Facebook Marketplace message templates for buyers.
Short, specific messages get answered. Replace the brackets, keep it polite, and always know your walk-away price before you send.
Work out your ceiling first with the lowball offer calculator. It can also generate the first message for you.
First contact
Asking price already works: “Hi! Is the [item] still available? I can pay the $[price] asking and pick up today at [time].”
With an offer: “Hi! Is the [item] still available? I can do $[offer] cash and pick up today after [time] in [area].”
Offer with a reason: “Hi, interested in the [item]. Since [it's missing the charger / battery is at 80% / there's a scratch on the lid], would you take $[offer]? I can come by tonight.”
Questions before you drive
Phones and laptops: “Is it unlocked and signed out of iCloud / Apple ID? Any issues with the battery or screen?”
Consoles: “Does it connect online OK, and do the controllers have any stick drift?”
Vehicles: “Is the title clean and in your name? Any warning lights? Could you leave it cold so I can hear it start?”
Negotiating
Meeting in the middle once: “I can meet you at $[middle]. Cash, and I can be there by [time].”
Your final number: “$[ceiling] is the most I can do. No worries if not, good luck with the sale!”
After a price drop: “Hi again! I saw you dropped the price on the [item]. Would you take $[offer]? I can pick up today.”
Follow-ups and pickup
No reply: “Hi, just checking if the [item] is still available. My offer of $[offer] stands and I can pick up today.”
Confirming pickup: “Great, see you at [time] at [place]. I'll bring $[amount] cash. I'll message when I'm on my way.”
Running late: “Running about 10 minutes behind, sorry! Still on my way.”
Walking away: “Thanks for your time, I'll pass on this one. Good luck with the sale!”
Sending the first message automatically
On popular items, the first serious message often wins. Pounce's Auto-message can send a natural opener as soon as an approved listing appears, and Auto-lowball can make an offer within a hard limit you set and handle up to three replies, on the searches where you enable it. You set messaging hours, radius, and a daily limit per account. How it works.
Common questions
What should I say first on Facebook Marketplace?
Confirm availability and make an offer in the same message, with a pickup time: “Hi! Is the [item] still available? I can do $[offer] cash and pick up today after [time].” It saves a round trip and stands out from “Is this available?”.
How do I politely lowball on Marketplace?
Give a specific number and a fair reason from the listing, like missing accessories or wear, and make it easy to accept with cash and a quick pickup.
Should I follow up if a seller doesn't reply?
Once, after a few hours or the next day, is fine. Keep it short and restate your offer.