Facebook Marketplace

Facebook launched a new feature today called Marketplace. At the moment its essentially a copy of Craigslist. You can list pretty much anything you want for free.

Why not implement something like that in Facebook? Seems like a good idea. There’s already networks of people grouped geographically (whether it be schools, workplaces, or actual geographic groups). The users are mostly younger, and therefore more trusting of buying and selling online. Sounds like it can’t go wrong. There is one problem: Facebook likes to make money.

The commitment to remaining free has been the great thing about Craigslist. Craig Newmark (the creator) refuses to monetize the site. Most people see it as strange, but its the way it is. Its why it works.

Having a Marketplace seems like a logical step as Facebook is well-positioned to take a serious run at Craigslist. Although Facebook usually limits your activity to the network your in (and between friends in other networks) the marketplace allows you to specify other networks to look in for listings. Craigslist also focuses on geographical areas, while still allowing you to look anywhere else you want.

It is my belief that Facebook won’t remain free for long. A basic listing likely will, but it won’t be long until you’ll have the ability to upgrade listings for a nominal fee.

It also wouldn’t surprise me if Facebook eventually takes a stride into PayPal’s territory. They already have every user signed up, all they’d have to do is ask users to provide financial information and BAM! you’re ready to process transactions from account to account (again, for a nominal fee). Google also recently stepped into this area with its launch of Google Checkout.

In conclusion, the Facebook Marketplace has the potential to be useful, but I’m skeptical as to how long it will remain that way without the need to pay for it.

On the bright side, it does provide for some hilarious listings:

$2 – My Dignity

That which makes me noble and of good character, my sense of worthiness. The semi-undefinable quality that makes me worthy of respect. I have a small amount left (sadly much was stolen during my University years and even more when I went to Fanshawe. I gave a lot away during the late 90′s/early 2000′s in a series of degrading yet oddly satisfying acts with others and sometimes alone. I had kept a little in reserve but my job took that also).

The small smear I now retain is yours for interesting or unique trades. For those wanting more detail, my remaining dignity can be easily kept in a shoe or a breadbox, should you have such a thing. It has a somewhat bitter flavour and mixes delightfully with rye whiskey and panicked tears of desperation. It enjoys warm, damp places but not too warm, as it may grow mildew.

Please send a message with details of what you have to offer. I can ship my dignity anywhere in the world.

-listing by Ian Fogerty on the UWO Marketplace

Tip of the cap to Ian.