Items Unwise to Purchase Via Facebook Marketplace:
Unlocking Facebook Marketplace Secrets: The Top Items to Steer Clear Of
Facebook Marketplace can be a treasure trove for pre-loved items, but it's important to tread carefully. Interior designers have shared their insights on the items you should definitely steer clear of to ensure you're not throwing your money away.
1. Sleep Tight, But Not on That Mattress 🛏️
Investing in a new mattress is critical for a comfy night's rest, and going second-hand isn't advisable. "Recycled mattresses pose significant sanitation risks because you can't guaranteed they were properly taken care of," warns Alecia Taylor, designer at CabinetNow. Plus, you can't test it out beforehand to know if it's the right fit for you.
2. Large Appliances: Better Safe Than Sorry 🚰🍽️
Buying large appliances on Facebook Marketplace may seem like a budget-friendly option, but without proper documentation, it could land you a lemon. According to Jennifer Jones, Principal Designer at Niche Interiors, it's best to stick to sellers who provide receipts showing the year of purchase and proof of good working condition.
3. Bye-Bye Built-Ins and Cabinetry 🛋️
Interior designer Stephanie Calderon of Stephanie Calderon Interiors tells us that pieces made from MDF, especially those that have been removed from their original installation, can easily warp, chip, or fall apart during transport or reinstallation. So if you see these on Facebook Marketplace, it's best to give them a pass.
4. Cotton Candy Dreams and Bed Bugs 🛏️🐜
Unless bedding is still in its original packaging, purchasing used sheets, pillowcases, or comforters from Facebook Marketplace isn't recommended. Interior designer Christina Melander of Knotty Pine Design cautions that there's a risk of purchasing unsanitary or pest-infested bedding, which isn't worth the risk.
5. Caution: Baby Furniture Ahead 👩🦰👶
Baby furniture must meet strict safety standards, and some pre-owned items may lack essential safety labels, guides, or original parts, which can lead to dangerous construction issues. Interior designer Nancy Dow of Sierra Living Concepts reminds us that it's best to opt for new baby gear.
11 Gifts You Should Never Buy at a Thrift Store-and Why
6. Patio Furniture: Inspect It In Person 🏠🌞
Avoid patio furniture from Facebook Marketplace unless you can thoroughly inspect it in person. According to Melander, items can quickly wear out, and wear isn't always apparent in photos. Plus, improper storage can impact quality.
7. Customized, But Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder 🎨🛋️
While heavily customized furniture might have potential, interior designer Alice Moszczynski advises exercising caution. Removing layers of chalk paint or scraping stickers off a piece of furniture isn't ideal, and up close, it could have drawers that don't glide or paint that chips at the first touch.
Mind your purchases in Facebook Marketplace, and avoid the items mentioned above to ensure a successful shopping trip. Remember, safety and quality should always be top priority! 🛍️
Experts suggest avoiding certain items on Facebook Marketplace due to safety, structural, or quality concerns. Some of these items include pre-owned cribs, items from unverified sellers, damaged or broken items, electrical appliances without certification, used car seats, and anything heavily customized.
Additionally, it's important to be mindful of potential scams, fake profiles, and the risks associated with meeting strangers when buying on platforms like Facebook Marketplace.
- Martha Stewart, a renowned lifestyle and home-and-garden expert, might not endorse the idea of buying a second-hand mattress on Facebook Marketplace due to its potential sanitation risks.
- While shopping for living room furniture on Facebook Marketplace, it's advisable to be cautious about the refinisher's skills, as inexperienced refinishers might leave streaks, uneven surfaces, or chipped paint.
- When shopping for dresser drawers or cabinetry, Victoria Schwindt of Schwindt Studio suggests checking for any signs of scraping or damage, shared by the seller, to ensure a smooth operation.
- Prospective shoppers on Facebook Marketplace may want to steer clear of purchasing home-and-garden accessories with shared use, like coffee tables or end tables, as repeated use can lead to scratches and dents.
- Whether you're redecorating your home-office or searching for home-and-garden items more broadly, it's essential to be mindful of the lifespan of items on Facebook Marketplace, as bolt-together desks, office chairs, and movable shelving may not last as long as anticipated.
