Facebook Marketplace is a hub for collectors of all kinds. Rare Pokémon cards, adult magazines from the '70s, or even some guy's ex-girlfriend's abstract art — whatever tickles your dopamine receptors, Facebook Marketplace probably has it.
And if you're a plant-lover who has graduated from ZZ plants and succulents, Marketplace is a treasure trove of exotic, few-of-a-kind finds, as Newmarket resident Bionca Hansel can attest.
"It's super hard to find rare plants anywhere other than Marketplace or independent plant boutiques now," she said. "Private collectors will buy really expensive plants and then sell cuttings from it [on Marketplace]. Sometimes they'll list them as a plant purge and you go through all the pictures and you'll find some super rare beauties for a fraction of what you would normally pay. It seems to be the cheapest avenue and I find the most rewarding."
Hansel, who started using the platform when it launched in 2016, was initially drawn to it because of the porch pickup option offered by many sellers, but stayed on because of the built-in sense of camaraderie.
"You meet a lot of independent collectors through Marketplace," she said. "We tell each other, 'Oh you're looking for this plant? I just saw that this person has it on Marketplace.' And then kind of keep in the loop with each other."
But you have to be wary of what you're buying because not every seller will accept a return. To curtail buyer's remorse, Hansel recommends asking sellers the uncomfortable questions: Why are you selling this plant? Has it been treated for pests? Can I see additional pictures?
Still, pesky things can happen.
"I had my eyes set on this Alocasia Cuprea for over a year. And it's the most metallic, beautiful, majestic plant on the face of the planet. It was $200 at the nursery," said Hansel. "I ended up finding one a year later on Marketplace for $75. I went to go pick it up and we met up at a gas station. I hopped back into my car and I'm freaking out looking at. The thing was vibrating with thrips. It was horrific."
She explained to the buyer that she couldn't risk infecting her other plants with thrips — an invasive garden pest that can scar houseplants and stunt their growth. Fortunately, the seller agreed to pick up the infected plant the next day. It was a close call that illustrates the importance of inspecting the item you're buying before taking it home.
"She could have very well been like, 'Well, it's yours now, it's not my problem.' So, it could have been very bad, but thankfully, she was really good about it."
Hansel also sells plants and cuttings on Marketplace. She swears by certain stipulations when selling, such as email money transfer (EMT) only, no holds, no delivery and porch pickup.
"Set your boundaries right off the bat or you'll end up having three-week-long conversations with 21 people who will end up ghosting you," she said. "Obviously, prioritize your safety at all times and never give your address until the item has been paid for and a rough idea of the pickup time and date is determined."
When you buy a plant or cutting from Hansel, she includes a handwritten note with specific care instructions, penned charmingly in coloured marker. It is a simple and thoughtful touch that, in some cases, has paved the way for wholesome encounters.
"I meet a lot of really great friends through [Marketplace]. We end up hanging out, our kids know each other, we'll spend a Sunday going to local nurseries," she said. "But you'll definitely get the odd creeper."
In her early days on Marketplace, Hansel encountered a buyer who, after purchasing an item from her, returned to her home with stuffed animals.
"He's like, 'I left you a whole bunch of toys on your doorstop for your children from my children,'" she said. "He kept messaging me and I was getting super nervous. It went on for a good month. I was wondering how this guy didn't run out of teddy bears."
The takeaway: ask first, before dropping off an army of teddy bears on a stranger's doorstep. Or, you know, keep the plushies to yourself.
