How to sell safely online in the UK: a step-by-step guide
Start with an accurate listing, keep payment in the app and follow the fulfilment rules for Shipping or PIN Pickup.
What to know
Describe the condition accurately and include clear photos.
Keep messages and payment in the app.
Shipping uses tracked couriers and SilentSale®-issued labels. Raise issues within 72 hours after delivery confirmation, or collection for a locker or parcel-shop order. Confirming receipt closes this window early, so inspect the item first.
PIN Pickup is an in-person handover. The buyer inspects the item before sharing their six-digit PIN; the seller enters it in the app to complete the order. The PIN is acceptance. There is no shipping, tracking or post-handover dispute window.
How SilentSale® protects both sides
SilentCover® is a discretionary protection service under the SilentSale® Terms. Both sides protected equally: buyer and seller each contribute £0.30 + 3% of the item price. Decisions depend on the Terms and evidence.
PIN Pickup is an in-person handover. The buyer inspects the item before sharing their six-digit PIN; the seller enters it in the app to complete the order. The PIN is acceptance. There is no shipping, tracking or post-handover dispute window.
Questions people ask
Why keep payment in the app?
Off-platform payments fall outside the SilentSale® transaction flow and its protection rules.
How does SilentSale® help?
SilentCover® is SilentSale®’s shared-protection model: both buyer and seller contribute and are protected equally. The standard contribution is £0.30 + 3% of the item price per side; check the amounts shown in the app for any eligible adjustments. Stripe processes payments and holds funds until order completion. SilentCover® is a discretionary protection service.
Keep reading
Sources
- SilentSale® Terms and Conditions: payment, protection, acceptance and evidence rules. Checked 2026-10-02. §3.1–3.3, §6.1–6.5, §4.1–4.3, §7.5, §15.2.2–15.2.4, §6.5.1–6.5.1, §7.3.7, §15.2, §3.2.2, §3.5.1, §4.4, §2.3.4