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New reference numbers for Trade Me transactions
When you buy or sell an item on Trade Me, we supply a reference number to include while completing the transaction (e.g., when paying by bank deposit). This reference number used to be the same as the listing number of the item, but it is now a unique number beginning with 'P'.
Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we've received:
What is the reference number?
The reference number is used to identify each transaction between a buyer and seller on Trade Me.
I’m a buyer. Where is the reference number?
You will see a reference number on each purchase under the Won tab within My Trade Me, and in any emails you receive regarding a specific transaction.
I’m a seller. Where is the reference number?
You will see a reference number on each sale within the Sold tab on your My Trade Me page, and in any emails you receive regarding a specific transaction.
How can I match listing numbers with purchase reference numbers?
For sellers who want to match up a listing number with a purchase reference number, go to Sold items in My Trade Me. Put the listing number in the left-hand 'Keywords' box, hit 'Search' and it will bring up the listing with the purchase reference number. We’ve put together some screenshots and further help for you here.
Why did you change to this new number?
With the introduction of multiple quantity listings this week, sellers can now make more than one sale from a listing. Each of these sales needs its own unique reference number, even though the listing number stays the same.
Example: I’m selling 20 rubber duckies through my listing, and the listing number is 123456789. Tom, Diana and Hemi each buy a ducky, and each gets a unique P number to reference their transaction e.g. Tom gets P1114567, Diana gets P2224567, and Hemi gets P3334567.
But what if I’m only selling one item?
The reference number is used to identify each transaction between a seller and a buyer, so your sale will still generate a unique number. We wanted to provide buyers with a universal number, rather than having one system for multiple-quantity listings and one for single-item listings.
Where can I get more information?
Check out the announcement we made on Tuesday, or our Help section on multiple-quantity listings. You can also send us an email or give us a call on 0900 TRADE (87233)*.
*Please note calls cost $1.99 +GST per minute