Tips? Etiquette for selling on FB groups

descovy · Aug 17, 2016

Looking to clear my space of unwanted items so I joined a few Facebook "garage sale" groups in my area. It's been a little frustrating and I think it's because I don't know the etiquette well.

I'm selling items "priced to sell". Because I want them gone more than wanting top dollar. Here is a likely scenario I've been stuck in before.

1. Buyer #1 posts and I reply. But they can't meet until tomorrow night.

2. 5-6 prospective buyers immediately post interested underneath.

3. 1-2 different buyers secretly PM me offering to meet within the hour and give more money.

Let's say I stick with buyer #1 and ignore the easy sale within the hour

4. Buyer #1 is a no show tomorrow at the given time. Maybe they ask to meet later.
Do I have to say yes?

Maybe they just disappear... How long do I give them before moving on?

5. Let's say I move on because the no-show disappeared. Do I have to go to #2 on the list? Can I pick a buyer that sounds more motivated?

6. Finally how long do I give any intended buyer to respond after I first reach out to them?

****
I have been stood up before. I've felt pressured to reaching out to the first response (who might not be motivated) and missed out on people who really want my items.

What are your tips for selling items around the house on Facebook?

CalDisneyMomof2 · Aug 17, 2016

I'm part of two different ones for my area. Both have moderators - does yours? The moderators set rules and all are pretty good about obliging to the rules.

If #1 is a no-show I wouldn't even contact them as that's rude. I'd move on to the next person that commented. If they ask to meet later it would have to be a reasonable time i.e. the same day. Otherwise, again, move on to the next.

Technically, yes, you can go to whichever buyer you choose but morally I'd go to the next bid/comment/buyer. And again, I think the time thing is a moral thing. I'd say 12-24 hours. You'd hope you can get a response within a couple hours but some people only check their FB account once a day.

FreeDiningFanatic · Aug 17, 2016

Is it permissible to post you will sell to the poster who can meet you first, and pay your stated rate? Basically, first come, first serve.

It would be appropriate for you to let anyone else know who set a time with you that the item had sold.

I don't see why you should be on the hook for a potential buy.

This isn't a department store- why should anyone be allowed to basically put something "on hold?"

mommajo143 · Aug 17, 2016

"No holds" or "first to pick up gets the goods"
This usually weeds out every unmotivated / uncommitted buyer who may say 'want' & then back out

BigAlsGal · Aug 17, 2016

I do first come first serve. Whoever I can get to bring me money first wins. I did a favor one time at a yard sale. A lady wanted an item and asked me to hold it and she would be back. Yeah I held it and she never came back. Ended up passing on another buyer because I was trying to be considerate. Ended up in the Salvation Army pile. I was miffed!

EllieBride · Aug 18, 2016

Check to see if your FB group has a set of rules that you must abide by. If not, then you could, in theory, state your own rules in your post, such as no holds, etc. In my group, we will get kicked out of the group if we don't follow the rules and they are strict about it. For instance, we must offer the item to the first person that comments/posts that they are interested and then that person then has 24 hours to make arrangements for pickup, and then basically another 24 hours to actually pick it up (unless you post otherwise in the original listing that the item must be picked up that day). If we get caught taking better offers, we would get kicked out for sure, LOL... If I have a no-show, I report them to the moderator and if they are a repeat offender, then they get kicked out of the group. I think every group operates differently, so just see how yours is set up. If you can make your own rules, just be clear in your posting so that there are no hard feelings.

Mickeypooh99 · Aug 18, 2016

I belong to a group that basically has no rules other than it has to be legal. That's the way I like it. I can chose who I sell to. I found out the hard way people don't care that the group has no rules. If they posted first they expect to get the item. These groups are so annoying to me. It's like a bunch of kids yelling me first me second.... People go crazy if you post a free item. It's absolutely nuts! I posted something for free and someone I knew personally saw it and wanted it. So I gave it to her. She wasn't the first person to post. The first person was really mad at me, and others agreed I should have given it to the first person. I didn't break any rules and I don't really care. If they don't like it then they should find another group. Mostly I just take stuff to good will and stay out of the sale sites, but if I have a larger item I post it.

Now I always post POOS (posted on other sites). That way if the first person to post isn't who you sell too they will just think someone on another site got it first.

EllieBride · Aug 18, 2016

Mickeypooh99 said:
Now I always post POOS (posted on other sites). That way if the first person to post isn't who you sell too they will just think someone on another site got it first.

