Buying andsellingthings, whether in person or online, is difficult enough as it is. But when you add yet another dimension to the process—likesocialmedia—things can get pretty awkward and confusing rather quickly. The fact of the matter is that proper communication and politeness are fairly rare skills.When you spend a fair bit of time on Facebook Marketplace, a popular e-commerce platform, you might stumble upon some truly bizarre interactions. Our team atBored Pandais featuring screenshots of some of the most irritating and confusing experiences that people had with both buyers and sellers. Scroll down for a deep dive into how not to communicate and why patience is a virtue.Bored Panda wanted to learn more about the popularity of e-commerce on social networks like Facebook and how vendors can build trust with their customers, so we reached out to Matt Johnson, PhD. He is a marketing psychology expert specializing in topics such asconsumer psychologyandserendipity, and he was kind enough to answer our questions.This post may includeaffiliate links.
Buying andsellingthings, whether in person or online, is difficult enough as it is. But when you add yet another dimension to the process—likesocialmedia—things can get pretty awkward and confusing rather quickly. The fact of the matter is that proper communication and politeness are fairly rare skills.
When you spend a fair bit of time on Facebook Marketplace, a popular e-commerce platform, you might stumble upon some truly bizarre interactions. Our team atBored Pandais featuring screenshots of some of the most irritating and confusing experiences that people had with both buyers and sellers. Scroll down for a deep dive into how not to communicate and why patience is a virtue.
Bored Panda wanted to learn more about the popularity of e-commerce on social networks like Facebook and how vendors can build trust with their customers, so we reached out to Matt Johnson, PhD. He is a marketing psychology expert specializing in topics such asconsumer psychologyandserendipity, and he was kind enough to answer our questions.
This post may includeaffiliate links.
We were curious as to why e-commerce has become such a big hit in this day and age. According tomarketing psychology expert Johnson, this is due to the fact that it is incredibly efficient. E-commerce “thrives on platforms like Facebook Marketplace because it seamlessly integrates shopping with the social and digital habits we already have. Most notably, I see this as the convergence of convenience, trust, and the power of social influence,” he told Bored Panda.According to Johnson, Facebook Marketplace capitalizes on contextual commerce, which is the idea that “buying opportunities are most effective when they fit naturally into our existing behaviors.” He explained that people already spend hours on Facebook connecting with their friends and browsing content. Adding shopping into that ‘ecosystem’ feels effortless. There’s also the factor of trust to consider.“Social media inherently fosters trust. Items on Marketplace often come from local sellers, and features like mutual friend connections or reviews enhance a sense of security. Lastly, platforms like Facebook are inherently social. Seeing what friends buy, sell, or recommend adds a layer of social proof, a powerful psychological driver of purchasing behavior. This mix of convenience, trust, and influence has made e-commerce on social platforms a natural evolution of shopping behavior.”
We were curious as to why e-commerce has become such a big hit in this day and age. According tomarketing psychology expert Johnson, this is due to the fact that it is incredibly efficient. E-commerce “thrives on platforms like Facebook Marketplace because it seamlessly integrates shopping with the social and digital habits we already have. Most notably, I see this as the convergence of convenience, trust, and the power of social influence,” he told Bored Panda.
According to Johnson, Facebook Marketplace capitalizes on contextual commerce, which is the idea that “buying opportunities are most effective when they fit naturally into our existing behaviors.” He explained that people already spend hours on Facebook connecting with their friends and browsing content. Adding shopping into that ‘ecosystem’ feels effortless. There’s also the factor of trust to consider.
“Social media inherently fosters trust. Items on Marketplace often come from local sellers, and features like mutual friend connections or reviews enhance a sense of security. Lastly, platforms like Facebook are inherently social. Seeing what friends buy, sell, or recommend adds a layer of social proof, a powerful psychological driver of purchasing behavior. This mix of convenience, trust, and influence has made e-commerce on social platforms a natural evolution of shopping behavior.”
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Bored Panda was also interested in how trust is built on e-commerce platforms. After all, reputation counts for a lot. “Building trust in e-commerce requires transparency, consistency, and a human-centered approach. Transparency is key—clearly communicate policies on returns, shipping, and privacy while providing detailed product descriptions, high-quality images, and reviews to eliminate ambiguity, which often triggers distrust,“Johnsonexplained.
