Are you looking to buy and sell on Facebook using Facebook Marketplace?
This has become an incredibly popular feature, and has even pushed out platforms like Craigslist and eBay for people to sell their products.
But do you have to have a Facebook account in order to use Facebook Marketplace?
In this article, we’ll cover everything that you need to know!
Can You Buy And Sell On Facebook Marketplace Without An Account?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. In order to use Facebook Marketplace – or any of its features, you must have an active Facebook account.
Additionally, you must be signed into that Facebook account, and use it to conduct all business on the platform.
This is likely a deliberate decision by Facebook in order to encourage account signups for people that otherwise wouldn’t have one. While avoiding Facebook (and its insane data collection practices) is a good idea, there’s no denying that it does have many useful features that make signing up for an account appealing.
One of them being Facebook Marketplace.
You Don’t Need To Use Any Of Facebook’s Other Features, However
Note that while you do need an account to use Facebook Marketplace – and there’s no way around that, it doesn’t mean that you need to use any of Facebook’s other features.
You do not need to add your friends, fill out all of the personal information on your profile, or talk with friends and family through Facebook Messenger.
It is perfectly fine to simply use Facebook Marketplace when you have something to sell, and then log out of Facebook completely when your business is done.
Therefore, you really don’t lose a lot by signing up.
You could even write on your profile that you only use Facebook for Facebook Marketplace, if you don’t want people recognizing and adding you.
What Rules Do You Need To Follow When Using Facebook Marketplace?
Just like Facebook has its own set of rules and guidelines you must follow, there is an additional set of rules if you want to use Facebook to buy or sell products / services.
So, if you plan on using Facebook Marketplace, you’ll want to keep each one of these in mind.
1. You Must Be At Least 18
Currently, Facebook requires users to be at least 18 years old before they are allowed to use Facebook Marketplace.
While people can sign up for a Facebook account at the age of 13, certain features (like Facebook Marketplace) are disabled until the user reaches 18 years of age.
So, if you’re under 18 and don’t see Facebook Marketplace available, this is the reason why.
2. Photos Must Match The Product
People on Facebook Marketplace don’t take deceptive behavior lightly.
While it’s perfectly fine to edit and enhance your product photos to make them look nicer, the products you’re selling must match the photo exactly.
This means that you can’t swap out the product for a different model before the customer gets it, for example.
Anything that may constitute as deception may result in a ban from Facebook Marketplace.
3. Your Facebook Account Must Be Aged In
This one is incredibly frustrating – especially if you’re making a Facebook account for the first time.
Unfortunately, Facebook does not allow brand new accounts to use Facebook Marketplace straight away.
This is because there has been problems with people making new Facebook accounts, doing something shady to get themselves banned, then popping back up with a brand new Facebook account only to do it all over again.
So, in order to keep Facebook Marketplace safe, Facebook restricts new accounts from using the platform.
In order to help your account appear legitimate (and gain access to Facebook Marketplace faster), we recommend uploading a profile photo, filling out some of your profile, adding friends, and posting some statuses as well.
4. You Must Follow All Of Facebook’s Platform Rules
Finally, you must also follow all of Facebook’s rules that they’ve put in place for the main platform as well.
This means that you don’t do things like harass other users, or break real-world laws.
Generally speaking, just use common sense. If you are unsure whether or not you should post something, you should probably err on the side of caution and avoid posting it.
It can be difficult to get Facebook back after you’ve been banned. And because it’s become such a heavily-integrated part of our society, losing your Facebook account can feel like a real loss.
To review all of Facebook’s rules, click here.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, there is no way to use Facebook Marketplace without having an active Facebook account.
While you are not required to use any of Facebook’s other features, you won’t be able to buy or sell on the platform without an account.
I hope that you’ve found this article helpful. If you have any other questions about Facebook, please ask them using the comment form below.
Wishing you the best,
– James McAllister