How to Tell if a Facebook Marketplace Price is Fair
Five proven methods to evaluate any listing—so you never overpay on Facebook Marketplace again.
In This Guide
Facebook Marketplace has become one of the largest secondhand marketplaces in the world. With millions of listings posted daily, finding a good deal can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. How do you know if that $400 couch is a steal or a ripoff?
The truth is, most buyers either overpay because they don't do their homework—or miss great deals because they're too skeptical. This guide will teach you a systematic approach to evaluating any Facebook Marketplace price.
A fair secondhand price is typically 30-70% of the original retail price, depending on age, condition, and demand. Items less than a year old in excellent condition can command 60-70%, while older items typically fall in the 30-50% range.
1. Research the Original Retail Price
Before you can evaluate a deal, you need to know what the item sold for new. This seems obvious, but many buyers skip this step and rely on gut feeling.
Start by searching for the exact model number or product name on Google. Check the manufacturer's website, Amazon, and major retailers. Make note of the current retail price and whether the item is still being manufactured.
Items that have been discontinued often carry a premium if they're sought-after, or a discount if they've been replaced by better alternatives. Understanding where the item sits in the market gives you negotiating power.
2. Understand Depreciation Rates
Different categories of items depreciate at vastly different rates. Electronics, for example, lose value quickly—a two-year-old laptop might be worth only 40% of its original price. Furniture, on the other hand, holds value much better, especially quality pieces from known brands.
Electronics
Depreciate 15-30% per year. Smartphones, laptops, and TVs lose value quickly as new models release.
Furniture
Depreciate 10-20% per year. Quality brands like West Elm, Crate & Barrel hold value well.
Tools & Equipment
Depreciate 10-15% per year. Professional-grade tools retain value; consumer brands drop faster.
Baby Gear
Depreciate 30-50% immediately. Safety concerns and short use windows drive prices down quickly.
3. Compare Similar Listings
One of the most reliable ways to evaluate a price is to see what similar items are selling for. Search Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, and eBay's "sold" listings to get a range of prices.
Pay attention to how long listings have been active. If an item has been listed for weeks without selling, the price is probably too high. Conversely, if similar items sell within hours, the market price might be higher than you'd expect.
When comparing, account for differences in condition, included accessories, and location. An item with original packaging and accessories is worth more than one without.
4. Factor in Condition Accurately
Sellers often overstate condition. "Like new" frequently means "used but I took care of it," while "good condition" might mean "it works but has visible wear."
Always request additional photos of any areas that typically show wear—corners of furniture, ports on electronics, soles of shoes. If the seller is hesitant to provide photos, that's a red flag.
When meeting in person, inspect the item thoroughly before agreeing to purchase. It's completely acceptable to negotiate down if you find flaws that weren't disclosed in the listing.
5. Use AI-Powered Price Analysis
Manually researching prices works, but it's time-consuming—especially if you're browsing multiple listings. This is where AI tools can save you hours of work.
Modern deal analysis tools can instantly compare a listing against market data, depreciation curves, and similar sold items to give you a fair price range. Instead of spending 20 minutes researching each listing, you get an answer in seconds.
Get Instant Price Analysis
Stop guessing and start knowing. DealRater.ai analyzes Facebook Marketplace listings in seconds.
Try DealRater.ai Free →Know When to Walk Away
Even after all your research, some deals just aren't worth it. Trust your instincts if something feels off—a price that seems too good to be true, a seller who's pushy or evasive, or a listing with vague descriptions and few photos.
The best deal is one where both parties feel good about the transaction. With these strategies in hand, you'll be equipped to find those deals confidently and consistently.
Key Takeaways
Evaluating Facebook Marketplace prices doesn't have to be guesswork. By researching retail prices, understanding depreciation, comparing listings, assessing condition honestly, and leveraging AI tools, you can confidently identify fair deals—and negotiate unfair ones. The few minutes you spend evaluating a listing can save you hundreds of dollars over time.