Are you a buyer looking for information on collecting an item? Read our article on buying a local collection item
Adding local collection to your listing
When creating your listing, simply select No postage: Local collection only from the dropdown menu in the delivery details section, and enter your Item location which will show in your listing.
You can also offer local collection in addition to other postage options. Tick the Offer local collection box under your postage options.
Payment options for local collection
In your payment options, select Cash on collection and any other payment methods you'd like to accept. You'll need to offer buyers at least one of the approved electronic payment methods, and you cannot discourage buyers from using any payment method you specified in the listing.
Tip
For local collection items, we don't recommend accepting payment methods that take time to clear, such as cheques.
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:
- 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
To scan the QR code or enter the 6-digit code:
- Go to Selling on the eBay App.
- Go to the Sold 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
When you scan or manually enter these codes, the item will immediately be marked as delivered but you'll still need to mark the item as paid if you collect cash at the time of delivery.
If you don't want to use the app, ask the buyer to sign a copy of the eBay order form at the time of collection.
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.