When you use ShopBroker to handle secure payment and delivery for your local marketplace transactions, you'll encounter a straightforward fee structure and a streamlined payment process. This guide explains what fees to expect, how payments are processed through Stripe Connect, and when you'll receive your funds.
ShopBroker's delivery fee structure
ShopBroker charges a simple, transparent fee based on your item's size and weight. This fee covers the delivery service and secure payment processing.
Size categories
Your delivery fee is determined by which size category your item falls into:
Small (fits in a shoebox): $10
Examples: small electronics, collectibles, accessories, books
Medium (fits in a trunk): $20
Examples: computer monitors, small appliances, chairs, boxes of clothing
Large (fits in a pickup truck): $50
Examples: televisions, dining tables, sofas, bicycles
Huge (fits in a moving truck): $100
Examples: sectional sofas, large appliances, multiple furniture pieces
Heavy item premium
Items weighing over 20 kg (44 lbs) or requiring special handling incur a 50% premium on the base price:
Small + Heavy: $15
Medium + Heavy: $30
Large + Heavy: $75
Huge + Heavy: $150
Examples of heavy items include appliances, large furniture, gym equipment, or anything needing two people or specialized handling.
How fees are collected
The delivery fee is paid by the buyer at checkout and is automatically included in the total price they see. Here's how it works:
You create a transaction through ShopBroker
The buyer pays the item price plus the delivery fee
ShopBroker retains the delivery fee
The item price is sent to you after successful delivery
The exact fee amount is clearly displayed before you create your transaction link, so there are never any surprises.
Payment processing with Stripe Connect
ShopBroker uses Stripe Connect to securely process all payments and transfers. This industry-leading platform ensures your transactions are protected from start to finish.
Setting up your Stripe Connect account
To receive payments through ShopBroker, you'll need to connect your Stripe account:
When you create your ShopBroker account, you'll be prompted to set up Stripe Connect
Follow the steps to either connect an existing Stripe account or create a new one
Provide the required information for identity verification (required by financial regulations)
Once verified, your account is ready to receive payments
The setup process typically takes just a few minutes, though verification can sometimes take 1-2 business days if additional information is needed.
How the escrow payment system works
When you sell through ShopBroker, your payment is protected by our escrow system:
Buyer submits payment: When a buyer pays through your ShopBroker link, the funds are securely held in our payment system.
Verification of funds: ShopBroker verifies the payment before scheduling pickup, ensuring you're protected from payment fraud.
Secure holding period: Funds remain securely held while your item is delivered to the buyer.
Buyer acceptance: Once the buyer receives and accepts the item, the payment is released to your Stripe account.
This system protects both parties from common risks like payment scams or disputes about item condition.
Payment methods accepted
ShopBroker currently accepts the following payment methods from buyers:
Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
Debit cards
Apple Pay
Google Pay
All payment processing is handled securely through our platform, so you don't need to worry about verifying payments or dealing with different payment methods.
Receiving your payment
After a successful delivery and buyer acceptance, your payment is processed through Stripe Connect.
Payment timeline
Here's the typical timeline for receiving your payment:
Buyer accepts delivery: The buyer inspects and accepts the item upon delivery.
Payment release: Once accepted, payment is released from escrow to your Stripe account.
Stripe processing: Funds are processed by Stripe according to their standard timeline (typically 2-7 business days for new sellers, potentially faster for established accounts).
Bank deposit: Funds are deposited directly to the bank account you've connected to your Stripe account.
The total time from delivery acceptance to receiving funds in your bank account is typically 2-7 business days, depending on your Stripe account status and bank processing times.
Viewing your transaction history
You can view your complete transaction history through the ShopBroker dashboard. This includes:
All current and past transactions
Payment status for each transaction
Delivery fees applied
Payment dates
Currently, ShopBroker provides transaction history viewing on the website but does not generate downloadable summaries or exportable records.
Special situations and exceptions
While most transactions go smoothly, here's how we handle special circumstances:
Cancelled pickups
If a pickup is cancelled, the fee structure is as follows:
Cancellation before driver dispatch: No fee charged to either party, full refund to buyer
Cancellation after driver dispatch: The delivery fee is charged as a cancellation fee
Seller no-show: If you're not available during the scheduled pickup window, the delivery fee is charged as a cancellation fee
These policies help cover the costs associated with driver time and transportation that have already been incurred.
