Safe buying and selling

Trade safely and legally. Find essential advice on buyer rights, secure payments, and listing best practices to keep every transaction ethical.

Seller best practice

Best practice for honest sellers. Avoid misleading claims, use images legally, and comply with all safety and restricted product lists.

Left to right: Apple AirPods, a box of Band-Aids, Chapstick, Twink.
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Do you know these trademarked brand names?

Many names we use for items are trademarked brand names. Find out about some common ones and how to use them correctly.

25 August 2023

Black and white, low exposure photo of a person using a laptop.
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Copyright: What it means for you as a seller

Owning and distributing unlicensed copies of music and videos is illegal – even if you're not selling them.

8 June 2023

Know your rights

Trade with peace of mind. Find out how you're protected, from parallel import rules to what to do if an item isn't quite right.

Black shop awning signs with white writing, for ceramic tiles, souvenir shop and a yellow sign with black writing  "Genuine fake watches"
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What can I do if I've been sold a fake?

Trade Me doesn't allow the sale of fake items. Find out what to do if you’ve bought a fake.

11 December 2024

Children and infant items

Keeping the little ones safe. Check the safety standards and rules for selling or buying car seats, cots, and kids' clothing.

Child car seat safety. Image shows a car seat on a blue background
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How to safely list a child's car seat restraint

Find out what the rules are when selling used children's car seats, and what to look for as a buyer.

1 August 2025

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Play it safe: A seller’s guide to toy safety

If you’re selling toys, it's your responsibility to make sure they're safe and meet New Zealand's legal requirements

8 September 2025

cot safety guide
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Selling a baby cot? Here's how to list it safe and sound

If you’re looking to sell a new or used household baby cot, there are some crucial safety standards you need to meet.

17 September 2025

A black micathermic heater on a circular yellow plinth and yellow background
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Fire safety: How safe is your child's nightwear?

Check out our guide to learn about fire safety when it comes to buying or selling children's pyjamas.

11 September 2025

Learn about infant sleep product safety – Te Hāhū Hauora, Health Qaulity & Safety Commission logo
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Safety considerations for second-hand infant sleep products

When looking to buy a second hand cot ensure compliance with mandatory safety standard AS/NZS 2172:2003

18 August 2025

Vehicles

Whether you’re buying or selling a ride, find out about your legal duties, money owing, and how to trade motor vehicles safely.

Jaguar motor vehicle
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What are your obligations as a seller of motor vehicles?

Everything you need to know about selling as a motor vehicle trader on Trade Me

5 February 2021

A destroyed vehicle
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The deal with ‘imported as damaged’ vehicles on Trade Me

Sellers need to say if a vehicle has been damaged or is a statutory write-off so buyers can make informed decisions

11 December 2024

An image of a red Volvo vehicle
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Disclose Australian statutory motor vehicle write-offs

Motor Vehicle Traders must disclose if an Australian import was a statutory write-off in their Trade Me listing.

21 January 2025

Front-on shot of a silver Nissan Leaf, parallel parked on a suburban street
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In-transit vehicles: Can they be listed on Trade Me?

To keep Trade Me the best place to buy a car, we have rules around selling vehicles that are in transit from overseas.

11 May 2023

an orange car and a yellow car
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Have you checked if your car needs its airbag replaced?

Takata Alpha airbags are the subject of a compulsory product recall and must be replaced.

12 March 2021

Pets and animals

Looking after our furry friends. Read up on animal welfare codes and ethical rules for rehoming or buying pets and livestock.

A healthy and happy puppy
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Code of Animal Welfare for Cats and Dogs

Trade Me's Code of Animal Welfare ensures well-being and transparency when selling animals on Trade Me.

10 November 2023

fluffy cat
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Check if you're ready for pet ownership

If you’ve been browsing Pets & Animal listings on Trade Me, ask these questions to get ready for pet ownership.

26 November 2024

Ministry for Primary Industries logo
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Things to consider when trading animals on Trade Me

A guest post from the Ministry for Primary Industries on best practice when it comes to buying and selling animals.

24 August 2023

Electronics and appliances

From lithium batteries to heaters, get the lowdown on the safety checks and technical standards needed for electrical goods.

Lightning bolt graphic, with a orange-red outline and bright yellow fill
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Electrical safety check: appliances & fittings

Selling electrical items? Find out what you need to know before you sell them, and what goods can't be sold.

13 October 2023

Using lithium-ion batteries safely + correct disposal of used batteries
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Using lithium-ion batteries safely

As we surf the net on our phones we should be wary that the power source of these devices are lithium-ion batteries.

4 August 2023

Two radio devices on a yellow plinth in a yellow room.
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Responsibilities for listing radiocommunications devices

Thinking about selling radio devices? Find out more about the rules and requirements when selling them on Trade Me.

15 September 2023

A blue hoverboard scooter
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Hoverboard safety: requirements for selling

Here's what you need to know if you're selling hoverboards on Trade Me.

10 November 2023

A stylised illustration of a yellow flame on a white background
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Gas safety check: appliances & fittings

Every seller of a gas appliance, new or second hand must comply with Gas (Safety and Measurement) Regulations 2010.

6 August 2025