We're making it easier and safer to sell with local pickup. Buyers can shop with a new map view to find items near them, and payments are made securely at eBay checkout. You can no longer offer Cash on pickup for most local pickup items.
Listing items for local pickup means you don't have to worry about packaging up an item or setting postage costs. You can easily reach buyers near you and arrange pickup, with secure payment on eBay and a verified handover when you scan the buyer's code.
How local pickup works
Buyers can search for items in their neighbourhood, then pay at eBay checkout and select Local pickup as the delivery option. You and the buyer can then get in touch through Messages to agree on a time and place for the handover.
Once payment is confirmed, we provide the buyer with a unique code which they'll bring when picking up the item. You can then scan or enter this code on eBay to confirm that the buyer received their item. This provides proof that the item was picked up and helps you receive your funds faster.
When to offer local pickup
You can offer local pickup on any type of item, but it works especially well for items that are difficult or expensive to post, such as furniture, appliances, bikes, gym equipment, musical instruments, fragile items and collectables. It's also a convenient option if you're clearing out a space in a tight time frame.
Some categories are excluded from local pickup. These include purchases covered by Authenticity Guarantee and items where age verification is required, such as alcohol.
How to offer local pickup
When you create a new listing, you'll see Postage and local pickup as the default delivery option. You can also select Postage only or Pickup only if you prefer.
Prospective buyers can filter for local pickup items in search or browse using a map view, but won't see your address. Listings will only provide enough information for buyers to work out how far away the item is.
You should only share the exact pickup location once the buyer has paid for the item and you're arranging pickup through Messages.
Setting your item location correctly
When you create your listing, we'll set a default location based on your account settings, but you can update it to reflect the postcode where the buyer will pick up the item. This helps us display accurate results when buyers are searching for items near them, and helps buyers estimate distance and travel time.
Buyers see "Free pickup from [postcode]" in search results and on the listing page, but your full address is not shown publicly.
Tips for your local pickup listing
- Don't include your full address in the listing. For safety and privacy, only share your exact pickup address after the item is purchased, when you're messaging the buyer through eBay
- Communicate through eBay Messages. Once your item sells, you and the buyer can get in touch via Messages to arrange pickup. Keeping communication on eBay helps ensure both you and your buyers stay protected
- Add item-specific pickup notes in your listing. Let buyers know anything they should prepare for, such as heavy or bulky items (e.g. "bring help to lift"), large dimensions, or access considerations like stairs or narrow doorways
- For electronics, clarify testing at pickup. Let buyers know whether they can power on or test the item when they pick it up
Tip
Buyers often filter by postage, meaning they may miss items which only offer local pickup. Offering both methods boosts the chance of a faster sale.
Once your item sells
We'll send you an email when an item is sold with local pickup, as well as an app notification where applicable. In your order details, the item will be shown as Awaiting pickup, and you'll see the buyer's username and approximate local area.
Use the Contact buyer button to reach out to the buyer via eBay Messages.
Before handing over the item, ensure the order shows Paid. You can only offer cash on pickup for vehicles.
Arranging pickup
Using Messages keeps both you and the buyer protected and creates a record of what's agreed.
When arranging the time and place to meet, it's a good idea to offer at least two realistic slots. Remind the buyer to bring their pickup code, and set expectations for pickup (such as heavy items, assembly information, power outlet available to test).
If the buyer is picking up from your home or workplace, don't share the full address until after the sale. Provide any access details (such as parking, lift, buzz-in details) and make sure there's a clear path, especially for bulky items.
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.
Preparing for pickup
Keep communicating with the buyer:
- On the day, send the buyer a quick message to confirm the time and place, and remind them to bring their QR or 6-digit code
- If either of you is running late, use Messages to get in touch and make new arrangements if needed
- If the buyer asks to move the sale off eBay (cash, bank transfer, private contact), decline and keep everything on eBay for protection
Make sure you're all set for the handover:
- Double-check the buyer and sale details, especially if you're meeting multiple buyers on the same day
- Read over your listing to make sure you have exactly what the buyer expects. This could include:
- Condition notes
- Included accessories
- Measurements / dimensions
- Colour, model or version details
- Have the item ready to hand over – make sure it's cleaned, reset/charged, and has all the expected parts and accessories (remotes, cables, manuals, etc.) for the buyer to inspect
- Find and open the order in your Sold items - opens in new window or tab so you can quickly scan or type in the buyer's pickup code
Completing the handover successfully
Give the buyer a chance to inspect the item. If the buyer is satisfied, ask them for the pickup code (QR code or 6-digit code they received when they purchased the item).
Scan or enter the buyer's pickup code on your Order details page to confirm they've now got the item. This step finalises the transaction and provides delivery confirmation, which can help you receive your funds faster. It also means you have proof of pickup in the event that the buyer later reports that they didn't receive the item.
After it's picked up
When you confirm the buyer's pickup code, the order status becomes Picked up and your funds will usually be available within 48 hours. Learn more about getting paid for items you've sold.
If you forgot to scan the code at the meetup, get in touch with the buyer as soon as possible and ask them for their 6-digit code so you can enter it on your Order details page.
Tip
If your sales proceeds aren't yet appearing as Available, check that the pickup code is recorded and the order shows as Picked up.
Cancellations, returns and refunds
Local pickup gives buyers the chance to inspect the item in person. If a buyer isn't happy with the item at the handover, they can cancel the order. Buyers may also request a return if they find an issue after picking up an item. Keeping all details of the transaction on eBay and using the buyer's pickup code helps you stay protected as a seller.
