Andrew Of all my trades, Ive only had 1 trader that argued black and blue that they werent rural. I sent them the outcome of the rural checker website mentioned above and they still didnt agree. So I just gave them the choice of choosing a different address that was non rural, pay the rd fee or i cancel the trade. They eventually gave me a non rural address. Now - this is my experience.  im just telling you my experience. Its just different from you I've been on the community forum for years and Callum and flossy63 have helped me with great advice, as they have many others.  

No, signature is not required. You're responsibility is to get it delivered to the buyer and NZ post has provided you with the evidence this has happened - so you have fulfilled your duties. The item has either been stolen (this is the buyers issue assuming nz post has followed their obligations re where to leave), someone in the household has taken it or it is a scam. Ive had people in the past try to say it wasnt delivered and demanded a refund only to provide them with photo evidence from the courier and then they go all silent

I wouldnt refund. I'd also be tempted to ask them to lodge a claim with NZ post for compensation for the lost item. Knowing full well that nz post wont (as they dont with anything sent with stamps), but it sends a very strong message where the liability sits now, and that it is not with you

There are definitely ways traders could abuse this, however I have at times asked a question and then on second thought didnt need to or had a change of mind  - so for this purpose it saves the seller time needing to reply. In terms of the proof argument, you can still receive emails with the question being asked, or the answer to the question so as long you keep these then you have the proof if needed. I think like most things, there are some genuine benefits for those honest ones, but also open to abuse for others 

Hi team, thanks everyone for your input and suggestions. I have sent these through to the buyer and hopefully they are willing to try them. I appreciate the advice given

I guess no one has provided a step by step how to because very few people would want to do this. Most people will list an auction to sell something, and aim for the highest price possible. Surely you would want the widest audience of buyers to do this. Blocking a site like bidbud just reduces your buyer audience which may result in either a loss of sale, its takes longer to sell or a lower price. It makes no sense to me why you would want to do this. I didnt really get this whole thread.  

Because you are limiting buyers - there will be some people who will have no option to buy your item if you cannot ship it. If there is an item in Invercargill that I want but they dont offer shipping, there is no way I can get it so yes it does limit buyers. I dont see the problem here. I sell a few large/heavy items with pick up only. I realise most people out of my region wont want to buy it and totally understand. I also understand that some might. I suspect the message is more geared at items that can be sent where people dont want the hassle. But just treat it as information and do wh...

Is it just a warning with the intent of telling you that if you dont ship then your potentially limiting buyers from only local buyers?

Yes indeed

If you still have the email from trademe when you won it, click on the link in that email to take you to the auction