Local online marketplaces let you source from your couch before picking up in person. Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp dominate this space, each with different strengths. Unlike garage sales that happen on weekends, these platforms operate 24/7—and the best deals get claimed fast.
This sourcing method complements your thrift store runs by expanding your reach without increasing drive time. The key is developing systems that surface deals before the competition.
Platform Differences
Facebook Marketplace has the largest user base, which means more inventory but also more competition. Algorithm-driven feeds show you items based on engagement patterns, not just recency. The integration with Facebook profiles lets you vet sellers (account age, mutual friends, activity level). Downside: lots of inactive listings and flaky sellers.
OfferUp attracts more serious sellers and has better category organization. The TruYou verification badge indicates identity-verified users. Shipping integration means you can sometimes buy and have items shipped, though for sourcing you'll typically want local pickup to verify condition. Downside: smaller user base in some areas.
Search Strategies That Surface Deals
Generic searches return generic results. The magic is in creative query construction.
Misspelling searches: "Patagucci," "Arcteryx" (without apostrophe), "North Fase." People who misspell brand names in listings get less visibility, which means less competition for their items. Keep a list of common misspellings for your BOLO brands.
Situation-based searches: "Moving," "Downsizing," "Selling everything," "Clearing out." These sellers are motivated by circumstance, not maximum profit. They want items gone.
Category hunting: Instead of searching specific items, browse entire categories in your specialty. "Men's clothing" sorted by newest lets you spot fresh listings before keyword-hunters find them.
Price filter sweeps: Set maximum price to catch underpriced items. Someone listing a vintage Marantz receiver for $50 likely doesn't know what they have.
Setting Up Alerts
Facebook Marketplace lets you save searches and receive notifications for new listings. Set alerts for misspelled brand names, situational keywords, and underpriced ranges in your categories. Check notifications within minutes of receiving them—deals disappear fast.
On OfferUp, enable notifications for followed searches. The app sends push notifications for new matches, which gives you a speed advantage over browser-only users.
Messaging That Gets Responses
Your first message determines whether you get a response. Avoid generic "Is this available?" messages that blend into the noise.
This message demonstrates serious intent (specific pickup timeline), asks a low-commitment question (location vs. address), and differentiates you from tire-kickers. Sellers respond to buyers who seem ready to act.
Negotiation Approach
Price negotiation on these platforms is expected but should be handled delicately. Never lowball aggressively—it kills conversations. The bundle strategy works here too.
"I'm interested in the [item] and the [other item]. Would you do $X for both if I pick up this evening?" [for bundles]
The pickup timing creates urgency for the seller. Many people prefer a guaranteed sale now over waiting for a higher offer that may never come.
The Pickup Process
Safety first. Meet in public locations during daylight when possible—police station parking lots, coffee shops, grocery store parking lots. Many police stations have designated "safe exchange zones" specifically for marketplace transactions.
Bring cash in exact or near-exact amounts. Having correct change signals you're serious and avoids awkward conversations. Inspect items thoroughly before handing over money. Test electronics, check for damage not visible in photos, verify authenticity on branded items.
If an item doesn't match the listing description, you're under no obligation to buy. Politely say it's not what you expected and leave. Don't let social pressure push you into a bad purchase.
Building Your Daily Routine
Effective online sourcing requires consistent attention, not marathon sessions. Build checks into your daily routine:
Morning (10 minutes): Review overnight notification alerts. Message sellers on promising listings immediately. Check new listings in saved searches sorted by "Newest First."
Midday (5 minutes): Follow up on unanswered messages from morning. Check for price drops on items you've been watching.
Evening (10 minutes): Final sweep of new listings. Confirm any pickups scheduled for the next day. Update your saved searches based on what you've learned.
The goal isn't to spend hours scrolling—it's to be first on good deals through consistent, targeted checking. Time spent messaging flaky sellers or chasing bad leads is time not spent on actual sourcing.
Seasonal Sourcing Calendar: When to Buy What
Time your sourcing to market demand and get items when supply peaks and prices drop.