> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.zen.land/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Creating an Escrow

> Step-by-step guide to creating your first escrow contract.

## Before You Start

Make sure you have:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Connected Wallet" icon="wallet">
    Your wallet connected to the Zenland app
  </Card>

  <Card title="USDC or USDT" icon="coins">
    Enough stablecoins to cover the escrow amount + 1% fee
  </Card>

  <Card title="Seller's Address" icon="user">
    The seller's Ethereum wallet address
  </Card>

  <Card title="Clear Agreement" icon="handshake">
    Agreement on terms with your counterparty
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## Step 1: Navigate to Create Escrow

1. Open [zen.land/app](https://zen.land/app)
2. Connect your wallet
3. Click **"Create Escrow"** in the navigation or dashboard

***

## Step 2: Enter Escrow Details

Fill in the following fields:

### Seller Address

Enter the Ethereum address of the person you're paying:

```
0x1234567890abcdef1234567890abcdef12345678
```

<Tip>
  Double-check this address! Funds sent to the wrong address cannot be recovered.
</Tip>

### Amount

Enter how much you want to escrow:

* **Minimum:** \$1 (or equivalent in stablecoin)
* **Token:** Choose USDC or USDT
* **Fee:** 1% added on top (min $0.50, max $50)

### Description

Write what this escrow is for. Be specific:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="✅ Good Example">
    "Website development: 5-page portfolio site with responsive design, contact form, and CMS integration. Delivery in 2 weeks."
  </Card>

  <Card title="❌ Bad Example">
    "Website"
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

### Buyer Protection Time

How long you have to review the delivery after the seller marks it complete:

| Timeframe | Good For                   |
| --------- | -------------------------- |
| 1 day     | Simple, small transactions |
| 3-7 days  | Services requiring testing |
| 14+ days  | Complex projects           |

<Warning>
  After this time expires, the seller can claim funds even if you haven't released them. Choose wisely!
</Warning>

***

## Step 3: Choose an Agent

This is one of the most important decisions:

### Option A: Select an Agent (Recommended)

Browse available agents and check:

* **Reputation** — resolution history, success rate
* **Fee** — what % they charge for disputes
* **Specialization** — some agents focus on specific industries

<Card title="Why agents matter" icon="lightbulb">
  If you and the seller disagree, the agent decides how funds are split. Choose someone trustworthy and qualified.
</Card>

### Option B: No Agent (Locked Escrow)

<Warning>
  **Advanced users only!** Locked escrows have no dispute resolution.
</Warning>

With no agent:

* You and the seller must agree on everything
* If you disagree, funds can be locked **forever**
* Only use with highly trusted counterparties

[Learn more about Locked Escrows →](/escrow-types/locked-escrow)

***

## Step 4: Review the Contract

Before funding, you'll see:

1. **PDF Preview** — A contract summarizing all terms
2. **Escrow Address** — The deterministic address where funds will go
3. **Fee Breakdown** — Amount + protocol fee

<Note>
  The PDF is hashed and stored on-chain. This proves what you both agreed to.
</Note>

### What to Verify

* [ ] Seller address is correct
* [ ] Amount matches your agreement
* [ ] Description covers all deliverables
* [ ] Protection time is adequate
* [ ] Agent is acceptable (if applicable)

***

## Step 5: Fund the Escrow

Click **"Create & Fund"** and approve the transaction:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Approve Token Spend">
    Your wallet asks to approve USDC/USDT spending
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm Transaction">
    Sign the transaction to create and fund the escrow
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for Confirmation">
    Transaction is mined on Ethereum (\~15 seconds)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Escrow Created!">
    You'll see confirmation and can share the link with your seller
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## After Creation

Your escrow is now in `PENDING` state, waiting for the seller to accept.

### What Happens Next?

1. **Notify your seller** — Share the escrow link or let them check their dashboard
2. **Seller reviews** — They verify the terms match your agreement
3. **Seller accepts** — Escrow becomes `ACTIVE`, work begins
4. **Or seller declines** — You receive an immediate refund

### If Seller Doesn't Respond

If the seller doesn't accept within the acceptance window:

* You can call **"Cancel Expired"** to get a full refund
* No penalties, you just get your money back

***

## Common Issues

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Transaction failed">
    Check that you have:

    * Enough stablecoins for amount + fee
    * Enough ETH for gas (unless using NYKNYC)
    * Token approval wasn't revoked
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Seller can't see the escrow">
    Make sure:

    * They're connected to the right wallet address
    * They're on the correct network (Mainnet vs Sepolia)
    * They refresh their dashboard
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="I entered the wrong seller address">
    Unfortunately, escrows are created atomically. If you used the wrong address, wait for the acceptance window to expire, then cancel for a refund. Double-check next time!
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>