How Escrow Works
Escrow is a secure payment system where funds are held by a neutral third party (the market) until both buyer and seller fulfill their obligations. This protects both parties from fraud.
Buyer Places Order
Payment is deducted from buyer's market wallet and held in escrow.
Vendor Ships Product
Vendor processes and ships the order. Funds remain in escrow.
Buyer Receives & Finalizes
Once satisfied, buyer clicks "Finalize" to release funds to vendor.
Transaction Complete
Vendor receives payment. Both parties can leave feedback.
Why Escrow Matters
For Buyers
- ✅ Don't pay until you receive product
- ✅ Can dispute if something goes wrong
- ✅ Protection against scam vendors
- ✅ Leverage in quality disputes
For Vendors
- ✅ Guaranteed payment when finalized
- ✅ Protection against false claims
- ✅ Builds trust with buyers
- ✅ Fair dispute resolution
What About Finalize Early (FE)?
When you Finalize Early, you release payment BEFORE receiving the product. This removes your protection. Only FE with vendors you've successfully ordered from many times.
When FE Might Be Acceptable
- ✅ You have 10+ successful orders with this specific vendor
- ✅ Vendor has excellent long-term reputation
- ✅ Amount is small enough that you can afford to lose
Never FE When
- ❌ First order with any vendor
- ❌ Vendor pressures you to FE
- ❌ Large order amounts
- ❌ Vendor account is new
Auto-Finalize Timer
Orders automatically finalize after a set period (typically 14 days after marked shipped). This prevents buyers from holding funds indefinitely. If you have issues, open a dispute before auto-finalize kicks in.