How Payment Holds Work
When a buyer purchases your item on ShopBroker, their payment is held securely until the transaction is complete. This protects both you and the buyer, and it's one of the things that makes ShopBroker a trusted marketplace.
Here's what happens behind the scenes:
Buyer checks out -- A secure hold is placed on their payment for the order total
You prepare the item -- Get it ready for delivery or pickup
The item reaches the buyer -- Via courier delivery or self-arranged pickup
Payment is released to you -- Automatically, once delivery is confirmed
You don't need to do anything to collect payment. ShopBroker handles the entire process for you.
When Payment Is Released
The timing depends on how the item reaches the buyer:
Delivery Orders
Payment is released automatically when our delivery partner confirms the item has been delivered. You'll see the status change to "Item Delivered" in your dashboard, and the funds will begin processing to your account.
Self-Arranged Pickup
Payment is released when the buyer taps "Pay Seller" after meeting you and inspecting the item. Once they confirm receipt, the funds are on their way to you.
Important: Let ShopBroker Handle Payments
ShopBroker's payment hold system is designed to release funds to you at the right time -- after the buyer has their item. This is what keeps transactions fair and builds trust with your buyers.
If you use PayPal as your payment provider, never collect payments directly from your PayPal dashboard. ShopBroker releases your payment automatically when the transaction is complete. Collecting a payment outside of ShopBroker's process is a serious violation of our Seller Agreement.
What Happens If a Payment Is Collected Outside ShopBroker
Our system monitors all payment activity in real time. If a payment is collected before the buyer receives their item, here's what happens:
The buyer is automatically refunded -- Their money is returned right away
Your account is immediately suspended -- Your listings are hidden from the marketplace
Our team is notified -- An admin reviews the situation and decides next steps
You'll receive an email explaining what happened and what to expect
This applies on the first occurrence. Our team will review your account and reach out to you with next steps.
Why This Matters
The payment hold system is central to how ShopBroker works. It's what gives buyers the confidence to shop locally with people they're connecting with for the first time. When payments flow through the platform properly:
Buyers trust that they won't lose money
Sellers build a strong reputation
The marketplace stays safe for everyone
Tips for a Smooth Payment Experience
Be patient -- Payments are released as soon as delivery is confirmed
Track your transactions in your ShopBroker dashboard for real-time status updates
For delivery orders, make sure the item is ready and accessible for the courier
For self-arranged pickups, keep communication on the platform so everything is documented
Never ask a buyer to pay you outside of ShopBroker -- this removes their protection and yours
Questions?
If you have questions about a specific payment or want to understand where your funds are, check your seller dashboard or reach out to our support team. We're happy to help.