Facebook Marketplace vs eBay: Where to Sell Old Gadgets?

Are you looking to sell your old laptop or smartphone? You may have already considered using Facebook Marketplace or eBay to do so.

Deciding which platform is best for you depends on your specific needs. Facebook Marketplace is a good fit if you want a simple, free way to sell your devices. However, if you’re concerned about buyer protection and scams, eBay might be a better option.

Alternatively, if you want to sell your devices in a convenient and environmentally friendly way, Gadget Salvation is a great choice. They offer quick, competitive prices and a commitment to sustainability that sets them apart from the other platforms.

So, Facebook Marketplace vs. eBay: Which one is better? In this blog post, we’ll compare the benefits and drawbacks of each platform and introduce you to an alternative option that might be more convenient and environmentally friendly.

Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace has become a popular option for selling pretty much anything, both locally and nationwide. The platform gained popularity due to its easy-to-use interface and accessibility (as many people use Facebook already). Unlike eBay, Facebook Marketplace doesn’t charge sellers any fees for listing their products. This makes it a very cost-effective option for sellers. You can easily post a photo of your device, set a price, and wait for potential buyers to contact you.

However, Facebook Marketplace does have some drawbacks. Firstly, there is no real buyer protection. This means that if a buyer decides not to pay you, there’s little you can do to force them to. Additionally, there have been many reports of scams and fraud on the platform. When using Facebook Marketplace, it’s important to exercise caution and only sell to trusted buyers.

Despite the inherent risks, Facebook Marketplace’s allure is largely due to its seamless integration with the social media platform. As a seller, you can review a prospective buyer’s public profile before making a transaction. This adds a layer of transparency and allows users to make more informed decisions about who they’re dealing with. Additionally, Facebook Marketplace uses location data to connect local buyers and sellers, which can help expedite face-to-face transactions and eliminate shipping costs.

However, the lack of dedicated customer service can be a potential hindrance. Should any issues arise during the transaction process, there’s minimal support available. There’s also no rating or feedback system, unlike eBay, which makes it difficult to gauge a buyer’s or seller’s reputability. Therefore, while Facebook Marketplace offers convenience and cost-efficiency, it’s crucial for sellers to be vigilant and proactive in ensuring a safe and successful transaction.

Facebook Marketplace vs. eBay: Facebook plus sides:

• Ease of use.
• No selling fees for local sales.

eBay

eBay has been around for much longer than Facebook Marketplace and is arguably the more established platform. With millions of users worldwide, it certainly offers a large potential customer base. Furthermore, eBay offers sellers protection through its comprehensive buyer protection program. This gives sellers more peace of mind when handling transactions with strangers.

However, eBay’s fees can be a downside for some sellers. It charges a percentage of the final sale price, plus 30c per sold item. The fee depends on the listing category and can range from 2% to 15%. This may not sound like a lot, but the deduction amount can be significant if you are selling an expensive item. Additionally, eBay’s selling process can be more complex than Facebook Marketplace, as you’ll need to set up an account and learn the platform’s selling tools.

On the positive side, eBay provides a layer of protection for buyers. Also, the platform is renowned for its vast and diverse product catalog, increasing the likelihood that someone will be searching for the exact device you’re selling. Lastly, eBay offers a feedback and rating system, which encourages trust and transparency between buyers and sellers. You can get a piece of mind by checking a buyer’s past transactions and ratings before proceeding with the sale.

Moreover, unlike Facebook Marketplace, which primarily targets local buyers, eBay’s global reach enables sellers to tap into a wider customer base. This means that your device could potentially be seen and purchased by buyers worldwide, so long as you’re willing to ship internationally.

However, this global reach could also be a drawback, as it may result in higher shipping costs and longer delivery times. You’ll also need to familiarize yourself with international shipping policies and regulations, which could potentially complicate the selling process. Also, resolving disputes on eBay can be more complex, given the involvement of international jurisdictions.

eBay vs. Facebook Marketplace: eBay plus sides:

• Wider audience.

• eBay also has a more robust customer service system in place as compared to Facebook Marketplace. eBay’s dedicated Customer Support team can assist with disputes, fraud, or any issues that arise during the selling process, providing an additional safety net for sellers.

Selling Used Tech: eBay and Facebook Alternative

If you want a convenient and quick turnaround, there are other alternatives. To skip the hassle of listing your pre-owned computer, phone, or tablet on a marketplace, consider using Gadget Salvation.

To sell, you simply answer a few questions about your device and get a no-obligation offer on the spot. You can then continue to checkout, receive a prepaid shipping label to send your device to Gadget Salvation and get paid within a few days.

We set competitive market prices for pre-owned technology and are committed to sustainability. By reusing and reselling unwanted gadgets, we give them a new lease on life while also reducing e-scrap. This is a great option if you’re looking for a hassle-free way to sell your devices while still being conscious of the environment.

eBay vs. FaceBook Marketplace: a quick comparison: Here’s a quick side-by-side table to summarize the differences between Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Gadget Salvation:

Conclusion

So, next time you’re looking to sell your old devices, consider all the options and choose the one that works best for you. Whether you choose Facebook Marketplace or eBay, make sure you take precautions and stay safe while conducting your transactions. Lastly, consider giving Gadget Salvation a go for a quick and easy sale of pre-owned electronics.