Facebook marketplace has matured into a dominant global commerce channel, with particular importance for refurbished electronics and fast-turn tech items. The platform’s scale and low friction for local transactions make it a core distribution route for sellers of used smartphones, laptops and accessories. Meta’s broader advertising engine also amplifies visibility for listings, which helps explain the consistently high turnover for refurbished devices.
Marketplace size and reach
Marketplace now reaches an estimated 1.1 billion monthly visitors, a figure that positions it among the largest single-destination commerce audiences online and underlines why refurbished electronics sell so quickly on the platform. This breadth supports both casual P2P sellers and professional refurbishers seeking wide, inexpensive reach.
Revenue and economics
Meta’s 2024 reported full-year revenue was $ 164.5 billion, which converts to roughly € 142.6 billion using current exchange rates; Marketplace is estimated to have generated the equivalent of about € 26.0 billion in annual revenue for 2024. Sellers using Marketplace Checkout for shipped orders pay a 10% selling fee or a minimum of approximately € 0.69 for the smallest transactions, while local pickup sales remain fee free. Sellers should price refurbished electronics to absorb the 10% shipping checkout fee when they cannot rely on local pickup.
Who uses Marketplace
The platform’s core buying cohort remains concentrated in the 25 to 44 age bracket, with the single largest segment skewing male in the 25 to 34 range, while mobile access dominates usage. For sellers in the refurbished electronics space this means demand is driven by mobile-first, value-seeking buyers who expect quick listings and clear condition descriptions. (
Top categories and speed
Electronics, especially refurbished smartphones and laptops, are among the fastest moving categories on Marketplace, with high-demand items often selling in under 24 hours when priced competitively. The platform’s mix of local pickup and shipped checkout creates strategies for refurbishers: keep margins by promoting local collection for bulky or higher-margin items or bake the 10% shipped fee into prices for cross-border or convenience sales.
Security and trust
Fraud remains a material concern: surveys and reporting indicate roughly 1 in 6 users encounter suspicious listings. Meta has invested heavily in automated detection and removed large volumes of fake accounts, but refurbishers should still prioritise transparent listings, serial number disclosure where appropriate and clear return terms to build buyer trust. Using verified profiles and offering clear proof of refurbishment can materially reduce disputes.
What refurbishers should do
Refurbishers and small businesses should prioritise clear grading, professional photographs and fast shipping options when feasible. For high-volume or lower-value items the zero fee local pickup route will maximise margins, while shipped listings should be priced to maintain profitability after the 10% fee. Building a reputation through ratings and verified profiles reduces friction and chargeback risk.
Market
Trade-in
Repair
Refurbishing
