Usage Guides

Prerequisites

Before following this guide, ensure you have:

• Installed Tor Browser (see Security Guide)
• Configured VPN connection (recommended)
• Generated PGP key pair for encrypted communication
• Password manager for storing credentials securely

Step 1: Accessing the Marketplace

Marketplace interface showing product listings

Access via Tor

1. Launch Tor Browser
2. Wait for connection to Tor network
3. Navigate to .onion address
4. Verify security certificate (green padlock)
5. Bookmark the correct URL

Security Verification

• Check URL matches official address
• Verify PGP signed messages from administrators
• Look for mirror links on trusted forums
• Never trust links from untrusted sources

Step 2: Registration

Registration and login interface

Account Creation

1. Click "Register" button
2. Choose unique username (no personal info)
3. Create strong password (20+ characters)
4. Complete CAPTCHA verification
5. Save credentials in password manager

Security Setup

• Enable 2FA immediately
• Add PGP public key to profile
• Set up mnemonic phrase backup
• Configure security questions
• Save backup codes offline

Important Security Tips

Step 3: Browsing Products

Product details and vendor information

Navigation

• Categories: Browse by product type
• Search: Use keywords to find specific items
• Filters: Sort by price, rating, location
• Vendors: Check vendor profiles and ratings

Evaluating Listings

• Read product descriptions carefully
• Check vendor ratings and feedback
• Review recent transactions
• Verify vendor PGP key
• Look for detailed product photos

Vendor Verification

# Import vendor's public key
gpg --import vendor_pubkey.asc

# Verify vendor's signed message
gpg --verify vendor_message.asc

Step 4: Making Orders

Order checkout and payment interface

Order Process

1. Select product quantity
2. Review escrow terms
3. Provide shipping information (encrypted)
4. Select payment method (BTC/XMR)
5. Confirm order details

Payment

• Copy payment address carefully
• Use Monero (XMR) for better privacy
• Send exact amount specified
• Wait for blockchain confirmations
• Save transaction ID

Escrow System

The escrow system protects both buyers and sellers:

1. Payment held: Funds locked in escrow when order placed
2. Vendor ships: Seller sends product after payment confirmation
3. Buyer receives: Confirm delivery within specified timeframe
4. Finalize: Funds released to vendor after confirmation
5. Dispute: Admin mediates if issues arise

Step 5: Communication

Encrypted Messaging

Always use PGP encryption when communicating with vendors.

# Compose message in text editor
nano message.txt

# Encrypt for vendor
gpg --encrypt --armor -r vendor@market.onion message.txt

# Copy encrypted message
cat message.txt.asc

Communication Best Practices

• Never share personal information
• Use PGP for all sensitive messages
• Verify vendor's PGP key fingerprint
• Keep communication on-platform when possible
• Be professional and clear in messages

Step 6: Order Tracking

Monitoring Orders

• Order Status: Check dashboard for updates
• Tracking: Vendor may provide tracking info (encrypted)
• Messages: Monitor for vendor communications
• Timeframes: Note expected delivery dates

After Delivery

1. Verify package contents match order
2. Test product quality (if applicable)
3. Finalize order in marketplace
4. Leave honest feedback for vendor
5. Rate transaction experience

Handling Issues

• Non-delivery: Contact vendor first, then open dispute
• Wrong product: Provide evidence, request resolution
• Quality issues: Document with photos/descriptions
• Disputes: Provide clear evidence to mediators

Security Best Practices

During Use

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Accessing without Tor Browser
• Using personal email or usernames
• Reusing passwords from other sites
• Sending unencrypted shipping addresses
• Finalizing orders before receiving
• Trusting vendors without checking feedback
• Sharing account access
• Using exchanges directly linked to identity