Looking to clear out the garage, hunt down a deal, or sell a car without the weekend tyre-kickers? trademe is where Kiwis do it. This guide walks you through how Trade Me works, what to list (and what to skip), how to stay safe, and the smart moves that help both buyers and sellers get better results.
What is
Trade Me is New Zealand’s biggest online marketplace and classifieds platform. It brings together auctions, fixed-price listings, and classifieds for motors, property, jobs, and general items in one place. People use trademe to buy second-hand gear, snap up new products from local businesses, and find a flat, car, or role.
At its core, Trade Me is built on trust and transparency: public Q&A on listings, a visible feedback system, and clear rules around what can be sold. You get local reach, NZ-first features, and tools designed for quick sales and safe transactions.
How it works
For buyers
- Search and filter: Narrow by location, price, condition, and category. Save searches to get alerts.
- Watchlist: Track items and monitor price changes or new bids.
- Bidding and Buy Now: Place a bid, set an auto-bid (proxy bidding), or grab it instantly with Buy Now if available.
- Questions: Ask about condition, pickup times, shipping, or extra photos. Q&A is public to help everyone.
- Payment and delivery: Sellers set accepted methods (e.g., card via Trade Me’s payment tools, bank transfer, or cash on pickup) and shipping or pickup options.
- Feedback: Rate the seller and describe your experience. This helps others choose confidently.
For sellers
- Create a listing: Choose auction, fixed price, or classified (for cars, property, and jobs).
- Photos and detail: Clear images, honest descriptions, and accurate condition notes drive trust and higher prices.
- Pricing: Set a realistic start price or reserve. Use Buy Now if you want a faster sale.
- Shipping and pickup: Offer fair courier rates, combined shipping where possible, and reliable pickup windows.
- Fees: Trade Me charges listing and success fees that vary by category and format. Optional upgrades (featured, bold, gallery) cost extra.
- Payment options: Enable Trade Me’s supported payment tools or allow bank transfer and pickup. More options usually mean faster payment.
- After the sale: Pack securely, send tracking promptly, and leave fair feedback.
Step-by-step: listing your first item
- Sign in to trademe and go to Sell.
- Pick a category that exactly matches your item.
- Write a clear title with brand, model, and key details buyers search for.
- Add sharp, well-lit photos from multiple angles.
- Describe condition honestly; note any flaws and what’s included.
- Choose auction or fixed price; set a realistic start/reserve or Buy Now.
- Select payment methods and shipping/pickup options with accurate costs.
- Preview your listing; fix typos and check fees before you publish.
- Respond quickly to questions and update the listing if details change.
- When it sells, confirm payment, ship promptly, and share tracking.
Types / examples
General items
Everyday goods—from phones and laptops to furniture, baby gear, clothing, tools, and collectibles. Popular examples: a used iPhone with original box, a dining table with chairs, retro vinyl records, or a mountain bike with service history.
Motors
Cars, utes, vans, motorbikes, boats, and parts. Listings usually include VIN/rego, service records, and high-resolution photos. Many motors listings are classified format to allow inspections and test drives.
Property
Flats to rent, houses for sale, rooms, and flatmates wanted. Photos, floor plans, and open-home times help buyers and renters assess quickly.
Jobs
Permanent roles, temp work, and gigs across NZ. Employers can target local talent; jobseekers can set up alerts for new posts.
Special interest categories
- Antiques and art: Provenance and close-up images matter.
- Tickets and events: Check rules; name changes or transfer methods must be explained.
- Handmade and local businesses: New products with clear returns and warranty info.
Note: trademe has restricted and prohibited items. Always check category rules before listing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- NZ-focused audience: Your buyer or seller is often in your city or region.
- Auctions plus fixed price: Sell fast with Buy Now or let the market decide.
- Trust signals: Feedback, public Q&A, and seller history reduce guesswork.
- Good discovery: Search, filters, watchlists, and saved alerts bring the right eyeballs.
- Flexible payments and delivery: Card, bank transfer, pickup, or tracked courier.
Cons
- Fees: Success and upgrade fees impact margins, especially on low-value items.
- Competition: Popular categories can be crowded; weak listings get buried.
- Time commitment: Photos, questions, packing, and shipping take effort.
- Risk with off-platform deals: Moving the deal outside Trade Me removes protections.
How to use or choose
Choose the right format
- Auction: Best for unique or collectible items where demand may push price up. Use a fair start price to attract bids.
- Fixed price (Buy Now only): Ideal for common items with known value or when you want a quick sale.
- Classified: Use for cars, property, and jobs where you need inspections, applications, or viewings.
