Escrow Protection
Buy With Confidence. Your Money Deserves Protection.
Our held-funds process gives eligible buyers time to inspect their vehicle before the purchase funds are released to the seller. Funds are held throughout the 30-day inspection period and released only if you choose to keep the vehicle, subject to the agreed terms.
Who holds the money: purchase funds are held by Halfmoon Bay Motors in its own business account. This is not an independent or regulated escrow service, and we are not affiliated with any bank, insurer or escrow provider.
The 30-day process
- Step 1
Choose your vehicle
Review the vehicle information, purchase price, delivery arrangements and held-funds terms. We tell you in writing whether your transaction is eligible before you proceed.
- Step 2
Funds are held
Only after you have verified the transaction and received the written agreement and verified payment instructions, you pay into the Halfmoon Bay Motors business account. Funds are held for the agreed 30-day inspection period from the start date stated in your agreement.
- Step 3
Inspect for 30 days
You receive the vehicle and have 30 days to evaluate it against the agreed purchase terms. Delivery date, inspection deadline and return procedure are stated in your agreement. Notify us within the period if you have an issue.
- Step 4
Keep it or request a return
Keep it: funds are released to the seller, the transaction is completed and you receive confirmation. Return it: follow the documented return procedure and the full purchase amount held is refunded with no refund fee; the seller covers the agreed return-related costs.
The refund covers the purchase amount held. Any other amounts, such as separately paid shipping, are set out in your agreement. Refunds are not instant.
Where Are Our Payment Accounts Based?
Our payment department operates from Australia, and the designated bank account details supplied for eligible transactions are Australian bank account details.
For eligible purchases covered by our escrow arrangement, customers will receive the applicable payment instructions and transaction terms before making a transfer.
If you are purchasing a vehicle from New Zealand, your bank may process the payment as an international transfer to Australia. Your bank may apply currency conversion rates, transfer fees, or intermediary bank charges.
Please review the applicable payment instructions and escrow agreement before sending funds. If you have questions, contact support@halfmoonbaymotors.com.
For accepted payment methods, transfer guidance and verification advice, see our Payment Information page.
Direct payment vs held funds
Direct payment to a seller
- Money may reach the seller before the vehicle is adequately inspected.
- Recovering funds can be difficult if the transaction is fraudulent.
- Limited practical recourse if a seller disappears.
- Payment and refund responsibilities may be unclear.
Held-funds transaction
- Funds are held according to the written agreement.
- You receive a defined 30-day inspection period.
- Funds are released to the seller only when the agreed conditions are met.
- Eligible buyers can follow the documented return and refund process.
Holding funds reduces certain transaction risks but does not remove every risk or guarantee a vehicle's condition, ownership, authenticity or delivery. Paying a seller directly is not automatically fraudulent.
Our 30-day inspection and refund policy
- The inspection period lasts 30 days; your agreement states exactly when it begins and ends.
- You must tell us your decision within that timeframe.
- Returns follow the documented return authorization and delivery procedure.
- If you validly elect to return the vehicle, the full purchase amount held is refunded with no refund fee.
- The seller is responsible for the agreed return-related costs.
- The return process, vehicle condition requirements and shipping cost allocation are explained before purchase.
- Refund processing times depend on the payment method and banks involved.
- Any exceptions or eligibility conditions are disclosed in your agreement before payment.