Help centre
Quick answers to the most common questions.
Buying
Do I need an account to browse?
No. Anyone can search and read listings. You need a free account to message a seller.
How do I contact a seller?
Open the listing and choose “Message”. Your conversation stays in Messages in your account; we never share your email or phone number.
How should I pay?
Pay when you collect and have seen the item, in cash or by bank transfer on the spot. Never pay a deposit or send money before seeing the item. Read staying safe.
Selling
Is posting an ad free?
Yes, posting is free for private sellers.
How long until my ad goes live?
Our team checks every new or changed ad before it appears. Most are checked within a few hours during the day.
How long does an ad stay up?
30 days. You can renew it from your account, or mark it reserved or sold.
Why was my ad rejected?
We email you the reason. Common ones are a prohibited item, missing legal details (such as an EPC for a rental) or contact details in the text. Fix it and post again, or appeal if you think we got it wrong.
Can businesses post?
Yes. Trade sellers must say they are a business, and their ads are labelled so buyers know.
Messages and notifications
Will I get emails about new messages?
No. Messages stay in your account so your inbox stays clear. Turn on notifications in Messages to hear about replies straight away.
How do I turn on notifications?
Go to Messages and choose “Turn on notifications”, then allow them when your browser asks. On an iPhone, first add Bristolians Market to your Home Screen from the Share menu in Safari.
Someone is pressuring me or asking for money upfront
Stop replying, use Report in the conversation and Block the person. Our team will look into it.
Your account
I forgot my password
Use reset your password. We send a 6-digit code to your email.
Can I change the name shown on my ads?
Yes, in your account, once every 30 days. It can be your first name or a nickname.
How do I close my account?
In your account, choose “Close account”. Your ads come down at once. You can reopen it by signing in within 30 days; after that it is deleted.
Can I get a copy of my data?
Yes, choose “Download your data” in your account. See our privacy notice for your other rights.
Still stuck?
Contact us and we will help.