Collection in person

• Collection badge. You'll see Collection in person as an option alongside the Delivery details if it's available for the item
• Distance badge. An estimate such as "3 mi away" based on your postcode
• Seller location area. A local area, but not the full address, that will help you gauge travel time
• Fees or price details. Collection in person typically shows Free collection under Delivery

If you don't see the Collection in person badging, the item may be Postage only. Use filters to re-apply Collection in person and search again.

You can plan collection by asking the seller a few questions:

• 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: "Where should I park? Is there a lift or loading area for this item?"
• Parts included: "Can you confirm [part] is included?"
• Handover location: "Happy to meet in a public place - does [location] work for you?"

Keep personal contact details off Messages until after purchase.

After purchase, you'll need to coordinate the handover with the seller. Keep everything on Messages.

• Offer a few realistic time slots that work best for you or share your general availability to collect
• Public, well-lit locations (shopping centre entrance, café, store lobby) work well for most items
• For bulky items, the seller may prefer collection at their address. Confirm access and parking availability
• If the item is testable, ask to check before the handover
• Always complete payment on eBay. Don't agree to pay off platform (with cash or bank transfer) unless your category explicitly allows this
• Use your judgement and, if anything feels off, suggest a public location
• If you need to reschedule or are running late, inform the seller in good time through Messages

Collection in person allows you to check 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. The seller can then go into their order details and approve the cancellation request.
5. 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.

Importance of the collection code

Your collection code is the key to completing the collection. You'll show it to the seller at the handover. You can find your collection code in your order confirmation email and in order details in My eBay.

The collection code includes both a QR code and a 6-digit code, so the seller can either scan the QR code using their eBay app or enter the 6-digit code on eBay to confirm the handover. It's a good idea to take a screenshot of the code or make a note of the 6-digit code in case reception is weak at the handover point.

Only provide the code to the seller once you're satisfied with the item. When they scan or enter the code, the order will be updated to Collected. This acts as proof of collection, protecting both you and the seller.

If the collection code is missing or won't load

1. Go to Purchases in My eBay and open the order details.
2. Refresh the page or close and re-open your eBay app.
3. Sign out and sign in again on the app if it still doesn't appear.
4. Check your order confirmation email – it will contain your QR and 6-digit code.
5. If the seller's scanner can't read the QR code, ask them to tap Enter code manually and type your 6-digit code.

If the seller can't scan your QR code

1. Ensure your device is steady. Try turning your screen brightness up, wiping the screen and/or moving to better lighting to reduce glare. 
2. Ask the seller to tap Enter code manually and type your 6-digit code.

If the seller forgot to scan the code at the handover

Contact the seller via Messages and ask them to enter your 6-digit code in their order details. Once entered, the order becomes confirmed as Collected.

If the 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.

• 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

• 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

• 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
• The seller can then go into their order details and approve the cancellation request. 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

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.