When to release collection QR code

[hamishsh]

Help please - I am buying a trailer for collection - received collection QR code from ebay. Seller says he won't release item until money is in his account. How long does it take ebay to move funds from pending to his account? I don't want to drive all the way over to collect the trailer, give him the QR code and it then takes hours or days for ebay to process it? If I give him the QR code before collection,  am I then exposed if he is a scammer and address given does not exist or he does not hand over the item, or do ebay protect me if this were to happen?

[**peaseblossom**]

It's better to use cash on collection for any type of vehicle.     But if using the collection code you must not give it to the seller until you are on the point of taking the item, after inspection.    However, the seller won't receive payment until they have the code.   

If they won't budge tell them to cancel and refund the transaction.    If you want the item suggest they relist as cash on collection for you to buy again.

[61stephenuk]

If you have already paid the payment should be showing in the sellers eBay account and will be released 24 hours after collection generally

If you give him the code before actually collecting he could refuse you and the code is proof you collected-not a good idea.

If he wants cash on collection,not allowed on a normal listing depends what category the trailer was listed in,vehicles category cash is fine,he could relist in vehicles if it wasn't and then you could pay when collecting provided trailer meets your expectations.