Facebook is reportedly testing a feature which allows users to buy and sell items directly within the app, similar to Gumtree and OLX.
The Messenger icon at the bottom of the iPhone Facebook app has been replaced with a 'Local Markets' icon for some users in Auckland, New Zealand, Melbourne, and Sydney.
Users have not been happy with the change and have flocked to Twitter to express their irritation.
Sarah Wu tweeted: "I highly dislike your 'local market' tab which replaces messenger on the iPhone app ? it's really inconvenient."
Scruff tweeted to Facebook: "This local market thing is my least favourite update yet. Why must you keep making it more annoying to access inbox?"
Last year, Facebook forced users to download a separate Messenger app if they wanted to continue accessing messages from Facebook friends. This could be an attempt to further separate the two apps and make them completely standalone.
Sean O'Kane tweeted: "Just noticed the #Facebook 'local market' ? not sure if this will have more people buying/selling stuff, or downloading the messenger app!"
The 1.5 billion-member social network is already being used to buy and sell items on personal profiles and dedicated 'selling' community groups.
The Local Markets feature appears to draw content from these groups and categorises them into different sections, such as clothing and household.
TechCrunch reported the feature did not stay live for some users and reverted back to Messenger after two hours.
In October, in an effort to move further into e-commerce and compete with Amazon's retail offerings, Facebook announced it would start testing several ad features that allow users to shop directly through its app.
"We're looking to give people an easier way to find products that will be interesting to them on mobile, make shopping easier and help businesses drive sales," said Emma Rodgers, Facebook's head of product marketing for commerce.
Facebook has not given a date as to when the feature will be open to all users in all regions. However, a spokesperson told TechCrunch: "We are in the very early stages of testing new ways for more people to easily discover, buy, and sell items with other people on Facebook."
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