8 Reasons Facebook Marketplace Slows Down in February

February is such a fun month! Valentine’s Day, spring is around the corner, and (perhaps) the coldest days of winter are behind us. However, February can be a stressful month for resellers and flippers due to lack of sales. Have you been wondering why your furniture isn’t selling this month?

Here are a few things to consider about selling via Facebook Marketplace in February:

1. People are saving up for Valentine’s Day. A night at a hotel isn’t cheap, especially when paired with a nice dinner. Just 2 tickets for a movie can be $40! Facebook users may not be prioritizing purchasing used items at this time.

2. Money is still tight from the holidays. We’re all guilty of spending a little too much during December (and sometimes January if your resolution was costly). Lowering your price or being patient will help a lot this month.

3. It is cold outside and people do not want to deal with arranging pick up. Even if it’s not snowing, people don’t want to drive 20 minutes for a purse. It’s even harder if you’re selling larger items. Loading up a giant dresser in the snow is no fun. Offering delivery may help sell items this month.

4. People may be saving up for spring break. Some areas have spring break in March— especially colleges. If they’re planning a family vacation or getaway, purchasing your item on Facebook may not be their priority right now.

5. You might be selling things that aren’t popular for this time of year. It’s the winter, so people aren’t focusing on patio furniture or summer clothing. Focus on winter items, and start planning what you need to list as spring is right around the corner.

6. People prefer to spend less money on Facebook marketplace than they do brand new. And it makes sense! Consider lowing your prices after studying what other people are selling their pieces for. Make sure you are in line with your competitors and aren’t too far off from the average selling price of your item.

7. People are busy in February. It’s the shortest month of the year, but that doesn’t stop jobs and schools from piling on the responsibilities. Add in the cold weather, and it’s no bueno. Show people grace this month— it’s short yet so, so long.

8. It may have nothing to do with the timing… check out this blog linked on things to try if your furniture isn’t selling. You may have low quality photos, out of style furniture, or overpriced work for your demographic.

There are lots of productive activities you can do in February besides selling. You can get ahead on projects so you have stock ready to go when selling picks up, re-stage and take new (and better!) photos of your pieces, and - most importantly - you can take a break! Creative minds need rest to maintain creativity, so don’t feel bad about taking the time to reset.

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