Wow. Facebook Marketplace in Florida is challenging.

[disneysteve]

It can be. My friend recently had a situation where someone on FB marketplace asked for her number and then later said he sent a 6 digit code to her phone to validate she was a real person. She immediately blocked him as he was likely trying to hack one of her accounts.

That makes sense. People also ask for the address right off the bat. Nope. Not giving you that either. I've started using the clubhouse address. Once they're actually here I'll give them the house address, or just meet them at the clubhouse.

[jenn_jenn]

I've also encountered a number of people who, when responding to a Marketplace item, ask for my phone number. Obviously, I don't give it to them as there's absolutely no reason they need it. That's never happened to me before. Is that some sort of scam?

It can be. My friend recently had a situation where someone on FB marketplace asked for her number and then later said he sent a 6 digit code to her phone to validate she was a real person. She immediately blocked him as he was likely trying to hack one of her accounts.

I’m sometimes someone that asks if it’s available and then never responds back. Usually it’s because things go QUICK here and if I don’t here back from
the seller right away, I’ve already moved on and found something else. I used to let sellers know if I was no longer interested but I received annoyed messages back so I stopped.

As a seller, I don’t let it bother me that I get several inquiries and no follow through. Eventually someone will come get it. I don’t count any interest as real until they’re on their way over. I also don’t hold for anyone - first come, first served. I do this because everyone is so flakey.

[disneysteve]

I've had 29 inquiries since yesterday about a single item and still can't get one person to actually come and get it.

I've now gotten nearly 50 responses about this item and still not a single buyer. Everyone says they're interested, they haggle on the price, they ask where I'm located, some even say they will come, and then nothing. The worst ones are the people who have a whole conversation with me and then say it's too far away. The listing clearly states my location. Why even respond if you know it's too far? You're wasting your own time and mine.

[disneysteve]

I've also encountered a number of people who, when responding to a Marketplace item, ask for my phone number. Obviously, I don't give it to them as there's absolutely no reason they need it. That's never happened to me before. Is that some sort of scam?

[disneysteve]

I've had 29 inquiries since yesterday about a single item and still can't get one person to actually come and get it.

[disneysteve]

Lots of ghosting on Marketplace.
I've successfully bought and sold on there, but there is a level of frustration that you have to tolerate to get the job done.

It just seems way worse here than at home, though it might be partly because I'm listing so many items. At home I only list now and then. It's very frustrating when I list an item and get 20 or more "Is this available?" responses, I say yes, and only a couple continue the conversation. The clowns who make ridiculously low offers are frustrating too. I mean I'm fine with haggling and I set my prices a bit high in expectation of that, but don't waste my time with a $50 offer on a $110 listing for an item that's probably worth 3 times that much.

[bjl584]

Lots of ghosting on Marketplace.
I've successfully bought and sold on there, but there is a level of frustration that you have to tolerate to get the job done.

[rennigade]

I wouldnt even waste my time selling those items. The things I wouldnt keep I would just donate. Not even worth the headache.

[disneysteve]

I did successfully sell two more items today and listed a few more.

I did wise up and now don’t give the address or put the person on the gate security list until they are actually heading over.

[disneysteve]

Another issue around here is the language barrier. There’s a large Spanish-speaking population and communication can be challenging as I’m not fluent in Spanish. That’s not a factor at home.

[disneysteve]

Of course, it isn't all bad or I wouldn't do it. I made 3 sales on FB Marketplace today for a total of $85 cash and a few more items out of the house.

I've got a few more listed and will likely add more tomorrow.

[disneysteve]

I see. So now you've got me wondering if bots and scammers are more active in some markets than others. For example, markets where there might be more elderly sellers? More wealthy sellers?

Maybe. I don't have nearly that much trouble back home.

[scfr]

I’m not selling in a group. I’m selling on Facebook Marketplace. That’s open to everyone, bots and all.

I see. So now you've got me wondering if bots and scammers are more active in some markets than others. For example, markets where there might be more elderly sellers? More wealthy sellers?

[disneysteve]

Can't the bots & scammers be mostly avoided if listings are limited to groups where you are a member?

I’m not selling in a group. I’m selling on Facebook Marketplace. That’s open to everyone, bots and all.

[scfr]

Wouldn't that restrict the scope of available purchasers?

It would. I guess it's a trade off each person has to decide about. I'd be curious to know how much opening listings to the broad Marketplace actually helped increase sales.
It's been a few years since I've sold on FB but when I did I always limited it and managed to sell most items if priced competitively.