TL;DR - Summary
TradeMe's biggest fee change in years just landed. This guide breaks down what casual and in-trade sellers actually pay in 2026 listing fees, the new Ping fee, and a full up-to-date fee table for New Zealand sellers.
On this page
TradeMe Fees in 2026: Complete Seller Fee Guide for New Zealand
If you have not sold anything on TradeMe since last year, the fees have changed a lot. Trade Me quietly removed one of its biggest charges, added a new payment fee, and shifted how buyers pay too. So if an old blog post told you “TradeMe takes 7.9% of every sale,” that is no longer true for most people.
This guide breaks everything down in plain English, so a Kiwi selling their old couch, a keen reseller running a small side hustle, or a registered dealer listing cars all know exactly what they will pay. We will cover casual seller fees, in-trade seller fees, Motors, Property, and how the new Ping payment fee works.
- From 10 March 2026, casual sellers no longer pay the old 7.9% Success Fee. You keep 100% of your sale price.
- Most casual listings are still free to list, unless your item falls outside “general items.”
- A new Ping payment fee of 2.19% applies to sellers when a buyer pays through Ping.
- Buyers now pay a small Service Fee on purchases over $20, which does not come out of your payout.
- In-trade (professional) sellers, Motors, and Property still run on their own separate fee structures.
What actually changed on TradeMe in 2026
For over two decades, TradeMe took a Success Fee of roughly 7.9% from every item that sold, on top of any listing fee. It was one of the most common complaints from casual sellers, especially on lower-value items like kids’ clothes or furniture. Facing growing pressure from free options like Facebook Marketplace, TradeMe made its biggest fee change in company history.
Starting 10 March 2026, the Success Fee for casual sellers disappeared. Any new listing or relist from that date onward keeps the seller’s full sale price, aside from the Ping payment fee if the buyer pays that way. To fund the change, TradeMe introduced a Service Fee that buyers pay on purchases over $20, and Ping became the main payment method across the site.
TradeMe fees table 2026 (latest rates)
| Seller type / category | Listing fee | Success fee | Other charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casual seller — general items | Free (unless you add promotional extras) | None, since 10 March 2026 | 2.19% Ping fee if buyer pays via Ping |
| In-trade / professional seller | Varies by category | 5.9% – 11.9%, depending on category | Ping fee may apply |
| Motors — cars & motorbikes (auction) | From around $89, depending on listing package | 2% of sale price, capped at $99 | Optional Premium/Standard upgrades |
| Motors — classified listing | Flat listing fee | None | No withdrawal fee |
| Property — residential for sale | Bronze/Silver/Gold tiers, priced upfront | None | Relisting free on Bronze within 45 days |
| Buyer Service Fee (not a seller cost) | — | — | Free under $20, then $0.99 to $4.99 by price band |
Casual seller fees, explained simply
If you are an everyday Kiwi clearing out the garage, selling old electronics, or having a wardrobe clean-out, you fall under “casual seller.” Here is what that looks like now:
- Listing: Most general items list and relist for free. Only certain specialised categories, like heavy machinery, still carry a listing fee.
- Success Fee: Gone. When your item sells, you keep the full sale price.
- Ping fee: If the buyer pays using Ping, TradeMe’s built-in secure payment option, a 2.19% transaction fee is deducted from the seller’s payout. Cash payments do not carry this fee.
- Bank transfer: No longer offered as a payment option, for safety reasons.
So a casual seller today mostly pays nothing to list, and only a small percentage if the buyer chooses to pay through Ping. That is a real saving compared to the old 7.9% cut on every sale.
Worked example: selling a $150 lamp
Under the old system (pre-March 2026)
- Success Fee (7.9%): roughly $11.85
- You kept: around $138.15
Under the new system (2026)
- Success Fee: $0
- Ping fee, if buyer pays via Ping (2.19%): about $3.29
- You keep: around $146.71
In-trade and professional seller fees
If you sell regularly, run a small business, or list under an in-trade account, the fee removal does not apply to you. In-trade sellers still pay a Success Fee, and the rate depends on the category, typically sitting somewhere between 5.9% and 11.9% of the final sale price. Listing fees can also apply, depending on what you are selling.
This is worth knowing if you are thinking about turning a hobby into a small business. Once TradeMe classes your account as in-trade, whether because of listing volume or how you present your store, the casual seller savings no longer apply to you.