Price and timing tips
- Research sold listings on trademe to see real market prices.
- End auctions when your audience is online (evenings, Sunday night often works).
- For bulky items, factor pickup convenience into price; buyers pay for easy logistics.
Photos and descriptions that sell
- Natural light, uncluttered background, and close-ups of any flaws.
- State model numbers, dimensions, colour, and what’s included (cables, receipts, boxes).
- Answer common questions in the description to reduce back-and-forth.
Shipping and pickup
- Offer tracked courier for most items; provide tracking as soon as you have it.
- Be clear about rural delivery surcharges and packaging quality.
- For pickup, share a safe, public location and a narrow time window to avoid no-shows.
Payments and safety
- Use Trade Me’s supported payment options where possible; keep messages and payment confirmations on-platform.
- Avoid accepting cheques or unusual payment requests.
- Never ship before funds clear. For high-value items, consider pickup with payment at handover.
Become a trusted seller
- Respond within hours, not days. Fast replies win sales.
- Ship when you say you will and update tracking without being asked.
- Leave fair feedback and resolve issues quickly and politely.
When you’re buying
- Check the seller’s feedback and how they respond to questions.
- Use your watchlist and auto-bid to avoid overbidding in the last seconds.
- Read the listing closely: warranty status, return policy, and included accessories.
- Meet in a public place for pickups; inspect thoroughly before paying.
trademe vs other ways to buy and sell
| Platform | Best for | Fees | Buyer protection | Payments | Reach in NZ | Auctions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trade Me (trademe) | Wide range: general items, motors, property, jobs | Listing/success fees; optional upgrades | Eligible purchases may be covered when you follow site rules | Trade Me-supported options, bank transfer, pickup | Very strong, NZ-focused | Yes |
| Facebook Marketplace | Local pickups, bulky items, quick flips | Usually free to list | Limited; mostly user-to-user trust | Cash, bank transfer, third-party apps | Strong, but discovery can be noisy | No |
| Neighbourly / local groups | Neighbourhood giveaways, low-value items | Free | None | Cash or bank transfer | Local only | No |
FAQ
Is trademe safe?
Trade Me is widely used and has strong visibility features like feedback and public Q&A. Use on-platform payments where offered, keep messages in Trade Me, and avoid off-platform deals. For pickups, choose public places and check items carefully before paying.
How do fees work?
Trade Me charges listing and success fees that vary by category and format. Upgrades such as featured listings or extra promotions cost more. Check the fees page before you list; build fees into your pricing, especially for low-margin items.
What payment options can I use?
Options are set by the seller and can include Trade Me-supported payments, bank transfer, and cash on pickup. Using approved methods can help eligibility for Trade Me’s buyer protections. Always confirm payment instructions within Trade Me messages.
What is Buyer Protection?
Trade Me’s Buyer Protection may cover eligible purchases when you use approved payments and follow on-platform processes. It’s not a blanket guarantee. Read the policy to understand what’s covered, timeframes, and what documentation you’ll need if something goes wrong.
How do I avoid scams?
- Be wary of offers to complete the deal off-platform.
- Check feedback and how long the account has been active.
- If the price looks too good to be true, compare with recent sales.
- Use tracked shipping and keep receipts and message records.
Auction or Buy Now—what should I choose?
Choose auction for unique or high-demand items where bidding could lift the price. Choose Buy Now for common goods with a known value or when speed matters. If unsure, list as an auction with a Buy Now price to cover both bases.
Can I sell as a business?
Yes. Many NZ retailers and makers use trademe to reach local buyers. If you’re a trader, be upfront about GST, returns, and warranties. Businesses must comply with NZ consumer law, including the Consumer Guarantees Act and Fair Trading Act.
What shipping options work best?
Tracked courier is the default for most items. For fragile or heavy goods, add padding and double-box if needed. For oversized items, consider pickup or a freight service and be clear about costs before the sale.
How do disputes get resolved?
Start by messaging the other party politely and clearly. If that fails, use Trade Me’s help and resolution tools. Provide evidence: photos, tracking, and message history. Acting quickly improves outcomes.
Any quick wins to boost my sale price?
- Use keywords buyers actually search for in the title (brand, model, size).
- End auctions in the evening when more Kiwis are online.
- Bundle accessories and offer combined shipping to sweeten the deal.
- Enable a fast payment option for instant Buy Now conversions.
Final thoughts
trademe works because it matches NZ buyers and sellers with speed, trust, and clear rules. Keep details honest, respond quickly, ship well, and stick to on-platform tools. Do that, and you’ll find Trade Me is still the simplest way to turn clutter into cash—and someone else’s cast-offs into your next great find.