It’s also important to focus on “humanizing the shopping experience.” This can be done through “responsive customer service or chatbots can simulate the personal interactions that consumers associate with trustworthiness.”
“Neuroscience research shows that even small perceived human touches foster a sense of reliability. Ultimately, trust is built through repeated moments of reliability—consistently delivering what you promise and creating an environment where customers feel confident in their decisions.”
Look, I can understand people fall on hard times and I’m not in this to really make money. But asking me to donate AND deliver?! If they would have asked me to donate but would pick them up, I probably would have done it.
Facebook Marketplace ishuge—that’s no surprise because Meta, Facebook’s parent company, is sprawling. The exact numbers vary a bit from researcher to researcher.As perBusinessDasher, Marketplace has around 1.1 billion users worldwide, with 474 million active users. Roughly 16% of all people who log in to Facebook do so solely to shop on Marketplace.7% of all Facebook users in the United States have bought something on Marketplace, compared to 14% of all users from 70 countries. Back in 2021, Marketplace boasted revenue of $26 billion. Unfortunately, 17% of users are said to have beenscammedon Marketplace.
Facebook Marketplace ishuge—that’s no surprise because Meta, Facebook’s parent company, is sprawling. The exact numbers vary a bit from researcher to researcher.
As perBusinessDasher, Marketplace has around 1.1 billion users worldwide, with 474 million active users. Roughly 16% of all people who log in to Facebook do so solely to shop on Marketplace.
7% of all Facebook users in the United States have bought something on Marketplace, compared to 14% of all users from 70 countries. Back in 2021, Marketplace boasted revenue of $26 billion. Unfortunately, 17% of users are said to have beenscammedon Marketplace.
I’m selling a few things on marketplace and this guy ask me to hold a very underpriced punching bag for him, because he won’t have his car till Friday (4 days from now). I’ve been getting a lot of messages for the punching bag, so I didn’t make any promises but the audacity to ask me to remind him made me laugh. Like no I won’t remind you I’ve been holding an item for you for 4 days, I’m the one doing the favor?! Marketplace isn’t really worth the headache tbh.
According to BusinessDasher, men aged 25 to 34 years old are the largest group of Facebook Marketplace users, clocking in at 17.9% of all users. Women in the same age range make up 13.8% of all users.On the flip side, the least active users are the youngest and oldest ones: teenagers and folks over the age of 65.
According to BusinessDasher, men aged 25 to 34 years old are the largest group of Facebook Marketplace users, clocking in at 17.9% of all users. Women in the same age range make up 13.8% of all users.
On the flip side, the least active users are the youngest and oldest ones: teenagers and folks over the age of 65.
Meanwhile, CapitalOne Shopping states that, on average,up to1.228 billion online shoppers buy something on Facebook Marketplace. According to their research, up to 40% of Facebook’s users shop on Marketplace. Currently,there are3.07 billion active monthly users and 2.11 billion daily active users on the social network, as per DemandSage.CapitalOne Shopping states that around 491 million active users log in to Facebook just to shop on Marketplace. Furthermore, there are 250 million Marketplace sellers worldwide.
Meanwhile, CapitalOne Shopping states that, on average,up to1.228 billion online shoppers buy something on Facebook Marketplace. According to their research, up to 40% of Facebook’s users shop on Marketplace. Currently,there are3.07 billion active monthly users and 2.11 billion daily active users on the social network, as per DemandSage.
CapitalOne Shopping states that around 491 million active users log in to Facebook just to shop on Marketplace. Furthermore, there are 250 million Marketplace sellers worldwide.
Knowing how (not) to communicate isn’t a skill that most of us are born with. Sure, some folks might pick up social cues more easily and have sharper instincts when it comes to faux pas and taboos.However, a high level of self-awareness is often developed slowly, over time, through countless interactions.
Knowing how (not) to communicate isn’t a skill that most of us are born with. Sure, some folks might pick up social cues more easily and have sharper instincts when it comes to faux pas and taboos.
However, a high level of self-awareness is often developed slowly, over time, through countless interactions.
Or, to put it bluntly, when you have a string of incredibly awkward and cringy conversations with people, you start to wonder whether you’re the problem. You then learn not to repeat the same mistakes to avoid feeling embarrassed.The key thing here is to shift your perspective so you don’t end up losing what’s left of your courage. Accept themistakesyou’ve made in the past, see them as opportunities for growth, learn from them, adapt your approach, and move on.