Motors fees on TradeMe
Trade Me Motors runs on a separate structure that was not touched by the March 2026 change. For an auction-style car or motorbike listing, the success fee is calculated as 2% of the final sale price, capped at $99, so you never pay more than that regardless of how high the car sells. Listing fees for Motors vary depending on which package you choose, from Basic through to Premium, and classified listings skip the success fee entirely in exchange for a flat listing charge.
Property fees on TradeMe
Property listings are also priced separately. Sellers pay a single upfront listing fee, chosen from Bronze, Silver, or Gold tiers, rather than a percentage-based success fee. There is no withdrawal fee, and Bronze listings can be relisted for free within 45 days of the listing closing if the property does not sell the first time.
The new Ping fee and Buyer Service Fee
Two new charges arrived alongside the fee removal, and it helps to know who actually pays each one.
Ping fee (paid by the seller)
Ping is TradeMe’s guaranteed payment system, offering Buyer Protection cover of up to $5,000. When a buyer pays through Ping, the seller is charged a 2.19% transaction fee on that sale. It is the main cost casual sellers now face, replacing the old Success Fee.
Service Fee (paid by the buyer)
Buyers purchasing from a casual seller now pay a small Service Fee once the item costs more than $20. It sits at $0.99 for items between $20.01 and $100, $1.99 for items between $100.01 and $250, and $4.99 for anything above $250. Since this comes out of the buyer’s side, it does not reduce what a seller receives.
How to keep more of your sale price
Even with the Success Fee gone, a few habits still help you hold onto more money:
- Choose cash where it is safe to do so. Meeting a local buyer and accepting cash avoids the Ping fee entirely.
- Avoid unnecessary promotional extras. Features like Featured Listing or Bold cost extra and are not always needed for everyday items.
- Price realistically the first time. Relisting is free for most items, but a well-priced listing sells faster and avoids the hassle of relisting.
- Know your seller category. If you are close to the line between casual and in-trade, understand how that affects your fees before you scale up.
- Bundle small items. Selling several small things as one listing can be more efficient than many separate low-value trades.
If selling online has become more than a once-a-year clear-out for you, it might be worth reading our guide on side hustles that actually pay in 2026 for other ways to turn spare time into steady income.
Because more of your money now moves through digital payment methods like Ping, it is also worth brushing up on account security. Scammers increasingly target online sellers, so understanding tools like passkeys and how they stop phishing attacks is a smart move. Voice and message-based scams are also on the rise, and our piece on the AI voice scam fooling families is worth a read before you hand over any payment details to a “buyer.”
Frequently asked questions
Does TradeMe still charge a 7.9% Success Fee?
Not for casual sellers. That fee was removed from 10 March 2026. In-trade or professional sellers still pay a Success Fee, and the rate depends on the category.
Is listing an item on TradeMe free in 2026?
For most general item categories, yes, listing and relisting is free for casual sellers. Some specialised categories, like heavy machinery, Motors, and Property, still carry a listing fee.
What is the Ping fee and do I have to pay it?
Ping is TradeMe’s built-in secure payment option. If your buyer pays through Ping, a 2.19% transaction fee is taken from your payout. Choosing a cash sale avoids this fee.
Who pays the new Service Fee, the buyer or the seller?
The buyer pays it, and only on casual purchases over $20. It does not reduce the amount a seller receives.
Do Trade Me Motors and Property fees follow the same 2026 changes?
No. Motors and Property run on their own separate fee structures that were not affected by the casual seller fee changes.
How do I know if I am classed as a casual or an in-trade seller?
TradeMe generally looks at how often you sell and how your listings are presented. If you are unsure, check your account settings or TradeMe’s official seller information page, since in-trade accounts still pay Success Fees.
Want more practical guides on making and saving money online in New Zealand? Get fresh, fact-checked breakdowns straight from FactsWings.
Read More Guides on FactsWings →This article is general information for New Zealand sellers, not financial or tax advice. TradeMe adjusts its fees from time to time, so always confirm current rates on TradeMe’s official fees page before pricing a listing.
Mehedi Hasan - Tech & AI Researcher
Md. Mehedi Hasan is the founder and editor of FactsWings. Passionate about AI, technology, science, cybersecurity, and fact-based journalism. Dedicated to publishing accurate and trustworthy content for a global audience.
View all posts →Frequently Asked Questions
Are these facts verified?
Yes, every fact is fact-checked from primary sources like NASA, BBC, Nature, and peer-reviewed papers.
Do you use AI to write?
No. All articles are human-written and human fact-checked. We disclose affiliate links per FTC guidelines.
