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Checkout FAQ
 
 
What is Checkout?
When was Checkout launched?
On what sites is Checkout available?
How much does it cost to use Checkout?
As a seller, what are the benefits of Checkout?
As a seller, will the Checkout button appear on all my listings?
Will eBay ever make the Checkout process mandatory for all listings?
How will Checkout impact my third party selling tool?
If I use Checkout, does it mean I have to use PayPal?
Does Checkout support multiple item purchases and shopping cart? Will there be additional enhancements?
As a seller, when is my Payment Address displayed to the buyer?
I'm a seller and I want to use Checkout, do I have to include my shipping and tax costs when I list my item?
As a buyer, what are the benefits of Checkout?
Is Checkout required for buyers of auction-style listings?
Is Checkout required for buyers of Store Buy It Now listings?
As a buyer, if I use Checkout to ask the seller for the total, do I need to come back and complete the purchase through Checkout?
Can international buyers use Checkout on www.eBay.com listings?

 
What is Checkout?
Checkout is a tool that buyers and sellers may use to help complete their eBay purchases and sales.
 
When was Checkout launched?
Checkout was launched in late October 2001.
 
On what sites is Checkout available?
Checkout is available on:
  • www.eBay.com
  • eBay Motors: Accessories and Everything Else (not vehicles)
  • Sothebys.com
  • eBay Stores
How much does it cost to use Checkout?
Checkout is FREE for both buyers and sellers.
 
As a seller, what are the benefits of Checkout?
  • Get your buyer's shipping address
  • Save time - complete your sale with fewer emails
  • Get paid even faster if you accept PayPal
As a seller, will the Checkout button appear on all my listings?
The Checkout button will only appear on listings where Checkout has been enabled. To remove the Checkout button from auction listing pages, go to the My eBay Selling tab and select the "Update Checkout preferences" option. By disabling Checkout, the Checkout button will not appear (1) on the closed listing page, (2) in End of Auction emails, and (3) in My eBay.
 
Will eBay ever make the Checkout process mandatory for all listings?
We do not have plans to make the Checkout process mandatory for all listings at this time.
 
How will Checkout impact my third party selling tool?
Mister Lister and Seller's Assistant: Mister Lister and Seller's Assistant support Checkout. If you use one of these tools and have not downloaded the latest version, please do so by clicking on the following links (as appropriate):  Mister Lister   Seller's Assistant
 
Checkout has been modified to allow sellers to choose whether or not to display the Checkout button. Mister Lister and Seller's Assistant will be updated to support this change, however, sellers can use their existing versions of these tools to list items with or without Checkout. To turn Checkout on or off, go to the My eBay Selling tab and select the "Update Checkout preferences" option.
 
Other third party selling tools: We encourage you to contact your service provider to find out how your tool might be affected.
 
If I use Checkout, does it mean I have to use PayPal?
No. Neither the buyer nor the seller is required to use PayPal to use Checkout. Checkout helps buyers and sellers exchange information and supports almost any payment method the seller accepts.
 
If the seller does not accept PayPal, PayPal will not be available to the buyer during Checkout.
 
Does Checkout support multiple item purchases and shopping cart? Will there be additional enhancements?
Currently, Checkout is for purchasing an item(s) from a single listing only (it does support multiple item purchases in a Dutch or Store Buy It Now listing). We are considering additions such as multiple item purchases and shopping cart in the future and will communicate changes to you when they occur.
 
As a seller, when is my Payment Address displayed to the buyer?
The buyer only sees the seller's Payment Address for auction items when:
  1. The seller's Checkout preference is set to allow Checkout, AND
  2. The seller provides a payment address when listing an item, or completes the payment address section in their Checkout preferences, AND
  3. If the buyer goes through Checkout and selects to pay the seller using check, money order, or "other" method
Note: Sellers with an eBay Store are required to have a Payment Address on file that will be displayed if the buyer pays via check, money order or "other" method.
 
I'm a seller and I want to use Checkout, do I have to include my shipping and tax costs when I list my item?
No. Sellers who would like to use Checkout are not required to include these costs when listing their item. While providing shipping and tax costs upfront does help buyers complete their purchase faster, sometimes sellers are unable to include these costs when listing an item. If these costs are not provided in the listing, buyers can use Checkout to send their shipping address and request the payment total after the listing ends. Then the seller may use Checkout to send the buyer an invoice with the final costs.
 
As a buyer, what are the benefits of Checkout?
  • A fast and easy way to complete your purchase
  • Store your shipping address and/or payment information for future purchases
  • Pay immediately if the seller accepts PayPal
Is Checkout required for buyers of auction-style listings?
No. Buyers do not have to use Checkout even if Checkout is available for the listing. The buyer should always review and follow the seller's Payment Instructions.
 
Is Checkout required for buyers of Store Buy It Now listings?
Yes. Buyers will still be required to go through Checkout for Store Buy It Now listings. To use Checkout, buyers click on the Buy It Now button on the listing.
 
As a buyer, if I use Checkout to ask the seller for the total, do I need to come back and complete the purchase through Checkout?
No. Buyers and sellers may use Checkout to help exchange information, but are not required to complete the transaction through Checkout unless the buyer is paying with PayPal.
 
Can international buyers use Checkout on www.eBay.com listings?
Yes. When an international buyer goes through Checkout, the buyer will be able to provide his/her shipping address to the seller. The seller can then send an invoice or email the buyer with the total amount to pay. To receive payment faster, the seller should include instructions for international buyers in the Payment Instructions section.