8 Reasons Facebook Marketplace Slows Down in March

Ah, March. The weather is warming up, flowers are blooming, and the promise of spring and summer are on their way. But why doesn’t the weather have people reaching for their wallets or scrolling through Facebook Marketplace?

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

1. People are saving up for taxes. Taxes are due next month, and people are feeling the stress. Just wait for those refunds to hit. Tax season is hard!

2. People are spending more time offline. We’ve been cooped up all winter, and it’s finally time to enjoy some slightly warmer weather. Fortunately, phones make it easy to shop even when you’re outside. But it still may impact overall traffic.

3. It’s raining a lot and people do not want to deal with arranging pick up. March and April are famous for rain. Even if it’s a mere sprinkle, 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 rain is no fun. Offering delivery may help sell items this month.

4. People are traveling (or saving) for spring break. Some areas have spring break in March— especially colleges. Some buyers may be traveling or tanning on the beach right now (take me with you!!). If they’re planning a family vacation or getaway for next month, spending money on 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 March, so people aren’t focusing on Christmas decor or winter boots. Focus on spring items, and start planning what you need to list as summer 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 March. Gearing up for graduation, trips, and Easter can take a lot out of us. Be patient this month and remember that the warmer weather (and less hectic schedules) seem to bring more willing customers!

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 March 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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