Kleinanzeigen vs. Facebook Marketplace: Where to Buy Better in Berlin?

Why not just use both?

Short answer: You should. But both have different strengths.

Long answer: Keep reading.

I've done over 60 transactions on both platforms in the last 2 years - buying and selling. Here's what I learned.

The quick overview

Factor	Kleinanzeigen	Facebook Marketplace
Users in DE	#1, about 35M	#2, about 10-15M
Furniture supply	Huge	Large, but less
Communication	Email/chat in app	Messenger
Buyer quality	Mixed	Tends to be better
Scam risk	Medium	Lower (due to profiles)
Anonymity	High	Low

Kleinanzeigen: Pros and cons

What Kleinanzeigen does well

1. The supply is HUGE In Berlin, you can find literally everything on Kleinanzeigen. From MALM dressers to antique secretaries.

2. People are price-conscious Kleinanzeigen users expect bargains. This means:

• As buyer: You find cheaper prices
• As seller: You need to be realistic

3. Anonymity (if you want it) You don't need a photo or real name. For some that matters.

4. "Zu Verschenken" (free stuff) section This exists on Facebook too, but on Kleinanzeigen it's more established and fuller.

What's annoying about Kleinanzeigen

1. No-shows The classic complaint. People agree and don't show. No consequences because anonymous.

2. Spam and scams "I'll buy it, send me your PayPal" - No. The famous fraud attempts.

3. The app is... okay Works, but sometimes feels like 2015.

4. No real buyer verification Anyone can make a fake account.

Facebook Marketplace: Pros and cons

What Facebook Marketplace does well

1. You see who's buying Real profiles with friends, posts, history. You get a feel for the person.

2. Fewer no-shows Because buyers aren't anonymous, they're more likely to keep appointments.

3. Communication via Messenger Faster, more direct. Most people have Messenger on their phone anyway.

4. Local groups "Flea Market Berlin Neukölln", "Furniture Berlin" - in these groups you sometimes find gems.

What's annoying about Facebook Marketplace

1. Less supply than Kleinanzeigen Especially for niche stuff, Kleinanzeigen is better stocked.

2. You need Facebook No account, no Marketplace. For many a dealbreaker.

3. Privacy concerns Your real profile is connected to purchases/sales.

4. Algorithm chaos Sometimes Marketplace shows you stuff from 50km away even though you set 10km.

When to use what

Use Kleinanzeigen when:

• You're looking for furniture (biggest supply)
• You want to stay anonymous
• You're looking for free stuff
• You're selling to expats/internationals (they know Kleinanzeigen better)
• You're looking for niche stuff (vintage, antique, collectibles)

Use Facebook Marketplace when:

• You want to sell quickly (fewer no-shows)
• You want to get a feel for the buyer
• You're looking for something specific in local groups
• You're targeting younger audience (20-35 year olds)
• You're buying electronics (profiles show trustworthiness)

Use BOTH when:

• You need to sell fast (double reach)
• You're looking for something specific and don't want to wait
• You want maximum visibility

The Berlin factor

In Berlin, Kleinanzeigen is King. The expat community uses it massively, Germans anyway.

Facebook Marketplace is strong in certain neighborhoods (Kreuzberg, Neukölln, Friedrichshain) where the digital-native crowd lives.

My experience by product type in Berlin:

• Furniture: Kleinanzeigen (80% of my purchases)
• Electronics: Both (Facebook for expensive stuff due to profile check)
• Clothing: Vinted > both (specialized)
• Bikes: Kleinanzeigen (more selection)
• Kids stuff: Facebook (parent groups are great)

Solving the transport problem

Regardless of platform - the biggest obstacle is often transport.

My solution: On both platforms I mention: "Delivery possible (e.g., via BringEasy)".

This works because:

• Buyers without cars can still buy
• You reach more interested parties
• The sale goes through faster

Equally effective on Kleinanzeigen and Facebook Marketplace.

Security comparison

Scam risk

Kleinanzeigen:

• Higher risk due to anonymity
• Classics: "PayPal Friends & Family", fake payment confirmations
• Solution: Cash only at pickup

Facebook:

• Lower due to real profiles
• But: Hacked accounts are sometimes used for scams
• Solution: Check profile, be careful with new accounts

My security setup

1. Always cash at pickup
2. Meeting point: Public place for small items, home only for furniture
3. Gut feeling: If it's weird, skip it

TL;DR - The decision

For most Berliners: Start with Kleinanzeigen, it has the biggest supply.

Additionally: Facebook Marketplace for faster sales and when you want to "see" the buyer.

Pro move: List on both simultaneously, delete the other when sold.

Situation	Recommendation
Buying furniture	Kleinanzeigen
Selling fast	Facebook
Free stuff	Kleinanzeigen
Expensive electronics	Facebook (due to profiles)
Maximum reach	Both

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Written by someone who spent too much time on both platforms. My browser history is a furniture catalog.