Facebook Launches its Own Marketplace

Facebook debuted Marketplace within its mobile app, a tool that lets users browse a relevancy-sorted feed of things to buy from people who live nearby. Users can also list items they have for sale. Marketplace is integrated with Facebook Messenger, so prices and meet-up spots can easily be determined. Marketplace launched on Monday in the U.S., U.K., Australia and New Zealand on mobile. If it gains steam, it could be rolled out globally on the web. Facebook is betting it will be successful — Marketplace is taking over a main spot in the navigation tab bar, replacing the Messenger shortcut in Facebook for iOS.

Total Retail’s Take: Facebook Marketplace is like Craigslist, but way less creepy and much more trustworthy. Buyers and sellers alike can see exactly whom they're dealing with before they show up at a location to make a transaction. Experts say it’s tough for scammers with fake accounts to build up a large number of friends and a full profile, so this info (or lack thereof) can be very helpful. Marketplace Product Manager Bowen Pan told TechCrunch that Facebook will look into introducing businesses to Marketplace once the social network is confident it has built a great experience for people. Marketplace’s prime location in the app could one day make it the digital version of impulse buys at the checkout counter.