46 - Don’t Let Money Go Down the Drain: Smart Ways to Save on Water Heating

on
We all love a long, hot shower, but did you know that water heating accounts for nearly 20% of your home’s total energy use? It’s the second-largest energy expense in most households, right behind heating and cooling. That means every time you turn on the tap, wash a load of laundry, or run the dishwasher, you’re paying not just for the water itself, but for the energy it takes to heat it. The good news is that you don’t have to take cold showers to save money. With a few simple adjustments—most of which cost nothing—you can significantly cut your water heating bill while maintaining comfort. From simple habit changes to smart upgrades, here’s how to keep your water hot and your bills low. 1. Lower Your Water Heater Temperature Most water heaters come from the factory set to 140°F. Not only is this temperature unnecessarily high for most household tasks, but it also poses a scalding risk. By lowering your water heater’s temperature to 120°F, you can reduce standby heat losses and save ...
0

34 - Sell Your Crap 101: Facebook Marketplace

on

Let’s face it: all of us have too much “crap” lying around. Old furniture, kitchen gadgets we used once, electronics gathering dust, sports gear that’s seen better days, boxes of stuff from the last move—and don’t get me started on clothes I promised myself I’d fit back into. If you’ve ever thought, “I should sell this,” but were stopped by confusion, hesitation, or fear of dealing with weirdos, it’s time to get over it. Facebook Marketplace is the modern equivalent of the neighborhood garage sale, and if you know how to play the game, you CAN turn your clutter into cash.

I’ve tried my hand at this more times than I can count, and while I might not be a Marketplace millionaire, I’ve learned exactly what works—and what doesn’t. (And here’s a weird one: apparently, things sell way faster when my sister posts them instead of me. More on that, with tips, at the end.)

Ready to clear the garage, make some money, and avoid rookie mistakes? Let’s get to it.

What You Need to Know Before Posting
First, Facebook Marketplace is incredibly popular because it’s local, free to use, and doesn’t require you to ship or pay high fees (if you’re selling just in your area). It works through your existing Facebook account, so buyers and sellers can see your public profile. That’s both a pro (transparency) and a con (privacy), but it beats the Craigslist “ghost” system by a mile.

