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Buying with collection in person

Many sellers offer collection in person, especially for large or bulky items. You pay securely on eBay, then contact the seller to agree a time and place for collection. Our unique code is used to verify the handover and keeps both you and the seller protected.

Are you a seller looking for information on offering collection in person? Read our article on selling with collection in person

Collection in person means you get items in person without paying for delivery, so it's ideal for items that are difficult or expensive to post. You can browse or search to find items in your neighbourhood, pay securely on eBay and inspect the item before confirming collection with your code.

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Shopping for items with collection in person

To find items available for collection in person, select Collection at the top of the eBay homepage. You can use the map view to find the items nearest you, or apply the Collection filter when searching or browsing. To search in a different area or see items that are further away, set or adjust your postcode and max distance.
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In search results and on the listing page, you'll see "Free collection in person" as a delivery option, along with the collection suburb and postcode. You'll also see an estimate such as "within 3 km" based on your postcode.

You can also contact the seller with any questions about collection, although we don't recommend exchanging contact details until payment is complete. For example, you could ask the seller about:

  • Availability: "Are you available for collection on [day/time options]?"
  • Testing at collection: "Is it okay to power on or test basic functions at the handover?"
  • Access and parking: "Will I be able to park outside? Is there a lift or loading area for this item?"
  • Parts included: "Can you confirm [part] is included?"
  • Collection location: "Are you close to [suburb]?" or "Happy to meet in a public place – would [location] work for you?"

Tip
Filters can reset when you change queries or search new categories. If you notice results switching back to postage, reopen filters and re-select Collection in person.

Checkout and payment

At checkout, simply make sure you've selected free Collection in person, instead of a delivery service.

You'll still see a Sent to address, but it won't be used. Double-check the order details and select your preferred payment method, then select Pay now to complete your purchase.

Paying at eBay checkout helps ensure your purchase is covered by eBay Money Back Guarantee. Payment at collection is only permitted in a few categories, such as Cars, Motorcycles & Vehicles.

Collecting your order

Once your order is confirmed, you and the seller can get in touch via Messages to arrange a time and place for collection and any other details, such as testing the item at the handover. Keep all communication on eBay so you have a clear record of what's agreed.

We'll provide a unique collection code for your order – both a QR code and 6-digit code – which you should bring with you when you collect the item. Only provide the code to the seller once you're satisfied with the item. They'll either scan the QR code using their eBay app or enter the 6-digit code on eBay to confirm the handover. This updates the order to Collected and acts as proof of collection, protecting both you and the seller.

Arranging the handover

When coordinating collection with the seller, it's a good idea to offer a few realistic time slots or share your general availability to meet up. If you need to reschedule or are running late, inform the seller in good time through Messages.

For bulky or heavy items, the seller may prefer collection from their address. Confirm access and parking availability, and any tools you may need to bring with you. Use your judgement and suggest a public location if you don't want to meet at a private address.

If you're meeting in a public place, plan a visible, well-lit spot such as a café, shopping centre entrance or store lobby. Stay within sight of others, especially when meeting at night.

Always complete payment on eBay. Don't agree to paying at collection unless you're buying a vehicle.

Completing the handover

Make sure you bring the collection code (QR code and 6-digit code) with you. You can find it in My eBay or in the order confirmation email. It's a good idea to take a screenshot of the code or make a note of the 6-digit code in case you lose data reception.

When you meet the seller, check over the item and confirm you're satisfied before completing the handover.

If you're happy with the item, share your collection code to complete the transaction. Here's how:

  1. Open the eBay app, go to My eBay and find the item in your Purchases.
  2. Tap Show collection code. You'll see a QR code and a 6-digit code.
  3. Show the code to the seller.
  4. The seller will scan the QR code or enter the 6-digit code.
  5. Once confirmed, the order updates to Collected and the handover is complete.

If you're not happy with the item when you inspect it, you and the seller can cancel the order for a refund. Here's what to do:

  1. Tell the seller you'd like to cancel the order.
  2. In the eBay app, go to My eBay and find the item in your Purchases.
  3. Select Cancel this order.
  4. To start a cancellation request, find the item in your Purchases and select Cancel this order from the actions menu. The seller can then go into their order details and approve the cancellation request. Alternatively, the seller can cancel the order from their side.
  5. When the order is cancelled, your refund will go back to your original payment method. Refunds are typically available within 3-5 business days.
  6. The seller will keep the item and you won't need to give them your collection code.

If the seller declines the cancellation request and the item is not as described, you're still covered under eBay Money Back Guarantee, as long as payment was made through eBay.

Tip
Don't confirm collection or allow the seller to enter your code if you do not intend to accept the item.

Returning a collection in person item

Collection in person keeps you protected when you pay on eBay, keep messages on eBay, and the seller confirms your collection code at the handover.

Find out more about returning an item if it doesn't match the listing after the collection or you no longer want it.

Troubleshooting collection in person issues

Here are some situations which could arise when picking up an item, and tips on what to do:

Collection code is missing or won't load

  • Go to Purchases in My eBay and open the order details
  • Refresh the page or close and re-open your eBay app
  • Sign out and sign in again on the app if it still doesn't appear
  • Check your order confirmation email – it will contain your QR and 6-digit code

Seller can't scan your QR code

  • If the seller's scanner can't read the QR code, turn your screen brightness up, wipe the screen, and hold your device steady
  • Ask the seller to tap Enter code manually and type your 6-digit code
  • Move to better lighting to reduce glare

Seller forgot to scan the code at the handover

  • You and the seller can get in touch via Messages and you can send them your 6-digit code
  • The seller can then enter the code manually on their order details page to update the order to Collected

Seller won't scan or enter the code

  • If the seller refuses to confirm collection, it's best to leave the item
  • You can report that you didn't receive the item from your Purchases

Seller asks for cash or suggests moving the sale off eBay

  • Decline politely. Say you'll pay on eBay and use the collection code at the meetup
  • Keep all messages on eBay to keep your purchase protected
  • If the seller insists, don't meet. You can cancel the order and receive a refund

Seller isn't responding or you need to reschedule

  • Send a follow-up message on eBay suggesting a couple of new time options
  • If the seller hasn't replied within 24-48 hours, you could message once more with a clear deadline
  • If there is still no response, you can cancel the order and receive a refund
  • Keep all communication in Messages so there's a record

You changed your mind or you're not satisfied with the item at collection

  • If the item doesn't match the listing or you decide not to proceed with the purchase, you can ask the seller to cancel the order. Make sure you do this before the seller confirms your code
  • To start a cancellation request, find the item in your Purchases and select Cancel this order from the actions menu. The seller can then go into their order details and approve the cancellation request. Alternatively, the seller can cancel the order from their side
  • When the order is cancelled, your refund will go back to your original payment method. Refunds are typically available within 3-5 business days
  • If the seller refuses to cancel the order and it's not as described, find the item in your Purchases and select Return this item

If you're sending someone to collect on your behalf

  • A friend or family member can collect the item for you
  • Make sure they bring your collection code (QR or 6-digit code) and show it to the seller at the handover

At checkout, make sure you've selected free Collection in person instead of a delivery service. We'll provide you with a collection code that you'll show the seller when you collect the item in person.

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