Facebook Marketplace: your new favourite shopping site?

Facebook's latest move could be the death knell for online classifieds like Gumtree, as the social media giant launches an easy way to buy and sell.

Facebook Marketplace today launches in Australia, New Zealand, the UK and US, and offers a dedicated space in the Facebook app to search for items for sale.

Facebook says that the new Marketplace is a way to help people do what millions already use Facebook for.

"This activity started in Facebook Groups and has grown substantially. More than 450 million people visit buy and sell groups each month," says Director of Product Management Mary Ku in a post in the Facebook Newsroom.

Like similar trading post website, sellers in Facebook Marketplace can post photos, a short description and a price. The posts are also geo-located, so buyers can search for items in their area.

Facebook is giving Marketplace every chance to succeed with prime real estate in the Facebook apps for iOS and Android, with a new Marketplace logo to replace the Messenger link at the top of the screen.

Joseph Hanlon

Editorial Director | X | LinkedIn

Joe Hanlon has been immersed in mobile phones, plans and the internet for over a decade, having written for publications like CNET, Techradar, Gizmodo and Lifehacker. He steers the editorial ship and makes sure that we are always serving up the most useful guides and recommendations. If you ever bump into Joe on the street, don't be afraid to ask for a phone recommendation. It's embarrassing how much he enjoys talking about this stuff. He also loves listening to podcasts, so feel free to email Joe with recommendations.

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