Title: Young Adults Embrace Facebook Marketplace for Affordable Secondhand Finds
In December, Ellicia Chiu and Cher Su made the move from Los Angeles to New York City with just a few boxes in tow. As they settled into their new walk-up apartment in the Lower East Side, they turned to Facebook Marketplace for affordable secondhand items to furnish their new space.
Ms. Chiu, 24, shared that as a young adult with limited disposable income, Marketplace was a go-to for finding deals on furniture and other household items. She noted that the platform’s user-friendly interface made it easy to navigate and score great finds.
According to a 2022 Pew Research Center survey, Facebook has seen a decline in popularity among Gen Z, with younger individuals favoring platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. However, Marketplace has emerged as a modern-day counterpart to eBay and Craigslist, attracting environmentally-conscious shoppers and those looking to save money.
Launched in 2016, Marketplace boasts over a billion monthly active users and is the second most popular online site for secondhand goods, following eBay. Users appreciate the built-in messaging system and trustworthiness of profiles, making transactions smoother and more secure than platforms like Craigslist.
For Ms. Chiu and Ms. Su, Marketplace proved to be a treasure trove of affordable finds, including a West Elm couch, Zojirushi rice cooker, Dyson vacuum, and IKEA NORDEN table, all purchased at a fraction of their retail prices. In total, the duo estimated saving over $3,000 on more than 30 items bought from the platform.
While not all purchases were perfect, with some items showing signs of wear or defects, users like Sebastian Ramos and Sarah Williams have found success in navigating Marketplace for deals. Ramos, a junior at DePaul University, enjoys the thrill of finding quality items at a fraction of their retail prices, while Williams, a new mom, scored a crib for her baby at a significant discount.
Beyond the savings, users appreciate the personal connections and networking opportunities that come with picking up Marketplace purchases. Ms. Su highlighted how the platform fosters a sense of community and connection, reminiscent of Facebook’s original purpose.
As young adults continue to prioritize affordability and sustainability in their shopping habits, Facebook Marketplace remains a valuable resource for finding quality secondhand items at budget-friendly prices.
