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How to Negotiate on Facebook Marketplace
Get a better price without burning bridges. Here's the right way to make offers.
The basics: what's normal
Negotiating on Marketplace is completely normal. Most sellers price their items expecting some back-and-forth. The unwritten rules:
- →10–20% below asking is a reasonable starting point
- →More than 30–40% below asking is usually a lowball
- →Always make a specific dollar offer—don't ask "what's the lowest you'll take?"
- →Speed and convenience are leverage—"I can come today" has real value
How to make an offer
The formula: [interest] + [specific offer] + [why/urgency]
Listed at $80 — you want to offer $65
"Hi! I'm interested in this. Would you take $65? I can come tomorrow morning."
Listed at $200, item has a small flaw you noticed
"Hi! Interested in this—I noticed the crack in the corner in the photo. Would you consider $160 given that? Happy to pick up this weekend."
Simple, direct offer
"Hi, I can do $45 cash, pickup today. Interested?"
If they say no
You have three options:
Counter once, slightly higher
"No worries—could you meet me at $70?"
Accept the price
"Fair enough—I'll take it at $80. When can I pick it up?"
Walk away gracefully
"Understood—it's out of my budget, but good luck with the sale!"
Don't keep pushing after two declines. It doesn't work and ruins the interaction for both sides.
Your hidden leverage
Beyond the number itself, these things give you negotiating power:
- ⚡Speed: "I can come in an hour" is worth something. Sellers want items gone.
- 💵Cash: Cash is instant and certain. Mention it.
- 📦Convenience: "I can come to you" saves the seller effort on heavy or bulky items.
- 📅Old listings: Items that have been up for weeks are ripe for negotiation. Sellers are keen to clear them.
- 🔍Flaws: If there are issues in the photos not mentioned in the listing, use them politely as justification for your offer.
Common questions
Should I offer my lowest price first? ▼
No—start slightly above your floor so there's room to move. If they counter and you meet in the middle, you both feel good about the deal.
What does "firm" mean on a listing? ▼
"Firm" means the seller is not interested in negotiating. Respect it. You can still ask once politely, but be prepared for a hard no.
What's too low of an offer? ▼
Generally, offering less than 60–70% of asking without a clear reason (damage, long listing time) comes across as insulting. If the price is just too high for you, move on rather than lowballing.