Facebook Introduces Marketplace: Buy and Sell Items with Nearby Users More Conveniently

Facebook is moving towards a deeper involvement in the e-commerce sector with the introduction of Marketplace, its latest feature that allows users to contact each other on an individual basis for buying and selling goods in the nearby areas.

What started as an informal practice, mainly in the groups feature, has now grown substantially. Marketplace will provide a more formal process to the users to conduct these exchanges,according to The Verge.

Facebook's agenda was to connect people across borders and encourage long distance communication with friends and acquaintances. People enjoy sharing pictures, updating statuses and much more in this virtual world of social networking. In the recent years, people have begun connecting for other reasons as well, one of which is buying and selling products in the online market.

Well good morning #Facebook #Marketplace... https://t.co/8DIkNC4lCg Thoughts @HuddleMedia #TeamHuddle? 

Facebook's messenger icon will soon be replaced with the Marketplace icon. This feature will make it easier for users to discover new products, place orders or sell their own goods to people in their nearby communities. More options and features will be built with time to enhance the user experience.You can just click on the Marketplace icon and it will open with images of products that have been listed for sale by people near you.

To find a specific product, you can search at the search bar and sort the listed products according to price, category or location. If you see anything that interests you, more details from the seller can be obtained by tapping on the picture. Details may include the product description, general location of the seller, their name and profile photo. Products can also be saved for future use.Once you decide that you want to purchase the product, simply send a direct message to the seller using Marketplace and quote an offer.

Thereafter, you and the seller can communicate and work out on payment and delivery options. Facebook does not play any role in the receipt of payments or delivery of goods.Selling an item is also hassle free. All you have to do is take a photo of your product, upload it in Marketplace, add a category, description, and price. Confirm your location and post. 

Marketplace is being launched in four countries that include New Zealand, US, UK and Australia for Android OS and iOS. New countries will be added soon and the feature will be available on the desktop version of Facebook in the coming weeks.