Is It Better to Use Nextdoor or Facebook Marketplace?
If you’re looking for an online version of a yard sale, chances are Facebook Marketplace has been your hub in recent years. But the competition is growing this quarter: Nextdoor . Both platforms are popular localized alternatives to marketplaces like Craigslist or eBay, which have a wider reach but are notoriously unreliable. If you’re going to be robbed from an online purchase, it could be someone who lives right around the corner, right?
Before diving into the subtle differences between Facebook Marketplace and Nextdoor, let’s start with what everyone loves: broad editorial disclaimers.
Both platforms are problematic
I’m not a fan of Nextdoor because of its reputation for turning neighborhoods into a surveillance state for some of the most unbalanced, often highly racist people. If you’re unfamiliar with this reputation, check out Twitter and Instagram ‘s “Best of Neighborhood” to see what kind of people love to post on this platform.
I’m not a fan of Facebook either. Or Meta. Have we officially switched to the name “Meta”? Whatever it is called, I am not going to support an evil conglomerate that refuses to take responsibility for its role in the destruction of our democracy.
From my conscience: sometimes you need a reliable place to buy or sell an old bike with your neighbors. Nextdoor and Facebook are two of the best hubs for this. Which one is right for you?
Privileges Offered by Facebook and Nextdoor
When it comes to the basics of buying and selling, these two apps have a lot in common:
- They are optimized for mobile devices, which makes it quick and easy to take a picture of your product and publish it in the marketplace newsfeed.
- Buyer and seller facilitate receipt and payment; The application does not have a payment system.
- Your Marketplace News Feed is based on your geographic location.
While Facebook and Nextdoor offer similar buying and selling experiences, below are the main differences between the two platforms.
Facebook Marketplace: You have a wider reach
Without delving into each company’s internal data, it’s safe to say that Facebook has a much broader reach than Nextdoor. If you’re not sure how active your neighbors are on the Nextdoor app, Facebook is a safer tool for finding buyers and sellers. Compared to Nextdoor, you have the ability to reach more people in a wider geographic area.
Another benefit is that you probably already have the Facebook app, so you don’t have to bother signing up for a new platform.
Nextdoor: safety and community are your top priority
The main difference between Facebook and Nextdoor is that Nextdoor bills for the safety and security of the area and therefore verifies the identity of its users more closely.
Another benefit for sellers is that Nextdoor aggregates your items for sale along with other types of updates in people’s news feeds. This means that the neighbor who logged in to check for road closures and crime news could also appear on your latest “for sale” list.
Again, Nextdoor’s reputation as a source of “criminal updates” is also the root of its reputation as a gossip center and general Karen-like behavior. Compared to Facebook, your Nextdoor experience is highly dependent on where you live.
Online buying and selling reminders
Whichever app suits you, keep in mind some basic security tips for any online marketplace:
- Never share personal information such as a phone number or email address. Instead, keep all communication within the app.
- Do not accept personal checks or money orders that can be canceled before you cash them.
- If you need to ship an expensive item, ask the shipping company for a “delivery confirmation”.
- Always meet in a public place. If in doubt, bring a friend to the agreed meeting point.
Luckily, both platforms provide a greater sense of security than Craiglist did in the old days.