Facebook Marketplace is booming in D.C.: How to score big
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Facebook Marketplace is already the spot for scoring deals on secondhand furniture — but under President Trump's tariffs, it'll likely become an even bigger deal.
Why it matters: New furniture manufactured overseas could be hit with significant price increases under the tariffs.
- China has a 145% tariff, while Vietnam's 46% tariff has been paused for 90 days. Together, the two countries represent 60% of American furniture imports, reports Furniture Today.
The big picture: Facebook Marketplace (FBMP) launched in 2016 and exploded in popularity during COVID, when supply chain issues snarled shipping.
- It especially appeals to young people looking for affordable, sustainable ways to shop.
What they're saying: "There's sort of a thrill for finding pieces that no one else has," says Noma resident Rachel Kosh, whose home is mostly decorated with FBMP "grand millennial" finds. "[You look at] TikTok and people have all of the same furniture."
- And the D.C. area has prime secondhand shopping because people are always moving in and out for jobs, says Old Town FBMP user Rekha Lyons. Plus, it's a historic area with a lot of generational wealth — aka high-end, antique scores.
Between the lines: Spring and summer are great for scrolling FBMP, as they're popular times for people to move or do home refreshes, says D.C. DIY influencer Imani Keal.
- So we asked local experts to share their hacks for scoring big.
Tips for buying:
The more you interact with FBMP's algorithm, the better it understands your style and the products you'd like to see, say the experts.
- For instance, use specific keywords like "antique gold" or "Victorian" or "mid-century," and click on and save items you like, even if you're not buying them.
- It also helps to be hyperspecific, says Keal — instead of searching "area rug," search "8x10 vintage rug" so you don't have to wade through not-quite-right listings.
- Don't know your style? Do research on Pinterest, or hop on ChatGPT to determine which keywords to use for your aesthetic when searching, says Lyons.
Be prepared to drive for the good stuff that's priced well — items are cheaper the further you travel outside of D.C., experts tell Axios.
- Keal sets her search radius to the maximum distance, and will often set her location to other areas like New York or North Carolina to see what's available. (She once took a bus to Philadelphia to pick up the perfect vintage rug, which she carted home on a wagon.)
- Not a driver? Try on-demand delivery services like Lugg, Bungii or Uber Courier.
Always craft a personalized message when inquiring about a listing instead of using Facebook's prewritten option — it shows you're not a bot or a scammer, say experts. (On the flip side, check out a seller's rating to make sure they're legit.)
- Don't haggle too much — Keal recommends going no further than 30% below list price. "Don't try to go for the steal and then lose out on the deal."
- Ask to meet people in public places for pick-ups (no going inside someone's house!), bring a friend who can help you carry heavy items and ask ahead of time whether the seller prefers Venmo, Zelle or cash.
Tips for selling:
If you're selling something that's currently available online, link to the product page on the listing and price your item lower so it's competitive, says Kosh.
- Make sure to take good photos and clearly list information like dimensions.
- Kosh uses ChatGPT to create eye-catching descriptions that give her listings an edge — and she always meets a buyer in the lobby of her apartment building, never in her home.