by Track3r
Let’s be real—selling anything expensive on Facebook Marketplace can be a nightmare. If you’ve ever tried listing a vehicle, you’ve probably experienced this:
- “Is this available?” …and then silence.
- Offers that are 50% below what it’s worth.
- People asking if you’ll take payments or trade for a lawnmower and two goats.
We’ve all been there.
But recently, I tried something different. I posted my vehicle way higher than what I actually wanted for it. Like, borderline unreasonable.
And guess what?
The lowballers vanished. And the offers I started getting were right in the range I was hoping for.
That’s not luck. It’s psychology.
🎯 The Anchoring Effect: Why Price Frames Everything
There’s a concept in behavioral economics called the anchoring effect. It’s simple:
People tend to rely heavily on the first number they see when making decisions.
When someone sees a vehicle listed at $24,000, everything else they evaluate afterward is based on that number—even if they know it might be a bit high. So when they offer $19,000, they feel like they’re getting a deal. But if you had listed the same vehicle at $18,000 to begin with, they’d probably throw out $14,000.
See how the game works?
🛑 Why Your Fair Price is Getting You Unfair Offers
Here’s the issue with listing your stuff at “the right price” on Marketplace:
- Facebook Marketplace encourages haggling. Most people think everything is marked up anyway.
- Low price = low perceived value. If it’s priced too fairly, people start wondering what’s wrong with it.
- It attracts the wrong buyers. Low-effort listings get low-effort responses.
But when you set a strong anchor, you filter out a ton of noise.
đź’ˇ The Track3r Method: How to Use Anchoring to Your Advantage
Want to try this? Here’s how I approach it now:
1. Know What You’ll Actually Accept
Do your homework. Know your lowest number and don’t budge below it.
2. List it 20–30% Higher
This gives you room to negotiate and sets a strong price anchor.
3. Write a Solid Description
Explain why the item is worth it. Include photos, receipts, upgrades—whatever builds value.
4. Be Patient
It may take a little longer, but the messages you get will be from serious buyers, not tire kickers.
âś… Real-World Example
I recently sold a truck this way. I listed it $5,000 over what I wanted, thinking I’d just test the waters.
Within a few days, I started getting offers—real ones.
Not one person messaged me with some ridiculous lowball.
First offer came in just $500 below my target. Sold it the next day.
🎤 Final Thoughts
You don’t need to play Facebook Marketplace’s game—you can flip the script. Set the tone. Use anchoring to your advantage.
If you’re tired of wasting time with lowballers, test this approach. Start high. Stay firm. Watch the serious offers come in.
Selling smarter is just another way to outsmart the chaos.