Are you a buyer looking for information on collecting an item? Read our article on buying a local collection item
Collection options in your listing
If you’re a private seller, you’ll see Postage and collection in person as the default option in the listing summary page when you create a new listing. You can select Collection only if you’d like to just offer collection in person. Listings will only provide enough information for prospective buyers to establish how far away the item is. If you’d prefer not to offer collection in person, you can select Postage only.
Find out more about buying and selling locally.
Payment options for local collection
Buyers who choose collection in person must generally complete checkout using approved electronic payment methods. Cash on collection is available only in a limited number of categories, such as Cars, Motorcycles, & Vehicles.
Arranging collection
In your item description or checkout instructions, specify when and how the buyer can collect the item. Don't add your full address, just the area will do. You may need to get in touch with them after the listing ends to confirm the details of the collection.
Read our article on listing tips for more on how to list an item.
Proof of collection
Proof of collection is required to protect you against item not received cases.
For proof of collection you can choose one of these options:
- On desktop, manually enter the buyer's 6 digit code in View order details
- Use the eBay app to scan the QR code the buyer received through email
- Use the eBay app to manually enter the 6-digit code the buyer received through email
- Ask the buyer to confirm they’ve collected in person through the item’s order details
To scan the QR code or enter the 6-digit code:
- Go to Selling on the eBay App.
- Go to the Orders tab.
- Select the sold item being collected.
- Click the drop down button on the blue Send Payment Reminder banner at bottom of the page.
- Select Scan collection code from the list of options.
- You can either scan the QR code or manually enter the 6-digit code the buyer received through email.
Tip
Scanning the QR code or entering the 6 digit collection code when your buyer is picking up the item ensures a safe and protected transaction.
Managing returns and item not received requests
Returns for local collection listings should be treated the same as other delivery options. If the buyer returns an item because it's faulty or it isn't as described in the listing, they can return it to you even if your return policy states you don't accept returns.
If the buyer simply changed their mind and you stated in your listing that you don't accept returns, you're not obliged to accept their return request. See our article on how to handle a return request as a seller for more information.
To protect yourself against item-not-received cases, proof of collection is required.
Buying and selling off eBay
One of our top priorities is protecting our members, so sales that started on eBay can't be completed off our site.
If a sale is completed off eBay, neither buyers nor sellers are covered by our protection programmes if something goes wrong, and you'll still need to pay fees. See our policy for more information.