Frequently Asked Questions

Navigate to Prime Market's .onion address using Tor Browser, click "Register", choose a username and strong password, add your PGP public key, solve the CAPTCHA, and complete registration. We recommend enabling 2FA immediately after account creation.

See our Getting Started Guide for detailed instructions.

If you have your PGP private key and recovery codes, you can reset your password through the "Forgot Password" link. The marketplace will send you an encrypted recovery message. Decrypt it with your PGP key to access password reset instructions.

Important: Without your PGP key or recovery codes, account recovery is impossible. This is by design to protect your security.

Go to Account Settings → Security → Enable 2FA. Scan the QR code with an authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Authy, or FreeOTP). Enter the 6-digit code to verify setup. Save your backup codes securely offline.

2FA adds significant security to your account and is highly recommended for all users.

Prime Market accepts:

• Bitcoin (BTC) - Most widely accepted, supported by all vendors
• Monero (XMR) - Enhanced privacy, growing vendor adoption

Both cryptocurrencies support full escrow protection and multisig functionality.

Navigate to Wallet → Deposit → Select cryptocurrency (BTC or XMR) → Copy deposit address → Send funds from your external wallet → Wait for network confirmations → Funds appear in your balance.

Confirmation times:

• Bitcoin: 1-6 confirmations (10-60 minutes)
• Monero: 10 confirmations (20 minutes)

Marketplace fees:

• Standard vendors: 3% per sale
• Elite vendors (Level 4): 2% per sale
• No listing fees or monthly charges

Network fees: Variable blockchain transaction fees apply for deposits and withdrawals (paid to miners, not Prime Market).

There is no enforced minimum deposit, but deposits below $10 USD equivalent may be uneconomical due to blockchain network fees. We recommend depositing only what you plan to spend immediately to minimize risk.

Shipping times vary by vendor and destination:

• Domestic: 3-7 business days
• International: 7-21 business days
• Express: 1-3 business days (if offered by vendor)
• Digital products: Immediate to 24 hours

Check individual product listings for specific shipping estimates.

Order tracking depends on the vendor. Some vendors provide tracking numbers (sent via PGP-encrypted message), while others use non-tracked shipping for security reasons. Check your order status page and vendor messages for updates.

If your order hasn't arrived after the expected delivery time:

1. Wait 7 additional days past estimated delivery
2. Message the vendor to inquire about status
3. Open a dispute BEFORE auto-finalize deadline if no resolution
4. Provide evidence (communications, timestamps, tracking)
5. Market mediator will review and decide on refund/reship

Most vendors offer reship or refund for lost packages.

Prime Market employs multiple security layers:

• Tor-only access for anonymity
• Multi-signature escrow for payment protection
• Mandatory PGP encryption
• 2FA authentication option
• No logs policy
• Distributed infrastructure

However, YOUR security depends on following proper OPSEC. Read our Security Guide thoroughly.

VPN use with Tor is debated:

VPN → Tor (before Tor):

• Hides Tor usage from ISP
• Useful in countries blocking Tor
• VPN provider can see you use Tor
• Must trust VPN provider

If using VPN, choose privacy-focused provider (Mullvad, ProtonVPN, IVPN) that accepts crypto and doesn't log. Never use free VPNs.

See detailed discussion in our Security Guide.

PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) is encryption that protects your communications. On Prime Market, PGP is used to:

• Encrypt shipping addresses
• Secure messages with vendors
• Verify official marketplace announcements
• Protect account recovery information

PGP ensures only you and the intended recipient can read sensitive information. It's mandatory on Prime Market.

Learn how to set it up: PGP Setup Guide

To open a dispute:

1. Go to your order page
2. Click "Open Dispute" button (only available before auto-finalize)
3. Select dispute reason
4. Provide detailed explanation with evidence
5. Submit dispute
6. Vendor has 48 hours to respond
7. Market mediator reviews and decides within 5-7 days

Refunds are issued through dispute resolution when:

• Product never arrived (non-delivery)
• Product significantly different from description
• Vendor failed to ship within promised timeframe
• Product damaged/defective

Refunds cannot be issued after:

• Order finalized (escrow released)
• Auto-finalize period passed without dispute
• Finalize Early (FE) payment made

Support options:

• Support Tickets: Available in account dashboard (recommended)
• PGP-Encrypted Email: For sensitive issues (check marketplace for current address)
• Forum: Community help on marketplace forum

Response time: Usually within 24 hours. Complex issues may take longer.

Vendor requirements:

• Active buyer account (30+ days old)
• Valid PGP key
• Vendor bond payment (0.05 BTC or 2 XMR - refundable)
• Completed vendor application

Application process takes 24-72 hours. See full guide: Vendor Guide

Vendor fee structure:

• Level 1-3 Vendors: 3% per sale
• Level 4 Elite Vendors: 2% per sale
• No listing fees
• No monthly fees

Fees are automatically deducted when escrow is released to vendor.

Yes, vendor bonds are fully refundable when you leave the marketplace in good standing (no active disputes, positive reputation). Bond is forfeited if vendor is banned for scamming or serious rule violations.

Current bond: 0.05 BTC or 2 XMR (subject to change).