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How it works
A quick guide to buying and selling on Cheap Boats NZ — part of the NZ Auction Network.
Buying
1
Browse auctions
Search by category, region, or keyword. Filter Marine Gear by subcategory.
2
Add to your Watchlist
Save listings you like so you can come back and bid before the auction ends.
3
Ask public questions
Use the Q&A section on any listing. Sellers reply publicly so every buyer sees the answer.
4
Place a bid or use Buy Now
Buy Now is available until the seller's reserve is met. Once the reserve is met, only bidding continues.
5
Win the auction
When you win, the seller's contact details are revealed. You and the seller arrange payment and pickup directly.
Selling
1
Create your account
Register with your email and choose a public display name (handle). Real names and contact details stay private.
2
Verify your profile
Verify your email and mobile number to unlock listing, bidding, and watchlist features.
3
List your item
Pick a category (and a Marine Gear subcategory if applicable). Add photos, description, starting bid, optional reserve and Buy Now.
4
Answer questions publicly
Buyers ask questions on the listing — your replies are visible to everyone.
5
Track interest
See bids, view counts, and watcher counts on every listing.
6
Close the sale
When your auction ends or a Buy Now is accepted, the buyer's contact details are revealed. Arrange payment and pickup directly with them.
Rules
1
Bids are binding
When you bid, you commit to buy if you win. Don't bid on an item you wouldn't pay for.
2
No fake, shill or fraudulent bidding
Bidding on your own listing, using multiple accounts, coordinating fake bids, manipulating auction prices, or engaging in any other fraudulent activity is strictly prohibited. Our systems actively monitor bidding patterns, devices, accounts, and other suspicious activity. Accounts involved in fraudulent behaviour may be suspended or permanently banned. Where appropriate, suspected fraudulent or criminal activity may be referred to the appropriate fraud investigation authorities or other relevant authorities. Attempts to evade account suspensions or create replacement accounts may result in immediate permanent removal from the platform.
3
Contact details stay private
Email and phone are never shown publicly. They're revealed only to the winning bidder and seller after the auction concludes.
4
Inspect before paying
Always inspect or verify items before transferring funds. The platform does not handle escrow.
5
One edit per listing without bids
Once your auction is live with bids, you can still update the description once and post unlimited public seller comments. Prices, photos, and core fields are locked to protect bidders.
6
Auctions auto-extend in the last 2 minutes
If someone bids during the final 2 minutes, the auction automatically extends by another 2 minutes to give all bidders a fair opportunity to respond before the auction ends.
✉️ Need a hand? Email support@cheapboatsnz.co.nz and we'll help out within 1 business day.