Which Marketplace Should You Use?
Each platform has different strengths, fees, and buyer protections. Here's how they compare for buying and selling large items in the UK:
Facebook Marketplace
Best for: Local furniture, quick sales. See seller profiles & mutual friends.
eBay
Best for: Higher-value items, verified seller ratings, Money Back Guarantee.
Gumtree
Best for: Local deals, no fees. Cash transactions only—no online payment.
Shpock
Best for: Lifestyle items, younger demographics, mobile-first experience.
Why Use a Man and Van for Marketplace Items?
Standard couriers like DPD, Evri, and Royal Mail have strict size limits—typically 30kg and under 120cm on any side. That rules out most furniture. Here's why a man and van is the smart choice:
Same-Day Collection
Don't wait a week—we can collect and deliver the same day, working around both your schedule and the seller's.
Careful Handling
We treat your items like our own. Blankets, straps, and proper loading—no "thrown in the back" treatment.
Help Getting It Inside
Unlike "kerbside only" delivery, we'll carry your sofa up four flights of stairs if needed.
40-60% Cheaper
Compared to "white glove" delivery services that charge £150+, our typical London delivery is £40-80.
Man and Van vs Other Options
| Option | Typical Cost | Speed | Handling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Man and Van | £40-100 | Same day | Careful + stairs |
| White Glove Service | £150-300 | 3-7 days | Careful + assembly |
| Courier (Shiply, etc.) | £50-150 | 3-10 days | Variable quality |
| Collect Yourself (van hire) | £80-150 | Your schedule | DIY + heavy lifting |
| Ask a Friend | Beer + favour owed | When they're free | Scratched car + arguments |
Buyer's Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to safely purchase and arrange collection of marketplace items:
Research the Item & Seller
- • Check the new price to know if you're getting a genuine deal
- • Review seller profile—look for account age, reviews, other listings
- • On Facebook, check mutual friends for added trust
- • Be sceptical of prices that seem too good to be true
Get Critical Details Before Committing
- • Exact dimensions—will it fit through your door? Measure doorways, stairwells, and lifts
- • Condition details—ask about scratches, stains, or damage not visible in photos
- • Collection address—which floor? Lift access? Narrow hallways?
- • Weight estimate—is it a two-person lift?
Arrange Collection Timing
- • Coordinate a time window that works for seller, you, and your man and van
- • Don't book collection until you've agreed a firm time with the seller
- • Get the seller's phone number for day-of coordination
- • Confirm parking availability at collection address
Book Your Man and Van
- • Give us: collection address, your address, item description, dimensions
- • We'll confirm van size needed and give you a fixed quote
- • Same-day service available—just call or WhatsApp
Inspect Before Paying
- • Always inspect the item in person before handing over money
- • Check for damage, stains, odours, or differences from the listing
- • Test functionality (does the recliner recline? Does the drawer open?)
- • Take photos of current condition as documentation
Complete the Purchase Safely
- • Cash is safest for in-person transactions (check large notes with counterfeit pen)
- • If using bank transfer, wait until funds show as cleared—not pending
- • On eBay, use the official collection code system
- • Get a receipt or confirmation message for records
Seller's Step-by-Step Guide
Selling something too big to post? Here's how to offer collection safely:
Take Great Photos
Good lighting, multiple angles, close-ups of any damage. Include a reference object (book, tape measure) for scale. Honest photos = fewer wasted viewings.
Include Dimensions
Height, width, depth in cm. This saves you from buyers who arrive only to realise it won't fit their space.
Be Honest About Condition
Disclose scratches, stains, or wear. "Good condition with normal use marks" builds trust. Hidden defects lead to disputes.
Specify Collection Details
Area (not exact address until agreed), floor level, lift access, parking situation. "3rd floor flat, no lift" saves everyone's time.
Verify Payment Before Release
Never trust screenshots of "pending" payments. Check your bank app shows funds cleared. Cash or verified transfer only.
Stay Safe During Collection
Have someone else home when strangers collect. Keep valuable items out of sight. Meet outside for smaller items you can carry.
Avoiding Scams: The Complete Guide
Marketplace fraud is growing rapidly. Here are the most common scams and how to protect yourself:
Fake Payment Confirmation Scam
Scammer sends a Photoshopped screenshot of a "bank transfer" or "pending payment" and pressures you to hand over the item immediately.
Protection: Never trust screenshots. Open your own banking app and verify funds have actually cleared—"pending" means nothing.
Advance Payment / Deposit Scam
Seller asks for deposit to "hold" an item. You pay, then they disappear. Common with high-demand items like cars, furniture, or electronics.
Protection: Never pay deposits. If they won't hold it without payment, walk away—genuine sellers understand.
Fake Payment Link Scam
"Buyer" sends a link to a fake payment site that looks like PayPal or a bank. You enter details, they steal your information.
Protection: Never click links sent in messages. Always go directly to PayPal.com or your bank's app. Gumtree has no online payment system.
Overpayment / Refund Scam
"Buyer" claims they accidentally sent too much money and asks you to refund the difference. The original payment then bounces or reverses.
