Facebook Shops, now simply called Shops, is an e-commerce tool aimed at small businesses selling directly through the platform.
Don’t get this confused with Facebook Marketplace – Shops is an established selling platform that you can even link to your Instagram.
If you’re ready to sell but can’t scale, Facebook Shops might be a great place to start. Selling on Facebook has the advantage of being simple to do, with an instant, natural connection to your customer base.
The UK is currently in an open beta for Facebook Shops, which means that not every feature will be available.
What are Facebook Shops – is it a Facebook Store?
Facebook Shops is a mobile-first online shopping service. It lets businesses create an online shop for free on a platform many are already familiar with.
an online shop for free on a platform many are already familiar with.
That level of familiarity goes for customers too – the Facebook shopping experience for customers is natural, from a brand they’re already engaged with.
You’ll also be able to answer questions and support your customers by connecting your shop to WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram.
Facebook Shops: 2026 update
Facebook has phased out its in‑app checkout option – which may have previously been available to you depending on your shop’s region. As of September 2025, you’ll need to have updated your checkout method to an alternative method (such as your own website).
You can update your checkout method to a website by adding a checkout URL in the Commerce Manager section. Make sure you also update any copy that mentions you can buy without leaving Facebook directly.
Are there any Facebook Shop fees?
It’s currently free to create a Facebook Shop. Once you start selling, Facebook may charge ‘selling fees’, which include things like taxes and the cost of payment processing.
How to set up a shop on Facebook (your new Facebook selling page)
Setting up is easy, especially if you already have a Facebook for Business account. You’ll create your shop using Facebook’s Commerce Manager so you can manage inventory and sales.
To open a shop Facebook, follow these simple steps and get to know the tools and features:
- Open your Facebook for Business page
- Next you’ll need to choose your checkout methods (people can either message you to buy, or go straight to a linked website)
- Go to the Create your Shop page
- Select your business account (or create a new one)
- Choose the catalogue you want to use (if you don’t already have one, Facebook will create it automatically)
- Add your delivery information and speeds
- Publish your shop – people will be able to see it once it’s been through Facebook’s review and approval process
What’s the advantage of Facebook Shops?
Facebook Shops is a good option for many small businesses just starting out online. Shops:
- has been set up with small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in mind
- is a mobile-first shopping experience (focusing on the smartphone)
- lets you start selling your products online to a ready-made audience you’ve worked hard to engage
- allows small businesses to experiment with online retail and sell without going through a complicated set-up with a new provider
- lets you use the tools you already know and trust – including Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger
Boosting your Facebook Shop
One way you can boost traffic to your Facebook Shop is to create clickable Facebook ads. These will direct shoppers directly to your Facebook Shop, or your business website – based on where Meta thinks you’ll get more conversions.
You can create your ads through Meta Ads Manager. Check out our full guide to advertising on Facebook to get started.
Can I use Instagram Shops in the UK?
You can also sell your products on Instagram Shops, also owned by Meta. Our step-by-step guide to selling on Instagram explains how to make your posts ‘shoppable’.
More useful guides for small business owners
- Do I need a PayPal business account for my small business?
- How to sell on Facebook marketplace: small business tips
- How to sell on Instagram: step-by-step
- How to take payments online
- A quick guide to selling on Amazon in the UK
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