> ## 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.

# Guide for Buyers

> How to safely purchase goods or services using Zenland escrow.

## Why Use Escrow as a Buyer?

When you're paying someone you don't fully trust, escrow protects you:

* ✅ **Your money is safe** until you receive what was promised
* ✅ **The seller is motivated** to deliver quality work
* ✅ **Disputes get resolved** fairly by professional agents

***

## Step-by-Step: Creating Your First Escrow

<Steps>
  <Step title="Connect Your Wallet">
    Go to [zen.land/app](https://zen.land/app) and connect your wallet. We recommend NYKNYC for zero gas fees.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click 'Create Escrow'">
    Start a new escrow from your dashboard.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter the Details">
    Fill in:

    * **Seller's wallet address** — get this from your seller
    * **Amount** — how much you're paying (in USDC or USDT)
    * **Description** — what you're buying
    * **Protection time** — how long you have to review the delivery
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose an Agent (Recommended)">
    Select a professional agent to resolve any potential disputes. Or choose "No Agent" for a locked escrow.

    <Warning>
      Without an agent, disputes can only be resolved through mutual agreement. Funds may be locked forever if you disagree.
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review & Sign">
    Review the generated PDF contract, then sign and fund the escrow. The 1% fee is added on top of your amount.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for Seller">
    The seller must accept the escrow before work begins. If they don't accept in time, you can cancel and get a refund.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Managing Your Escrow

Once the seller accepts, here's what you can do:

### Communicate with Your Seller

Stay in touch! Use Telegram, email, or your preferred channel to:

* Track progress
* Answer questions
* Receive updates

<Tip>
  Good communication prevents most disputes. Check in regularly with your seller.
</Tip>

### Review the Delivery

When the seller marks the escrow as `Fulfilled`:

1. **Check the work** carefully against your agreement
2. **Test everything** you paid for
3. **Take your time** — you have the full protection period

### Release the Funds

If you're satisfied:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Click 'Release'">
    Find your escrow and click the Release button
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm">
    Approve the transaction in your wallet
  </Step>

  <Step title="Done!">
    Funds are instantly transferred to the seller
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## What If Something's Wrong?

### Option 1: Negotiate with the Seller

Before opening a dispute, try to resolve things directly:

* **Clearly explain** what's not meeting expectations
* **Give the seller** a chance to fix it
* **Many issues** can be resolved with good communication

### Option 2: Open a Dispute

If negotiation fails:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Click 'Dispute'">
    Open a dispute from your escrow page
  </Step>

  <Step title="Invite the Agent">
    The pre-selected agent will review the case
  </Step>

  <Step title="Present Your Case">
    Share evidence (screenshots, messages, deliverables) with the agent
  </Step>

  <Step title="Agent Decides">
    The agent determines a fair split of the funds. Their fee is deducted first.
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Option 3: Propose a Split

Would you settle for a partial refund? Propose a split:

* You suggest: "I keep 40%, seller keeps 60%"
* Seller approves or counter-proposes
* Funds are distributed when you both agree

***

## Important Buyer Tips

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Choose Protection Time Wisely" icon="clock">
    Give yourself enough time to properly test the delivery. Minimum is 1 day.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Select a Good Agent" icon="user-check">
    Check agent reputation and resolution history before choosing.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Document Everything" icon="file">
    Save conversations, screenshots, and specs. They help in disputes.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Don't Be Afraid to Release" icon="hand-holding-dollar">
    If the work is good, release promptly! Great sellers deserve quick payment.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## FAQs for Buyers

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="What if the seller never accepts?">
    If the seller doesn't accept within the acceptance window, you can cancel the escrow and receive a full refund.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I cancel after the seller accepts?">
    You can't unilaterally cancel, but you can:

    * Ask the seller to refund you (they can do this anytime)
    * Open a dispute and let the agent decide
    * Propose a mutual split
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What happens when protection time expires?">
    If the seller marked `Fulfilled` and your protection time expires, the seller can claim the funds. Review deliveries promptly!
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How much does it cost?">
    Just 1% of the escrow amount (min $0.50, max $50). This is paid when you create the escrow.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>