How to Buy Furniture on Facebook Marketplace in NYC

5 Steps to Buying Furniture on Facebook Marketplace in New York City

If you're looking to furnish your NYC apartment without breaking the bank, Facebook Marketplace is a goldmine. From budget-friendly finds to unique high-end designer pieces (think: Herman Miller galore), you can uncover some great deals, but navigating this bustling marketplace requires a bit of strategy. Whether you're furnishing a tiny studio or a spacious loft, these five steps will help you find the perfect furniture quickly and efficiently.

 

Set Your Budget and Know What You Need

Before jumping into the sea of listings, it’s important to know your budget and exactly what furniture you're looking for. Are you furnishing a whole room or just searching for one key piece? Take measurements of your space to ensure the items you find will actually fit.

Pro Tip: Don’t just limit yourself to one search—explore different variations of what you need. For example, search for "minimalist modern sofa," "mid-century coffee table," or "red dining chairs" to widen your options.

 

Save Listings to Improve Your Algorithm

Even if you're not planning on purchasing an item immediately, save listings that catch your eye. This helps Facebook’s algorithm learn your preferences and will result in more relevant suggestions next time you’re browsing. You’ll start seeing better-suited pieces based on your past saved items, which makes your search much more efficient over time.

Pro Tip: The more you engage with the platform by saving listings, the more accurate your future results will be. Plus, you’ll stay ahead of other shoppers by having first dibs on newly listed items that match your style.

 

Refine Your Search Criteria and Ask the Right Questions

Facebook Marketplace has filters for price, location, and item condition—use these to your advantage. Since New York City is so large, set the search radius to a distance that makes sense for you, but be open to traveling a little further if it means getting a great deal.

When messaging sellers, avoid using the generic "Hi, is this still available?" message. This tends to get lost in the shuffle and doesn’t provide enough information to start a conversation. Instead, ask specific questions that are important to you and may not have been mentioned in the description. 

For example:

- "Where are you located for pickup?"

- "Is the building an elevator building?"

- "Can you confirm the dimensions of this item?"

Sellers are more likely to respond to direct, thoughtful inquiries, and this shows you're serious about the purchase.

Pro Tip: If you're unsure about something in the listing, ask for additional photos or details—this can save you from surprises later on.

 

Act Quickly & Follow Up if Needed

Facebook Marketplace is a peer-to-peer platform, meaning you’re often competing with other buyers for the same items. Act fast once you find something you like, and don’t hesitate to follow up if a seller hasn’t responded to your initial message. People may be juggling multiple offers or simply miss messages, so be persistent (but polite). 

If you don't hear back right away, send a follow-up message a day or two later. It’s often the buyers who communicate clearly and quickly who snag the best deals.

Pro Tip: If you really want an item, don’t be afraid to offer a fair price or express your willingness to pick it up quickly. This can set you apart from other potential buyers.

 

Arrange Pickup or Delivery

Once you’ve struck a deal, it’s time to organize how you’ll get the item to your home. Depending on the size, you might need a friend to help with a heavy sofa or rent a car to transport it. If the seller offers delivery, confirm the costs and timeline beforehand.

For larger furniture pieces, always confirm that the item can fit into your space—whether that's checking the dimensions of a sofa for your living room or confirming access in an apartment building. For example, ask if the piece can fit into an elevator or if stairs will be involved. 

Pro Tip: Be respectful of the seller’s time, and try to stick to the agreed-upon pickup or delivery schedule. This makes the entire process smoother for both parties.

Final Thoughts

Buying furniture on Facebook Marketplace in New York City can be a fun, rewarding experience, but it requires a little effort and know-how to get the best deals. By following these five steps—setting your budget, saving listings, asking the right questions, acting quickly, and coordinating logistics—you can find beautiful, affordable furniture that suits your needs. With a bit of patience and persistence, you’ll soon be outfitting your home with pieces that are both stylish and budget-friendly. 

Check out our Instagram for a weekly roundup of the best pieces we find on FBMP.

Happy hunting!