Your Money Stays Safe
When you buy something on ShopBroker, your payment is held securely until you actually receive your item. The seller doesn't get paid until the transaction is complete, so you're never sending money to a stranger and hoping for the best.
How It Works
Here's what happens when you make a purchase:
You check out. A hold is placed on your payment method for the order total. No money leaves your account yet.
The seller prepares your item. They get it ready for delivery or arrange a pickup with you.
You receive the item. Either through our delivery partner or an in-person pickup meetup.
Then, and only then, the seller gets paid. Payment is released automatically once delivery is confirmed.
It's that simple. Your money doesn't move until you have what you paid for.
You're in Control
How payment is released depends on how you receive your item:
Delivery Orders
When you choose delivery, payment is released automatically after our courier confirms the item has been delivered to you. You don't need to do anything. The system handles it.
In-Person Pickup
When you meet the seller for pickup, you decide when to release payment. After you've inspected the item and you're satisfied:
Open your order details
Tap "Pay Seller"
Confirm that you've received and inspected the item
Until you tap that button, your money stays right where it is.
ShopBroker Monitors Every Transaction
Our platform actively monitors all payment activity for anything unusual. If someone tries to collect a payment before you've received your item, ShopBroker steps in automatically:
You're refunded right away. Your money is returned without you needing to do anything.
The seller's account is reviewed. Our team investigates and takes action.
You'll receive an email letting you know your payment is protected.
You don't need to watch for this yourself. We're always working behind the scenes to keep your transactions safe.
Protection for Every Payment Method
ShopBroker's payment hold system keeps your money safe regardless of how you pay:
Your funds are held until delivery is confirmed
Unusual payment activity is detected and reversed automatically
You're covered from checkout to delivery
What If Something Goes Wrong?
We've got you covered:
Item never arrives? Your payment hold is released and you pay nothing.
Seller cancels? The hold is released and your funds are returned.
You change your mind before delivery? You can request cancellation and the hold is released.
Seller doesn't show up for pickup? Your payment hold remains in place; request cancellation and the hold releases.
Something doesn't seem right? Contact our support team and we'll look into it.
For full details on refunds and disputes, see our Refund & Dispute Policy.
Authorization Time Limits
Payment authorizations have an expiration window:
7 days for card payments
If a transaction isn't completed within this window:
The hold expires automatically
Your funds return to your available balance
Contact support if you need to extend or resolve
This protects you from indefinite holds on unfinished transactions.
Tips for a Safe Buying Experience
For in-person pickups, always inspect the item thoroughly before tapping "Pay Seller"
Meet in a public place during daylight hours when arranging pickups
Keep communication on ShopBroker so everything is documented if you need support
Report anything suspicious. Our team investigates every report.
Take your time. Inspect items at your own pace before confirming.
Questions?
If you have any concerns about a transaction or your payment, our support team is here to help. Just tap the chat bubble and we'll walk you through it.