Proof of goods

One of our key requirements when selling on Trade Me is that the seller must have the goods in their possession prior to listing them on the site.

Our Fraud Prevention team uses what we call the ‘proof of goods’ process to ensure sellers are selling items they actually have, and to reduce the risk of items not showing up after sale.

If you’ve been asked to provide this information, don’t sweat it, the process is pretty simple. Follow the instructions in the email we sent:

1. Grab a physical publication from the last two weeks – not an online document like Stuff, but it can be a local newspaper, receipt from the dairy down the road, some junk mail, or a utilities bill. It must have the date visible on it, and needs to be dated in the last week or so.
2. Take your goods out of the box and make sure both it, and publication, are visible and in the same photograph.
3. Email the photograph as an attachment to proofofgoods@trademe.co.nz

If we ask for a photo and you’re selling more than one item that we’ve requested proof of, these all need to be in the same photo with the publication. 

While we’re waiting to hear from you, a few restrictions will be applied to your account. You won’t be able to edit the listing, or use the question and answers facility. The listing also can't close with a successful bidder, and buyers can’t use the buy now. This all happens in the background of your auction and other members aren’t notified of the request.

Don’t worry though, this is only temporary and will be removed once the proof has been received – so it’s in your interest to reply to our proof of goods request as soon as possible. Once you’ve sent the requested info, our goal is to review it within 24 hours. 

In certain circumstances, you may also be asked to supply proof of your personal identification. This is an additional security check.

There's no need to send us proof before we ask, and it's important this process is only done following a request from Trade Me.