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In-Person Pickup: How It Works

Choose pickup, arrange a safe handoff, inspect the item, and release payment

Written by Austin Headley

What Is In-Person Pickup?

With in-person pickup, you meet the seller to get your item. Some sellers let you book a pickup time after checkout, and others coordinate by message. Either way, you skip the delivery fee while still keeping payment protection in place until you confirm receipt.

How It Works

1. Choose In-Person Pickup at Checkout

Select "In-Person Pickup" at checkout. You'll only need to enter your email address.

2. Complete Your Purchase

Pay for the item. Your payment is held securely, it won't go to the seller yet.

3. Book or Coordinate the Pickup

After purchase, your next step depends on the listing:

  • Scheduled pickup available: choose a pickup time and, when offered, a pickup spot from your confirmation page or order page. See Booking a Pickup Time for the full walkthrough.

  • Message-based pickup: message the seller from the order page to arrange the details.

You may need to confirm:

  • Meeting location

  • Date and time

  • Any special arrangements

If the seller offers pickup spots, you may see the seller address, a police safe-trade zone, or another public spot the seller added.

4. Meet and Inspect

Meet the seller at the agreed location. Take your time to:

  • Check the item matches the description

  • Test it if applicable

  • Ask any questions

5. Release Payment

Once you're satisfied, open your order on ShopBroker and tap "Pay Seller." This releases funds to the seller.

Your Protection

Even though you're meeting in person, you're still protected:

Before you tap "Pay Seller":

  • Your payment is held securely through checkout

  • Funds haven't been released to the seller yet

  • You can cancel and get a full refund

After you tap "Pay Seller":

  • Funds release to the seller

  • Transaction is complete

Tips for a Smooth Pickup

Choose public places: Police safe-trade zones, coffee shops, shopping centers, and other busy locations are ideal.

Bring someone: Having a friend along is always a good idea.

Check the item thoroughly: Once you confirm payment, the sale is final.

Be prompt: Respect the seller's time by showing up when agreed.

What If Something's Wrong?

Before releasing payment, you have options:

Item not as described? Don't release payment. Contact our support team.

Seller no-show? Reach out to the seller first, then contact support if needed.

Changed your mind? You can cancel the order for a full refund (as long as you haven't released payment).

Cancelling an In-Person Pickup Order

Either party can cancel before payment is released:

  • The buyer taps "Cancel Order"

  • Or the seller cancels from their dashboard

The authorization is released, and funds return to your account.

Why Choose In-Person Pickup?

  • No delivery fee - Save on costs

  • Inspect first - See the item before finalizing

  • Larger items - Works for things that don't fit delivery requirements

  • Flexible timing - Book from the seller's open hours or coordinate by message

In-person pickup gives you more control while keeping you protected.

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