What Not to Sell on Facebook Marketplace(And Why You Should Avoid These Items)

Facebook Marketplace has quickly become one of the go-to platforms for selling just about anything online. It’s free, user-friendly, and comes with a massive built-in audience. You can list an item in seconds and often sell it within hours—if you’re selling the right thing.

But here’s the truth: not everything belongs on Facebook Marketplace.

Whether it’s because of Facebook’s rules, legal reasons, or just common sense, there are certain items that are better left off the platform. Some could get your account flagged, while others might just sit there forever with zero interest. Either way, it pays to know what to avoid.

In this article, we’re breaking down exactly what not to sell on Facebook Marketplace—including banned items, sketchy stuff, and things that simply don’t move well. If you want to keep your account in good standing and make successful sales, read on.

🚫 Items That Are Flat-Out Banned by Facebook

Let’s start with the obvious: some things are straight-up not allowed on Facebook Marketplace. Selling any of the following can get your listing removed, your account restricted, or even permanently banned.

1. Weapons and Ammunition

Facebook has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to firearms, ammo, or explosives. This includes:

• Guns (even antique ones)

• Gun parts (like magazines or triggers)

• Pepper spray, tasers, or stun guns

• Ammunition

Even posting a gun case can trigger a red flag.

Pro Tip: Want to sell gun-related items? Use a specialized site designed for that, not Facebook.

2. Alcohol and Tobacco Products

Sorry, but you can’t sell your collection of rare whiskey or vape pens here.

Prohibited items include:

• Beer, wine, and liquor

• Cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco

• Vapes and e-cigarettes

• Hookahs and shisha

Even if it's legal in your country, it's a no-go on Marketplace.

3. Illegal or Prescription Drugs

Seems like common sense, but you’d be surprised how many people try it.

You cannot sell:

• Any kind of illegal drug (obviously)

• Prescription meds (like antibiotics, Adderall, painkillers, etc.)

• Over-the-counter meds in opened packaging

• Cannabis or CBD products (even if legal where you live)

Yes, even CBD oil can get you into trouble on Facebook.

4. Animals (Live or Dead)

Facebook doesn’t allow the sale of live animals at all. This includes:

• Dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, fish—you name it

• Livestock and farm animals

• Insects (even feeder bugs for reptiles)

You can still rehome pets through certain groups, but Marketplace isn’t the place to sell them.

And yes, even taxidermy items or animal hides may be flagged depending on local laws.

5. Adult Products or Services

Facebook wants Marketplace to stay family-friendly. That means no:

• Sex toys

• Pornographic material

• "Massage" listings with questionable intent

• Escort services or anything remotely suggestive

If it’s NSFW, don’t post it—Facebook’s filters are very sensitive.

6. Counterfeit or Replica Items

You might think it’s harmless to sell a “Gucci-style” bag or fake designer belt, but it’s actually a big deal.

Facebook prohibits:

• Fake designer clothing or accessories

• Replica watches or sneakers

• Knock-off electronics

If you’re not 100% sure the item is genuine, don’t list it. You could face copyright infringement issues or get banned from the platform.

7. Digital Products or Downloads

While some online marketplaces allow digital sales, Facebook doesn’t.

That means:

• eBooks

• Online courses

• Downloadable software

• Streaming logins (like Netflix or Hulu)

If the buyer doesn’t receive a physical product, it’s not allowed.

8. Event Tickets (in some regions)

In certain areas, Facebook restricts the sale of:

• Concert tickets

• Festival passes

• Sports event tickets

Some sellers try to get around this by listing it as a "free item" and handling payment privately, but that can get flagged too.

Check Facebook’s policy and your local laws before listing any kind of ticket.

⚠️ Items You Can List… But Probably Shouldn’t

Now that we’ve covered what Facebook strictly forbids, let’s look at a different category—items that are technically allowed but are still a bad idea to sell.

1. Heavily Used Mattresses

This one’s a hard sell (pun intended). Most people are uncomfortable buying a used mattress—especially if it’s stained, old, or sagging.