So moving — what a headache. Dealt with it not ages back, and between us, an absolute whirlwind. Everyone says it’s simple, then you wonder where it all came from. One friend recommended X, but I wanted to verify everything. Anyway: when you’re after trustworthy movers in the area, weigh your options. Simple reason: experienced operators deal with heat like pros — especially during peak season. What worked in my case — devoured reviews online — and no exaggeration, it shielded me from disaster. Check out this resource that finally clicked for me. southern nevada movers [url=https://movers-in-nevada-bng.com]https://movers-in-nevada-bng.com[/url] That one spot had it all laid out. What you see is what you get — nothing off the books. Picked a crew off that page and they outperformed expectations. Take your sweet time. Insist on written contracts. The right crew makes moving boring. Hope this helps you navigate the chaos!
Ugh, moving — what a nightmare. Had my own horror story a couple months back, and honestly, it was pure chaos. You start with boxes, then suddenly you’re drowning in clutter. Someone at work mentioned a company, but I didn’t trust them blindly. Long story short, when you’re hunting for reliable moving services around here, do your homework first. Here’s the thing, companies based here handle heat and traffic better — particularly on narrow streets. Like I did — asked about insurance and extra fees — and trust me, I dodged a bullet. So here’s the link that helped me decide. moving companies in nevada [url=https://movers-in-nevada-pcq.com]moving companies in nevada[/url] That one page showed me what I needed. Rates are transparent — no hidden junk fees. Scheduled my move that week and the process was smooth. So yeah, don’t rush. Confirm the timeline. The right company makes moving boring. Hope this points you in the right direction!
Man, moving is such a nightmare — had this chaos myself a few months ago, and honestly, it was a total disaster. You start packing, then you realize how much junk you’ve accumulated. Coworkers kept pushing their guys, but I decided to dig deeper. Long story short, if you’re looking for good moving services around here, take your time with research. Look, companies based in nevada handle logistics better, especially with summer heat. I personally — called like five different places — and I’m not exaggerating, saved me both money and nerves. By the way, this link where I finally found what I needed. nevada movers [url=https://movers-in-nevada.com]https://movers-in-nevada.com[/url] Just that one list gave me a clear picture. It shows pricing breakdowns — no hidden surprises. I even called them and the whole process was smooth. Take your time. Clarify the timeline. A good mover makes all the difference. Hope this helps!
Moving is always a challenge — went through this a while back, and honestly, it was insane. You think packing is simple, then reality hits hard. Someone at work had a good experience with a third, but I didn’t want to gamble. Anyway: when you need reliable nevada moving services, check reviews thoroughly. Here’s the deal: professional teams save you from drama — especially with tight schedules. For example — made a bunch of calls — and I’m not making this up, it was completely worth the time. Here’s the link that finally made everything clear. nevada moving company [url=https://movers-in-nevada-mtw.com]https://movers-in-nevada-mtw.com[/url] Honestly that resource saved me hours of research. Rates are shown upfront — clear quotes. Went with their recommendation and absolutely no problems. Be thorough with this. Confirm their equipment. Quality movers make all the difference. Wish I had this when I moved!
Moving is never fun — been there myself a while back, and no joke, it was a total mess. You start packing, then you’re buried under piles of stuff. Coworker used someone else, but I decided to dig deeper. So here it is: when you’re looking for reliable moving services around here, do your research upfront. Look, nevada based movers know the local routes — especially in summer heat. I personally — asked about insurance and extra fees — and trust me, that homework saved me big time. So here’s the link that finally made sense. moving companies in nevada [url=https://movers-in-nevada-vzk.com]moving companies in nevada[/url] Just that source showed me exactly what I needed. Everything is transparent — no surprises. I ended up going with them and it went smoothly. Take your time. Confirm the schedule. A solid moving company turns stress into routine. Wish I had this info earlier!
Oh man, moving is brutal. Been there just last summer, and honestly, I nearly lost my mind. You think it’s just packing, then bam — you realize you have way too much junk. My coworker used some guys, but I dug deeper myself. Anyway: when you’re on the hunt for decent moving services out here, compare a few options. Because, experienced crews are worth every penny — when you’re moving across state lines. Me, I did this — made like five calls — and trust me, I avoided a huge headache. So here’s the link that finally made it clear. movers nevada [url=https://movers-in-nevada-xhr.com]movers nevada[/url] Honestly that list saved hours of digging. No guessing games — straight pricing. Scheduled my whole move and no drama at all. So take your time. Check the credentials. A good mover makes moving boring. You got this!