Guides
Practical guides for buying, selling and booking local across Australia. Written for real decisions and useful local exchanges.
How to Spot Rogue Tradespeople Before Hiring
Australian regulators warn of dodgy unlicensed tradies charging excessive fees or doing shoddy work. Learn red flags and how to protect yourself when hiring.
8 min read
Spring 2026: Key Home Jobs to Book Now
Plan spring maintenance for your Australian home with timely jobs, quote tips and cost considerations amid rising living expenses.
7 min read
New Unfair Trading Laws: Hiring Trades Under ACL Changes
Australia's new unfair trading practices laws under the ACL commence July 2027. Understand impacts on quotes, deposits and hiring home services.
5 min read
New SMS Rules: Verify Trades Texts Safely
Learn how Australia's July 2026 SMS Sender ID Register helps spot legitimate tradesperson messages and avoid scams when hiring home services.
6 min read
Starting a Local Services Listing and Getting Your First Bookings
What a local services listing needs to say to earn trust and bookings, from pricing and service area to licensing, quoting and reviews.
5 min read
Selling or Offering Services Online in Australia: The Basics for Small Operators
What small sellers and sole traders need to understand about trading versus private selling, consumer guarantees, ABNs, GST and record keeping in Australia.
4 min read
Buying Second-Hand Whitegoods and Appliances: A Buyer's Guide
How to check a second-hand fridge, washer or dryer before you buy it, from energy ratings and running costs to seals, drums, compressors and recalls.
5 min read
Taking Payment and Handing Over Safely as a Seller
How to protect yourself from payment scams and handle handover safely when selling goods or services to someone you've never met.
5 min read
How to Price Second-Hand Items in Australia
A practical method for pricing used goods to sell, based on comparable sold listings, condition, depreciation and season, not on what you paid.
5 min read
Photographing Items for Sale With Just Your Phone
How to take listing photos that get clicks and sell items faster, using nothing but your phone's camera and some natural light.
5 min read
How to Write a Listing That Sells
A practical guide to writing classifieds listings that get clicks and turn into real sales, from the title through to pricing.
4 min read
How to Avoid Buying Stolen Tools and Equipment
Practical checks for spotting stolen tools and equipment on classifieds, from missing serial numbers to prices that don't add up, and what to do if something looks wrong.
5 min read
How to Check a Tradesperson Is Licensed and Insured Before You Book
Check whether an Australian tradesperson is licensed and insured, which public register to use, and the warning signs to notice before you book.
5 min read
Buying Second-Hand Cots, Prams and Kids Gear Safely
What to check before buying a used cot, pram or child car seat in Australia, including safety standards, recalls, missing parts, and what should never be bought second-hand.
5 min read
How to Negotiate on a Classifieds Listing Without Being Blocked
Practical etiquette for negotiating price on local classifieds listings, from making a real offer to handling deposits, holds and handover safely.
5 min read
Asbestos and Second-Hand Building Materials: What Buyers Need to Know
Where asbestos still turns up in second-hand building materials and salvage from older Australian homes, why you can't identify it by eye, and how to salvage safely.
5 min read