Added protection for buying valuable items

When you are buying a higher-priced item or would simply like the chance to inspect the item before final payment, consider using escrow. Escrow is a powerful tool that protects you, the buyer, from buying an unsatisfactory item and from failing to receive an item you've paid for.

Here's how it works: An escrow service will hold your payment until you've received, inspected and approved the item. Only then does the escrow service pay the seller.

Escrow is available for any purchase, but it's recommended for purchases of £250 or more.

Important facts about escrow:

• The buyer and seller must agree to use escrow before the end of the auction or, with Buy It Now, before the purchase takes place.
• Look at the item listing to see the seller's policy about escrow. If it's not clear, ask the seller a question.
• There are fees to use escrow. Buyers and sellers should agree who will pay those fees.

Note: eBay recommends the services of http://www.escrow.com

If a seller suggests using a different escrow company, please use caution. If you choose to use another escrow company please make sure the company is well established, fully licensed and accredited to secure the safety of your transaction.

Recommended escrow companies are noted below:

• Escrow.com http://www.escrow.com/
  (recommended for users of www.ebay.com and www.ebay.ca)
• Escrow Australia http://www.escrowaustralia.com.au/
  (recommended for users of www.ebay.com.au)
• iloxx SafeTrade http://www.iloxx.de/ebay/
  (recommended for users of www.ebay.de)
• Escrow Europa http://www.escrow-europa.com/
  (recommended for users of www.ebay.it and www.es.ebay.com)

Please note, all the above escrow providers are independent of eBay and their escrow services will be provided under separate terms and conditions.

Learn more about escrow. Contact Customer Support

If you're looking for more help or have a question to ask, contact us.