Facebook Marketplace has become a go-to platform for buying and selling a wide variety of items, from furniture to electronics to vehicles. As a buyer, your goal is to find the best deals and secure a purchase. However, the way you communicate with sellers can significantly impact whether or not they respond to you.
Sellers on Facebook Marketplace are often inundated with messages, and the questions you ask can either prompt a quick reply or cause your inquiry to be ignored. To increase your chances of getting a response, it’s important to avoid certain types of questions that sellers find frustrating or annoying.
In this article, we’ll explore the common questions that sellers dread and provide tips on how to communicate effectively to get the answers you need.
1. “Is this still available?”
This is probably the most common question sellers receive, and it’s one of the most annoying. In many cases, sellers will update the listing or mark the item as sold when it’s no longer available. Asking this question not only wastes the seller’s time but also delays your chances of getting more important information.
What to ask instead: Assume that the item is available if the listing is active. Instead, start your message with a more direct question, such as “I’m interested in the item. Can I come to see it today?” or “What’s your best price?”
2. “What’s the lowest you’ll go?”
Haggling is a part of online marketplaces, but opening with this question can come off as rude or pushy. Sellers are often put off by buyers who immediately try to lowball them without showing genuine interest in the item.
What to ask instead: Start by asking questions about the item’s condition or history, which shows that you’re a serious buyer. Once you’ve gathered more information, you can politely inquire if there’s any flexibility on the price by asking, “Is the price negotiable?” or “Would you consider an offer of [your price]?”
3. “Can you deliver?”
Unless the listing explicitly states that delivery is an option, asking this question can be frustrating for sellers, especially if they are offering a low-priced item. Delivery often requires extra time, effort, and expense, which many sellers are unwilling to accommodate.
What to ask instead: If you’re interested in delivery, ask in a way that acknowledges the seller’s effort, such as “I’m really interested in this item but I don’t have a way to pick it up. Would you consider delivering it for an extra fee?” This shows that you value the seller’s time and are willing to compensate them for the additional service.
4. “Can you hold this item for me?”
Sellers want to sell their items as quickly as possible, and holding an item for someone who might not follow through is a risk many are unwilling to take. Asking a seller to hold an item can result in lost opportunities for them, especially if other buyers are interested.
What to ask instead: If you genuinely need the item held, offer a non-refundable deposit as a sign of your commitment. You can ask, “I’m very interested, but I can’t pick it up until [specific time]. Would you be willing to hold it if I send a deposit?”
5. “What are the dimensions?”
While this might seem like a reasonable question, it can be annoying if the dimensions are already listed in the description. Sellers often take the time to include important details in the listing, and asking for information that’s readily available can come across as lazy or inattentive.
What to ask instead: Before messaging, thoroughly read the listing description. If the dimensions aren’t listed, you can politely ask for them by saying, “Could you please provide the dimensions? I didn’t see them in the listing.”
6. “Can you send more pictures?”
Requesting more pictures is understandable, especially if you’re interested in an item and want to see it from different angles. However, asking for additional photos without first reviewing the ones already provided can be irritating for sellers.
What to ask instead: Review the existing photos carefully. If you still need more information, be specific about what you’re looking for, such as “I’m interested in the condition of the back of the item. Could you send a picture of that area?”
7. “Will you trade for [item]?”
While some sellers are open to trades, most are looking to sell their items for cash. Asking if they’ll trade can be frustrating, especially if your offer is unrelated or of lesser value.
What to ask instead: If you’re interested in a trade, approach it carefully and be clear about the value of the item you’re offering. You might say, “I’m interested in your item and have [item] that I’m looking to trade. Would you be open to that?”
8. “Can I come see it today?”
This question might seem straightforward, but it can be annoying if you’re too vague about when you want to come. Sellers often have busy schedules, and an open-ended question can make it difficult for them to plan.
What to ask instead: Be specific about when you’re available. For example, ask, “I’m very interested. Would it be possible to come by around 3 PM today to take a look?”
9. “Why are you selling this?”
While this question may seem like a way to gauge the item’s history, it can come off as intrusive or irrelevant. Sellers might feel uncomfortable sharing personal reasons for selling, and the question may not yield any useful information.
What to ask instead: Focus on the condition or functionality of the item instead. For example, ask, “Is there anything wrong with the item that I should be aware of?”
10. “Is the price firm?”
Sellers typically list their items at a price they believe is fair. Asking if the price is firm can be annoying if the listing doesn’t mention that the price is negotiable.
What to ask instead: If you want to negotiate, do so politely and with a reasonable offer. You could say, “I’m interested, but I’m working with a budget of [your price]. Would you be willing to consider that?”
Tips for Getting a Seller to Respond
If you want to maximize your chances of getting a reply from a seller on Facebook Marketplace, consider the following tips:
- Be Polite and Respectful: Always approach the seller with courtesy. A polite message is more likely to receive a prompt response.
- Show Genuine Interest: Ask specific questions that show you’re serious about the purchase. For example, inquire about the item’s condition, history, or any additional details not mentioned in the listing.
- Be Clear and Concise: Sellers appreciate clear and concise messages. Avoid long-winded questions and get straight to the point.
- Offer Flexibility: If you’re asking for something extra, such as delivery or holding an item, offer something in return, like a deposit or an additional fee.
- Respond Promptly: If the seller replies, respond as quickly as possible. Delays in communication can lead to missed opportunities.
- Read the Listing Carefully: Before messaging, thoroughly read the listing to ensure you’re not asking questions that are already answered.
- Make a Fair Offer: If you’re negotiating, make sure your offer is reasonable. Lowballing can turn sellers off and result in no reply.
Conclusion
Communication is key when buying on Facebook Marketplace, and the questions you ask can make a big difference in whether or not a seller responds to you. By avoiding these common annoying questions and focusing on clear, respectful communication, you can improve your chances of getting the information you need and securing the deal. Remember, sellers appreciate buyers who are serious, polite, and considerate, so keep these tips in mind the next time you’re looking to make a purchase.