Item not as described
If the driver determines that an item significantly differs from its description during pickup:
The driver may document the discrepancies and contact ShopBroker support
You may be given the opportunity to address the issue
If the issue cannot be resolved, the pickup may be cancelled and the buyer refunded
The delivery fee may still apply as a cancellation fee
Delivery refusal
If a buyer refuses delivery for legitimate reasons:
The item will be returned to you
The case will be reviewed by ShopBroker support
The delivery fee is non-refundable
The item payment will be refunded to the buyer if the refusal is deemed valid
Payment disputes
In the rare case of payment disputes:
ShopBroker's support team will review all transaction details
We'll examine driver notes, photos, and communication history
Our goal is to reach a fair resolution based on objective evidence
Having clear photos and documentation of your item before pickup helps protect you in dispute situations
Tax considerations for sellers
ShopBroker does not provide tax advice, but here are some general considerations:
Record keeping: We recommend keeping your own records of all transactions
GST/HST: If your sales exceed certain thresholds, you may need to collect and remit GST/HST
Income reporting: Income from selling personal items may be subject to capital gains tax in some situations
Consult with a tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.
Value comparison with traditional marketplace methods
When evaluating ShopBroker's fees, consider these benefits compared to traditional marketplace transactions:
What's included in ShopBroker's fee
Secure escrow payment processing
Professional delivery service
Verification at pickup and delivery
Dispute resolution if needed
No need to meet strangers or coordinate meetups
Protection from payment scams or fraud
Hidden costs of traditional marketplace meetups
When selling through traditional marketplaces without ShopBroker, you may face:
Time spent coordinating meetups and handling no-shows
Transportation costs to meeting locations
Safety concerns when meeting strangers
Risk of payment scams or fraudulent transfers
Potential for post-sale disputes without documentation
Many sellers find that ShopBroker's transparent fee structure provides excellent value when considering these hidden costs and risks of traditional marketplace transactions.
Pricing strategies for sellers
To maximize your profit while accounting for ShopBroker's delivery fee, consider these pricing strategies:
Factor in the delivery convenience: Buyers often pay a premium for secure delivery options, allowing you to price slightly higher than listings without delivery.
Bundle related items: Selling multiple related items together increases the total sale value while incurring just one delivery fee.
Focus on higher-value items: ShopBroker's fees provide the best value for items worth $50 or more, where the security benefits are most significant.
Highlight ShopBroker in your listing: Mentioning secure payment and professional delivery in your marketplace listings can help justify premium pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Is there a minimum item value to use ShopBroker?
A: While there's no strict minimum, ShopBroker's delivery fee structure provides the best value for items worth $50 or more.
Q: Can I see exactly what fee will be charged before creating my transaction?
A: Yes, the exact fee is clearly displayed before you create your transaction link, based on the size category and weight information you provide.
Q: Do I need to collect payment from the buyer?
A: No, ShopBroker handles all payment collection. You simply share your transaction link with the buyer, and they complete the payment directly through our secure system.
Q: How long does Stripe Connect setup take?
A: Basic setup takes just minutes, though identity verification may take 1-2 business days in some cases.
Q: What happens if a buyer requests a refund after accepting the item?
A: Once a buyer has accepted an item at delivery, the transaction is considered complete. Any post-acceptance issues would need to be resolved directly between buyer and seller, though ShopBroker support can try to help mediate if required.
Q: Can I use a payment method other than Stripe Connect?
A: Currently, Stripe Connect is the only payment method supported for receiving funds through ShopBroker.
Q: Are there any additional processing fees beyond the delivery fee?
A: ShopBroker also charges a 15% service fee on the value of the item sold. Stripe's processing fees are included in this service fee.
Need more help?
Have questions about delivery fees, Stripe Connect setup, or how the payment process works? Our support team is ready to help clarify any aspect of the financial side of your transactions. Click the support button in the bottom right corner of the website to connect with our team and get the answers you need to sell with confidence.