Facebook Marketplace is an online platform that allows users to buy and sell products and services within their local community. However, with the rise in popularity of Facebook Marketplace, there has been an increase in confusion about some of its features like the ‘Pending’ status.
In this guide, you will learn:
What pending means on Facebook Marketplace
Pending on Facebook Marketplace means that the item you are looking for is currently unavailable. A buyer has shown an interest in purchasing the item, and a potential transaction is ongoing.
When a seller receives an offer or a message from a potential buyer, the listing becomes pending. This means that other interested buyers who have messaged the seller will be notified that the listing is no longer available, and those who are viewing it will see it as pending.
What to do if an item is pending on Facebook Marketplace
If you encounter an item in “Pending” status, you can still express your interest in purchasing the item. The seller may be willing to consider other offers if the ongoing deal fails.
What happens after an item is marked as pending?
Once an item is marked as “Pending,” the seller and buyer will typically communicate to finalize the deal. This indicates that negotiations are ongoing, and the item is not available for purchase anymore and the seller will remove the listing once the item has been delivered.
Reasons for pending status on Facebook Marketplace
On Facebook Marketplace, it is common to come across listings marked as “Pending”. This label indicates that the item is not currently available for purchase. Below are the reasons a listing may be in pending status on Facebook Marketplace:
- Awaiting buyer action
- Seller review is needed
- Payment processing
#1. Awaiting buyer action
If a buyer has expressed interest in the item but has not yet confirmed the purchase, the buyer may have already committed to buying the item but has not yet completed the transaction. In either case, the seller will mark the listing as pending until the buyer has taken the necessary steps to finalize the purchase.
#2. Seller review is needed
Another reason for the pending status is that the seller is reviewing the buyer’s profile or credentials. In some cases, sellers may require additional information or verification from the buyer before completing the transaction.
This could include confirming the buyer’s identity, reviewing their payment method, or checking their previous buying history on Facebook Marketplace. Once the seller completes their review, they approve or cancel the purchase.
#3. Payment processing
A listing may be in pending status due to payment processing. This could mean the buyer has already committed to buying the item but has not yet completed the payment process.
Also, the seller has not received the buyer’s payment, due to a delay from the payment processor. In either case, the seller will mark the listing as pending until the payment has been processed and confirmed.
How to manage pending transactions on Facebook Marketplace
If you are a seller, it is important to manage pending transactions effectively to ensure a hassle-free and successful sale.
Here are some tips on how to manage pending transactions on Facebook Marketplace:
- Communicate with the buyer: As soon as an item is marked as pending, it is important to communicate with the buyer to confirm the sale and arrange for payment and pickup/delivery. Also, ensure to respond promptly to any messages or inquiries from the buyer to avoid confusion or misunderstanding.
- Be clear about the terms of the sale: Make sure that you and the buyer are clear about the terms of the sale, including the price, payment method, pickup/delivery location, and any other relevant details.
- Stay organized: Keep track of all pending transactions in a spreadsheet or other organizational tool to avoid any confusion or mistakes. Make sure to update the status of each transaction as it progresses (e.g. “confirmed”, “paid”, “picked up”, etc.).
- Be prepared for cancellations: Sometimes, pending transactions may fall through for various reasons such as the buyer changing their mind, the item being damaged, etc. Be prepared for these situations and have a backup plan in place such as relisting the item, offering a refund, etc.
Common issues you might encounter on Facebook Marketplace
If you are experiencing issues with pending transactions on Facebook Marketplace, there are a few common problems that you may encounter such as:
- Pending status not updating
- The transaction cannot be completed
#1. Pending status not updating on Facebook Marketplace
If you’ve marked an item as pending on Facebook Marketplace but the status isn’t updating, there are a few steps you can take to resolve the issue. First and foremost, ensure that you have a stable internet connection. Weak or unstable network connectivity may cause delays in updating the status
If you have a stable internet connection but the status is not updating, try refreshing the page. You can also log out of Facebook and log back in again to see if that resolves the issue.
If none of these steps work, you may need to contact Facebook support for further assistance.
#2. The transaction cannot be completed on Facebook Marketplace
If you are having trouble completing the transaction, check to make sure that you have entered the correct payment information. If you are using a third-party payment service, such as PayPal, make sure that your account is in good standing and that you have sufficient funds to complete the transaction.
If none of these steps work, you may need to contact Facebook support for further assistance.
Before you go…
Now that you know what pending means in Facebook Marketplace, we advice that your take precaution when transacting online.
If you want to learn more about Facebook Marketplace, here you go. You can bookmark the page for later.
FAQs
How can I mark an item as pending on Facebook Marketplace if the option isn’t available?
If you are interested in purchasing an item that is not marked as pending, you can send a message to the seller to express your interest, ask any questions you may have, and start the transaction.
What is the meaning of ‘sold pending’ in the context of Facebook Marketplace transactions?
What should I expect when my Facebook Marketplace listing is pending review?
The review process usually takes a few hours, but it can take longer if there are many listings to review. Once your listing is approved, it will become visible to other users on the platform.
How can I understand ‘pending collection’ in relation to an item I’m interested in on Facebook Marketplace?
At present, the buyer is in the process of arranging the collection of the item from the seller, and the transaction is ongoing.”
Is it possible to cancel a pending order on Facebook Marketplace, and if so, how?
If you are the seller, you can cancel the order by going to your Marketplace dashboard, selecting the order, and clicking on the “Cancel Order” button.
However, it is important to note that canceling a transaction can harm your reputation on the platform. Therefore, you should only cancel an order as a last resort.
