Boost Sales on Facebook Marketplace Before Moving with Roomia
Moving house is the perfect excuse to declutter, and selling on Facebook Marketplace can lighten your load while putting extra cash in your pocket. Whether it’s that old couch, unused kitchen gadgets, or the surfboard you swore you’d ride, this guide will help you sell smarter, stay safe, and plan for anything that doesn’t find a buyer. Plus, with Roomia’s handy storage solutions, you’ll keep your new place clutter-free from day one. Ready to get started? Let’s jump in!
What Sells Well on Facebook Marketplace (and What Doesn’t)
Before you start listing, it’s worth knowing what Aussies are keen to buy on Facebook Marketplace. Here’s the good oil:
- BBQs and outdoor furniture – Perfect for backyard gatherings, these fly off the shelves.
- Camping gear – Tents, swags, and eskies are hot, especially in Tassie where bush adventures rule.
- Baby and kids’ items – Strollers, cots, and toys are always in demand.
- Surfboards and beach gear – Big in coastal spots like Bondi or the Gold Coast.
- Electronics – Smartphones, laptops, and gaming consoles move fast.
On the flip side, avoid wasting time on:
- Damaged appliances – Nobody wants a dodgy fridge or a busted toaster.
- Outdated tech – That old Nokia isn’t making a comeback.
- Overly personalised items – Monogrammed towels? Hard pass.
Focusing on what sells saves you time and gets your stuff moving. Local trends matter too—camping gear rocks Tasmania, while beach gear dominates Queensland. In winter, heaters sell like hotcakes; in summer, fans and air con units are king.
Price Items Realistically
Nailing the price is key to a quick sale. Start by scoping out similar listings on Facebook Marketplace in your area—think a comfy three-seater leather couch might fetch AUD 200–300 in good nick, while a fabric one could go for AUD 100–200. Cross-check with Gumtree or eBay for a solid baseline. Factor in the item’s condition and age—buyers expect a bargain for wear and tear. Set a fair asking price that wards off low-ballers but leaves room for a friendly haggle (it’s the Aussie way!). Add “ONO” (or nearest offer) to show you’re open to negotiation. Price too high, and buyers scroll on; too low, and you’ll drown in time-wasters. Get this right, and you’re off to a ripper start!
Create Great Listings
Your listing needs to shine in a crowded Marketplace. Photos are your secret weapon—snap clear, well-lit shots from every angle using natural light (a sunny Aussie arvo by the window works a treat). Stage items to show their potential: chuck a throw over that couch or a plant on that side table. Selling clothes? Pop them on a mannequin. Facebook gives you 10 pics—use them all, and don’t hide flaws; honesty builds trust. Got warranties or original packaging? Mention it—buyers love a bonus.
Keep the description short and sharp with bullet points:
- Item name
- Brand and model
- Condition (e.g., “near new” or “few scuffs”)
- Unit price
- Pickup location (suburb’s enough)
- Condition (e.g., “used twice, like new”)
- Dimensions or key features
- Extras (e.g., “comes with cover and tongs”)
Sample Listing:
- “Near-new Weber BBQ, 2-burner, used twice for family barbies. Perfect working order, 120cm x 60cm, pickup in Bondi. Includes cover and tongs. AUD 250 ONO.”
Hook buyers with a quick story, like “This BBQ grill’s been the star of countless summer sizzles.” Choose the right category (e.g., “Outdoor” or “Furniture”) so folks can find it. A cracking listing takes five extra minutes but pays off with more messages—trust us!
Time Your Posts
Timing can make or break your sale. Post when Aussies are scrolling—think Thursday nights or Saturday mornings, when folks are chilling out. Bonus tip: many get paid fortnightly Down Under, so listing just after payday can catch buyers with cash to splash. Don’t stop at Marketplace—share your post to local buy/sell groups (e.g., “Brisbane Bargains”) or your personal newsfeed for max reach. More eyes equal faster sales, so play it smart and watch your inbox buzz!
Safety First in Transactions
Stay sharp to keep selling on Facebook Marketplace stress-free. Meet buyers in busy, well-lit spots like a bustling café, shopping centre carpark, or even a police station’s safe trading zone— heaps of Aussie stations offer them! Bring a mate along for backup. Cash is tops for small stuff, but for bigger ticket items, use instant bank transfers (like Beem It) or Facebook’s payment system. Skip prepaid transfers or shipping to strangers—those scream scam. If someone’s offering way over your price or pushing dodgy payment tricks, trust your gut and bail. Safety’s worth more than any sale, no worries!