I forgot about using POOS... "POOS" can be your best friend in these situations, lol!

supersnoop · Aug 18, 2016

I wonder if POOS is regional dialect. We use POMS (posted on multiple sites) around here. I'd have a hard time keeping a straight face if everything had poo on it.

mjkacmom · Aug 18, 2016

I've seen items "cross posted" before, and had no idea why that was mentioned - but now I do!

Belle0101 · Aug 18, 2016

Definitely check the rules of the group(s). I belong to several and while each is somewhat similar, there are a couple that have very strict rules. One has a rule that you have to sell in order of who responded first but the only responses that count are "int" or "hold for question". "I want" or "me" or "next" or anything like that does not count.

Some have a rule where you have the person 12 hours to respond to your post and other have a 24 hour rule. One I belong has a 1 strike and you're out rule; if a mod is contacted regarding you not following the rules you are banned. No excuses, no warning and no second chances. A couple don't allow Fast Sales (FS is the abbreviation I've seen used most often).

For Cross Posted, I've also seen XP used.

Sagginit · Aug 19, 2016

I see XP in a group I joined. I haven't bought anything yet as a lot of things are over priced. Some people are serial posters and I have a feeling they are buying at garage sales or thrift stores and trying to turn a profit. Some are also very rude to others so I wish there was a moderator. I am going to put XPosted and go with first come, first serve for the items I just gathered up.

Any tips on how to find groups? This had my cities name in it but the demographics vary widely and its getting spammed up. I am trying to find a more serious group (like with rules and without stolen/counterfeit items).

I sold a car on craigslist and a lot of people wanted to meet me 1-2 weeks after I posted it. They also wanted me to drive to them (for a $1000 20 year old car, also how would I get home?). I ended up selling it to the first person with cash and sure others were annoyed but the first few people I tried holding or setting up appointments for were no shows. As far as I see it if I am selling to you for a good price you need to make it convenient for me to sell to you.

bpesch · Aug 19, 2016

Definitely first come first serve. There are just too many people out there that swear they want something and then disappear. I'm always very clear about the fact that the first person with the money to hand me gets the item. And if someone can't meet until tomorrow, I let them know that if someone else gets to me first, the item is sold.

I'm always amazed about the number of people that swear they want something and you never hear from them again. I don't sweat it anymore. You snooze, you lose.

GMU MOM · Aug 19, 2016

I always post fcfs and no holds. That way, if a buyer is really motivated they will make an effort to come asap. If they are unable to come until later, I tell them to check with me first if the item is still available when they are ready to pick up.

littlezar · Aug 21, 2016

Definitely go the FCFS and cross posted (or whichever acronym you choose, lol) and you might want to post that you are "firm" on the price since you're already giving them a good deal so you can sell it.

hsmamato2 · Aug 22, 2016

I am part of a couple....had some success, but one person in particular just kept messaging me/dragging things along, till I started ignoring them after a few weeks. I am firm on using paypal to keep thing aboveboard and simple,and if I get no 'real response within a short time frame I move on to the next interested person. Just like Ebay....

Nancyg56 · Aug 22, 2016

Belle0101 said:
Definitely check the rules of the group(s). I belong to several and while each is somewhat similar, there are a couple that have very strict rules. One has a rule that you have to sell in order of who responded first but the only responses that count are "int" or "hold for question". "I want" or "me" or "next" or anything like that does not count.

Some have a rule where you have the person 12 hours to respond to your post and other have a 24 hour rule. One I belong has a 1 strike and you're out rule; if a mod is contacted regarding you not following the rules you are banned. No excuses, no warning and no second chances. A couple don't allow Fast Sales (FS is the abbreviation I've seen used most often).

For Cross Posted, I've also seen XP used.

Yes. If you choose to post on a group that has specific guidelines in regards to selling in order, you need to respect that rule. I am a member and seldom sell anything, but I do expect that I will be contacted in the order I posted. I do PM the seller so they know I am interested and when I will be available. Some groups are very strict about X posting as well. Know the rules.

mommajo143 · Aug 24, 2016

supersnoop said:
I wonder if POOS is regional dialect. We use POMS (posted on multiple sites) around here. I'd have a hard time keeping a straight face if everything had poo on it.

People say X-Posted on most the groups I'm in.

Tips? Etiquette for selling on FB groups

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