Social network introduces classified feature that lets you sell items

oke efagene

December 18, 2014 1:13 PM

This feature isn't available to everyone just yet, but there's a good chance it will be rolled out to all Facebook users.

Facebook seems to be introducing a new feature that will give classified websites like Quikr and OLX a run for their money.

The social network is testing a feature that lets users sell items using the website. This feature isn't available to everyone just yet, but there's a good chance it will be rolled out to all Facebook users.

Next time you try to post to Facebook groups, if you see a "Sell Something" button next to "Write Post" then you can try the new feature. If you can't see it, you'll have to wait until the feature gets rolled out in your country.

When you click "Sell Something", Facebook will ask you to key in some basic information such as the description, photos, price and delivery options.

Facebook issued a statement to The Next Web, saying, "We are testing a new feature within Facebook Groups to help people better organise posts about items they'd like to sell to other people on Facebook. This is a small test limited to select Facebook Groups that have active selling communities today."

After you share the post inviting buyers, it appears in a well-formatted manner. Those interested in buying can then send offers and discuss the sale via the comment box seen beneath all Facebook posts.

A Facebook help page suggests that in case of disputes, the buyer should contact the seller and that Facebook is not responsible for any transactions made through the social networking website.

This feature will appeal to several people who already use Facebook to reach out to sell old items. The likes of Quikr and OLX might be worried by this development because they don't have Facebook's reach and this new feature could impact their business.

oke efagene