How to set up location on Facebook Marketplace (NZ) — step-by-step
Step-by-step instructions for New Zealand sellers and buyers: set or change your Marketplace location on mobile and desktop, set pickup-only listings, fix common problems, and practical tips for safe NZ pickups and payme
Quick takeaway
Open Facebook Marketplace, use the location field in the Marketplace search or listing form to set city, suburb or postcode, adjust the search radius, and choose pickup-only in the listing details. If Marketplace keeps resetting, check app location permissions, clear cache, or set location manually in the listing. For NZ sellers, prefer meeting in public spots, offer payment options (cash, bank transfer, or a card reader solution like PocketMoney), and don’t share your exact home address in the public listing.
Mobile: Marketplace > tap Search or Location > type suburb/postcode > pick distance.
Desktop: marketplace.facebook.com > enter city/suburb/postcode in the left sidebar > adjust radius.
For each listing, set pickup-only and specify a general pickup suburb or arrange exact address privately.
Why Marketplace location matters
Marketplace matches buyers and sellers by the location you choose. It controls what listings you see and where your items appear to others.
You can set a general Marketplace search location and also specify pickup details per listing. Use the search/location to find nearby items; use the listing location to tell buyers where to collect.
- Search location = what you see when browsing items.
- Listing location = where your item is shown to others and pickup area.
- Keep public listing locations general (suburb) and give exact address privately after you agree to a sale.
Set or change Marketplace location on mobile (Facebook app)
Open the Facebook app and tap the Marketplace icon (usually a shopfront). At the top you’ll see a search bar and a location field.
Tap the location field (or the search bar and then Location). Type a suburb, city or NZ postcode, choose it from the suggestions, and adjust the distance slider if shown.
- If the location field doesn’t appear, tap the search bar first, then look for Location.
- Change location any time while browsing — it won’t change the location tied to other people’s listings.
- When creating a listing, there’s also a location field in the listing form — set that separately if needed.
Set or change Marketplace location on desktop (browser)
Go to marketplace.facebook.com. On the left-hand side you’ll see a box that shows or lets you edit your current location.
Click the location field, type a suburb, city or NZ postcode, press Enter, and adjust the search radius using the distance control if available.
- Desktop and mobile controls work similarly — both let you set a search location and a per-listing pickup location.
- Use a postcode (e.g. 6011 for Wellington suburbs) or suburb name to refine results quickly.
Set location when creating a listing and choose pickup options
When you make a new listing (Item for Sale), the form includes a Location or Pick-up field. Enter the suburb or general pickup area there. You can also choose Delivery method: Pickup only, Shipping, or Both.
For privacy, avoid posting your exact street address publicly. Instead put a suburb or nearby public landmark, and then give the exact address privately to the buyer once you’ve confirmed the sale.
- Select 'Pick up only' if you don’t want to ship.
- If you want buyers to collect at a market stall or event, put that venue or suburb in the listing.
- Coordinate exact time and precise address in private Messenger after confirming buyer interest.
Troubleshooting location issues
If Marketplace keeps showing the wrong city or won’t save your location, try these steps: ensure the Facebook app has location permissions, disable any VPN, clear app cache, or update the app. On desktop, refresh the page or try a different browser.
Also check your profile 'Current city' or device location settings — Marketplace may revert to the device location if you allow it.
- Allow location permissions for Facebook in your phone settings if you want Marketplace to pick up your device location.
- Manually set the location in Marketplace search if automatic location is wrong.
- Log out and back in, or reinstall the app as a last resort.
Safety tips for NZ pickups
Pick a public, well-lit place with other people around (shopping centre carpark, cafe). Bring a friend if you can and let someone know the meetup time and place.
If the buyer or seller asks to meet at a residential address early or late, suggest an alternative public spot instead.
- Prefer daytime meetups in busy areas.
- Bring only the agreed payment method at the time of pickup.
- Check the item on the spot before handing over money or accepting payment.
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- This article is for New Zealand buyers and sellers who need clear, practical steps to set or fix Marketplace location.
- It covers both account/search location and the separate location options that appear when you create a listing.
- Includes troubleshooting and NZ-focused safety and payment tips for in-person pickups.
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FAQ
How do I set my location on Facebook Marketplace in New Zealand?
Open Marketplace in the Facebook app or on desktop, tap or click the location field in the search area, type your suburb, city or NZ postcode, select it from suggestions, and adjust the distance slider if available. For each listing you create, set the listing's location separately in the listing form.
Why does Marketplace show the wrong city and how do I fix it?
Marketplace can use your device location or profile info. Fix it by manually changing the location in Marketplace, giving Facebook location permission in your phone settings, disabling any VPN, clearing the app cache, or updating/reinstalling the app if needed.
Can I set an exact pickup address on listings?
You can add a pickup location in the listing, but it's safer to use a general suburb or public meeting point publicly and share an exact street address privately with the buyer after you've agreed to the sale.
How do I make my listing pickup-only?
When creating or editing your listing, choose the Delivery method or Pickup option and select 'Pick up only' (or uncheck shipping). Then add a pickup suburb or venue in the listing location field so buyers know where to collect.
What's the safest way to accept payment at a Marketplace pickup?
Common safe options are cash in a public place, or an online bank transfer confirmed in your account before handing over the item. If you prefer card payments, use a trusted card-acceptance solution that works on your phone — for example, PocketMoney provides a way to take card payments without carrying a traditional EFTPOS machine.