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- A clarification to our terms and conditions
A clarification to our terms and conditions
What’s changing?
From today, we’re tweaking section 4.2(u) of our terms and conditions to clarify that we’ll be periodically searching the publicly available Motor Vehicle Trader Register (MVTR) to check and maintain dealers’ Registered Motor Vehicle Trader (RMVT) status.
As some current RMVTs will be aware, we already check the MVTR occasionally, as outlined in section 15(h) of our privacy policy, where we state “[w]e may also collect publicly available information about you, such as for fraud prevention purposes.”
Why do I need to be recognised as a trader on Trade Me?
A 'Motor Vehicle Trader' is someone who, in a 12-month period, sells (or intends to sell) more than six motor vehicles for financial gain, or imports more than three motor vehicles for financial gain. Under the Motor Vehicle Sales Act 2003, these people are presumed by law to be in the business of motor vehicle trading unless they can prove otherwise. If you meet the criteria, the law requires you to register as a RMVT.
We think it’s best for our members to know whether or not they’re buying from a RMVT, as it affects their rights and obligations when purchasing vehicles.
Also, under the Fair Trading Act 1986, you're legally required to disclose when you're 'in trade', and if you don't the Commerce Commission can fine you. As well as meeting your legal obligations, showing you're a dealer provides an added level of trust with buyers.
How does this affect me?
If you’re likely to meet the threshold outlined above and be affected by this change, you will have heard from us already. If you’re already am RMVT, you can email us your member number/name, RMVT number and the expiry date. We'll then validate your RMVT status against the Motor Vehicle Trader Register (MVTR) and add the 'Dealer' tag to your Trade Me membership which indicates you are 'in trade'.
Then, you’ll just need to let us know when you receive a new RMVT number when your current one expires.
If you’re not registered but you need to, you can register online with MBIE Trading Standards , or using paper forms which can be accessed either through the website or by calling 0508 MOTORTRADERS (0508 668 678).
For more information about being a dealer and being in trade, please check out our help page or get in touch.