Guide to buying/selling on Facebook

In a crowded online marketplace, veteran sellers offer these tips for making sure your unwanted wares catch shoppers' attention on Facebook.

• Find a Facebook garage sale. Log onto the social network and search: city or county name, plus the words "garage sale" or "swap and sale." (One might not exist in your area.)

• Follow the rules. Most online Facebook garage sales include a permanent post near the top of the page explaining the rules for posting, updating and deleting items. If you ignore the guidelines, the site administrator might kick you (and your items) out.

• Take a good photo. People like to see what they are getting. If you want to show the item from multiple angles, create a photo album rather than posting pictures individually.

• Provide details. A great picture of a cute red dress will only get you so far. What size is it? What brand? Is it in good condition?

• Suggest a price. While there's often room to negotiate, bidding wars can be tricky to manage through Facebook comments.

• Check the "other" inbox. That's where Facebook files messages from people who aren't official "friends." Inquiries from buyers will likely end up there.

• Be careful. Even though Facebook profiles offer an extra layer of intel about people, it's best to meet buyers in public places.

• Clean up after yourself. Site rules vary, but most ask sellers to update or remove posts once items have sold.