diff --git a/src/pull.rs b/src/pull.rs
index adef83f..b8650e4 100644
--- a/src/pull.rs
+++ b/src/pull.rs
@@ -573,6 +573,14 @@ pub async fn pull(
         Path::new(package).to_path_buf()
     };
 
+    if package_dir.exists() {
+        return Err(format!(
+            "Directory '{}' already exists. Remove it first, or change working directory.",
+            package_dir.display()
+        )
+        .into());
+    }
+
     /* Fetch the package: either via git (preferred VCS) or the archive */
     if let Some(ref url) = package_info.preferred_vcs
         && !force_archive