Gumtree
Gumtree now allows you to display (via a shipping badge), when you offer shipping on your item. Expand your reach to buyers across Australia. If you select to offer shipping, Buyers will see a "Shipping Offered" badge on your ad and may enquire with you about getting the item shipped directly.
NEW: Shipping with Gumtree Pay. You can now arrange shipping through the Shipping feature within Gumtree Pay. When a buyer asks you to ship the item, enter the shipping cost and select an approved delivery provider while creating your payment request - the buyer sees the shipping cost as a line item at checkout. Ship with the provider you selected and add tracking in the app. Read our new Shipping with Gumtree Pay FAQ to see how it works in detail.
Eligible transactions may be covered by Gumtree Pay with Protected Shipping - view the full policy here for what is and isn’t covered.
Posting an Ad with the Shipping Option
In the “Shipping" section of your ad (see below for categories that offer shipping), select the “Shipping" box to let buyers know that you are willing to arrange shipping of your item to them.
If the shipping price is fixed and therefore known at listing creation, you may wish to indicate the shipping price in your ad description. Several shipping providers offer flat rate shipping across Australia.
Photos are required. If you ship through the Shipping feature within Gumtree Pay, your listing must include at least one clear photo of the item. Your listing photos are the primary evidence of the item’s condition if there’s ever a dispute, so make sure they’re accurate and show all relevant features and any known defects. Selling without listing photos can reduce or remove your protection.
Which categories offer shipping?
Currently, the following categories (including all subcategories) offer shipping:
- Clothing & Jewellery
- Baby & Children
- Books, Music & Games
- Antiques, Art & Collectables
- Electronics & Computer
- Sport & Fitness
Note: some item types aren’t covered by Gumtree Pay with Protected Shipping even where shipping is available. For example: custom-made goods, art and collectables, perishables, digital goods, hygiene-sensitive items and hazardous materials. See the Protected Shipping Policy for Sellers for the full list.
Negotiation
Upon seeing the shipping badge on your ad, a buyer may reach out to you to enquire about shipping the item to them. In your conversation, you should confirm the following points prior to transacting with the buyer:
- The total cost of shipping to the buyer’s address;
- Any insurance to be added (offered by your shipping provider);
- Any express service to be added (depending on your shipping provider); and
- Whether refunds and returns are accepted and how it would be processed, including return shipping charges (who is responsible for those costs) and any refund of shipping fees. For eligible purchases through the Gumtree Pay Shipping feature, returns and refunds for disputes are handled through Gumtree under the Protected Shipping policy.
How to calculate your shipping cost
Before agreeing to ship an item, use the steps below to calculate your costs accurately.
- Measure and weigh your item (including packaging) - Pack your item first, then measure the length, width and height and weigh it. Most providers calculate costs based on the greater of actual weight or volumetric weight. Volumetric weight = Length (cm) × Width (cm) × Height (cm) ÷ 5,000
- Check the rates from your delivery provider - Delivery providers typically have a free online quoting tool or a shipping cost calculator on their website. Enter parcel dimensions, weight, pick-up postcode and destination postcode to calculate the cost.
- Account for packaging materials - Factor in the weight and dimensions of your box, bubble wrap and padding. Damage from inadequate packaging is the seller’s responsibility.
- Consider flat-rate options - Several delivery providers offer flat-rate shipping across Australia, which is simpler when you don’t yet know the buyer’s location.
- Set your price before listing - Enter the shipping price in your ad when listing. If it varies by location, indicate this in your listing and confirm with your buyer before they pay.
| NOTE: We strongly recommend arranging insurance covering the full value of your item. |
Payment
For security purposes, we do not recommend payment via bank transfer. To be covered by Protected Shipping, the buyer must pay with Gumtree Pay and you must ship with an approved delivery provider in the Shipping feature - payments made outside the platform (including direct PayPal, PayID or bank transfer) are not protected. For more information regarding how buyers and sellers can stay safe on Gumtree, please see our guide Staying Safe on Gumtree.
If you ship through Gumtree Pay, enter the shipping cost and select an approved delivery provider when creating your payment request - the buyer will see the shipping cost as a line item at checkout. You will receive a notification once they have paid.
Shipping and Tracking
After you have received payment, ship the item to the buyer following the process outlined by your chosen shipping provider.
We recommend updating your buyer via chat with the tracking details for their shipment as soon as they are available.
If shipping via Gumtree Pay, you must enter a valid tracking number in the Shipping feature within 3 days of payment. If you don’t, the order may be automatically cancelled and the buyer fully refunded - we’ll notify you before the deadline. When entering your tracking ID, confirm it relates to this specific order and the item shipped. The buyer can follow tracking in the app.
Package your item well. Package items appropriately for transit, considering the item’s nature and fragility - damage caused by inadequate packaging is your responsibility.
Arrange shipping insurance. We strongly recommend insuring items for their full value before shipping. Gumtree Pay with Protected Shipping does not cover loss of, or damage to, your item in transit. You’re responsible for the item from dispatch until the buyer confirms it’s as described - if it’s lost or damaged by the delivery provider and you’re not insured, you bear the full cost.
After you provided a tracking number, you should proceed to delete your ad so that other buyers are aware that the item is no longer available and select the option below (“I shipped it to someone on Gumtree" ):
Post Sale
For sales through the Shipping feature within Gumtree Pay, the buyer has 3 days from confirmed delivery to inspect the item. Your payout is released once the buyer confirms the item is as described, or automatically if no dispute is raised within this timeframe.
Important: Before you can receive your payout, you must complete identity and bank verification (KYC) through our payments partner Adyen - we strongly recommend doing this before your first sale. You can find more information on the verification process here.
If a dispute is raised, your payout is paused while Gumtree investigates. If Gumtree approves a return, the buyer must post it back within 3 days with tracking; once it’s marked as delivered to you, you have 3 days to confirm receipt or raise a condition issue with photos - if you don’t respond, the buyer’s refund proceeds. If you sell in the course of a business (‘in trade’), the Australian Consumer Law may require you to cover return shipping costs. For sales outside the Shipping feature, returns and refunds are negotiated directly between you and the buyer.
Gumtree facilitates dispute resolution only for eligible transactions shipped through the Shipping feature within Gumtree Pay. For all other transactions, disputes are resolved directly between you and the buyer. Please ensure that all specifics of the item and the shipping process are agreed prior to transacting.
If you believe you have been targeted by a scam, please contact Customer Support.
