Moving and courier services in New Zealand: set up your Websta profile

What goes on your Websta profile page

Your Websta profile works like a website for your business. Customers nearby see it when they search for movers and courier services in their area, and they can contact you through the platform or book directly if you set that up.

The core of your profile is a description of what you do - whether you move households, pack boxes, deliver parcels, handle commercial freight, or offer storage. Write clearly about the types of jobs you take and the areas you cover. Include the towns or regions you work in, because customers search by location.

Add photos of your work: your vehicle, a packed truck, boxes ready for delivery, or your team. A clear photo of yourself or your business helps customers decide to contact you. Photos make profiles stand out in search results.

Set up your services with descriptions. A mover might list 'household moving', 'piano moving', or 'packing services'. A courier might list 'same-day delivery', 'parcel delivery', or 'fragile items'. Be specific about what you offer - customers searching for a specific type of job need to know you do it.

• Business description and areas you cover
• Clear photos of vehicle, work, or team
• Individual services with short descriptions
• Contact form for quote requests
• Online booking option (if you set up your calendar)
• Your bank account details for Websta to pay you through Stripe

How customers find movers and couriers in New Zealand

People in New Zealand search for movers and couriers through Websta by selecting their town or region and the type of service they need. The marketplace at /marketplace/transport shows providers in the chosen area, sorted by distance and relevance.

Customers also post tasks on Websta - for example, 'moving a three-bedroom house from Hamilton to Auckland next month' or 'urgent parcel delivery to Wellington CBD'. Providers then see the task and make offers. This works well if you want leads without having to list every service in detail.

A strong profile with clear descriptions, photos, and a response history helps customers choose you over others. If you respond quickly to quote requests and complete jobs on time, your profile rating builds over time.

Setting up as an independent mover or courier in New Zealand

Most moving and courier work in New Zealand is done by independent operators and small businesses. Before you set up your Websta profile, check what rules apply to you.

If you operate as a sole trader, you need to register for GST if your turnover is over the GST threshold. Check the current threshold with the New Zealand Inland Revenue Department. You will need an IRD number to receive payments through Websta.

For moving work involving household goods, check with your local council and the New Zealand Transport Agency about any local rules for moving trucks and parking. Some councils have bylaws about heavy vehicles in certain areas.

If you carry passengers or valuable items, or move goods that need insurance, ask your insurance provider what cover you need. Websta handles payment through Stripe into your own bank account, but you hold responsibility for the work you do.

Languages for your profile

Write your profile in English. The large majority of customers in New Zealand search in English. You can add te reo Maori if you choose, but it is not necessary. Keep your descriptions clear and straightforward so customers understand exactly what you offer.

What to write in your first hour

Start with a clear one-sentence description of what you do: 'I move households and small commercial loads across Auckland and the Waikato' or 'Fast parcel and small freight delivery in Christchurch and surrounding areas.' This goes at the top of your profile.

List three to five services you offer most often. Write a short sentence for each - what it is and who it is for. For example: 'Household moving - full-service packing and moving for families relocating within New Zealand' or 'Same-day parcel delivery - urgent packages to businesses in central Wellington.'

Add one or two photos. A clear shot of your vehicle or a photo of a completed job is enough to start. You can add more later.

Write down the towns and regions you work in. Be realistic - say you cover Auckland, Hamilton, and the Bay of Plenty if that is where you actually work, not all of New Zealand.

Set up a contact form for quote requests. Most moving and courier jobs need a custom quote based on distance, size, or urgency, so a quote request form is more practical than fixed pricing.

Taking bookings and payments

Websta connects to Stripe so customers can pay you directly into your own bank account. You set the prices for your services or agree prices when responding to quote requests. The customer pays through the platform and you receive the money in your bank account.

If you want to take bookings (for example, a customer books a moving truck on a specific date), you can set up your calendar on your Websta profile. Customers then see your available dates and book directly. For jobs that need a custom quote first, use the quote request form instead.

Growing your profile over time

Your first profile does not need to be complete. Add more photos, services, and details as you get comfortable with the platform. Respond quickly to enquiries, do good work, and your profile will build a track record that brings more customers. Keep your descriptions honest and specific to your actual service area - customers in Dunedin will not contact you if you cover only Otago, and that saves everyone time.