Facebook marketplace selling not only locally, activate shipping

[jcdev]

It’s well known that new Facebook accounts can only sell locally and can’t accept payments or offer shipping. Would anyone be interested in a service that helps “warm up” Facebook Marketplace accounts in the U.S. or Canada?

The service could include having a local warehouse worker or small store owner handle P2P product handoffs to buyers and accept cash payments. It could also include managing the account and replying to buyer messages — all until Facebook eventually enables shipping and online payment features.

I haven’t seen a service like this on Google.

[rsot]

You would run this service?

[jcdev]

Not necessarily. I'm more trying to understand why a service like this still hasn't been created. Someone could launch a B2B program and start sending out partnership offers to various small neighborhood shop like those that sell phones or provide parcel shipping services. These kinds of local businesses usually already have some sort of contracts with various programs, which also help drive more foot traffic to their stores.

[SaiJin]

Originally Posted by jcdev

Not necessarily. I'm more trying to understand why a service like this still hasn't been created. Someone could launch a B2B program and start sending out partnership offers to various small neighborhood shop like those that sell phones or provide parcel shipping services. These kinds of local businesses usually already have some sort of contracts with various programs, which also help drive more foot traffic to their stores.

I think it can work as long as the cost makes sense since a lot of FB sales are used garage items right?

forwarders tend to charge a lot of % for doing something similar for eBayers, amazon etc.

So make a plan and if you think you can make some $ and help people in this forum, send me a DM for a marketplace thread.

[agent006140]

Those neighborhood shops you described are thinly staffed,1-2 persons,I doubt they have the resources to deal with individual FB sellers disposing their personal used items.
But there are stay at home individuals who are willing to store your merchandise,and do all the services your expected from home .you can run a classified ad or google for such service

[rsot]

Originally Posted by jcdev

Not necessarily. I'm more trying to understand why a service like this still hasn't been created. Someone could launch a B2B program and start sending out partnership offers to various small neighborhood shop like those that sell phones or provide parcel shipping services. These kinds of local businesses usually already have some sort of contracts with various programs, which also help drive more foot traffic to their stores.

Besides the operational costs and profit margin, there is also possibility of fraud even with contracts - there were programs like this for ebay actually more in the early 2000s but for fb, hmm...

[agent006140]

There were Ebay assistants or a fancier name ,someone will come to your house,take pictures and list them on Ebay for you,some would take your merchandise home and do the shipping as well(consignment).

[rsot]

reminds me of this kind of scene - jokes:

YouTube

YouTube

[jcdev]

Originally Posted by agent006140

Those neighborhood shops you described are thinly staffed,1-2 persons,I doubt they have the resources to deal with individual FB sellers disposing their personal used items.
But there are stay at home individuals who are willing to store your merchandise,and do all the services your expected from home .you can run a classified ad or google for such service

Exactly - I’ve also considered the option of using at-home pickup agents. Recruiting people isn’t the hard part, but considering no fixed salary, I believe each pickup can’t realistically cost less than $30, and ideally closer to $50.

Besides the operational costs and profit margin, there is also possibility of fraud even with contracts

Absolutely. The main issue with this whole setup is its overall unreliability - there's simply no way to create absolute protection against fraud. What’s even more absurd is that the reason for a contract breach could be something totally ridiculous, especially if it turns out we’re dealing with a paranoid individual. Such situations could regularly lead to tangible, noticeable losses of substantial value. And there are too many gaps in the entire process to reliably prove that any specific individual is at fault.

That said, I don’t really see any other option in a situation where Amazon is clearly and consistently blocking accounts using current powerful AI - and in many cases, not even returning inventory from FBA. On top of that, farming new eBay accounts has become nearly impossible.

Anyway, those were the pessimistic thoughts - hopefully the optimistic ones will come a bit later, haha.

[jcdev]

Originally Posted by agent006140

may be some of us on this forum know some one looking to make a few $$.
retirees,disabled,homemakers would be interested.
With high grocery prices,extra $50 helps.
My neighbor 's girlfriend is out of work,she may be interested,he also sells on internet,should I ask them?

Yes, of course. I'd be happy to get any referrals so I can test this model with people who are already trusted.