3 ms·

I actually think that Craigslist will come to see tough competition from Facebook Marketplace. Facebook has the existing user base to get a network effect, has

I actually think that Craigslist will come to see tough competition from Facebook Marketplace. Facebook has the existing user base to get a network effect, has a much better UI, notifications, and solves for the worry of meeting someone who is a complete unknown. Will be interesting to see if Facebook chips away at the Craigslist user-base over the next few years.

quadrangle 10y ago
You're probably right, but that would be tragic.
- csharpminor 10y ago
  Agreed that it would be tragic. After completing a few marketplace transactions though I think the writing's on the wall that Facebook's out to unseat CL. They've even put the app center-stage on the native nav bar. CL has the benefit (and costs) of anonymity, as well as more diverse content. Hopefully they can keep the network effect going.
1_2__3 10y ago
I'm skeptical FB will make inroads here. One of the bedrocks of FB, positive or negative, is that it connects together people who already know each other in some way. Craigslist is the polar opposite of that.
- csharpminor 10y ago
  I don't think that argument it applicable to Facebook Marketplace. It allows you to see anything for sale in your region, not by friend circles. You may be thinking of Facebook groups that are used to buy and sell items?
appleiigs 10y ago
I think the greater risk for Craigslist is that categories that have standardize products will lose to niche markets. Maybe FB could implement a social aspect to the marketplace. For example, listing for cars for car people to comment on.
wibbleywobbley 10y ago
Agreed -- being able to 'check some out' before meeting them is a huge benefit and not something that Craigslist could easily replicate. Also being able to directly message someone and (often) get a response close to immediately is great. Overall just a much better experience.

quadrangle 10y ago

You're probably right, but that would be tragic.

csharpminor 10y ago
Agreed that it would be tragic. After completing a few marketplace transactions though I think the writing's on the wall that Facebook's out to unseat CL. They've even put the app center-stage on the native nav bar. CL has the benefit (and costs) of anonymity, as well as more diverse content. Hopefully they can keep the network effect going.

1_2__3 10y ago

I'm skeptical FB will make inroads here. One of the bedrocks of FB, positive or negative, is that it connects together people who already know each other in some way. Craigslist is the polar opposite of that.

csharpminor 10y ago
I don't think that argument it applicable to Facebook Marketplace. It allows you to see anything for sale in your region, not by friend circles. You may be thinking of Facebook groups that are used to buy and sell items?

appleiigs 10y ago

I think the greater risk for Craigslist is that categories that have standardize products will lose to niche markets. Maybe FB could implement a social aspect to the marketplace. For example, listing for cars for car people to comment on.

wibbleywobbley 10y ago

Agreed -- being able to 'check some out' before meeting them is a huge benefit and not something that Craigslist could easily replicate. Also being able to directly message someone and (often) get a response close to immediately is great. Overall just a much better experience.