Use Your Profile to Your Advantage
Your Facebook profile is your trust badge on Marketplace. Spruce it up with a real name, a friendly pic (smile, mate!), and a few public posts to prove you’re not a bot. Add your suburb to your bio—like “Perth seller, 5-star rated”—to build local cred without oversharing. Answer messages fast and friendly via Facebook Messenger—Aussies love a quick reply, especially across time zones. A solid profile can score you top-notch reviews, making future sales a breeze.
Plan for Unsold Items
Some stuff won’t budge before moving day—no worries! Here’s how to boost sales or handle leftovers:
Boost Your Sales
- Repost Listings: Refresh every few days to stay visible.
- Adjust Pricing: Drop 10–20% to lure bargain hunters.
- Bundle Deals: Discount multiple items together—great for clearing odds and ends.
- Share Locally: Post in neighbourhood groups like “Perth Garage Sales.”
** Alternatives**
Still no takers? Donate to Aussie legends like Vinnies or Salvos—many offer free pickups for big items—or drop smaller stuff at local op shops. Not ready to let go? Store it with Roomia. Storage plans start at AUD 50 a month, with facilities across Australia. It’s perfect for keeping your new pad tidy while you figure out what’s next—sell later or keep the keepers.
Bonus Tip – Declutter as You Sell
Make Marketplace your decluttering space mate. List anything you haven’t used in yonks—old lounges, spare pots, that exercise bike you swore you’d master. Fun fact: the average Aussie home has over AUD 5,000 in unused stuff! Selling it can slash your moving costs big time. Every item gone is less to pack, store, or pay movers for. It’s a double win: cash in hand and less baggage for your new digs!
Speaking of moving, if you’re looking for more advice on moving, check out our Moving House Checklist so you’re prepared for everything when your big move comes.
FAQ
Q: How do I dodge scams on Facebook Marketplace?
A: Keep it safe by always meeting in busy, public spots like a café, shopping centre, or police trading zone. Take a mate along if possible, stick to cash or instant bank transfers, and if anything feels dodgy or too good to be true, just bail.
Q: What’s the best way to describe my item?
A: Bullet points win for clarity—cover brand, model, condition, and dimensions. Add a relatable yarn for Aussie charm, like: “This fridge has seen more barbies than a summer weekend in Bondi and still keeps beers icy cold.”
Q: How long should I wait before cutting my price?
A: If it’s crickets after a week, shave 10–20% off your asking price to stir up interest. Reposting your ad at peak browsing times like Thursday night or Saturday morning can also get more eyeballs on your listing.
Q: Can I sell stuff that’s knackered or damaged?
A: Yep—just be upfront about any issues. Plenty of buyers are looking for fixer-uppers, spare parts, or DIY projects. Clearly mention damage in the listing to keep trust and save everyone’s time.
Q: How should I handle pushy hagglers?
A: Hold your ground politely. Set your lowest price in your head beforehand, then calmly tell pushy buyers, “Sorry mate, that’s the best I can do.” Most serious buyers will respect your stance or move along.
Q: What if a buyer flakes on pickup?
A: Give them 15 minutes grace—then send a quick message to check if they’re running late. Still a no-show? Move swiftly to the next buyer or relist your item. No stress; it’s all part of the process.
Q: Are there specific rules for selling second-hand items in Australia?
A: Absolutely—always check the ACCC’s product safety guidelines, especially when selling electronics, kids’ toys, or household appliances. Some items need to meet specific standards or have safety ticks. A quick check keeps everyone safe and keeps you out of strife.
Wrap-Up
Master selling on Facebook Marketplace, and you’ll turn clutter into cash while making your move smoother than a cold one on a hot day. Price smart, list like a pro, stay safe, and plan for leftovers with sales tricks or Roomia’s storage.
Need a spot for those unsold treasures? Head to Roomia for flexible storage solutions that make moving a breeze. With locations across Australia and monthly rental from $50 a month, we’re your place to create space. Happy selling, and here’s to a ripper move!
