Condition

New, like new, good or fair: choosing a condition on Marketplace

Updated 29 October 2026 · 4 min read

An old upholstered chair with worn fabric and chipped paint, in front of a fireplace — Photo: Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

The short answer

On Facebook Marketplace, choose New only for unused items, ideally still packaged. Used like new means used briefly with no visible wear. Used good means normal signs of use but fully working. Used fair means obvious wear or a minor fault that still allows the item to be used. When an item sits between two conditions, choose the lower one and describe the wear.

New: never used. Like new: no visible wear. Good: normal wear. Fair: obvious wear or a minor fault.
If you are torn between two conditions, choose the lower one.
The condition and the photos should tell the same story.
Condition affects the price more than what you paid.

What does each Marketplace condition mean?

When you list an item for sale, Marketplace asks you to choose its condition. These are the usual choices, and what buyers expect from each:

Condition	What it means	Examples
New	Never used. Ideally in its original packaging, with tags or seals.	A gift still in its box. Shoes with the tags on.
Used, like new	Used briefly or carefully. No visible wear, works perfectly, nothing missing.	A kettle used a few times. A jacket worn twice.
Used, good	Normal signs of use, such as light scratches or fading. Fully working.	A dining table with light marks. A phone with a scuffed case.
Used, fair	Obvious wear, a cosmetic flaw or a minor fault. Still usable.	A couch with a worn arm. A bike that needs new brake pads.

How do I choose between like new, good and fair?

Look at the item in good light, the way a buyer will at pickup, and answer three questions:

Can you see any wear at arm's length? If not, the item may be like new. If you can, it is good or fair.
Does everything work, and is every part there? If something does not work or is missing, the condition is fair at best.
Would a buyer be surprised by anything? If so, choose the lower condition and describe it.

Choosing a lower condition than you hoped rarely costs a sale. A buyer who arrives expecting "like new" and finds scratches often asks for money off on the spot, or leaves.

What condition should I choose for something broken or for parts?

For a broken item or one sold for parts, choose Used, fair, put "for parts" or "not working" in the title, and say exactly what is wrong in the description. Some buyers look for broken items to repair or strip for parts, and a clear title brings them to you while keeping everyone else from wasting a trip.

A for-parts listing

Title: Breville coffee machine, for parts, pump not working
Powers on and heats, but the pump makes no pressure.
Grinder and steam wand work. Body has light scratches.
Sold as is, for repair or parts.

What about open-box, refurbished or handmade items?

For items that do not fit the standard categories neatly:

Opened but unused: choose Used, like new, and say it was opened but never used. Strictly, New means sealed.
Refurbished: choose the condition the item is in now, and say who refurbished it and what was replaced.
Handmade or vintage: choose the condition as you would for anything else. Normal age-related wear on vintage items is usually good or fair.

How does condition change the price?

Condition is one of the biggest things that moves a second-hand price. Compare your item with local listings in the same condition, not with the price new. How to price second-hand items gives common starting points for each condition.

Can an app choose the condition for me?

Yes, SnapVent chooses New, Used like new, Used good or Used fair from what your photos show, and describes the visible wear in the listing. Photos cannot show whether something works, so check the condition against the item before you publish and change it if needed.

Questions people also ask

Is "used, like new" the same as new?

No, used like new means the item has been used, but shows no visible wear and works perfectly. New means never used, ideally still in its packaging.

Can I change the condition after posting?

Yes, you can edit a Marketplace listing after posting, including its condition, price, photos and description.

Should I mention small flaws if I chose "good"?

Yes, mention every flaw you know about, even small ones, and show each flaw in a photo. Being upfront builds trust and avoids disagreements at pickup.