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Craigslist's New Classified Rival: Facebook

Zuckerberg and Co. developing classified ad project

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 1, 2012 6:23 AM CDT

(Newser) – Look out, Craigslist: Facebook is developing a classified ad service, insiders say—and unlike Craigslist, it would target ads at interested users. Dubbed Marketplace—like an earlier Facebook venture—for the time being, the service could be used for anything from hawking second-hand furniture to advertising apartments. To sell a couch, notes the Daily, you'd have to pay a few dollars. But housing posts would be free, and could be directed to friends who live in the area in question. Those friends could then share the ad with their own buddies.

The service also plans to allow job postings, which could be targeted only at friends whose profiles suggest they're qualified; for instance, they have the requisite degree. There is also set to be a "projects" section, which would follow the lead of Craigslist's "Gigs." It would offer users a chance to mention ventures that they might like help with; users could also offer tips on projects, whether digital or hands-on.

The Facebook logo is displayed outside of Facebook's headquarters in Menlo Park, Calif., Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012.
The Facebook logo is displayed outside of Facebook's headquarters in Menlo Park, Calif., Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 8 comments
Jenkiz
Nov 3, 2012 1:01 AM CDT
Great idea! Many people hesitate selling on classifieds sites for lack of trust and the idea of having to meet with strangers. Facebook offers that comfort of having to deal only with your friends and your friends'friends who of course know other friends that might be interested in buying what you sell.People already advertise their yard sales and sell their stuff on their. Am sure Facebook will also offer having your ad go viral outside your friends circle if you want to. One thing is certain, there will be no shortage of exposure.More people hang out on Facebook than on craigslist or any other classified ads site.
cmueller56
Nov 2, 2012 4:51 PM CDT
Horrible idea. What a horrible advertising strategy. If someone I knew had something they wanted to sell, they can already post it on their facebook site to friends they already have.  If I was paying to advertise something for sale, I would want to reach as many people that I do not know.  Facebook is moving from a social website to a giant commercial.
gomer99
Nov 1, 2012 11:42 AM CDT
SOMETHING has to replace CraigsList........ It is so full of bugs and irritations that is is just too big a pain to use, anymore. There is a cadre of twinky-chompers out there that dump ads all the time, with CL offering no recourse. Nice concept -- poor execution.
 

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