Protection: Wait 3-5 days for payments to fully clear before any refunds. Better yet, only accept exact amounts.
Non-Existent Item Scam
Beautiful photos, amazing price, but the item doesn't exist. Scammer takes payment then blocks you. Especially common with designer furniture and electronics.
Protection: Reverse image search photos (Google Images). If price is too good to be true, it probably is. Insist on video call showing item.
Red Flags to Watch For
Payment Protection: What's Covered?
Your protection varies dramatically depending on how you pay. Here's what each method actually covers:
| Payment Method | Protection | Dispute Window | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash | 100% safe if inspected | None (final) | In-person collection |
| PayPal Goods & Services | Full buyer protection | 180 days | Remote purchases |
| Credit Card | Section 75 (£100-£30k) | 6 years (legal) | Higher-value items |
| Debit Card | Chargeback possible | 120 days typically | When no credit option |
| Bank Transfer | Very limited | Ask bank quickly | Trusted sellers only |
| PayPal Friends & Family | None | N/A | Never for strangers |
eBay Money Back Guarantee
- • Covers items that don't arrive or don't match description
- • For collection: use the official 6-digit collection code
- • Seller scans code = protection for both parties
- • Never complete transactions off-platform
Facebook Purchase Protection
- • Only applies if you use Facebook Checkout
- • Most local pickup transactions aren't covered
- • 2% fee for using checkout
- • Cash/transfer purchases = no protection
What We Can Collect
If it's too big for a courier but too small for a removal lorry, we handle it. Here's what we regularly collect from marketplaces:
Furniture
- • Sofas & armchairs
- • Beds & mattresses
- • Wardrobes & dressers
- • Dining tables & chairs
- • Desks & bookcases
- • Cabinets & sideboards
Appliances
- • Washing machines
- • Fridge freezers
- • Dishwashers
- • Ovens & cookers
- • Tumble dryers
- • American-style fridges
Electronics
- • Large TVs (50"+)
- • Gaming setups
- • Computer equipment
- • Audio systems
- • Projectors
- • Server racks
Fitness Equipment
- • Treadmills
- • Exercise bikes
- • Weight benches
- • Multi-gyms
- • Rowing machines
- • Free weights
Garden & Outdoor
- • Garden furniture sets
- • BBQs
- • Patio heaters
- • Hot tubs (drained)
- • Planters
- • Sheds (dismantled)
Specialist Items
- • Pianos & keyboards
- • Aquariums
- • Pool tables
- • Antique furniture
- • Artwork & mirrors
- • Motorcycles
Marketplace Delivery Costs
Our pricing is straightforward—based on distance and complexity. Here are typical costs for London marketplace collections:
Single Item Collection
Multiple Items / Heavier Jobs
What Affects the Price?
Distance
The further the journey, the higher the cost. We quote door-to-door.
Size & Weight
A wardrobe costs more than a small table. Heavy items may need two people.
Access
Ground floor with wide doors? Easy. 4th floor walk-up with tight stairs? Trickier.
Timing
Same-day and weekend jobs may have small premium. Flexible dates get best rates.
London-Specific Tips
Buying and selling in London has unique challenges. Here's what you need to know:
ULEZ Now Covers All London
If you're hiring a van yourself, check it's ULEZ compliant or you'll face a £12.50 daily charge. Our vans are all compliant—no hidden charges.
Parking Permits & Restrictions
Permit Costs by Area
- • Westminster: £7.70/hour (max 4 hours)
- • Kensington: £4.40/hour
- • Camden: £3.00-5.50/hour
- • Hackney: £2.00-4.00/hour
Tips
- • Check if seller has driveway or bay
- • Ask about loading restrictions
- • Some areas have free loading 20-min windows
- • We factor parking into our quotes
Best Times for London Collection
Flat Access Considerations
- Lift dimensions: Measure the lift before buying that 3-seater sofa. Many London lifts are surprisingly small.
- Staircase width: Victorian conversions often have narrow, winding stairs. Measure the tightest point.
- Doorway clearance: Standard UK doors are 76cm wide. Some furniture won't fit without removing legs or doors.
- Building access: Does the building have a concierge? Is there a goods entrance? Can we stop outside?
IKEA Collection Service
Not marketplace, but worth mentioning—we also collect from IKEA Wembley and Tottenham. Often cheaper than IKEA's own delivery, especially for smaller orders.
Click & Collect
Order online, we pick up from IKEA's collection point
In-Store Purchase
Shop in store, we meet you at loading and deliver home
Same Day
Buy in the morning, have it in your flat by evening
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to have furniture collected from Facebook Marketplace?
Is it safe to buy furniture on Facebook Marketplace?
What's the safest payment method for marketplace purchases?
Can I get eBay buyer protection for collection items?
How do I avoid scams on Facebook Marketplace?
What items can a man and van collect from marketplaces?
Should I use a courier or man and van for eBay purchases?
What if my marketplace purchase arrives damaged?
Found Something on Marketplace?
We'll collect it and deliver to your door. Same-day service across London.