Vendor Guide

Complete guide to becoming a successful vendor on Prime Market

For Vendors: This guide covers everything from registration and product listing to building reputation and maintaining security as a Prime Market vendor.
Prime Market - Vendor Product Listings
Prime Market vendor interface - product listings and featured items

Becoming a Vendor

Requirements

  • Active buyer account in good standing (30+ days old)
  • Valid PGP key for encrypted communications
  • Vendor bond payment (refundable)
  • Completed vendor application form
  • Understanding of escrow and marketplace rules

Application Process

  1. Log in to your buyer account
  2. Navigate to "Become a Vendor"
  3. Fill out vendor application (business plan, product categories)
  4. Pay vendor bond (currently 0.05 BTC or equivalent XMR)
  5. Wait for application review (24-72 hours)
  6. Receive approval and vendor dashboard access

Vendor Bond

What is a Vendor Bond?

A vendor bond is a refundable deposit required to become a vendor. It ensures vendors are committed and discourages scammers.

Bond Details

  • Amount: 0.05 BTC or 2 XMR (subject to change)
  • Refundable: Yes, when leaving in good standing
  • Held as: Escrow by Prime Market
  • Forfeited if: Scamming, serious rule violations
Note: Vendor bonds may increase based on marketplace growth and security needs. Early vendors benefit from lower bond amounts.

Fee Structure

Marketplace Fees

  • Standard Fee: 3% per sale
  • FE Vendors: 2% per sale (must meet requirements)
  • No Listing Fees: Free to list products
  • No Monthly Fees: Pay only when you sell

Payment Schedule

Fees are automatically deducted when escrow is released. You receive:

  • Sale price minus marketplace fee (3%)
  • Minus blockchain transaction fees (variable)

Example Calculation

Product Price: $100
Marketplace Fee (3%): -$3
Your Payout: $97
(Plus crypto network fees when withdrawing)

Setting Up Your Vendor Profile

Profile Information

  • Vendor Name: Choose memorable, professional name
  • Description: Explain your business, shipping policies, quality guarantees
  • PGP Key: Public key for buyer communications
  • Shipping Countries: List where you ship
  • Accepted Crypto: BTC, XMR, or both

Profile Best Practices

  • Use professional language and proper grammar
  • Clearly state shipping times and policies
  • Set realistic expectations (don't overpromise)
  • Include refund/reship policy
  • Regular profile updates (vacation mode, announcements)

Product Listing Best Practices

Creating Quality Listings

Product Title

  • Clear, descriptive, includes key details
  • Example: "Premium Quality Product - Fast Shipping - Stealth Packaging"

Description

  • Detailed product information
  • Shipping method and estimated delivery time
  • Stealth/discreet packaging details
  • Terms and conditions
  • What's included in the purchase

Pricing

  • Competitive with other vendors
  • Factor in marketplace fee (3%)
  • Consider offering bulk discounts
  • Update prices based on crypto volatility

Photos

  • High quality, well-lit images
  • Remove EXIF data (metadata)
  • Show product from multiple angles
  • Include size reference if applicable

Vendor Levels & Privileges

Level 1 - New Vendor

  • 0-50 successful sales
  • Escrow required on all orders
  • Standard support priority
  • 3% marketplace fee

Level 2 - Established

  • 50-200 successful sales
  • 95%+ positive feedback
  • Can offer FE to trusted buyers
  • Featured in "Trusted Vendors"

Level 3 - Verified

  • 200-500 successful sales
  • 97%+ positive feedback
  • Priority support
  • FE privilege on all orders

Level 4 - Elite

  • 500+ successful sales
  • 98%+ positive feedback
  • 2% marketplace fee
  • Top vendor badge

Vendor Rating System

How Ratings Work

Buyers rate vendors on 5-star scale across multiple categories:

  • Product Quality: Matches description, condition
  • Communication: Response time, professionalism
  • Shipping Speed: Delivery timeframe
  • Stealth: Discreet packaging quality
  • Overall: General satisfaction

Maintaining High Ratings

  • Ship quickly (within 24-48 hours of order)
  • Use quality stealth packaging
  • Respond to messages within 24 hours
  • Accurate product descriptions
  • Handle issues professionally

Vendor Security Tips

Operational Security (OPSEC)

  • Always use Tor Browser or Tails OS
  • PGP encrypt all buyer communications
  • Never log buyer addresses in plaintext
  • Use stealth packaging techniques
  • Separate shipping identity from personal life
  • Regularly rotate PGP keys (every 6-12 months)
  • Don't discuss vendor activity on clearnet

Stealth Shipping Best Practices

  • Use generic return addresses
  • Vacuum seal products to prevent odor
  • Decoy packaging (hide in legitimate items)
  • No logos or identifiable markings
  • Consider using mail drops or PO boxes
Critical: Buyer addresses should only be stored PGP-encrypted. Delete plaintext addresses immediately after shipping. This protects both you and your customers.

Handling Orders

Order Processing Workflow

  1. Receive order notification in vendor dashboard
  2. Decrypt buyer's shipping address (PGP)
  3. Prepare product with stealth packaging
  4. Mark order as "Processing"
  5. Ship within promised timeframe
  6. Mark order as "Shipped" with tracking (if applicable)
  7. Respond to buyer messages promptly
  8. Wait for buyer to finalize or auto-finalize

Communication Guidelines

  • Professional, courteous tone always
  • Respond within 24 hours maximum
  • Never discuss illegal activities explicitly
  • Provide tracking only through encrypted messages
  • Handle complaints calmly and professionally

Dealing with Disputes

When Disputes Happen

Disputes are rare with good vendors, but when they occur:

  • Respond within 48 hours with evidence
  • Provide tracking information if available
  • Screenshots of communications
  • Photos of packaged product (before shipping)
  • Remain professional, never aggressive

Avoiding Disputes

  • Accurate product descriptions
  • Reasonable shipping timeframes
  • Quality stealth packaging
  • Quick customer service responses
  • Offer reship on lost packages (builds trust)

Video Tutorial: Darknet Vendor Security

Video by Naomi Brockwell TV - "Complete Privacy Guide for Online Sellers"

Vendor Success Tips

Build Reputation

  • Start with competitive pricing
  • Offer sample sizes
  • Respond to all messages
  • Ship faster than promised

Customer Service

  • Be patient and professional
  • Offer solutions to problems
  • Go extra mile for good reviews
  • Build loyal customer base

Product Quality

  • Never compromise on quality
  • Accurate descriptions only
  • Consistent product standards
  • Package items securely

Long-Term Success

  • Reinvest profits in quality
  • Expand product line gradually
  • Stay updated on market trends
  • Maintain strict OPSEC always

Ready to Start Selling?

Review the vendor application requirements and begin your journey as a Prime Market vendor.

Read Vendor FAQ →