From collectables to cars, buy and sell all kinds of items on eBay UK
home | pay | services | site map
Shop for itemsSell your itemTrack your eBay activitiesLearn, connect, and stay informed-for business and for funGet help, find answers and contact Customer SupportAdvanced Search

  Escrow

What is Escrow?
Money held in trust by a third party until the seller sends the item to the buyer.

Why use Escrow?
An escrow service can help ensure a safe transaction between the buyer and seller, especially when a large sum is changing hands. An escrow service acts as a neutral third party in a transaction, collecting payment for the item from the buyer until the seller sends the item to the buyer. Once the buyer accepts the item, the escrow service forwards the payment to the seller.

How it Works: 5 Easy Steps
Conducting an escrow transaction is simple - there are just five easy steps.

       
Step 1:
The buyer and seller agree to use escrow for the transaction, and agree terms and details of the transaction.
 		Step 2:
The buyer sends payment to agreed escrow service. Payment is verified and deposited into a trust account.
 		Step 3:
The escrow site will notify the seller that it has received the money and directs the seller to ship the goods to the buyer.
 		Step 4:
The buyer receives, inspects and approves the goods and notifies the escrow site that all is OK.
 		Step 5:
The escrow site forwards the funds to the seller after all conditions of the transaction are met.
 

Escrow Services
eBay recommends the use of escrow for purchases over £250 but it can be used for any purchase.

Note: eBay recommends the use of 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.

Other recommended escrow companies for other eBay sites are listed below:

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

If you have any questions, please contact customer support.


About eBay | Announcements | Safety Centre | VeRO Protecting IP | Policies | Feedback Forum | Site Map | Help
Copyright © 1995-2005 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the eBay User Agreement and Privacy Policy.

eBay official time