marketplace. For example, "in search of" posts, lost and found posts, jokes and news aren't allowed. Services: Selling services (example: house cleaning) on Marketplace isn't allowed.

Double-check deals that seem too good to be true. Scammers may try to use underpriced items to lure buyers into a scam. Do not send deposits for high value items (apartments, cars, etc.) without confirming that they're real first.

It may not come naturally to you, but negotiating the cost of an item can earn you an even bigger discount, especially if the piece needs a little TLC. "The people who are listing their items are, in most cases, wanting to get rid of them," Mundo says. They may be willing to negotiate if it means an earlier pick-up.