Or, to put it bluntly, when you have a string of incredibly awkward and cringy conversations with people, you start to wonder whether you’re the problem. You then learn not to repeat the same mistakes to avoid feeling embarrassed.
The key thing here is to shift your perspective so you don’t end up losing what’s left of your courage. Accept themistakesyou’ve made in the past, see them as opportunities for growth, learn from them, adapt your approach, and move on.
I found a small van I wanted to convert. The price was good for the mileage. I reached out to the seller and told them I was interested and would like to see it, and that if it was good, they likely had a sale.Seller responds with time and address for the following day. I agree to the time and thank them. Was excited that night and found it difficult to sleep.The next day the seller messages me to inquire if I am still coming. I let them know that I am on my way (1.5 hours away with traffic).When I am mere minutes away, they tell me they just sold it. Wasted 3 hours of my time and 1/4 tank of gas.Couldn’t rate the seller since they blocked me. What does one even do in this situation? Well, besides sigh and just keep on keeping on.
If you don’t embrace the mistakes you’ve made—no matter how socially awkward—you risk making that embarrassment fester into shame. And that’s not good for anybody. Somewhat paradoxically, when you don’t try to hide your embarrassment and own up to having made a blunder, you seem more human and approachable. In other words, people tend to like you more because they see you as humble and relatable.
Trying to sell my elliptical on Facebook marketplace and met my first honest scammer
Rejection isn’t a great feeling even on the best of days. It’s an unavoidable part of life, however. Furthermore, if you’re selling something and your ability to pay rent and put food on the table depends on how you interact with others, well then, you’d better learn to handle rejection fast… or consider a different career path or side hustle. Being a salesperson can be a tough job, and there’s no shame in admitting that this sort of stress isn’t for you.
For more context, he even told me, “Not gonna have u come out here for no reason.” Woke up early and drove nearly an hour for this.
What’s your experience been like with Facebook Marketplace? Have you ever bought or sold anything there or on other e-commerce sites? What are theweirdest interactionsyou’ve had with either buyers or sellers online?
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He’s never drank coffee in bed I guess.This is a 5 year old mattress I’m selling for $50, who would deliver that?
What kind of delusion, I am not physically able to do that let alone for free and 30 minutes away?
Selling a nice laptop on FB marketplace for $450 so I can also get through these tough times.
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Homeboy offered almost half price and required me to deliver it. I ended up getting full price for it and somebody came and got it from my house. Bonus for somebody trying to do multiple payments.
I market an old vacuum for sale and quickly received many messages for it. The first person (in picture) asked if i would deliver it, i told them i could today after 630. They did not reply or view the messages for over 5 hours, and in that time i got an offer for etransfer and pickup for today, which i accepted. Fast forward a bit, i notified the buyer it was sold and this was their response. (Midle aged christian mother)
Background - the company I work for sometimes has overstock of items that we don’t really sell (think bonus items, giveaways, promos, etc). They just take up space so we give them away to places that can use them and write it off.We’ve been sharing them on Facebook marketplace with the very clear stipulations that these are items in bulk (we aren’t opening boxes to pass out 1-2, please take a few boxes) and you need to pick them up. Most of the places we hear from are schools, daycares, nonprofits, etc. If one is pretty close we don’t mind dropping off if it’s not out of the way but we don’t make it a habit.EVERY time we list something, this person reaches out. The first time she said she only wanted one item (I referred her to the listing and she said “okay I’ll take two) and then after said she didn’t drive and could we deliver. I was very civil and explained that we did not deliver and I got three messages back in a row just saying “please”. I finally decided that I could do a good deed and asked her where she was and she proceeded to tell me that she lived 30 to 40 minutes away. I reiterated that we did not deliver and I was sorry I couldn’t help her.This is the most recent one from this weekend. It had been a while since we listed something and I thought her name sounded familiar and sure enough, it’s the same one … only now she’s not even asking, she’s demanding that we mail her free items on our dime. I’m sorry, NO.I had blocked one of her profiles but it seems she has more. Probably because she keeps getting blocked from people.
£1500 seems a bit much for a system that’s 5-6 years old, looked up the specs on eBay and it comes to just over £500.
He kept trying to talk to me in spanish.. which I do but I got a bad feeling about him and tried to keep things professional for some $10 barstools.
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