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You never know what you’re going to find on sites like Facebook Marketplace and eBay. There could be a great deal on used electronics or a creepy doll that looks like it would make you the star of your very own, real-life horror film. There are plenty of people out there posting questionable ads on these sites, and no one knows that better than the members of “Uninspiring Adverts”.

Below, we’ve gathered some of the funniest and most bizarre offers that have been shared in this Facebook group for you pandas to enjoy. Be sure to upvote the ones you can’t imagine anyone actually purchasing, and keep reading to find an interview with Owen Dawson, the group’s creator.

To learn more about how the fascinating world of Uninspiring Adverts came to be, we reached out to the group’s creator, Owen Dawson, and he was kind enough to have a chat with us. “In September 2017, I was a new father with all the irregular sleeping patterns and lack of time that entails. Facebook was my escape; I used Marketplace quite a lot for second hand baby stuff but quickly found myself distracted by the weird and bad quality ads that kept popping up on my feed,” he told Bored Panda

“I started Uninspiring Adverts mostly for my own amusement, thinking a few friends would be tickled by the ads I shared, but it grew rapidly from the start, so I guess it struck a chord!” Owen continued. “I think creating something that makes people smile is one of the most positive things anyone can do, so I'm delighted that so many people are enjoying it. I do have a lovely team of admins as well who help keep the group a friendly and funny corner of the web.” The group has certainly been a success, amassing an impressive 45k members over the past few years.

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#4

People-Selling-Goods-Online-Uninspiring-Adverts

Mike Heffernan Report

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Mavis
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like it. Also I'd advise the boyfriend to leave. Her attitude sucks.

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#5

People-Selling-Goods-Online-Uninspiring-Adverts

Owen Dawson Report

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SmartBaby
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have so many questions: 1. Why is the guy shirtless 2. Why is there a woman crying in the corner 3. Is she crying because he’s selling the tommy girl? 4. Is her name tommy? 5. Wtf is wrong with his facial expression

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We were also curious what the community of Uninspiring Adverts is like. “About 25% of the membership actively posts ads and comments/reacts,” Owen told Bored Panda. “We have a core of about 50 or so ‘regular UAers’ who have been with us since the early days. Generally, the members share the same rather ‘British’ sense of humor. They appreciate irony, wordplay, wit and surrealism, so seem to enjoy the group on those terms. Ads range from mildly amusing typos or misspellings, to the outright jaw dropping bizarre. You never know what's going to be waiting on the approval list next!”

Owen also broke down the several components that make for the perfect “uninspiring ad”. “Ideally, it should be for a low value or poor quality item and include a blurry or irrelevant photo,” he explained. “The description should have several spelling and grammatical errors, and an unrealistically high price tag. Bonus points if the seller confidently announces ‘I know what I've got.’ Ads for used clothing should state 'Never worn’ whilst accompanied by a photo of the garment clearly being worn. Elite level ads will offer buyers the chance to remove some awkward or large item from the seller's property (such as a derelict shed) that would otherwise be disposed of at a municipal tip, and pay them for the privilege.”

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“The Holy Grail of UA, though, is a single ad featuring a ‘Chester Draws,’ ‘Nester Tables,’ ‘Otter Man’ and 'Walldrope’,” Owen shared. “We have a standing prize offer for anyone who posts that ad. A few have come close but so far, no joy. My own favorite ad was for a dog walking service, but a rather unfortunate typo gave it a whole different meaning. I can't really elaborate, but if you are British or Australian, you'll know why I still chuckle about it to this day.”

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“Like so many things, the Internet and social media have democratized the art of sales and marketing, which are otherwise skilled and complex sectors to operate in,” Owen told Bored Panda. “I guess everyone thinks they're an entrepreneur now, and why not? If you can persuade someone to part with £30 for your ‘TABEL WITH 1 LEG MiSSING’ then good on you. Business is business.”

