HOW TO FIND VINTAGE GEMS ON FACEBOOK MARKETPLACE
1. SPECIFICITY
Figure out exactly what you are looking for. If you can identify a manufacturer or better yet, a particular piece that you really want, chances are you will be able to find it. Start by figuring out the general style you are going for and hone from there.
In our case, we started by casting a wide net for vintage furniture.
We are both drawn to the simple, relatively minimal style of mid century furniture. There is a particular R. Huber design that we both really like - the Scoop Chair (shown above). We saw lots of examples but none that were in good condition and in our price range. However, the iconic Scoop Chair is what put us onto R. Huber furniture and this became a regular search that ultimately lead to the set we now have in the Sleeping Cabin.
2. PERSISTENCE
We have found that if you know what you are looking for, the right thing typically comes along eventually. Check regularly on your preferred marketplace to make sure that you don’t miss out on a gem. Good quality items, priced well go very quickly.
After a while, you get a sense for what search keywords yield results. Continue to refine your search and stick with it.
3. EXPAND YOUR SEARCH AREA
If you aren’t getting results, you can expand your search area. This comes with some disadvantages. We live relatively remotely so we always have to do this. The drawback to expanding your search area is that you have to travel to see what you are buying and in some cases, you won’t like what you see. The benefit is, you can tap into areas that offer items that your local spots might not have.
4. LOOK FOR QUALITY LISTINGS
We have only had good experiences but as with anything, there are bad actors out there and some caution is advisable with any classified ad interactions.
Seller reviews are a good place to start filtering for quality. Bad reviews are a red flag. Good photos, a well written description, clear timely communication are good signs. If the listing has been up for a long time, there is probably something wrong with it.
If a listing looks too good to be true, it probably is.
5. ASK QUESTIONS
Ask detailed questions to make sure that the item is what you are looking for. Dimensions, condition, age, and history are all reasonable things to ask. The seller’s responses will also help to figure out if the listing is legit.
See how we’re styling our latest marketplace finds in the Sleeping Cabin in this video.