How to Sell Furniture Successfully on Facebook Marketplace

 

So, you’ve got some furniture to sell, and you’re thinking of giving Facebook Marketplace a shot?

Great move.

Facebook Marketplace is one of the easiest, fastest, and most effective platforms for offloading everything from IKEA bookshelves to high-end leather sectionals. But here’s the thing—just posting a few blurry pics with a “for sale” caption isn’t going to cut it.

If you want to sell your furniture quickly, safely, and for a good price, you need a strategy.

That’s exactly what this guide is about.

In this article, we’ll break down exactly how to sell furniture successfully on Facebook Marketplace—step by step. From listing photos that actually convert to smart pricing tricks and dealing with flaky buyers, we’re covering it all.

1. Clean and Prep Your Furniture Like You’re Selling a House

Before you even open the Marketplace app, take some time to prepare your item. You’d be surprised how much better something sells just because it looks well cared for.

Here’s what to do:

• Clean everything thoroughly: Wipe down wood, vacuum cushions, clean any stains. A little elbow grease goes a long way.

• Tighten loose screws or legs: Give it that “like new” feel.

• Deodorize: Especially for couches or fabric chairs. No one wants something that smells like pets, smoke, or food.

Remember: Buyers judge your furniture within seconds of seeing your photos. Make sure it looks like something you’d want to buy.

2. Take Photos That Actually Sell

You don’t need to be a professional photographer. But your pictures need to be clear, bright, and honest.

Here’s what works:

• Shoot during daylight: Natural light makes everything look better.

• Capture multiple angles: Front, sides, back, close-ups.

• Stage the furniture: If it’s still in your home, clean the space around it. Throw a cushion or plant nearby for a cozy vibe.

• Highlight any flaws: Yes, show the scratches and stains. It builds trust. Buyers appreciate honesty.

Avoid dark, blurry shots or photos taken in messy rooms. Presentation matters—a LOT.

3. Write an Honest, Simple, and Descriptive Title

Facebook Marketplace titles show up in searches, so keep them clear and keyword-friendly.

Bad:

Nice couch for sale

Better:

Gray Sectional Sofa with Chaise – Excellent Condition

Even Better:

Modern Gray Sectional Couch with Chaise Lounge – Smoke-Free Home

Use keywords people search for: “leather,” “mid-century,” “recliner,” “solid wood,” “storage,” etc. The more searchable your title, the better your chances of showing up.

4. Nail the Description (Without Going Overboard)

Keep your description simple but informative. No need to write a novel—just cover the basics:

• Condition (be honest)

• Dimensions

• Material (leather, fabric, wood type)

• Age or usage

• Why you’re selling it (optional)

• Pickup or delivery options

Example:

Selling a lightly used gray sectional with a chaise lounge. Super comfortable and in great condition—no stains, rips, or pet damage. Bought new 2 years ago from Ashley Furniture. Smoke-free, pet-free home. Dimensions: 92” x 60”. Must pick up in Lekki. Cash or bank transfer accepted.

People want to feel like they’re getting a story, not just a thing.

5. Price It Right (Not Just What You Think It’s Worth)

This part’s tricky—because what you paid doesn’t matter. What buyers are willing to pay does.

Here’s how to price smart:

• Check similar listings: Search Facebook for similar items and see what others are charging.

• Factor in condition and brand: A used IKEA table won’t fetch as much as a Pottery Barn one.

• Leave room for negotiation: If you want ₦30,000, list it for ₦35,000. People almost always offer less.

• Use psychological pricing: ₦19,500 sounds better than ₦20,000. It just does.

Still unsure? Ask yourself this: Would I buy this at this price?

6. Use Tags and Categories Strategically

Facebook allows you to add tags and choose categories when listing. Use them! This helps the algorithm show your listing to more people.

Pick the most relevant category (like “Sofas” or “Beds & Mattresses”) and add specific tags like:

• “leather couch”

• “queen bed frame”

• “wooden coffee table”

• “boho decor”

These keywords boost visibility and help the right buyers find you faster.

7. Be Responsive (But Set Boundaries)

Once your listing is live, be ready for messages. The faster you respond, the more likely you’ll lock in a sale.

A few tips:

• Turn on Messenger notifications so you don’t miss inquiries.

• Answer questions clearly and politely, even if the answer is in the description.

• Use saved replies for common questions like “Is this still available?”

But also—don’t waste time with people who won’t commit. If someone keeps stalling, move on to the next buyer.

8. Be Safe When Meeting Up

Your safety matters. Always take precautions when arranging a pickup.

Here’s how to stay safe:

• Meet in a public place for small furniture or items.

• For large pieces, have someone else home with you.

• Accept cash or secure mobile payments only. No checks. No sketchy payment apps.

• Avoid shipping unless you're using Facebook’s official shipping feature (which has buyer/seller protections).

You can also suggest porch pickup or curbside pickup if you don’t want anyone inside your home.

9. Offer Delivery If You Can

Want to stand out? Offer delivery—especially for bulky furniture.

You don’t need a truck. Rent one for a few hours or use a delivery service like Bolt, UberXL, or any local option. Just add a small delivery fee or include it as a perk to seal the deal.

Many buyers are willing to pay extra to avoid the headache of pickup. That gives you leverage.

Example:

Free delivery within 5km for full asking price.

Simple, powerful, effective.

10. Handle Negotiations Like a Pro

Expect low offers. It’s part of the game. But don’t feel pressured to accept an offer you’re not comfortable with.

Here’s how to handle haggling:

• Be polite but firm: “Thanks for your offer, but I’m firm on the price.”

• Use scarcity: “There’s a lot of interest. First to confirm gets it.”

• Create bundles: If they want multiple items, offer a small discount for the whole set.

And sometimes? It's okay to walk away. No deal is better than a bad deal.

11. Update and Refresh Your Listing

If your item isn’t selling, tweak the listing.

Here’s what to try:

• Lower the price slightly.

• Change the title or keywords.

• Update your photos (even just better lighting helps).

• Repost the item after a few days—Facebook boosts fresh listings.

Sometimes timing is everything. Listings tend to perform best on weekends and evenings when more people are browsing.

12. Communicate Clearly After the Sale

Once someone agrees to buy, confirm all the details:

• Time and place for pickup

• Payment method

• Whether they need help loading it

• If you’re disassembling it beforehand

Send a polite reminder the day before and double-check that they’re still coming. You’d be shocked how many buyers ghost at the last minute.

But hey—no hard feelings. Just have a backup plan or list of other interested buyers.

13. Ask for Feedback (and Build Trust)

After the sale, thank the buyer and ask for a quick review or rating on Facebook. This helps build your seller reputation, which can make future sales easier and faster.

And guess what? A strong Marketplace profile with positive reviews = buyers who trust you more = you can ask for higher prices next time.

Win-win.

Conclusion: Selling Furniture on Facebook Marketplace Is Simple—When You Know What You’re Doing

Look, selling furniture doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming. If you follow the right steps—clean it well, write a solid listing, price it smart, and communicate clearly—you can turn that unused chair or coffee table into quick cash.

Just remember:

• Presentation sells.

• Honesty builds trust.

• Speed matters.

• Safety comes first.

• And a little patience goes a long way.

Facebook Marketplace is full of people looking for exactly what you’re selling. Your job is to make them see the value—and give them a reason to buy now, not later.

So snap those pics, craft that listing, and get ready to make some sales.

Happy selling!