The short answer
No. PORTR drivers do not pay sellers, handle cash on your behalf or act as an escrow service. Pay the seller yourself before or at collection, using a method that leaves a record, and book the transport separately.
Why will couriers not handle payment to sellers?
Handling money on behalf of a buyer to pay a third party is a payment service, not a transport service. It carries regulatory obligations and financial liability that a delivery operator is neither set up nor authorised to take on.
There is also a practical dimension. A driver cannot judge whether an item matches its description or whether a price was properly agreed, so putting them in the middle of a transaction creates a dispute with no fair way to resolve it.
What is the safe way to structure a marketplace purchase?
Agree the item and price with the seller and pay directly, using a method that leaves a record. Then book transport as a separate arrangement with its own confirmation and price.
Tell the seller a courier is collecting and give the driver the seller's name and mobile number in the collection notes. If you want to inspect the item before money changes hands, be present at collection.
What happens if there is a dispute about the item?
Your driver collects the item presented to them and will contact you if it looks materially different from your booking. Beyond that, condition and description disputes are between you and the seller.
On eBay, the platform's own buyer protections apply. On Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree, private sales carry very little protection, which is the strongest argument for inspecting before paying.
Frequently asked questions
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Related service: Marketplace collection