Facebook increases opportunity for commerce and community
The social media company is expanding its reach. This time, it’s into the realm of buying and selling goods. Here’s who has access.
Facebook has introduced a new product called Marketplace—and it is set to compete with the likes of Craigslist and eBay.
The product has already begun rolling out to users in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. It’s available on both iOS and Android and will eventually have a desktop version.
Here’s how Facebook director of product management Mary Ku describes Marketplace:
[it’s] a convenient destination to discover, buy and sell items with people in your community. Marketplace makes it easy to find new things you’ll love, and find a new home for the things you’re ready to part with. We’ll continue to build new options and features to make this the best experience for people.
Unlike an eBay user’s experience, Facebook won’t be involved in transactions or shipping.
It’s more comparable to Craigslist—a free place for buyers and sellers to meet. It’s also location-based. Items nearby will be prioritized in users’ feeds. A flagging system will help Facebook monitor illegal items for sale.
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