Messages
If you're having problems communicating with the buyer or seller – we can help.
Messages makes communicating with the buyer or seller fast and easy – to arrange payment, and shipping or pickup.
Using Messages
Messages is available for selected listings. Find out more.
- Select 'My Trade Me' from the footer profile-framed.
- Select 'Won' trophy-tick or 'Sold' tag-tick.
- Select the listing.
- Select 'Message the seller' or 'Message the buyer'.
- Select 'My Trade Me' from the footer profile-framed.
- Select 'Won' trophy-tick or 'Sold' tag-tick.
- Select the listing.
- Select 'Message the seller' or 'Message the buyer'.
Your conversation is private, and expires 45 days after the listing closes.
Notifications
When you receive a message, you’ll receive a push notification on your device.
Make sure notifications are enabled in the app:
- Go to ‘My Trade Me' profile-framed and select ‘Profile & Account’ profile-framed.
- Select ‘Settings’ settings, then select ‘Notifications’ alert.
- Make sure ‘Receive push notifications’ is enabled.
Mute notifications
Push notifications can be disabled for a specific conversation.
- Open the message thread from the listing.
- Tap 'i' in the top-right, then tap ‘Mute'.
You'll still be able to receive messages, but you won't receive a push notification. Only that specific conversation will be muted – until you unmute it.
Messages guidelines
We expect members to conduct themselves honestly and in good faith at all times. Keep it family-friendly, and don’t send:
- credit card details
- personal details (such as email addresses)
- abusive or inappropriate messages
- website links.
Blocking a user
- Open the message thread from the listing.
- Tap 'i' in the top-right, then tap ‘Block this member'.
Blocked members can’t message you – unless you unblock them. We don’t notify them when they’re blocked, but they'll get an error if they try to message you.
Blocking a member in Messages doesn’t Blacklist them from trading with you.
If a member is being abusive or inappropriate, please let us know right away.
FAQ
Which listings are eligible?
Eligible listings:
- General Marketplace or Motors category.
- Won via auction, ‘Buy Now’, or ‘Make an Offer’.
- Buyer and seller are both using the Trade Me app (v108.2 or later).
Messages isn’t available for professional sellers or their listings.
Why can’t I send my bank account details?
Our system might have mistaken it for a credit card number – make sure your account number is formatted correctly, with dashes:
E.g. 12-1234-1234567-123
Why can’t I send a message?
You can’t message a member who has blocked you.
Email addresses, credit card details, links, and code can’t be sent.
We'll show you how to use our new Messages feature, to chat with the buyer or seller.