The Dawn of Real Facebook eCommerce

Facebook is set to begin testing an expansion of its Gift Shop, for third-party developers to begin selling items to users for Facebook’s virtual currency. The really interesting part about this is that these developers can sell physical merchandise, not just Facebook gifts.

The web has been waiting for this concept to come. Earlier this year, Facebook was rumored to begin testing a payments system that would compete with entities like PayPal and Google Checkout. Then they hired none other than Prashant Fuloria, former Director of Product Management for Google Checkout. Inside Facebook’s Justin Smith reports:

Here’s how it will work: gifts created by developers will be integrated into the Facebook Gift Shop alongside regular Facebook virtual gifts, marked with the developer’s logo or icon. In the case of virtual gifts, the price will usually be 10 Facebook Credits or USD $1, the same price as most virtual gifts created by Facebook. However, physical gifts – for instance, say a dozen roses – might cost up to 500 Facebook Credits, or USD $50. When users select a physical gift, they’ll be prompted to enter the delivery address in line, just like in a traditional shopping cart experience.

All signs point to this leading to a much larger eCommerce phenomenon. Facebook just may corner the market on gift giving in the not too distant future, not to mention just item buying. Facebook apps are going to start looking a lot more appealing to online retailers. Consider the portability of Facebook in products like Facebook Connect, the fan box, etc. Something tells me we’re going to see a lot of Facebook shopping.

I can see it now: "Checkout on Facebook – You’re already logged in."

A lot of web users are already spending an absurd amount of time on Facebook. The ability to shop from Facebook is going to make the time spent with the social network increase that much more. Add to the mix, Facebook’s extremely targeted brand of advertising that serves ads based on user profile information. Things are going to get really interesting on Facebook.

Facebook’s new changes went live last night for some users. It remains to be seen when they will be available to all.

There are 10 Comments. Add Yours.

Wholesale Blank T Shirts
August 20, 2009 at 9:49 pm

Wow, that’s very interesting. I do agree the exposure and access points that are already in place for facebook should make it successful and very quick indeed. Soon to come on Facebook shopping Wholesale T Shirts and Hoodies.
Belly Bars
August 22, 2009 at 5:58 am

It’s a great idea, I can see it taking off with the physical products – although I’m struggling to understand why anyone would waste money buying ‘virtual’ gifts to give to their Facebook contacts?
Rich
August 23, 2009 at 4:18 pm

This is exciting for anyone promoting causes and trying to solicit opportunities for improved fund raising strategies. With all of the linkages in place the user can be targeted and the process of supporting the cause can be effective and efficient without ever leaving the facbook environment. Rich with http://www.shltertheworld.com
Brian
August 24, 2009 at 11:31 am

I can see the possibility of an anti-trust lawsuit down the road…
Custom Lapel Pins
August 24, 2009 at 1:13 pm

It is a great way to monetize on the amount of traffic they have. I would use it. Not having to type in any payment info, as long as you trust the company that is handling it.
It seems the next big brother is Facebook and not Google.
BatikAndHandicrafts.com
August 25, 2009 at 6:41 am

Hope fb don’t charge too much like ebay…or it just won’t work
Tongue Bars
January 1, 2010 at 10:33 pm

I actually received a paid gift on FB. I don’t get it either. Great way for FaceBook to cash in on peoples addictions but seriously. Come on people, wake up!
Amish
April 26, 2010 at 5:16 am

This is really a great news for people who want to utilize facebook as shopping tool, i love to use going forward for my client . its actually a real use of social networking….thanks for update
Sam
July 30, 2010 at 6:07 pm

I hope it’s like eBay where anyone can sell through it. I would be a seller. So many people are addicted to facebook
yoursurprise-bellatio-4
December 3, 2011 at 1:44 am

Hi there would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re working with? I’m going to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a tough time deciding between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique. P.S Sorry for getting off-topic but I had to ask!