One of my favorite things about flipping furniture, is staging items to resell on Facebook Marketplace. Once you learn how to stage your items to sell on Facebook Marketplace, you will see how valuable an asset it really is.
Not only does it make taking your photos easier, you can actually price your items at a premium based on how well you stage. This is my secret weapon for selling items fast and for top dollar in my area.
In this post, I’ll teach you easy ways to create a backdrop, set a scene to tell a story with props, create good lighting no matter where you are, what types of photos work best and how staging can help brand your marketplace listing.
5 Easy Tips for Staging to Resell on Facebook Marketplace
Tip #1 – Backdrops are Gold
Creating a backdrop for your photos is the #1 asset you have when it comes to staging. This is a great way to catch potential buyer’s attention when you are posting items.
Currently my backdrop is a couple of sets of old shutters in a deep green. They actually aren’t even the same shade of green, but I literally pulled them together in about 5 minutes and they have been my staging set ever since.
You can use similar items like a room divider, a blank wall in your home, a beautiful window with good natural light or even hang a painter’s canvas drop cloth as your backdrop. The key is, to have a space that can easily be used over and over again. A space where you can set up and leave your back drop in place being able to move your listing pieces in and out easily.
One thing to consider with your backdrop is whether or not you will be hanging pictures or other wall decor on it. I often stage my pieces with a piece of art, an empty frame, wall sconces and the like to give added dimension and tell a story with my staging. My make-shift shutters allow me to hang all sorts of things on them swapping them in and out quickly when I photograph a lot of different items in one session.
Perhaps your garage would provide you with a great area? Maybe a bedroom window with lots of natural light? It doesn’t need to be a large area it just needs to have good lighting. Which brings me to my next essential in staging – lighting.
Tip #2 – Lighting is Key
If there is anything that you need to get right, it is the lighting. Even with an imperfect backdrop, lighting can make or break your photos for listings. I have listed items that I didn’t have good lighting on, that would sit on marketplace and only crickets could be heard. I have taken that same item re-photographed it with good lighting and sold it within hours.
If you have a space with good natural light that can easily be used, watch what time of day the light is best and stage items then. If you don’t have a space with good natural light consider investing in some inexpensive studio photography lights. (These are the ones I use and they are fantastic!) Choose ones that include a warm light setting. Warm light will mimic natural light the best. I’ve even seen successful sellers stage outdoors.
If investing in lighting isn’t an option right now grab a few lamps and take the shades off and set them around your area to simulate natural light. Again, be sure to use warm (not cool) color light bulbs for the best results.
Tip #3 – Tell a Story
When I first started staging items to resell on facebook marketplace, I would grab items from around my home to help set the scene for a cozy vibe that would draw in my potential buyers. For instance, when staging a dining table, I would place a small plant on the center or even set it with dinnerware.
Props like books (grab some cheap or even free ones at your local library) for creating dimension and a lived-in feel. Lamps for additional ambiance. Plants (or even some fresh greens from the yard) for a sense of texture and a natural element. Blankets and pillows are great when staging chairs, loveseats and sofas. And art gives a 3 dimensional look adding depth and character to any staging area.
All of these items help in the staging process to create a story that gives your customers a sense of how the item can be used in their space. This is really essential to being able to price your items at a premium price in your area.
I keep a handful of props on hand that I use over and over again for my staging. Often I get inquiries on a prop that is in the photo, even though it isn’t the item being listed.
Even if you choose to go very simple and minimal using staple items like a potted plant and a few books, you will immediately elevate your listing by adding props.
Tip #4 – Camera Settings Make the Picture
Now that you have created your backdrop, chosen the right lighting and gathered your props you are ready to take some killer photographs and post your items to marketplace. But, why do my photos look better than yours?
If you have an iPhone there are 2 settings that I recommend using for your photographs that will immediately elevate the quality – rich contrast and the grid (link videos here). These 2 settings really changed the way I was taking photographs. My son helped me with both of them, so check out these videos if you don’t know how to change these two features for your camera.
If you have an android here are some resources to help you take amazing photos and videos. (link video here)
Take no less than 15 pictures of your items. I like to take one from eye level of the item, the top, each side, manufacturer’s labels (if applicable), a picture of details (including fabric texture or pattern), any major flaws, bottom and or back (especially chairs).
It is best to use photo mode for any pictures that are more than 3 feet away and use portrait mode for detail shots. Don’t forget to shoot a 30 second or less video to include in your listing as well. Without a video you will not receive nearly as much traffic.
Tip #5 – Build a Brand
By creating a signature backdrop and gathering a few staple props, you can are essentially creating a branded look for yourself on Facebook Marketplace. This became very evident to me when people started following posts that I created because of the green shutters I use.
I have repeatedly been asked “Oh…your the girl who lists the great items with the green shutters?!” They have inevitably become something that buyers are looking for. I have established myself as a quality and consistent seller in my local area.
Branding is an important factor in your business, whether it is just a side-hustle or your full-time gig, but you don’t have to overthink it. Keep things simple and easy for yourself. Choose a backdrop that is neutral (for me it was green) in color and texture and props that are easy to grab and place when you have time to photograph.
Conclusion – Staging is an Asset in Reselling
When it comes to staging items to sell on Facebook marketplace you need an easy rinse and repeat formula for photographing your listings. For me it was as simple as grabbing some shutters that were lying around. Whatever you choose for your backdrop and props, don’t over think it.
You’ll have a rhythm in no time and staging will become a simple and streamlined process. You just have to put in a little manual labor up front.
This strategy works for almost any category of selling on Marketplace, not just furniture. Staging your items to help customers visualize the item in their space is the goal. If you stage your items well, they will sell quickly and for a premium price.
If you have been selling on marketplace and have struggled to get your asking price, try these strategies and let me know how it goes in the comments below. Or maybe you have a great strategy you would like to share, I’d love to learn something new.
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