#14

People-Selling-Goods-Online-Uninspiring-Adverts

Al Bigg Report

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Tucker Cahooter
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good thing they said "one of a kind", I hate to think there was another one like this around the place

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In a previous Bored Panda article discussing Facebook Marketplace, we reached out to Olivia White, an Australian entrepreneur, mother, and speaker, who has detailed on her blog how she was able to make $15,000 selling items on Marketplace. As far as Olivia’s experiences on the platform go, she says they’ve been mostly positive. “We’ve sold so much over the last few years, especially through growing children and moving/renovating houses!” she told Bored Panda. “It’s been a great tool for both selling and buying. We’ve sold cars, baby furniture, even our shed we were knocking down, we sold and had taken away! Really, you just need to give it a go, as you never know what people see value in!”

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#18

People-Selling-Goods-Online-Uninspiring-Adverts

Jackie Holmes Report

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brodie
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i’m assuming that “beds” does not mean “bedrooms” in the listing..

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We also previously asked Olivia if she has ever encountered anything particularly shocking on Marketplace. “Of course, there are always going to be some dodgy dealings, like counterfeit products and scams, but I think the rule always needs to be, ‘If it seems too good to be true? It likely is!’” she shared.

#20

People-Selling-Goods-Online-Uninspiring-Adverts

Chris Sulman Report

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Mavis
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm glad they have the certificate of ownership....I don't want to be buying no s**t.

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#21

People-Selling-Goods-Online-Uninspiring-Adverts

Rob Tatton Report

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Clay S.
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one of those people who hoarded toilet paper at the start of the pandemic?

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As far as why people attempt to sell ridiculous things on Facebook Marketplace, Olivia says, “I think sometimes people are obviously taking the piss and bit, but sometimes I truly believe that some people are looking to make a few bucks anyway they can. And you kind of can’t blame them for having a crack? I do find the ludicrous items pretty funny though!”

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#22

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Mickety McSpangle Report

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Seamus Crumley
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is there really a market for a pope cutter? There is only one around at a time.

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We also asked Olivia if she had any tips for people interested in using the platform. “I think if you're serious, you need to communicate that to your audience and give as much information up front, and be quick to respond and help potential buyers and encourage confidence!” she previously told Bored Panda. “Take good photos, declare any defections or issues, and state your terms and conditions upfront. Facebook Marketplace is a wonderful tool, easy to use and free, making it accessible to everyone!” she added.

Are these photos making you interested in using online platforms like Facebook Marketplace yourself? You might not find what you’re looking for, but you’ll definitely come across something you weren’t expecting! Keep upvoting the adverts you find most uninspiring, and let us know in the comments what the worst ads you’ve ever seen online were. Then, if you’re interested in viewing another Bored Panda list featuring ads online that have threatening auras, you can find that article right here

#28

People-Selling-Goods-Online-Uninspiring-Adverts

Helen Price Report

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Peppy
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This isn’t an argument, it’s just a series of contradictory statements.

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#29

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Jen Dabinett Report

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Ember
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have so many questions. Why is the picture sideways? Where are the dresses? Who the heck is Chester?

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#36

People-Selling-Goods-Online-Uninspiring-Adverts

Lisa Jane Report

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Seamus Crumley
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not better than coming home from work and cuddling up to a nice wooden rug.

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#37

People-Selling-Goods-Online-Uninspiring-Adverts

Flora Cate Report

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Seamus Crumley
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Buy these and you know that youv'e been 'Brianed'. Shiny moon boots.

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Tim Anderson
Community Member
12 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's what happens when people use speech to text and don't proofread.

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L hill
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I dont care if you cant spell gooder than most, those shoes are awesome!

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Must Be Bored Again
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not brand new. Big scrape on right one, both have creases at the ankle area.

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David Gripon
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If those are women's, I think they're cute. If those are men's, on the other hand...

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#38

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Shelly Bridden Report

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Tucker Cahooter
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is wood hideously expensive in the UK or is this guy having a laugh? Still, nice mix of imperial and metric measurements in the description.

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#40

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Flora Cate Report

Note: this post originally had 64 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.