How to make a Facebook Marketplace listing pickup only (New Zealand)
Step-by-step instructions for creating or editing a Facebook Marketplace listing so buyers must pick up. Includes suggested wording, safety tips for meet-ups in New Zealand, and payment options (cash, bank transfer, card
Quick takeaway
To make a Facebook Marketplace listing pickup only, choose or edit the delivery method when you create the listing to disable shipping and select local pickup, and state 'Pickup only' clearly in the title and description. Arrange a secure public meeting place, confirm payment before handing over the item, and use simple payment options such as cash or bank transfer — you can also accept card payments without an EFTPOS machine using lightweight services if you prefer.
When creating the listing, turn off shipping and select local pickup (mobile or desktop).
Add 'Pickup only' to the title and description so buyers see it immediately.
Meet in a public, well-lit place in daylight and confirm payment before releasing the item.
Quick steps
1) Start a new Marketplace listing (Sell > Item for sale). 2) Fill in photos, title, price and condition. 3) In delivery options, turn off or unselect shipping and choose Local pickup. 4) Put 'Pickup only' in the title/description. 5) Arrange a public meeting and confirm payment before transfer.
If you already listed the item, open the listing, tap Edit, change the delivery options to pick up only, and save.
- Create listing > Delivery options > Local pickup (disable shipping).
- Write 'Pickup only' early in title and description so buyers can't miss it.
- Agree payment method with buyer before meeting (cash or bank transfer preferred).
Create or edit a pickup-only listing (mobile and desktop)
On mobile (Facebook app): Tap Marketplace > Sell > Item for sale. Add photos, title and price. Look for Delivery or Shipping options — turn off shipping and select Local pickup or untick any shipping boxes. Add 'Pickup only' to the title and in the first line of the description. Post the listing.
On desktop (browser): Go to Marketplace > Create new listing > Item for sale. Fill in the details and check Delivery options. Disable shipping and choose Local pickup. Edit any existing listing by opening it and clicking Edit Listing, then change delivery and save.
- If you don’t see a clear 'Local pickup' option, explicitly write 'Pickup only' at the top of the description and uncheck or decline shipping options.
- Set the correct location — the closer your location field, the fewer unrelated delivery requests you’ll get.
- Use clear photos and accurate condition info to reduce questions that lead to shipping requests.
Suggested wording and listing examples
Make pickup policy clear in both the title and the description. Put it at the top of the description so it’s seen in previews.
Examples of short, clear lines you can use: 'Pickup only — cash or bank transfer on pickup', 'Local pickup only — meet at public place', 'Pickup only. Price is for pickup; no shipping.'
- Title example: 'Coffee table — Pickup only, $80 (Auckland)'.
- Description top line: 'PICKUP ONLY — will meet in public place in central Auckland. Cash or bank transfer on pickup.'
- Add any meeting preferences below (daytime only, no home visits, recommended meeting place).
Safety and meeting tips for New Zealand sellers
Prefer public, busy places in daylight — some Kiwis use police stations for exchanges. Bring a friend and let someone know the meeting details. Avoid inviting buyers to your home when possible.
Verify buyer messages on Facebook, and look for a completed profile with some history. Keep details to what’s needed for the sale, and don’t share personal data beyond what’s necessary for payment and pickup.
- Meet in daylight at a public place (cafés, shopping centres with security, or police stations).
- Take a friend, tell someone where you’re going, and set a time-limited meetup.
- Confirm the exact item, price and payment method in messages before meeting.
Payments for pickup-only sales (cash, bank transfer and card)
Common NZ options: cash on pickup and bank transfer (pay to your account via online banking). For bank transfers, agree on the exact account number and ask the buyer to show the confirmation on their phone before you hand over the item. Cash is immediate but carry it securely and check notes.
If you prefer card payments but don’t want a traditional EFTPOS machine, you can use lightweight payment services that let you accept card payments via a link or QR code from your phone. These services work when you and the buyer are together and the buyer pays before or at pickup.
- Cash: only hand over the item after you’ve counted and checked the notes.
- Bank transfer: wait for a completed confirmation on the buyer's app or your online banking before handing over.
- Card via payment link/QR: acceptable if the payment is confirmed — PocketMoney is one example of a NZ-friendly service that lets sellers accept card payments without carrying a traditional EFTPOS machine.
If a buyer asks for delivery after you listed pickup only
You can politely decline or offer delivery for an extra fee. If you agree to deliver, set clear expectations (extra cost, meet location, timing). If you prefer not to deliver, remind the buyer the listing is pickup only and provide a brief reason such as 'I’m only selling locally.'
Be cautious about accepting payments to arrange delivery later. If you agree to accept payment in advance for delivery, use a secure method and confirm the funds before leaving the pickup location.
- Decline delivery requests if you’re not comfortable — it’s fine to stand by 'Pickup only'.
- If you accept delivery, put terms in writing in the chat (fee, time, method).
- Avoid overpayment or escrow offers — these are common scam formats.
Structured summary
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Extra context for quick scanning, while the main article stays focused on the practical guide.
Questions covered
Best for
- For Kiwis selling locally on Facebook Marketplace who don’t want to ship items.
- Useful for market stalls, secondhand furniture, appliances, toys or anything sold locally.
- Helps sellers reduce unwanted shipping requests and control where and how exchanges happen.
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how-to
FAQ
How do I remove shipping so only pickup is shown?
Edit the listing (or create new). In the delivery or shipping section, turn off shipping or select Local pickup only. If the UI doesn’t allow it, clearly state 'Pickup only' at the top of the description and in the title so buyers know you won’t ship.
Can I require payment before meeting for pickup?
Yes — you can ask for payment before meeting. Common NZ methods are bank transfer (buyer shows payment confirmation) or card payment via a payment link. If you request payment in advance, confirm the funds before handing over the item.
Where should I meet someone buying my item?
Choose a public, well-lit location in daytime. Many people use police stations, busy shopping centres, or café areas with security cameras. Avoid meeting at private addresses when possible and bring someone with you.
Can I accept card payments without an EFTPOS machine?
Yes. Several services let you accept card payments via a payment link or QR code on your phone so you don’t need a physical EFTPOS machine. If you want a compact, NZ-friendly option for casual sales, services like PocketMoney let sellers accept card payments without carrying a traditional EFTPOS terminal.
What if a buyer wants a refund after pickup?
Agree refund and return terms before transferring the item where possible. For casual sales, many sellers mark items as 'sold as seen' and do not offer refunds. If you do offer refunds, document the condition and agreement in the Marketplace messages and follow through only after confirming payment reversal if needed.