Social media giant Facebook has been actively hiding and deleting aquatic selling pages because they go against their Community Standards, writes Jeremy Gay.
In section six of their Commerce Policies it states that posts may not promote the sale of any animals. This includes live animals, pets, livestock or any part, pelt or skin from an animal, including fur.
The implications for the fishkeeper is that you can’t sell your fish or corals on Facebook anymore, so all the hundreds or thousands of buy/sell/swap aquatic pages have to ban and remove all posts relating to selling livestock or face deletion.
And if after all that work it still deems your page or group to be in breach, it will delete it anyway.
One user was sent this message: We reviewed your group. As it still went against our Community Standards, we deleted it. Another user posted that they built up a group over five years, with 6000 members, and that the group, and all its content, had gone. A large group may be impossible for the admins to clean up.
Retailers
Aquatic retailers remain unclear as to where they stand regarding the ruling. One said that they were ok because they had a business page and a license to sell livestock, while another with exactly the same thing stated that now they were not allowed to post a picture of a fish from their store with a price, as that was deemed selling livestock on facebook.
He added that he could show the fish and a link to his website, or that it was available in store, however.
One retailer commented that it was a good thing, as it would “kill off smaller shed sellers and home sellers using Facebook as a tool.” Also that it would push people back into forums. Another said that he didn’t know 100% how it would affect things, but for bricks and mortar shops it would be a good thing.
So for the lay fishkeeper selling some livebearer fry or an overgrown pleco on their local aquatic page is no longer possible. And those trying to sell anything fish related on Facebook Marketplace may also find that just by mentioning the word fish, even if listing an empty fish tank, can result in the post going for review, and maybe even a failed appeal.
Several coral selling groups are also being targeted.
FAQs
Can't find your favourite facebook fish selling page? Facebook may have deleted it! Social media giant Facebook has been actively hiding and deleting aquatic selling pages because they go against their Community Standards, writes Jeremy Gay.
Why can't I sell fish on Facebook? ›
POLICY. Listings may not promote the buying or selling of animals or animal products, or land in ecological conservation areas.
Why did I lose access to Facebook Marketplace? ›
Only approved items can be sold on Facebook Marketplace. Listing unapproved items will cause your access to be removed. Learn what can't be sold on Facebook Marketplace. If you see “There are issues with your product” next to your listing, it wasn't approved because it goes against our policies.
How do I restore Facebook Marketplace? ›
To unblock Marketplace on Facebook, you must first submit an appeal to Facebook. After the appeal is received, Facebook will review the account and decide if you are allowed to use the Marketplace feature. If the appeal is accepted, you will then be able to access the Marketplace feature again.
Why can't I find Facebook Marketplace? ›
If your home address on your Facebook profile is set to a country that isn't supported, the Facebook Marketplace icon doesn't appear. You're in an unsupported country. Traveling to a country that isn't supported by Facebook Marketplace may also cause the option to disappear from the Facebook site and apps.
How do I sell fish on Facebook? ›
Facebook Groups
While you can't sell fish directly on Facebook , you can join aquarium hobby groups that are specific to your region.
How do I post fish on Facebook Marketplace? ›
TL;DR. No, you can no longer sell fish or aquarium livestock on Facebook.
What is going on with Facebook 2024? ›
In 2024, Facebook plans to further expand its VR and AR offerings with new features that will likely revolutionize the way people use Facebook. As AR and VR become more prevalent, businesses need to consider how they can use these technologies to engage with followers and customers.
Is Facebook Marketplace connected to your Facebook account? ›
All you need to start selling on Facebook Marketplace is an active Facebook account. It's really that simple! If you would like to offer shipping on your listings, you need to take the extra step of entering your payment and shipping information.
How do I get unbanned from Facebook Marketplace? ›
To appeal a ban, first review Facebook's Commerce Policies to ensure that you understand the rules. If you believe the ban is a mistake, look for a notification from Facebook that includes an “Appeal” or “Request Review” option and follow the prompts to submit your appeal.
Many users are receiving an error when they try to access Facebook Marketplace. Facebook gives them a message that says "Marketplace Isn't Available to You" accompanied by an additional message that explains "You may be seeing this message if you recently joined Facebook, if Marketplace hasn't launched in your country, ...
Why does Facebook not allow animal sales? ›
“As we strive to protect the welfare of animals against illicit trades, we cannot always ensure their safety in a peer-to-peer transaction,” a Facebook spokesperson said. “We have updated our policies to continue to keep both people and animals safe.”
What products Cannot be sold on Facebook? ›
Weapons, ammunition or explosives. Animals. Illegal, prescription or recreational drugs. Medical or healthcare products.
How do I sell my fish online? ›
The Best Way to Sell Fish Online
Run an Ecwid store on your own website, on popular social media platforms, or through marketplaces like Amazon or eBay. Open your very own Instant Site in just a few minutes or simply add a “Buy Now” button to your blog.
What is prohibited to sell on Facebook? ›
No item for sale: Anything that isn't a physical product for sale shouldn't be listed on Marketplace. For example, "in search of" posts, lost and found posts, jokes and news aren't allowed. Services: Selling services (example: house cleaning) on Marketplace isn't allowed.
