Book A Local

Buying, selling & booking safely

Buyers and sellers deal directly with each other here, whether that is picking up a couch or booking a local tradesperson. Book A Local does not vet listings, check trade licences or insurance, or search any register on your behalf - these habits cover the situations that actually go wrong.

Inspect before you pay

  • •See the item in person before you pay, or for anything you cannot inspect first ask for extra photos or a video showing damage and any wear close up.
  • •Test appliances and electronics properly - power them on and run a full cycle where you can, not just a quick plug-in.
  • •Ask what a tool or piece of equipment was used for and whether it comes with a manual, warranty card or proof of purchase.

Meet safely

  • •Meet in a public place in daylight - a shopping centre car park, a local shop front, a police station safe-exchange zone if your area has one.
  • •For anything large, or a pickup from someone's home or workshop, bring a friend or family member.
  • •Trust the conversation: a genuine seller answers specific questions about the item; a scammer rushes you toward payment and avoids detail.

Pay safely

  • •Never pay a deposit to "hold" an item or a booking for someone you have not met or verified.
  • •A bank transfer cannot be recalled once it lands. PayID and card payments give you more protection and a clearer record, so prefer them for anything you have not inspected in person.
  • •Watch for overpayment scams: someone who "accidentally" sends too much and asks you to refund the difference is running a classic trick - the original payment is often reversed or fake days later.
  • •Keep your payment receipt and message history until the deal, delivery or job is complete.

Booking a tradesperson or service

  • •Electrical, plumbing, gas fitting and most building work must be done by a licensed tradesperson in Australia. Check the licence with your state or territory's fair trading or building regulator before you book, not after.
  • •Ask for proof of insurance, particularly public liability cover, for any work done in or around your home.
  • •Get the price and scope in writing before work starts, especially where the listing says quote, hourly or POA (price on application).
  • •Book A Local lists services for enquiry and booking. We do not check a provider's trade licence, insurance or qualifications on your behalf - that check is yours to make every time.

Stolen goods, recalls and banned items

  • •Be wary of high-value power tools, bikes or electronics priced well below market with no receipt, no box and a vague story about where they came from. Ask for the serial number and check it if the item has one.
  • •Cots, prams, car seats and other child products sold second-hand must still meet the current Australian safety standard. Check a listed item against the product safety recalls at productsafety.gov.au before you buy or sell it.
  • •Gas appliances need a licensed gas fitter to install or connect them. Do not attempt this yourself, and do not list one with an offer to self-install.
  • •Some older building materials - fibro sheeting, certain vinyl tiles, older eaves and flue linings - can contain asbestos. If a building-salvage item might contain asbestos, have it assessed before you list, buy or work with it.

Something on the site look wrong? Read the listing rules or use the report link on any listing.