Facebook Marketplace has become one of the most powerful tools for casual sellers, side hustlers, and even full-time flippers. But to make real money—or just avoid listing duds—you need to know how to research products before buying or selling them.
Understanding what sells, when it sells, and at what price gives you a serious advantage in a marketplace that’s as fast-paced as it is competitive. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to research products on Facebook Marketplace effectively, step-by-step.
Why Product Research Matters
Before you list anything or buy something to flip, product research can help you:
- Avoid wasting time on unsellable items
- Price your listings correctly
- Understand seasonal trends
- Identify high-demand, low-competition items
- Stay ahead of local competitors
Whether you’re decluttering or building a reselling business, research is what separates lucky sellers from successful ones.
Step 1: Analyze the Local Market
Search for Similar Listings
Start by typing in the name or type of the product you’re interested in (e.g., “iPhone 12”, “wooden dresser”, or “lawn mower”).
Look at:
- How many similar items are listed
- Their price ranges
- Their condition (new vs used)
- How long they’ve been up
Tip: If there are dozens of listings with the same product and many have been sitting for weeks, it might be a saturated market—or overpriced.
Check Sold Listings
Facebook doesn’t offer a “sold items” filter (like eBay), but you can:
- Search for your item and look for posts marked “Sold”
- Join local buy/sell groups and observe what’s getting attention
This helps you find what’s actually selling—not just what people are trying to sell.
Step 2: Evaluate Pricing Trends
Once you’ve found comparable items:
- Note the average price range
- Identify if most items are selling above or below retail
- Watch for bundled items (e.g., gaming console + 3 controllers)
- Adjust pricing based on condition, brand, and urgency to sell
Use this info to price competitively—but don’t underprice unless you’re aiming for a quick flip.
Step 3: Watch for Seasonal Trends
Many products have seasonal demand, and timing your listings can make a big difference.
Examples:
- Lawnmowers, grills, patio furniture = spring/summer
- Heaters, snowblowers, coats = fall/winter
- Back-to-school supplies = August/September
- Holiday decorations or gifts = October–December
Use Facebook’s “Save Search” feature to monitor trends throughout the year and set alerts.
Step 4: Use Third-Party Tools for Additional Insight
Although Facebook Marketplace doesn’t have built-in analytics tools, you can complement your research using:
Tools & Tips:
- Google Trends: Check general interest in a product over time.
- eBay Sold Listings: Look up real-time resale value for the same item.
- OfferUp / Craigslist: Compare local pricing and popularity.
- Keepa or CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon prices): See price history to help you price better.
Combine local insights from Facebook with broader resale trends to make smarter decisions.
Step 5: Look for Undervalued or Underrated Listings
If you’re buying to resell, keep an eye out for:
- Misspelled titles (e.g., “Nintindo Switch” instead of “Nintendo Switch”)
- Bad photos that discourage buyers—but don’t affect item quality
- Generic listings like “Sofa” or “Old phone” that don’t show up in searches
These are gold mines for flippers—often overlooked by buyers and easier to negotiate on.
Step 6: Study Buyer Behavior
Watch how buyers interact:
- Which listings have lots of comments or “Is this still available?” messages?
- What kinds of photos get engagement?
- Are sellers offering delivery or price flexibility?
This gives you insight into how to craft your own listing to attract more interest.
Bonus: Test the Waters Before Buying in Bulk
If you’re thinking about buying products in bulk (for resale), start small. Post a single item and test:
- How quickly it sells
- What kind of buyers it attracts
- What questions people ask
Then scale up if the product performs well.
Key Takeaways
| Tip | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Analyze Listings | Study similar local listings for pricing, demand, and condition |
| Check Sold Posts | Look for sold items or active listings with comments and messages |
| Watch Trends | Use seasonal timing to list products when demand peaks |
| Think Like a Buyer | What makes listings attractive? Use that knowledge to sell better |
| Use Tools | Google Trends, eBay, and OfferUp help you confirm resale value |
| Spot Hidden Deals | Misspelled titles and poor photos can mean big flipping opportunities |
conclusion
Product research is the most overlooked (but most essential) step in selling successfully on Facebook Marketplace. Whether you’re decluttering your home, flipping garage sale finds, or launching a resale side hustle—knowing your local market is your biggest advantage.
The more you learn what people in your area want—and when they want it—the faster you’ll sell and the more you’ll profit.