Code of conduct
Check out the dos and don’ts of being a Trade Me member.
This code sets out principles and behaviours that the Trade Me community reasonably expects of buyers and sellers participating in online auctions. Trade Me may amend this code from time to time, by posting the updated code on www.trademe.co.nz or www.trademe.nz or such other relevant website operated by Trade Me. We suggest that you check this page from time to time to make sure you are aware of the updated version.
Basic Principles
The community expects buyers and sellers to:
- Conduct themselves honestly and in good faith at all times.
- Comply with all laws, including sale of goods and intellectual property laws.
- Comply with Trade Me's terms and conditions.
- Be friendly, kind, and respectful and not use inappropriate or offensive language, or hate speech or abuse, harass, or be disparaging toward people (including Trade Me).
Sellers
Sellers agree to:
- Describe items fully and accurately and answer questions promptly.
- Respond to emails as soon as possible, and within two working days.
- Ensure items are shipped as soon as possible, and within a week of receiving payment and delivery address, unless otherwise indicated in the listing or agreed by both parties.
- Shipping charges should not be inflated for profit, and must be a fair and reasonable reflection of the actual packaging and postage costs.
- Not place negative feedback without making best endeavours to resolve issues through email first.
- Not engage in retaliatory feedback or behaviour.
- Not subsequently spam previous buyers.
Having problems with a seller? Check out 'Problems with buying'.
Buyers
Buyers agree to:
- Respond to emails as soon as possible, and within two working days.
- Pay for goods purchased as soon as possible, and within a week of the auction closing and receiving payment details.
- Not place negative feedback without making best endeavours to resolve issues through email first.
- Not engage in retaliatory feedback or behaviour.
- Not subsequently spam previous sellers.
Having problems with a buyer? Check out 'Problems with selling'.
Professional sellers
Professional sellers (who are in-trade) agree to:
- Comply with all relevant laws, including the Fair Trading Act
1986 and its regulations, and the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993
- Disclose they are selling in trade.
- Ensure goods are of acceptable quality, safe and durable, and draw attention to any defects.
- Ensure goods are fit for the purposes including any purposes indicated in the listing.
- Act responsibly and promptly to fix any product faults within a reasonable time after the sale (other than those caused by unreasonable use) or offer a replacement or refund.
- Ensure delivery terms are clear and can be met eg. include shipping costs, taxes, fees and estimated delivery times.
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