If a seller uses the "Contact Merchant" checkout method on their Facebook page, it means customers cannot complete their purchases directly on Facebook or Instagram. Instead, customers must contact the seller (usually via Messenger or other messaging methods) to finalize the purchase. This method requires manual handling of the checkout process by the seller, as payment processing and order management do not happen within the Meta platforms. Furthermore, as of June 2025, Meta is phasing out native checkout on Facebook and Instagram shops. Most sellers will transition to redirecting customers to their own websites for checkout rather than completing purchases within Meta's ecosystem. This shift favors sellers managing their own payment processing and customer service outside Facebook, including those who choose the "Contact Merchant" checkout option. Key points about using "Contact Merchant" checkout on a Facebook page:
- Customers initiate purchase conversations by messaging the seller instead of paying on Facebook.
- Sellers handle payment, shipping, and customer service independently.
- This checkout method is part of the broader shift by Meta to reduce on-platform transaction processing, directing buyers to external websites or direct contact for purchases.
- Sellers retain product discovery features on Facebook but do not complete transactions on the platform.
