How to sell on Facebook Marketplace
Step-by-step guide for sellers in New Zealand: create listings, set price, manage messages, arrange safe pickups, and handle payments (cash, bank transfer or card). Practical tips to complete the sale smoothly.
Quick takeaway
Create a clear listing with good photos and an honest description, set a fair price, communicate promptly, and plan the pickup and payment in advance. For in-person pickups accept cash or verified bank transfer, or use a card payment option like PocketMoney if the buyer prefers card. Always meet in a safe public place, verify payment before handing over the item, and keep records of the sale.
Use 5–10 clear photos from different angles; show flaws.
Write a concise title and honest description including condition and dimensions.
Agree on payment method before meeting: cash, confirmed bank transfer, or card (PocketMoney can accept card without an EFTPOS machine).
Quick steps to sell on Facebook Marketplace
1) Take clear photos and write a truthful description. 2) Post your listing with a fair price and pick-up details. 3) Communicate with interested buyers, agree a time and place for pickup, and confirm payment method. 4) Meet safely, complete the payment, and hand over the item.
This article expands each step so you can complete the sale quickly and safely in New Zealand.
- Photos, price, and description are the most important parts of the listing.
- Agree payment and pickup details in Messenger before meeting.
- Verify payment and document the exchange (photo of buyer or receipt).
Create a strong listing
Photos: use natural light, remove clutter, show any damage or wear. Include close-ups of important details (labels, serial numbers). Buyers trust listings with multiple clear images.
Title & description: keep the title short and searchable (brand + item + condition). In the description include size, age, condition, reason for selling, and what’s included. Be honest about faults to reduce disputes.
- Use 5–10 photos from different angles.
- Include brand, model, size and condition in the title/first sentence.
- State pickup location or whether you can deliver locally.
Set price and shipping
Price competitively by checking similar listings. Add a small margin if you expect to negotiate. If you’ll accept offers, mark the listing accordingly.
Decide whether the sale is pickup-only or you’ll post the item. Posting adds cost and complexity—calculate NZ postage and include packing time in the price if you choose to ship.
- Check current Marketplace listings for similar items before pricing.
- If posting, include a clear shipping fee or say 'buyer pays shipping'.
- Be prepared to accept offers—respond quickly to reasonable buyers.
Communicate and schedule pickups
Use Marketplace or Messenger for all buyer communication so there’s a record. Be polite, clear, and answer questions promptly. Confirm the time, place, price, and payment method before you meet.
Choose a public, busy location for exchanges (shopping centre car parks, cafes). Prefer daylight hours. Bring a friend when possible and keep personal information minimal—no need to give your home address until necessary.
- Confirm: time, meeting point, total price, and payment method in writing.
- Prefer busy public places and daylight; bring a second person if you can.
- If meeting at your home for large items, wait until payment is verified before handing over the goods.
Pickup payments: what to accept and how to verify
Cash: still the simplest for in-person pickup. Count notes carefully in daylight and verify large banknotes look genuine. Only hand over the item after you have counted the cash.
Bank transfer: ask the buyer to transfer funds before meeting and show proof on their phone. For your safety, wait for the payment to clear into your account via your own banking app before giving the item. A screenshot of a transfer isn’t reliable unless you personally confirm the funds in your bank app.
- Preferred: cash in hand or cleared bank transfer into your account before handing over goods.
- Don’t accept bank deposit slips, cheques, or unverified screenshots as proof of payment.
- If buyer prefers card, consider a portable card option — see PocketMoney below.
Using card payments on pickup (including PocketMoney)
Some buyers don’t carry cash or don’t want to use a bank transfer. A portable card payment solution avoids carrying a traditional EFTPOS terminal. PocketMoney helps NZ sellers accept card payments without a full EFTPOS machine, letting you offer a card option at pickup.
How to handle it in practice: agree to a card payment beforehand, start the payment request or link on your phone when meeting, confirm the transaction is authorised and settled (or follows the app's confirmation) before passing over the item. Treat card payments like bank transfers—verify the payment has processed.
- Tell the buyer in advance if you can accept card payments so they don’t turn up expecting cash only.
- Confirm payment completion on your device before handing over the item.
- Use card option as a convenience—not a reason to skip safety checks like meeting in public.
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- PocketMoney lets NZ sellers accept card payments at pickups without needing a traditional EFTPOS machine.
- If a buyer prefers card over cash, PocketMoney provides a quick, portable option to complete payment on the spot.
- Use PocketMoney as a complement to cash or bank transfer — still follow safety steps (verify payment before handing over goods).
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FAQ
Should I accept cash, bank transfer, or card on pickup?
Cash and cleared bank transfers are the simplest. For cash, count it in daylight before handing over the item. For bank transfer, wait until the funds have appeared in your bank app. Card payments are convenient for buyers; if you prefer card, use a trusted portable card solution (PocketMoney is one option) and make sure the transaction is confirmed before releasing the item.
Where is the safest place to meet a buyer in New Zealand?
Pick a busy public place during daylight hours (shopping centre car parks, cafes, or near police stations if available). Bring a friend if you can and avoid meeting at secluded spots or inviting strangers into your home unless absolutely necessary. Don’t share unnecessary personal details before the meeting.
How do I avoid scams on Facebook Marketplace?
Keep all communication in Marketplace/Messenger, don't accept unverified screenshots of payments, avoid cheques and overpayment refund scams, and refuse unusual requests like shipping to a third-party address. If a buyer uses pressure tactics or offers to pay more than the price, stop the deal.
Can I ship items I sell on Marketplace?
Yes — but shipping adds cost and responsibility. Agree shipping fees and method before accepting payment. Use tracked and insured services for higher-value items and only post once payment has cleared. Note that selling and posting increases your workload and may affect buyer expectations for returns.
Do I need to keep records for tax if I sell on Marketplace?
Occasional private sales generally aren't taxable, but if you sell regularly or as a business you should keep records of income and expenses and check your tax obligations with Inland Revenue. Track amounts, dates, and any fees incurred from payment services.