Facebook has announced Marketplace, a page where users can buy and sell items to their heart's content.

Best offer?

To access Marketplace, tap on the shop icon at the bottom of the Facebook app.

Marketplace will display items for sale near you. You can also search for based on category, price, and location. There’s also a location tool to help with region-specific shopping.

Tapping on an item will display the product description, general location, and details of the seller. You can then Direct Message the seller to make an offer.

It’s worth noting Facebook doesn't support any payment service for Marketplace at this stage.

Roll it out

Facebook says Marketplace has evolved from Facebook Groups, which currently sees 450 million users buying and selling stuff every month.

And while its features are fairly basic, if Marketplace takes off expect greater functionality. Something eBay. Gumtree, and Trade Me will be watching closely.

Marketplace is now available in the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand on Facebook’s iOS and Android app.

To find out more visit newsroom.fb.com.