Where to find Facebook Marketplace on your phone or computer

Facebook Marketplace is a section built into Facebook where people buy and sell items locally. You reach it through the Facebook app or website — it's not a separate program you need to download. On a phone, open Facebook and look for the shop icon (it looks like a storefront) at the bottom of the screen on iPhone or in the menu on Android. On a computer, go to facebook.com, and you'll see "Marketplace" in the left sidebar menu.

The icon appears in the same navigation area as your News Feed and Messages. If you don't see it immediately, scroll down in the left menu on desktop, or swipe through the bottom icons on mobile until you find it. Facebook shows Marketplace to accounts that are at least a few months old and in good standing — brand new accounts sometimes don't see it right away.

Key Takeaways

  • Facebook Marketplace is accessed through the shop icon in the Facebook app or through the left sidebar on facebook.com — you don't need a separate account.
  • Your location determines what items appear in your feed, and you can change your search area to browse listings from nearby cities.
  • Buying doesn't require payment through Facebook; most sellers ask for cash, Venmo, or PayPal, and you arrange pickup or shipping directly.
  • Selling requires you to list an item with photos and a price, and Facebook doesn't hold money or handle the transaction for you.
  • Facebook can remove your Marketplace access if you violate community standards, so read what items are prohibited before listing.

Browsing items for sale in your area

When you open Marketplace, you see items listed by people near you. The default distance is usually 30 to 40 miles, depending on how populated your area is. Scroll through the feed the same way you scroll through your News Feed — items appear as photos with a price and the seller's name. Tap or click any listing to see more photos, the full description, and the seller's profile.

To search for something specific, use the search bar at the top and type what you're looking for — "dining table," "bicycle," "used laptop." You can also filter by category (Furniture, Electronics, Clothing) and by distance. If you want to see what's available in a different city, tap the location at the top and enter a new zip code or city name. This is useful if you're traveling or willing to drive farther for a particular item.

How to contact a seller and arrange a purchase

When you find something you want, tap the listing and look for a "Message" button. This opens a chat with the seller through Facebook Messenger. You can ask questions about the item, negotiate the price, or ask about pickup times. The seller will respond through Messenger — they're not required to, but most do within a few hours.

Payment and pickup are entirely between you and the seller. Facebook doesn't process the payment or hold money. Most sellers ask for cash at pickup, but some accept Venmo, PayPal, or other payment apps. Agree on a time and place to meet — many people meet in a public parking lot or the seller's driveway. Never send money before you see the item in person, and never give your address to someone you don't know; meet in a public place instead.

Listing an item for sale

To sell something, tap the "Create New Listing" button (usually a plus sign or "Sell" button at the top of Marketplace). Choose a category — Furniture, Electronics, Clothing, and so on. Then add a title ("Wooden Bookshelf," not just "Shelf"), write a description that mentions the condition and any damage, set a price, and upload at least one clear photo. Facebook recommends multiple photos from different angles so buyers can see what they're getting.

Once you post, the listing appears in Marketplace for people in your area. Buyers will message you through Messenger to ask questions or arrange a meeting. You're responsible for responding, setting the meeting time, and handling the payment. Facebook doesn't take a cut or hold the money — you keep whatever the buyer pays you.

What you can and cannot sell on Marketplace

Facebook prohibits certain items: weapons, ammunition, explosives, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, animals, and items that are counterfeit or stolen. You also cannot sell services (like "I will babysit for $15/hour"), post ads for jobs, or list items that are broken beyond repair and described as such. Violating these rules can result in your listing being removed or your Marketplace access being suspended.

Items that are legal to sell include used furniture, electronics, clothing, books, sports equipment, and household goods. If you're unsure whether something is allowed, check Facebook's Marketplace policies before listing. The rules exist to prevent fraud and illegal sales, so Facebook monitors listings and removes ones that break the rules.

Safety tips when buying or selling

Meet in a public place during daylight — a parking lot, coffee shop, or busy street. Tell a friend or family member where you're going and when you expect to be back. Bring your phone and have it charged. If something feels off about the seller or the listing, don't meet them. Trust your instinct.

For high-value items, ask the seller to meet at a police station parking lot, which many departments allow for this reason. Inspect the item thoroughly before handing over money — test electronics, check for damage, and make sure it matches the photos and description. If you're buying something heavy, bring help. If you're selling, don't invite strangers into your home; meet outside or in a public space.

Troubleshooting common problems

If you don't see Marketplace in your Facebook menu, your account may be too new, or Facebook may have restricted your access due to a violation of community standards. Wait a few weeks if your account is brand new. If you've been on Facebook for months and still don't see it, check your privacy settings — make sure your location is visible to Facebook.

If a listing won't post, it may contain a prohibited item or violate Facebook's rules. Re-read the description and make sure you're not selling something on the banned list. If a buyer stops responding after you agree to meet, they may have found another seller or changed their mind. Move on and wait for the next interested buyer. If you believe a seller is scamming you, report the listing through the three-dot menu on the listing page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate account to use Marketplace?

No. Marketplace is part of your regular Facebook account. You use the same login and profile. Your name and profile picture appear to people who message you about your listings.

Can I sell internationally or ship items?

Marketplace is designed for local sales, and most listings are for pickup only. Some sellers do ship, but you'll need to arrange that directly with them through Messenger. Facebook doesn't provide shipping labels or handle the transaction.

What happens if someone doesn't show up to buy my item?

You keep the listing active and wait for another buyer. You can also delete the listing if you no longer want to sell. There's no penalty for a buyer who doesn't show up — just remove the listing and repost it if needed.

Is my personal information visible to buyers?

Buyers see your name and profile picture. They don't see your address unless you tell them. Keep your address private until you've agreed to meet, and then share only the meeting location, not your home address.

Can I return something I bought on Marketplace?

Returns are between you and the seller — Facebook doesn't handle refunds or disputes. Agree on a return policy before you buy. Most Marketplace sales are final, so inspect the item carefully before paying.