7 Things You Should Never Sell on Facebook Marketplace, According to Experts

Valuable Designer Pieces

Facebook Marketplace is built for quick sales rather than premium prices, so designer pieces can get undervalued.

"[It] is really like an online garage sale—you should never expect to get top dollar for your items," says Kate Pearce, interior designer and founder of Kate Pearce Vintage. "It's more about getting some cash for them."

To avoid ghosting and low-ball offers, vintage reseller Andrea Jenkins recommends cosigning designer pieces with a high-end secondhand shop. "They will likely have a dedicated customer base and will manage the rehoming process for you," she says. "Just make sure you understand their fee structure before signing the consignment contract."

Cribs

If your kids have outgrown their old baby gear and décor, then make sure to check the manufacturers' websites for recalls before selling them.

"You may think you’re doing new parents a favor by offering up your old crib; however, crib recalls occur frequently, and the one you're selling may now be considered unsafe," Jenkins says.

Free Appliances

It's tempting to offer up large appliances for free to get them off your hands. However, you can run into unexpected hiccups. "I once listed our old washer and dryer as free, and it was an absolute nightmare," Pearce says. "I had way more inquiries than I could respond to. About five different people told me they were coming to get it, but none of them showed up."

Pearce had better luck letting someone else take care of it. "I ended up calling our local rebuilding warehouse and donating the units," she says. "They came and took the washer and dryer from my home and resold them."

Stained or Ripped Fabric Furniture

Jennifer Jones, principal designer at Niche Interiors, finds that people tend to shy away from used upholstery or project pieces that need re-upholstery.

"I had these incredible vintage Danish walnut armchairs with stained fabric that sat on Facebook for weeks, only to finally accept a low-ball offer," she says. "In some cases, you are better off donating to a local non-profit or taking on the DIY project yourself."

Upholstered furniture is especially tough if the stains and damage are from pets. "So if your couch or chair has been constantly used as a scratch post by your cat, it probably won’t be desirable to someone else," Jenkins says.

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Clunky China Cabinets

Some listings always get scrolled over, especially if the aesthetic is out of fashion. One example? Bulky pieces.

"If you're clearing out grandma's house and are tempted to sell her dated china cabinet or traditional, dark wood furniture on Facebook Marketplace—don't!" Jones says. "This style of furniture is extremely unpopular right now, and those listings just sit for months with no action."

Original Artwork

Like designer pieces, original artwork won't get the best price on Facebook.

"If you inherit a piece of original artwork or find something unique at an estate sale, don't rush to turn a profit on Marketplace," Jones says. "Do your research on the piece and have it appraised before deciding to sell."

Damaged Tech

A piece of technology can be sold even if it isn't fully functional. "But be smart, realistic, and truthful about it," says Willow Wright, owner of vintage shop Urban Redeux.

The description in your listing should outline any damages or kinks. "If it’s an electronic item and it’s not working, disclose that," says Wright. "Does it require a new part, and is that part hard to find? Include that information. Is the item truly for parts only? Say that."

Wright also suggests including photos that clearly highlight the defects. "Show the piece from different angles so that buyers can understand the scale and condition," she says. "No one likes a surprise at pickup."