Facebook Opens Marketplace to Take on eBay and Craigslist It will roll out in the U.S., UK, Australia and New Zealand in the coming days.

By Matt Brian

This story originally appeared on Engadget

Facebook

If you visit Facebook today, the chances are that you'll come across someone trying to sell something. It could be a friend looking to make some money from an old smartphone or a thousand-strong parenting group looking to trade items for their little ones. Facebook has slowly introduced features to make it easier for people to list their items, but today the company has launched Marketplace, a new way for users to "discover, buy and sell items" with other people in their area.

In the coming days, users in the U.S., UK, Australia and New Zealand who are over 18-years-old will see a new shop icon in the bottom menu of the Facebook app. This will load a selection of photos of items that people in your general location are looking to sell. It also includes a search function, if you're looking for something, specific and results can be filtered by location, category or price. If something catches your eye, Facebook will list the name and details of that product, a profile photo of the person selling it and a loose overview of where they live.

Although Facebook already lets Messenger users send payments, the company categorically states that it is not performing the role of a retailer or auction site: "You and the seller can work out the details in any way you choose. Facebook does not facilitate the payment or delivery of items in Marketplace." That also means it won't charge users for listings, giving it a distinct advantage over eBay and other app-based buy and sell apps.

Image credit: Facebook Newsroom

With Facebook now counting over 1.5 billion users, sites like eBay and Craigslist will be watching Marketplace with keen interest. Sure, it's currently only available in four countries, but with little to no oversight over sales and payments, the company is free to take it to new markets at will. Facebook says it will "continue expanding [Marketplace] to additional countries" via its iOS and Android apps, and will make the service available on the desktop "in the coming months."

Wavy Line
Matt Brian

Managing Editor, Engadget UK

Matt Brian is managing editor of Engadget UK.

Editor's Pick

A Father Decided to Change When He Was in Prison on His Son's Birthday. Now His Nonprofit Helps Formerly Incarcerated Applicants Land 6-Figure Jobs.
Lock
A Teen Turned His Roblox Side Hustle Into a Multimillion-Dollar Company — Now He's Working With Karlie Kloss and Elton John
Lock
3 Mundane Tasks You Should Automate to Save Your Brain for the Big Stuff
Lock
The Next Time Someone Intimidates You, Here's What You Should Do
5 Ways to Manage Your Mental Health and Regulate Your Nervous System for Sustainable Success

Related Topics

Business News

Mark Zuckerberg Delivers Dorky Diss of Apple's Pricey New Headset

The CEO let his Meta team know what he thinks about Apple's Vision Pro, and he did not hold back.

Business News

Meta Unveils Twitter Competitor to Offer People a 'Sanely Run' Platform

The company is in talks with Oprah Winfrey and the Dalai Lama regarding commitments to the app.

Business Ideas

Top 25 Side Hustles to Make Money During Summer 2023

While the weather is warm, there are numerous ways to earn additional income. It is even possible to make money year-round with many of these ideas. But, here are the top 25 side hustles to make money during the summer.

Business News

After Being Told They Could Work From Home Forever, Employees Made Major Life Changes. Then, a New CEO Ordered Them Back to the Office.

Farmers Group CEO Raul Vargas is facing backlash for the change, but he says being in the office brings more "collaboration" and "innovation."

Business News

Hedge Fund Pays NYC Interns $20,000 a Month on Average, Sent to Lavish Palm Beach Kickoff

Citadel is known for its over-the-top parties and company retreats.

Growing a Business

How to Disrupt Hustle Culture and Build a Business That Supports Your Wellness

You can leave work at five each day. You can turn off your phone in the evenings and take weekends off. You can exercise. You can be fully present with your family. You will be better for it, and so will your business.