Escrow acts as a neutral third party holding your payment until you confirm receipt. When you place an order, your funds move from your available balance into a locked state. The vendor sees that payment exists but cannot access it. Once you mark the item received, the escrow unlocks and releases funds to the vendor.
Trust-based early release allows experienced vendors to access funds sooner. If a vendor has a high trust rating, they may request early unlock after shipping proof is provided. You can approve this manually. Approving early release means trusting the vendor word over the physical item. Many buyers skip this step to maintain full leverage.
Disputes arise when items are missing, damaged, or different from description. File a dispute within the specified window, usually seven days. Include photographic evidence and communication logs. The market administration mediates. Outcomes depend on proof quality. If both parties have solid evidence, admins may split the loss. If neither proves anything, you might lose the funds.
Escrow does not protect against fake products that match descriptions perfectly. If a drug looks right but tests false, escrow is useless. It covers logistical failures, not quality assurance. For guidance on verifying vendor reliability, check the [review system](/review.html).
FAQ
How long does a dispute take?
Typically one to two weeks. Admins need time to gather statements and evidence. Delays occur during high-volume periods or complex cases involving multiple parties.
Does escrow cover digital goods?
Yes, delivery confirmation works similarly. You confirm access to the file or service. If access fails, file a dispute immediately with screenshots showing the error.