The Facebook Marketplace Quest: Did I Score or Fail?
Looking for a Bigger Printer Without the Big Price
I got back into 3D printing with my Bambu P1S not to long ago, and I love it—but the 3D printng addiction set in and I was already craving something a little bigger. Sure, I could’ve splurged on the OrangeStorm Giga, but let's be real—I didn’t have the cash or space for it. That’s when I turned to Facebook Marketplace. Buying used can be a game-changer, but it comes with its own set of risks. Did I find a hidden gem, or should I have bought new?
Let’s Talk Cost Savings (Or... Was It?)
When I found a used K1 Max for $400, I was pretty stoked. Brand new, this printer was $809, plus $66.75 in taxes and $30 shipping—so $905.75. With the current price of $679 adding in Taxes and Freight I would be at $765.02, my savings looked solid at $505.75 at the time and today still a solid $365.02. But was it really that simple? More on that later; first, lets talk about what I knew about this printer.
What I Knew Going In
After reviewing the sellers profile, reviewing the reviews on them, and deciding this was indeed a real person and not a scammer, I contacted the seller. The printer they had a catch: nothing was coming out of the hotend. The seller said it moved fine, the screen worked, and they’d printed a few things before it stopped extruding. Sounded like a clog in the extruder or hotend. Either way, I was pretty sure I could fix that.
The seller mentioned another buyer was interested but couldn’t pick it up until the weekend. If I came sooner, it was mine. Sales tactic? Maybe. But the price seemed fair, not too good to be true for secondhand, and the listing looked to check out.
PROS: The Upside of Going Secondhand
Price Negotiation – When it comes to Facebook Marketplace, a bit of price negotiations can save you a bit more. Just keep in mind, though, that if the item is hot, the seller might be holding out for full price—no hard feelings. However, If it’s been listed for a while, you’re in a prime position to get some additional savings.
Learning Opportunity – A used 3D printer is like a DIY kit you didn’t know you wanted. Secondhand printers are great for anyone who loves to tinker, troubleshoot, or learn by doing. Mods, repairs, and upgrades? All fair game. And it’s perfect if you want to let the kids run free with their own 3D printer to learn on. All without risking your shiny and well maintained machine. (Let them break this one in first!)
Ideal Timing – Here’s a tip: when a newer model drops, older models tend to become a little more abundant on the resale market. With the K2’s release, I saw a fair amount of people started unloading their K1 Max models recently, so you can score a deal on last season’s model for a little bit deeper discount.
No Surprises at the Doorstep – Buying locally means no shipping delays, no damage in transit, and no chance of a box full of bricks showing up at your front door. Plus, you get to inspect it firsthand. If a demo at the seller’s place isn’t possible, suggest a live video call to see the printer in action, and then work out a public meet-up . If they’re not willing to show it live, that’s a red flag for me. No Trust Me Bro here.
Eco-Friendly Choice – Buying secondhand isn’t just good for your wallet; it’s better for the environment too. You’re giving new life to a machine that might otherwise gather dust. My buddy Ryan over at R Ballard Designs used parts from a couple Enders he got secondhand and turned them into a Threaded Insert Press. Check out his video after this one—I’ll leave a link down below.
Cons: The Part They Don’t Tell You
Playing the Waiting Game – Finding the right printer at the right price doesn’t always happen overnight. You might spend days or even weeks, possibly months browsing listings and waiting for the ideal deal. Unlike buying new, where you just click “Add to Cart” and get it delivered, going secondhand requires patience—and quick reflexes when a good deal pops up.
Red Flags to Watch For – Not every deal is as good as it seems. Here are a few common scams and tips for avoiding them:
Payment Fraud: If a seller wants gift cards or cryptocurrency, that’s a red flag. These payment methods are nearly impossible to trace. I kept my search radius close so I could meet in person and pay with cash or a secure app. And here’s a pro tip: never send Bitcoin or gift cards to “hold” an item. MmKay
Non-Existent Products: Sometimes, if a deal is too good to be true, it’s because the item doesn’t actually exist. If a listing looks suspiciously cheap, insist on meeting in person in a public place to avoid getting tricked.
Misleading Listings: Some sellers post photos of a pristine printer, but when you see it, it’s a different story. Always ask for recent, close-up photos and, if possible, a video call of the printer running like mentioned earlier. Once there, I give it another good look over to confirm it’s in the condition advertised.
How to Protect Yourself:
Research the Seller: Check the seller’s profile for reviews, activity history, and any other items they’ve posted. A real, active profile is usually a good sign. If they’ve just joined Facebook or have very few details, that’s a red flag. Also review the people leaving reviews. Do they look like bot accounts? Do the reviews sound like real reviews or do they sound like they were created by AI?
Meet in Person: Meeting in a well-trafficked, public place ensures safety and gives you the chance to inspect the printer.
Be Skeptical of Unreal Deals: I know I already said this, but sometimes humans want to believe they stumbled onto the deal of a life time. If the price is way lower than other similar listings, there’s probably a reason. Its non-existent, Compare it with other local listings, and trust your gut—if it seems too good, it probably is.
Hidden Costs
Here’s where things get interesting—back to the money aspect of this purchase. Saving upfront is great, but hidden costs with used machines can add up fast if you’re not prepared. Once I got the printer home, I dove in, taking off the extruder and hotend, and sure enough, I found a little piece of plastic clogging up the extruder. Problem solved, right? I put it all back together, feeling pretty accomplished, and started printing. Things went smoothly… for a while.
Then, it happened. Another clog. I took everything apart again, thinking maybe I’d missed something. Turns out, this was actually the K1 Max V1, a version known for clogging issues. The real fix? A new extruder and a Unicorn hotend.
Those upgrades set me back $75.98, bringing my actual savings down to $429.76 compared to the original price. And with today’s lower prices on new models, that savings would drop to just $289.04—a $140.72 difference. Even with these upgrades, though, learning the ins and outs of this machine was priceless, and my wallet still came out on top.
Things to Keep in Mind
When buying used, there are a few key considerations. First, most printers won’t come with a manufacturer warranty or support, so you’re on the hook for any repairs. There’s also no return policy, meaning if the printer doesn’t meet your expectations, you’re taking a bit of a gamble. Be sure to check for missing parts or accessories—used items often lack minor (but essential) components that you’ll need to replace. Be prepared for some trial and error, and make sure you’re comfortable handling basic repairs or upgrades on your own.
Used Marketplaces: Worth the Gamble?
Was buying on Facebook Marketplace worth it? Absolutely—but only if you know what you’re getting into and do your due diligence. Secondhand marketplaces can be a bit sketchy, and while I ended up with a solid printer and a nice discount, there’s no guarantee you’ll get the same results. Even with research and skepticism, you can still get taken for a ride. Weigh the risks, decide what time and effort you’re willing to invest, and always remember: sometimes the real cost is more than what’s on the price tag!