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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
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Eleanor Limprecht

Dipping my toe into the murky waters of Facebook Marketplace, I find it filled with bots, time-wasters and inane questions

Facebook
Hand reaching into wallet and taking out Australian cash in small amounts
‘I say pick up only. Cash only. My Messenger starts going off like a call centre.’ Photograph: chameleonseye/Getty Images/iStockphoto

With the cost of living hitting the roof, what better way to prepare for Christmas than selling unwanted items for extra cash? I decide to dip my toe into the murky waters of Facebook Marketplace. What could possibly go wrong?

I’ve only experienced this platform as a buyer, which is straightforward: you see an item you like, contact the seller, agree on a time to go to the person’s place and pick it up, cash in hand. If it’s a large item, you take a large vehicle. (Everyone who owns a ute, sorry from the rest of us.)

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