8 Insider Tips for Finding Hidden Gems on Facebook Marketplace (2024)

How to Thrift Shop Like an Interior Designer

Search Often

Ask any thrift, vintage, or secondhand pro, and they’ll tell you that the key to scoring the best finds is establishing a regular shopping route. According to Alexandra von Gymnich-Scully, interior designer and owner of Rustic Rooster Interiors, the same is true for Facebook Marketplace. People list new items all day long, so download the Facebook app to your smartphone so you can easily refresh your searches.

Use Search Terms That Describe the Item

Use search terms that describe the item, like color, materials, and style, instead of searching for specific brands or designers. Searching using descriptive terms is more likely to lead you to rare items that sellers may not even realize they have. "For example, search for 'cane chair' instead of 'mid-century Marcel Breuer Chair,'" says Taylor Jochim-Smoot, a vintage sourcing and design specialist and founder of Portland Revibe. Using trending search words or designer names will typically point you in the direction of sellers who know exactly what they have, and they’ll likely charge you more.

Have Excellent Communication

Never underestimate the power of a friendly message and a prompt response. How you communicate with sellers can help you lock in the best possible price for your purchase. "Message the seller quickly and be very courteous," says von Gymnich-Scully. Sometimes, sellers have multiple items, and building a good relationship with a seller who shares your taste can lead to even more great deals down the road.

Cast a Wide Net

Facebook Marketplace allows you to set your search location within a certain distance from where you live. Opening up those location parameters can help you find great pieces that you’d otherwise miss. This is doubly true if you live in a big city. "Often you will find untapped gems in more rural areas for far better prices," says Jochim-Smoot. Driving a few extra miles to bring home a piece you truly love at a great price is well worth the effort.

Use Google Lens

Google Lens is a tool that compares images to one another and allows you to do reverse image searches. Jochim-Smoot recommends using Google Lens to search for images that are similar to the pieces you’re hoping to find. Google Lens picks up images from Facebook Marketplace and other secondhand sites and even shows you the prices so you can compare items. To use Google Lens on your desktop computer, right-click on an image, and select "Search Image with Google."

"Heart" Items You Like

Facebook Marketplace’s algorithm is designed to show you more of what you love. One of von Gymnich-Scully’s favorite Facebook Marketplace tricks is "hearting" items that catch your eye, even if you don’t necessarily intend to purchase them. Over time, Facebook Marketplace will show you similar items, making it more likely you will score a hidden gem or two along the way.

Know When to Negotiate

People who use Facebook Marketplace are usually looking to quickly unload items they no longer want or need. "If an item has been posted for a long period of time and has been marked down with little traffic, consider shooting an offer," says Jochim-Smoot. Sometimes offering to pick an item up the same day or offering to pay in cash can entice a seller to sweeten the deal.

Save Your Searches and Set Notifications

Facebook Marketplace allows you to save searches and gives you the option to receive notifications when new items that meet your search terms are put up for sale. According to Jochim-Smoot, getting an offer submitted early can help you secure the prize, especially if the item you’re after is trendy or popular. Enabling notifications is a great way to stay on top of your search and avoid missing some truly fantastic deals.

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