By Adedapo Adesanya
Facebook has announced the launch of Marketplace, a convenient destination where people can discover, buy and sell items from others in their local communities in Nigeria.
Previously available in South Africa, Ethiopia and Kenya, Nigeria joins the growing list of countries where people can simply tap on the Marketplace icon or visit www.facebook.com/marketplace to browse and search for items, sort based on distance or category.
Commenting on this new development, the Head of Public Policy for Anglophone West Africa, Mrs Adaora Ikenze said, “The launch of Marketplace in Nigeria further highlights our ongoing efforts in helping to boost buying and selling in Nigeria and connecting communities.
“This comes at a crucial time as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact people and businesses, and with many people buying and selling on Facebook, this will provide people with a convenient destination where they can discover new products, shop for things they want or find buyers for the things they are ready to part with.”
According to the social media giant, “When a seller lists an item on Marketplace, they create a public listing that can be seen by anyone on Facebook. This includes people on Marketplace, News Feed, Facebook search, Facebook Groups or search engines. Sellers can simply take a photo of an item, enter a product name, description and price, confirm their location, select a category, and post.”
Facebook explained that buying and selling responsibly on its marketplace include “Commerce Policy: Items, products or services sold on Facebook must comply with our Community Standards, as well as the Commerce Policies.
It also explained that sellers and merchants who use the service are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations.
“Verify the item: For high-value items (example: watches, luxury bags), consider requesting a certificate of authenticity or proof of purchase. If you’re not satisfied with an item’s condition or have doubts about its authenticity, you can decline to complete the purchase.
“If the seller offers to ship the item rather than exchanging it in person, keep in mind that you may not have the opportunity to verify the item before completing your purchase.
“Meet in a public location: If you are meeting, ensure this is in a public place. Don’t invite buyers or sellers into your home. Before going to the agreed location, tell a family member or a friend the exact location where you will meet, bring your cell phone, and consider asking another adult to come with you.
“If the value of the item you intend to buy or sell requires a significant amount of cash, you might consider using a person-to-person payment method. Please follow local guidelines for how to stay healthy and help prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) while buying and selling.
“Use cash, COD, or person-to-person payment methods: Buyers and sellers may offer or accept cash, Cash on Delivery (COD) or person-to-person (P2P) payments. If you choose to pay electronically using bank transfer or money order solutions, avoid payment links and log in directly through the payment method’s website.
“Keep in mind that personal checks or bank drafts can be counterfeit. Transactions are between the buyer and seller only, and no third-party guarantee should be involved.”
Aduragbemi Omiyale