Even if yours is in great shape, buyers might assume the worst. And some cities even have laws about reselling mattresses due to hygiene concerns.

Better idea: Try donating it locally if it’s still usable.

2. Used Makeup or Personal Care Products

Would you buy someone’s used lipstick or opened face cream? Most people wouldn’t either.

Avoid selling:

• Used makeup (even if “only swatched once”)

• Opened skincare or beauty products

• Used razors, electric shavers, or toothbrushes

Hygiene matters, and buyers don’t want to take risks.

3. Broken Electronics (Without Clear Disclosure)

There’s a small market for people who buy broken phones or laptops for parts—but only if you're totally transparent about what's wrong.

If you list a broken item and don’t say it’s broken, expect angry buyers, bad reviews, and refund demands.

Be upfront in the title and description: “FOR PARTS ONLY – iPhone 11 (No Power, Cracked Screen)”

4. Recalled or Unsafe Products

Selling a recalled baby crib or a dangerous kitchen appliance isn’t just risky—it’s irresponsible.

Always double-check if the item you’re selling has been recalled. You can check websites like the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for updates.

5. Homemade Food

Love baking cupcakes or cooking meals? That’s awesome—but selling homemade food on Facebook can be a legal minefield.

In many places, you need:

• A food handler’s license

• A certified kitchen

• Labels with allergens and ingredients

If you’re not licensed, you could get fined—or worse, make someone sick and face a lawsuit.

6. Opened Baby Items

Safety is everything when it comes to babies.

Avoid selling:

• Used car seats (especially older ones or those involved in crashes)

• Opened baby formula

• Worn pacifiers or bottles

These items should be bought new or certified for safety. It’s just not worth the risk.

7. Stuff That’s Just… Trash

Let’s be real. Some things just shouldn’t be resold.

We’re talking:

• Old phone chargers for outdated models

• Empty shampoo bottles

• Broken furniture you’re “sure someone could fix”

• Half-used notebooks or school supplies from 10 years ago

If you wouldn’t buy it yourself, don’t list it. Donate it, recycle it, or toss it.

🧠 Smart Seller Tip: How to Check If an Item Is Allowed

If you’re not sure whether something is okay to sell on Facebook Marketplace, here’s what you can do:

1. Read Facebook’s Commerce Policies:
   👉 https://www.facebook.com/policies/commerce

2. Search for Similar Listings:
   If nobody else is selling it, there’s probably a reason.

3. Ask in a Local Seller Group:
   Sometimes local laws vary—other sellers in your area might know what flies and what doesn’t.

👎 What Happens If You Break the Rules?

Facebook doesn’t play around when it comes to policy violations. Here’s what might happen:

• Your listing could be removed instantly.

• You might get a warning or temporary ban from Marketplace.

• In serious cases, your entire Facebook account could be suspended.

And the worst part? You might not even get a clear reason why it happened.

To stay safe:

• Follow the rules.

• Use clear titles and descriptions.

• Avoid trying to “trick” the system—it’s not worth the risk.

✅ Better Alternatives for Banned or Risky Items

Just because you can’t sell something on Marketplace doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Try these alternatives:

• Guns & ammo: Check out Armslist or GunBroker.

• CBD & hemp products: Use platforms like Shopify or Etsy (with clear rules).

• Event tickets: Try Ticketmaster Resale or StubHub.

• Homemade food: Use local food markets or delivery platforms that accept cottage industry vendors.

Conclusion

Facebook Marketplace is an awesome tool for making extra cash and clearing out clutter—but only if you use it the right way. Selling the wrong items can get your listings removed, your account restricted, or your reputation damaged.

Stick to selling stuff that’s clean, safe, and legal. Always read Facebook’s guidelines and when in doubt, err on the side of caution.

Remember: not everything needs to be sold. Some things are better off donated, recycled, or just tossed in the bin.

Play it smart, sell with confidence, and keep your Marketplace game strong. Happy selling!