Selling on Facebook Marketplace and other platforms in Australia what’s allowed is one of those topics that seems straightforward, but there are rules and considerations. I’ve sold items online, and I’ve watched friends sell online. Some had no problems. Others faced issues. The difference was understanding what’s allowed and following the rules.
Three years later, I’m finishing my Master’s at the University of Melbourne. I’ve sold on Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, and other platforms, and I’ve learned what’s allowed and what’s not. Some things are straightforward. Others have rules. The difference was understanding the platforms and their rules.
So here’s everything I know about selling on Facebook Marketplace and other platforms in Australia, based on what actually applies.
What You Can Sell: The Basics
Let me start with this, because understanding what you can sell helps you avoid problems.
You can sell: personal items you own, like furniture, electronics, clothes, or books.
You usually can’t sell: new items for profit (this might be considered a business), restricted items, or illegal items.
But here’s what I’ve learned: selling personal items is usually fine. But if you’re selling new items for profit regularly, that might be considered a business and have different rules.
Facebook Marketplace: How It Works
This is the most popular platform, and here’s how it works.
Facebook Marketplace is: a platform where you can list items for sale, and buyers contact you directly.
It’s free: there are no listing fees, but Facebook takes a fee if you use their payment system.
You handle: meeting buyers, payments, and delivery yourself.
But here’s what I’ve learned: Facebook Marketplace is convenient and free, but you handle everything yourself. Be careful with payments and meetups. Use safe payment methods and meet in public places.
Other Platforms: Gumtree, eBay, and More
This is if you want alternatives, and here’s what they offer.
Gumtree is: similar to Facebook Marketplace, free to list, and you handle everything yourself.
eBay is: more structured, charges fees, and handles payments. It’s better for higher value items.
Other platforms: there are many other platforms, each with different rules and fees.
But here’s what I’ve learned: different platforms suit different items. Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree are good for local sales. eBay is good for higher value items or items that ship well.
What’s Allowed: The Rules
This is important, because following rules avoids problems.
Personal items: selling personal items you own is usually fine.
Business sales: if you’re selling new items for profit regularly, that might be considered a business and have tax implications.
Restricted items: some items are restricted or illegal to sell. Check what’s allowed before listing.
But here’s what I’ve learned: selling personal items is usually fine, but selling for profit regularly might be considered a business. Check the rules, and follow them.
Safety Considerations: Staying Safe
This is important, because safety matters when selling online.
Meet in public: meet buyers in public places, not at your home.
Use safe payments: use cash or secure payment methods. Be careful with scams.
Trust your instincts: if something feels wrong, don’t proceed.
But here’s what I’ve learned: safety is important. Don’t meet buyers at your home, use safe payment methods, and trust your instincts. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Tax Considerations: What You Need to Know
This is important, because selling can have tax implications.
Personal items: selling personal items usually doesn’t have tax implications, unless you make a profit.
Business sales: if you’re selling for profit regularly, that might be considered a business and have tax implications.
But here’s what I’ve learned: selling personal items is usually fine tax wise, but selling for profit regularly might have tax implications. Check with the ATO if you’re unsure.
I’ve written about tax basics for side hustles and online income if you want more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to sell on Facebook Marketplace?
Yes, if you’re selling personal items. But if you’re selling new items for profit regularly, that might be considered a business and have different rules.
Do I need to pay tax on sales?
It depends. Selling personal items usually doesn’t have tax implications, unless you make a profit. Selling for profit regularly might have tax implications.
How do I handle payments?
Use cash or secure payment methods. Be careful with scams. Don’t accept payments that seem suspicious.
Is it safe to sell online?
It can be safe if you take precautions. Meet buyers in public places, use safe payment methods, and trust your instincts.
Can I sell anything?
No. Some items are restricted or illegal to sell. Check what’s allowed before listing.
How do I price items?
Research what similar items sell for, and price accordingly. Don’t price too high, but don’t price too low either.
Final Thoughts
Selling on Facebook Marketplace and other platforms in Australia is allowed if you’re selling personal items. Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree are good for local sales. eBay is good for higher value items. Follow the rules, stay safe, and be aware of tax implications if you’re selling for profit regularly.
Don’t ignore safety. Meet buyers in public places, use safe payment methods, and trust your instincts. Selling online can be safe if you take precautions.
I’ve made plenty of mistakes since landing in Melbourne, but each one taught me something. The biggest lesson? Stay safe. Selling online can be safe if you take precautions. Meet buyers in public places, use safe payment methods, and trust your instincts. Don’t ignore safety.
If you’re still selling online, follow the rules, stay safe, and be aware of tax implications. Selling personal items is usually fine, but selling for profit regularly might have different rules. Check what’s allowed, and follow the rules.