Escrow Service Terms
Last updated: January 2026
1. Overview
MobilesExchange Escrow is a premium service that protects both buyers and sellers through secure payment holding and device inspection. When you use Escrow, your payment is held securely until the device is verified and you approve the transaction.
2. Escrow Fees
Escrow fees are split 50/50 between buyer and seller:
| Category | Total Fee | Per Party |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Phone | $19.99 | $9.99 each |
| Laptop | $39.99 | $19.99 each |
| Accessory ($50-$149) | $9.99 | $4.99 each |
| Accessory ($150-$499) | $14.99 | $7.49 each |
| Accessory ($500-$2,000) | $19.99 | $9.99 each |
Sellers also pay a $15 shipping label fee. Escrow is available for items priced $50-$5,000.
3. How Escrow Works
- Initiation: Buyer selects "Buy with Escrow Protection" and completes payment
- Payment Hold: Funds are securely held by MobilesExchange
- Shipping: Seller ships device to our inspection center within 48 hours using provided label
- Inspection: Our team inspects the device against the listing description
- Approval: Buyer reviews inspection report and approves within 48 hours
- Completion: Funds released to seller, device shipped to buyer
4. Device Inspection
Our inspection verifies:
Mobile Phones
- IMEI status (not blacklisted)
- Activation lock status (must be unlocked)
- Battery health (within 5% of listing)
- Screen and body condition
- All buttons, ports, and cameras functional
Laptops
- Password removed
- Battery cycle count (within 10% of listing)
- All ports functional
- Screen, keyboard, trackpad condition
- OS boots successfully
- Storage capacity matches listing
Accessories
- Functionality matches description
- Cosmetic condition matches listing
- All included items present
- Compatibility claims accurate
5. Inspection Outcomes
- PASS: Device matches listing. Buyer can approve and receive device.
- FAIL (Minor): Cosmetic discrepancy found. Buyer offered 10% discount or full refund.
- FAIL (Major): Functional issue or misrepresentation. Buyer receives full refund.
6. Timelines
- Seller ships: Within 48 hours of purchase confirmation
- Inspection: Within 24 hours of device receipt
- Buyer approval: Within 48 hours of inspection report
- Auto-approval: If buyer takes no action within 48 hours
7. Refunds and Cancellations
- Seller doesn't ship: Full refund to buyer if seller doesn't ship within 48 hours
- Inspection failure: Full refund within 3-5 business days, 50% of escrow fee credited
- Buyer rejection: Full refund, device returned to seller at seller's expense
8. Shipping Insurance
All escrow shipments include shipping insurance up to $2,000. Items valued above this amount are covered up to the insurance limit.
9. Dispute Resolution
For disputes related to escrow transactions, contact us at disputes@mobilesexchange.com. We aim to resolve all disputes within 24 hours.
10. Seller Penalties
Sellers who consistently misrepresent items in escrow transactions may face reputation penalties, temporary suspension, or permanent account termination.