Using Escrow for Secure Purchases

Overview

Every transaction on the Bicycle Blue Book Marketplace uses escrow protection to keep both buyers and sellers safe. When a buyer makes a purchase using our secure checkout on the Marketplace, payment is securely held in escrow through Stripe Connect until the bike is received and confirmed. This ensures that sellers are paid only when buyers are satisfied — and buyers’ funds are never at risk.

Escrow is what makes Bicycle Blue Book different from general classifieds or peer-to-peer sales. It’s the foundation of our trusted transaction system.

Note: If your bike arrives damaged, not as described, or missing components, you’re also protected under the Blue Book Promise.
Learn more: The Blue Book Promise – Buyer Protection Program

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How Escrow Works

1. The Buyer Makes Payment
   When you click Buy Now or Accept Offer, your payment is processed through Stripe Connect and placed into a secure escrow account. Note: payments should only be made on the Bicycle Blue Book website, using the Marketplace's secure checkout. Bicycle Blue Book does not send emails, texts, or other notifications to request payment.

2. The Seller Ships or Delivers the Bike
   The seller receives confirmation that funds are secured. They can then ship the bike using Bike Flights integration or arrange a local pickup.

3. The Buyer Confirms Delivery
   Once the bike arrives, the buyer inspects it and confirms receipt within their Bicycle Blue Book account.

4. Funds Are Released to the Seller
   After confirmation, funds are automatically transferred from escrow to the seller’s connected bank account.
   If no issues are reported within the holding period, the release happens automatically.

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Why Escrow Matters

Protection for Buyers

Funds are held securely until the item arrives and matches the listing. You’ll never send money directly to a seller.

Protection for Sellers

Sellers can ship or meet locally knowing full payment is secured before releasing the bike.

Dispute-Ready

If something goes wrong, funds remain in escrow while Bicycle Blue Book investigates under the Blue Book Promise.

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Best Practices

• Always complete your transaction inside the Bicycle Blue Book Marketplace.

• Never use Venmo, Zelle, Cash App, or checks for Marketplace purchases.

• Do not click on any email or text notifications requesting payment.

• Confirm delivery promptly once you’ve received and inspected the bike.

• Keep all communication within the platform to ensure eligibility for protection.

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FAQ

Can I cancel after paying?
Yes — if the seller hasn’t shipped yet. Once shipping starts, cancellations are handled by support.

What happens if the bike doesn’t arrive?
Funds remain in escrow until the issue is resolved. Contact support to open a case.

How long does escrow hold funds?
Usually up to 48 hours from delivery unless a claim is opened.

Is escrow available for local pickups?
Yes. Even local transactions use escrow, keeping both parties protected.