Cancelling at inspection
If the buyer decides not to take the item after inspecting it, they can request to cancel the order through the app or the eBay website. If you accept the cancellation request, the buyer gets a refund. You keep the item and can relist it.
If the item is exactly as described and the buyer simply changed their mind, you're not required to accept the cancellation. However, most sellers choose to, to avoid a return request.
If the buyer is a repeated no-show or cancels pickup at the last minute, you can cancel the order and relist the item.
When an order is cancelled, you won't scan the buyer's pickup code and you may be eligible for applicable fee credits.
Returns after an item was picked up
Once the handover is confirmed with the pickup code, the sale is complete. Any return requests are handled in the same way as if you'd posted the item.
- Not as described: If the buyer discovered a fault or another problem with the item after pickup, you'll need to work with the buyer through eBay to resolve the issue – such as returning it for a refund or providing a replacement item. Keep all communication within the return request
- Any other reason: If the buyer wants to return the item for any other reason, your options depend on your return policy. If your listing says no returns, you're not obliged to accept the return request
- Refund process: If you're refunding the buyer, send the refund through eBay so we know when the return is complete and ensure you receive any applicable fee credits
Learn more about handling return requests.
Item not received and proof of pickup
If the buyer files a case or dispute because they didn't receive the item, you're protected when we can confirm the buyer's pickup code was scanned.
- If the order shows Picked up (code confirmed), you won't be responsible for providing a refund if the buyer reports they didn't receive the item
- If the pickup code was not confirmed, you may not be protected because the handover can't be verified – this is why it's so important to ensure you scan the buyer's QR code or enter the 6-digit code manually at pickup
Providing a partial refund for issues discovered at pickup
During the handover, if there is a minor issue with the item or verifiable discrepancy with your listing, you can consider offering a partial refund. Agreeing a partial refund amount with the buyer can be a good solution to avoid a cancellation or return.
Use the partial refund option in the order to do this and keep all conversation in Messages. Learn more about refunding buyers, including partial refunds.
Tip
You'll need to scan or enter the buyer's pickup code (QR or 6-digit code) to complete the transaction. Ensure your phone is charged or that you can enter the code on your desktop. Take a record of the code as backup if needed.
Troubleshooting pickup issues
Here are some situations which could come up when selling with local pickup, and tips on what to do:
Buyer not responding after purchase
If you've reached out several times to try and arrange pickup, but haven't heard back from your buyer, it's reasonable to cancel the order and relist the item.
- You need to cancel the order within 30 days of the sale. Make sure you select the appropriate cancellation reason (e.g. buyer failed to pick up)
- When you cancel the order, a full refund will be issued automatically and you may be eligible for applicable fee credits
- Don't hand over the item without the pickup code, even if the buyer contacts you later proposing cash or a private exchange
- Once the cancellation is complete, you can relist your item
Buyer wants to reschedule pickup
- Use Messages to agree on a new time
- If the buyer repeatedly cancels or stops responding, you can cancel the order
- Keep the tone polite; buyers sometimes need flexibility with travel or timing
Buyer sends someone else to pick up the item
- This is allowed as long as the person has the pickup code
- Make sure you scan or enter the code on eBay before handing over the item
Buyer refuses to show a code or asks to pay cash
- If the buyer can't provide the pickup code, don't hand over the item
- Ask them to open Purchases (under My eBay in the app) to display the code, then scan or enter the code on your Order details page
- Decline cash (unless you're selling a vehicle) and keep payment on eBay
Buyer asks for more time at the handover
- It's expected that buyers check the item in person before completing the handover, and we recommend you have it ready for them to inspect
- You shouldn't hand over the item without entering their pickup code
- If the buyer wants more time or another meeting, you may choose to reschedule, but are not required to
Buyer isn't satisfied after seeing the item
- If the buyer decides not to proceed with the purchase after inspecting the item, they can request to cancel the order
- You can review and accept their request through the app or on the eBay website
Buyer can't find their pickup code
- Ask the buyer to go to Purchases (under My eBay in the app) and open the order details, or check their order confirmation email for the QR and 6-digit codes
- If they still can't find the code, ask them to refresh the app or sign out and back in
Scanner won't read the QR code
- If the scan fails, select Enter code manually and type in the 6-digit code
No mobile signal or poor data reception at pickup
- Best practice is to finish off the transaction with the code in real time wherever possible
- If you must enter the code later, write it down clearly or take a picture of it, then enter it on your Order details page as soon as you're online
- Use your own judgement about handing over the item before you've entered the code. If you and the buyer agree to reschedule pickup, send a quick confirmation through Messages
Funds not becoming available for payout
- Once you confirm the buyer's pickup code, the order status should be Picked up and your funds should typically become available within 48 hours, unless subject to a hold
- If the order still shows Paid / Awaiting pickup, pickup isn't confirmed yet. If you still have the buyer's code, scan or enter it now
Learn more about getting paid for items you've sold.
Forgot to scan or enter the buyer's pickup code
- Message the buyer immediately and ask for their 6-digit code
- You can then enter the code manually on your Order details page
Buyer wants a refund after confirming pickup
- Ask the buyer to open a return request on eBay
- If the buyer says the item is not as described, work with them to resolve the issue (such as helping them return the item for a refund)
- If the buyer has changed their mind, your stated return policy will apply. Remember, you're not obliged to accept if the listing says no returns
- Keep all communication within the return request on eBay