Local pickup 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 pickup with your code.
Find out more about buying and selling locally - opens in new window or tab.
Shopping for local pickup items
To find items available for local pickup, apply the Local pickup filter when searching or browsing, or select Local Pickup at the top of the eBay homepage and use the map view to find items near you. To search in a different area or see items that are further away, set or adjust your postcode and max distance.
Shop local items - opens in new window or tab
In search results and on the listing page, you'll see "Free local pickup" as a delivery option, along with the pickup 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 pickup, 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 pickup on [day/time options]?"
- Testing at pickup: "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?"
- Pickup 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 delivery, use filters to re-apply Local pickup.
Checkout and payment
At checkout, simply make sure you've selected free Local pickup, instead of a delivery service.
You'll still see a Send 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. Cash payments are only permitted for vehicles.
Picking up your item
Once your order is confirmed, you and the seller can get in touch via Messages to arrange a time and place for pickup 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 pickup code for your order – both a QR code and 6-digit code – which you should bring with you when you pick up 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 Picked up and acts as proof of pickup, protecting both you and the seller.
Arranging pickup
When coordinating pickup 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 pickup 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 pay cash on pickup unless you're buying a vehicle.
Completing the handover
Make sure you bring the pickup 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 pickup code with the seller. Here's how:
- Go to My eBay and find the item in your Purchases - opens in new window or tab.
- Select Show pickup code. You'll see a QR code and a 6-digit code.
- Show the code to the seller.
- The seller will scan the QR code or enter the 6-digit code on their order details page.
- Once confirmed, the order updates to Picked up 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:
- Tell the seller you'd like to cancel the order.
- Go to My eBay and find the item in your Purchases - opens in new window or tab.
- Select Cancel this order.
- 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.
- The seller will keep the item and you won't need to give them your pickup code.
If the seller declines the cancellation request and the item is not as described, your purchase is still eligible for eBay Money Back Guarantee, as long as payment was made through eBay.
Tip
Don't confirm pickup or allow the seller to enter your code if you're receiving a refund or do not intend to accept the item.
Returning a local pickup item
Local pickup keeps you protected when you pay on eBay, keep messages on eBay, and the seller confirms your pickup code at the handover.
Find out more about returning an item if it doesn't match the listing after pickup or you no longer want it.
Troubleshooting pickup issues
Here are some situations which could arise when picking up an item, and tips on what to do:
Pickup code is missing or won't load
- Go to Purchases - opens in new window or tab 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
- Check your order confirmation email – it will contain your QR and 6-digit codes
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 Picked up
Seller won't scan or enter the code
Seller asks for cash or suggests moving the sale off eBay
- Decline politely. Say you'll pay on eBay and use the pickup code to verify the handover
- Keep all messages on eBay to help 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
- If the item doesn't match the listing when you inspect it at pickup and you decide not to proceed with the purchase, you can agree with 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 - opens in new window or tab 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 - opens in new window or tab and select Return this item
You're sending someone to pick up on your behalf
- A friend or family member can pick up the item for you
- Make sure they bring your pickup code (QR or 6-digit code) and show it to the seller at the handover