What you can sell:
  • Household items (furniture, decor, small appliances)
  • Electronics, tools, sports gear, toys, books, clothing, garden stuff
  • Some large items (cars, yard equipment, even boats)
  • Food, plants, or some animals (with heavy restrictions—see rules)
    • My favorite thing to buy on FB Marketplace is food! I know you take a risk when you eat anyone else's cooking, but MAN I have LOVED what I've bought! Pupusas, tacos, tamales, etc. So many great food options that can often be hard to find in its full authenticity!
What you can’t sell:
  • Weapons (including most knives), ammunition, explosives
  • Tobacco, illegal drugs, and related paraphernalia
  • Alcohol (usually), prescription drugs, medical devices
  • Recalled, counterfeit, or stolen goods
  • Most animals in many regions (check local and FB policy)
  • Services (some allowed, most not), event tickets in some categories
  • If in doubt: Read the FB Marketplace Commerce Policies found here, which are surprisingly readable.
Step-By-Step: How to List Your Stuff
  1. Take Great Photos (Really, Don’t Skip!)
    1. Use your phone camera in a well-lit spot. Natural daylight works best.
    2. Show the item from several angles. Include close-ups of flaws.
    3. Tidy up the background (nobody wants to see your laundry pile).
    4. A clean, clear photo can easily mean $10–$50 more in your pocket.
  2. Open Facebook Marketplace
    1. On desktop, click the “Marketplace” icon on the left side of the news feed.
    2. On mobile, tap the “shop” icon at the bottom of the Facebook app.
    3. Click “Create new listing” or “Sell” and choose your category (Item for Sale, Vehicle, Home for Rent/Sale, etc.).
  3. Write a Clear, Honest Title & Description
    1. Title: Keep it simple (e.g., “Wooden Dining Table – Great Condition” or “iPhone XR 64GB – Unlocked”).
    2. Description: Mention make/model, color, material, size, age, what’s included, and flaws.
    3. State if the item is non-smoking, pet-free, etc., if relevant.
    4. Be honest about defects—it builds trust!
  4. Set Your Price
    1. Look up similar items on Marketplace and other sites for reference.
    2. Price slightly higher than your lowest acceptable price—buyers often haggle.
    3. For something common (like coffee tables or used bikes), “firm” or “OBO (or best offer)” can clarify your position.
    4. Consider “bundle” deals if you have multiple related items.
  5. Choose Pickup or Delivery Settings
    1. Most people set items to “local pickup.”
    2. For some categories, you can offer shipping, but FB may charge a processing/seller fee.
    3. Check or uncheck cross-posting to local Buy/Sell groups for more eyeballs on your listing.
  6. Review and Post!
    1. Double-check for typos, price mistakes, and correct category.
    2. Hit “Post” and wait for the offers (or low-ballers) to roll in.
Does Facebook Get a Cut?
  • Local pickup: Nope—there’s no listing or selling fee. You keep all the cash.
  • Shipped items: If you offer nationwide shipping, Facebook may deduct a seller fee (usually around 5% or $0.40 minimum per shipment for most categories). Local cash sales are still free and easiest, especially for heavy or bulky things.
Messaging and Evaluating Buyers
  • Most buyers contact you via Messenger (sometimes Marketplace’s text-style chat).
  • Be polite and answer questions, but don’t overshare.
  • Beware of:
    • Obvious scammers (“Is this still available? I’ll send my driver…” with weird requests)
    • Low-ball offers (decide in advance what you’re willing to accept)
    • Folks who flake out—expect some no-shows, but don’t take it personally.
  • Pro tip: If someone wants to negotiate, do it before they show up.
Arranging Pickup: Safety and Sanity
  • Meet in a public place whenever possible—police station parking lots, grocery store lots, etc. are great options.
  • If at home, keep the item near the door or in the garage so buyers don’t need to enter your house. Have someone else home if possible.
  • Only accept cash (or apps like Venmo, Zelle, or CashApp if you’re comfortable). Never accept personal checks.
  • Many folks now photograph the buyer’s license plate or share their meeting plans/texts with a friend—better safe than sorry.
Tips & Tricks for a Faster Sale
  • Timing matters: List big items Thursday through Saturday when people plan their weekends.
  • Refresh your listing: If something isn’t selling, edit the price or re-list. New listings show up at the top.
  • Use keywords: Think like a buyer searching—add brand, color, dimensions, “like new,” and style.
  • Be responsive: Reply quickly to messages, even if it’s just to say “pending pickup.”
  • Bundle deals: If you’re clearing out, offer discounts for buying multiple items.
  • And, weird but true: I’ve experienced, and others have confirmed, that listings made by women seem to attract more interest and trust than those by men. When my sister posts my stuff, it often sells straight away—sometimes for more! Maybe it’s because buyers feel safer, or people assume women’s items were well-cared-for. Don’t be shy about asking a female friend or family member to post on your behalf—or just borrow some of their listing language!
Stuff That’s Hard to Sell (But Not Impossible)
  • Heavily used upholstered furniture.
  • Large appliances unless priced to move.
  • Anything deeply outdated or broken.
Final Thoughts: Declutter, De-stress, and Make Some Cash!
Selling on Facebook Marketplace has become part of my “spring cleaning,” “fall reset,” and “why do I have three of these” ritual. Sometimes it’s just $10 here, $20 there—but it adds up, puts things to good use, and honestly feels way better than sending still-good stuff to the landfill. Plus, if you play your cards right, you might just fund your next upgrade with money from the old one!

If you have questions, stories, or tricks for Facebook Marketplace success—or a fresh tip for getting people to buy YOUR stuff instead of letting it gather dust—drop them in the comments. Here’s to less clutter, more cash, and the satisfaction of knowing your old “crap” just became someone else’s treasure!

Comments

Post a Comment