How to make Facebook Marketplace local pickup only (New Zealand)
Step-by-step instructions to list items as local pickup only on Facebook Marketplace, how to edit existing listings, what to write in the listing, safety tips for NZ meet-ups, and simple payment options including card pa
Quick takeaway
When creating or editing a Facebook Marketplace listing you can choose delivery methods — select or keep only 'Pick up' (disable shipping). Also make the location local, clearly state 'pickup only' in the title/description, give safe meeting instructions, and pick payment options you’re comfortable with (cash, bank transfer or a mobile card option like PocketMoney).
During listing creation choose 'Pick up' and deselect 'Shipping' (or select 'Local pick-up only').
Explicitly state 'Pickup only' in title/price/description and set your location/radius properly.
Arrange safe NZ meet-ups (public, daylight, bring someone) and offer clear payment methods.
Quick steps — make a new listing local pickup only
On the Facebook app or website create a listing as usual (sell item, add photos, title, price, category). Before you publish, look for 'Delivery method', 'Delivery', or 'Shipping' options.
Select 'Pick up' or 'Local pickup' and make sure 'Shipping' is not selected. Also set your item location to your suburb or city and set an appropriate radius so buyers nearby see the listing.
- Mobile: Tap Marketplace > Sell > follow prompts > Delivery method > choose Pick up (uncheck Shipping) > Publish.
- Desktop: Marketplace > Create New Listing > fill details > Delivery method > select Pick up only > Publish.
- If 'Shipping' is pre-selected, deselect it; if there isn’t an explicit toggle, state 'Pickup only' in the description and limit the location radius.
How to edit an existing listing to pickup only
Open the listing in Marketplace, tap or click 'Edit listing' (three dots or Manage listing menu). Find the delivery/shipping section and change it to 'Pick up' or remove 'Shipping'.
If the UI doesn’t show a delivery toggle for that category, update the title and description to say 'LOCAL PICKUP ONLY' and limit your location radius or change location to a more central point.
- Edit > Delivery method: Select Pick up, Save changes, then repost if necessary.
- Add a short, clear note at the top of the description like 'Pickup only — no shipping'.
- If you get buyer messages asking for shipping, reply clearly that you only do pickup and suggest a meeting place/time.
What to write in your title and description
Make the pickup restriction impossible to miss: include 'PICKUP ONLY' or 'LOCAL PICKUP ONLY' at the start of your title and again at the top of the description. That reduces messages from buyers expecting shipping.
Give practical pickup details: the general meeting suburb or landmark, preferred days/times, whether you can do doorstep handover, and your accepted payment methods.
- Title example: 'Kids Bike — Good Condition — PICKUP ONLY, Auckland East'.
- Description top lines example: 'PICKUP ONLY. Meet in Mount Eden or public carpark. Cash or bank transfer preferred. No door deliveries.'
- State any rules: 'No holds without deposit', 'First come first served', or 'Show up with full payment in cash or confirmed bank transfer'.
Safety tips for local pickup in New Zealand
Keep meetings public and in daylight. Police stations often provide meeting spaces, and many NZ police stations have a designated safe trading area. Alternatively use shopping centre carparks, 24/7 locations or café seating if both parties agree.
Protect your personal details: don’t give your home address until you’re comfortable, bring a friend, and confirm the buyer’s name or Facebook profile before meeting. If something feels off, cancel the meetup.
- Meet in a busy, well-lit public area (police station, supermarket carpark).
- Bring a friend and keep the item in your car until the buyer arrives.
- Verify buyer profile, set clear payment rules before meeting, and don’t accept suspicious payment requests.
Pickup payments: options and what to state in your listing
Common payment methods for pickup: cash, bank transfer (NZ bank-to-bank), or card using a mobile solution. Decide which you’ll accept and state it clearly in the listing to avoid confusion at the meetup.
If you accept bank transfers, ask for the payment to clear or show confirmation before handing over the item. For card payments, use a trusted mobile card solution rather than taking card details by message.
- Suggested listing line: 'Payment: cash preferred. Bank transfer accepted — please show payment confirmation. Card via mobile terminal available.'
- If accepting bank transfer, wait for the money to appear in your account or see a screenshot of the successful transfer with reference.
- Avoid accepting cheques or unusual payment methods from buyers you don’t know.
Using PocketMoney for card payments at local pickup
If you want to accept card payments at a pickup without carrying a traditional EFTPOS machine, PocketMoney offers a way to accept card payments from your phone. This can make sales easier for buyers who don’t carry cash.
Tell buyers in the listing that you accept card payments via PocketMoney so they know options up front. When meeting, use the PocketMoney app or link to take a secure card payment — you get notified when payment completes and you hand over the item.
- Listing line example: 'Card accepted via PocketMoney (contactless or link) — small fee may apply'.
- If using PocketMoney, confirm the payment has succeeded before releasing the item.
- PocketMoney is optional; still offer cash or bank transfer for buyers who prefer those methods.
Structured summary
Open the rolled-up answer map
Extra context for quick scanning, while the main article stays focused on the practical guide.
Questions covered
Best for
- This guide shows exact steps on Facebook Marketplace to restrict listings to local pickup.
- Includes wording examples, editing instructions, safety and payment tips suitable for NZ sellers.
- Explains how PocketMoney can help accept card payments without an EFTPOS machine at local pickups.
Search context
How-to / transactional
FAQ
Why can’t I find a 'Pick up only' toggle on my listing?
Some categories or regions may not show an explicit pickup toggle in the UI. In that case set your location and radius to a nearby suburb, make your title start with 'PICKUP ONLY', and put the pickup rule in the top lines of the description. You can also edit the listing later if Facebook adds delivery options.
Can I require a deposit to hold an item for pickup?
Yes—state your deposit policy clearly in the listing ('$20 deposit to hold, non-refundable if buyer doesn't show') and accept a payment method that gives you proof (bank transfer or card). Be aware Facebook doesn’t enforce these terms, so keep records of the deposit and communications.
Is it safe to meet at my home for pickup?
Meeting at your home increases risk. Prefer public, well-lit locations during the day. If you must meet at home, ensure someone else is present and avoid sharing precise address until you're comfortable with the buyer. Many NZ sellers use police stations or shopping centres for safer transactions.
Should I accept card payments or only cash?
Cash is immediate and simple, but many buyers prefer electronic payments. Bank transfers are low risk if you wait for funds to clear. Card payments via a mobile solution (like PocketMoney) give flexibility without needing a traditional EFTPOS. Always confirm payment success before handing over the item.
Related resources
Cash payment policy for garage sales and casual stalls
How to create a clear cash payment policy for garage sales, market stalls and casual selling in New Zealand. Covers what to include, sample wording, handling change, security and simple cash-alternative options.
Garage sale payment: how to accept cash and card simply (New Zealand)
Practical, NZ-focused guide to handling garage sale payments: cash management, quick price tagging, simple card and phone payments, safety and receipts. Includes easy options if you don’t want a traditional EFTPOS machin
Garage sale electronic payment options (New Zealand)
Practical steps to accept electronic payments at a garage sale in New Zealand: card tap, mobile wallets, bank transfers, setup checklist, day‑of tips and a short note on how PocketMoney can help.