To find out more about this wild Instagram page, we got in touch with the account’s creator, Michael. He was kind enough to have a chat with Bored Panda and explain how this journey began in the first place.
“So, Marketplace Doubletakes started out as a way to stave off boredom during the COVID pandemic lockdowns,” Michael shared. “I've always been an avid thrifter, lover of weird things, and collector (...and occasional reseller). And scrolling through Facebook Marketplace, finding the most insane things I could find and posting about them kept me going during that time, and it just kind of stuck with me.”
“The popularity of the page still surprises me to this day, as it was never expected to get this big, but I'm really grateful to see and hear from so many like-minded people that like the same crazy things I like,” the creator shared.
At the moment, Marketplace Doubletakes has over 38K followers, and Michael has posted over 3,600 amusing screenshots.
When it comes to why people sell items like these on Facebook Marketplace, Michael says there are a variety of reasons. “I think, in this day and age, many many people look for side hustles and ways to make a little extra cash. And Facebook Marketplace is a relatively low effort, free place to do that and tap into the perceived values of things people already have that they are trying to get rid of for one reason or another,” the creator shared.
“There's hundreds of sites to sell and resell things, but I think Facebook Marketplace is the most accessible platform for its aging users,” Michael told Bored Panda. “For me and my content, I find that Marketplace isn't full of dedicated resellers that do full on research, post a million pictures, can ship all over the world, and post 50 things a day.”
“Facebook Marketplace is mainly populated by people that just want to clear out an attic or get rid of [stuff] but have this inclination they can make a buck on it as well, and don't do a lot of research and don't want to ship things,” the creator explained. “And for me, there's more genuine reality to be found in the postings that I target for my content. Marketplace sellers are as successful as other resellers on other platforms I believe, and although it can be a great hassle at times, making any sale is a great motivator."
Next, we asked the creator if he was partial to any of the items he’s posted about.
“I have so many favorites. It's honestly hard to choose because everything I post I do honestly find amusing in some way,” Michael says.
He even noted that he’s purchased things he’s posted before and is always happy to share links to items for those that are interested. “I want to see crazy things fall into the hands of those that appreciate them. If I had endless money, I might buy everything I post.”
