A Buyer's Checklist: 10 Things to Verify Before Releasing Escrow Funds
Before you click 'Confirm Delivery,' run through this checklist. Once funds release, they're gone. Here's how to be sure the asset is truly yours.
The inspection window is your only protection as a buyer. Once you confirm delivery, the deal is done. Here's the checklist our mediators wish every buyer used before releasing funds.
The 10-point buyer checklist
- 1. Can you log in with the new credentials? (Not just see a screenshot — actually log in.)
- 2. Have you changed the password, recovery email, and phone number?
- 3. Have you enabled 2FA on your own device and removed the seller's?
- 4. For accounts: check for linked social logins (Facebook, Google, Apple) and disconnect them.
- 5. For domains: confirm WHOIS shows you as registrant and the transfer lock is enabled.
- 6. For software: activate the license on your machine and verify it isn't already in use elsewhere.
- 7. For NFTs: verify the token ID and contract address on a blockchain explorer.
- 8. For gift cards: redeem immediately and confirm the balance.
- 9. Check for hidden fees, subscriptions, or recurring charges tied to the seller's payment method.
- 10. Monitor for 24–72 hours for any login alerts, recovery attempts, or platform notifications.
What to do if something fails
If any item on this checklist fails, do not confirm delivery. Message the seller in the deal chat and give them a chance to resolve it. If they can't or won't, open a dispute before the inspection window closes. The mediator will evaluate the evidence and decide whether to release, refund, or partial-release the funds.
Escrows Click holds funds in a neutral wallet, verifies delivery, and only releases payment when both parties are satisfied. Start a deal in two minutes at escrows.click.
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