The step-by-step: from "sold" to delivered
Most pickup-only deliveries go smoothly when you handle them in the right order. Here's the sequence that keeps the seller relaxed and the driver moving.
Lock in the purchase first
Before you arrange anything, make sure the deal is done, the auction has closed, Buy Now is paid, or you and the seller have agreed on Facebook. Sorting out collection before the item is actually yours can be time wasting.
Tell the seller you're sending a driver
Let the seller know early that you'll be organising someone to collect rather than coming yourself. Most sellers are completely fine with this - it's one less thing for them to think about. The exact wording matters a little, so there are example messages in the next section.
Capture the pickup details
Get the full address, including unit or apartment number and any gate or buzzer code. Ask when the seller can be available and agree on a window rather than leaving it open-ended. Incomplete addresses are the single most common cause of delays.
Match a driver and confirm pickup details
Once a driver is booked, talk to them directly in the app so they can confirm the final timing. Keep the seller updated with details from the driver and make sure there's clear communication between everyone.
What to say to the seller
A short, clear message reassures the seller that collection is handled. You can copy these and adjust the details.
"I'll arrange a driver to collect on my behalf. Could you let me know your address and a couple of times you're free for someone to collect? I'll confirm a pickup window and send you the driver's details once it's booked."
"All sorted. My driver is [name] and they'll collect on [day] between [time window]. I'll message you if there's any other updates. Anything they should know about access or parking?"
Your options for moving it
How you move a pickup-only item depends on its size, the distance, and how much of the legwork you want to do yourself. Here's how the main options stack up.
| Option | Effort | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collect it yourself | High | Fuel and your time | Nearby sellers, right vehicle |
| Ask a friend | Medium | A favour (and maybe fuel) | When someone's already heading that way |
| Courier or freight | Low | Often high for one-off items | Boxed, standard-size goods |
| SENDIT driver | Low | You set your own budget or accept what you're happy with | Large or awkward items, inter-city |
Collect it yourself
- Effort
- High
- Cost
- Fuel and your time
- Best for
- Nearby sellers, right vehicle
Ask a friend
- Effort
- Medium
- Cost
- A favour (and maybe fuel)
- Best for
- When someone's already heading that way
Courier or freight
- Effort
- Low
- Cost
- Often high for one-off items
- Best for
- Boxed, standard-size goods
SENDIT driver
- Effort
- Low
- Cost
- You set your own budget or accept what you're happy with
- Best for
- Large or awkward items, inter-city
Choosing the right option
For nearby items and a suitable vehicle, collecting yourself is the simplest path. Over longer distances the time and fuel rarely justify the trip for a single item, and traditional couriers often refuse furniture and appliances or quote freight rates that wipe out the savings of buying second-hand. That's where a delivery app like SENDIT tends to win: you post the pickup and drop-off, photos, and a budget, and a verified local driver already heading that way can accept or quote. It handles residential pickups and bulky items that depot couriers won't - see courier alternatives in NZ for more on that.
Whichever you choose, price comes down to distance, item size, and how flexible you can be on timing. Drivers making a backload - already travelling your route - often accept lower offers because they're filling spare space rather than making a dedicated trip.
Notes by platform
"Pickup only" means the seller won't arrange or pay for shipping - moving the item is on you. The wording and etiquette vary a little by where you found it:
- Facebook Marketplace – Often tagged "Pickup only" or "Local pickup," with no built-in shipping for furniture and large items - sellers expect collection.
- Trade Me – Sellers choose to offer shipping or pickup; "Pickup only" usually means a bulky, fragile, or awkward item.