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Escrow States Overview

Your escrow will pass through different states. Here’s what you can do at each:

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Actions by State

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Pending State

The escrow has been created but the seller hasn’t accepted yet.

For Buyers

  • Wait for seller to accept
  • Cancel if seller doesn’t respond (after expiry)

For Sellers

  • Review the terms carefully
  • Accept to start working
  • Decline if terms are wrong

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Active State

Seller accepted. Work is in progress!
ActionDescription
ReleaseSend 100% to seller (anytime)
Open DisputeRaise an issue with the work
Propose SplitSuggest dividing the funds

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Fulfilled State

Seller has marked the work as complete. The clock is ticking!
Buyers: Review promptly! After the protection time expires, the seller can claim the funds.
ActionDescription
ReleaseSend funds to seller (you’re satisfied)
Open DisputeSomething is wrong with delivery
Propose SplitNegotiate a partial refund

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Disputed State

A dispute has been opened. Normal settlement is paused.

Invite Agent

Either party can invite the pre-selected agent to resolve the dispute.

Propose Split

Or try to settle mutually without involving the agent.
Even during a dispute, the seller can still refund 100% or both parties can agree to a split.

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Agent Invited State

The agent is reviewing the case.
  • Present your case — Share evidence with the agent
  • Respond promptly — Agents may have questions
  • Be honest — Agents can detect bad-faith behavior
Agent Timeout: If the agent doesn’t respond within 7 days, either party can claim timeout. The escrow returns to disputed state with no agent (locked mode).

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The Split Negotiation Flow

Splits are a powerful way to settle without agent involvement:
1

Propose

Either party proposes a split (e.g., “70% to me, 30% to you”)
2

Review

The other party sees the proposal in their dashboard
3

Respond

They can:
  • Accept — Funds are distributed immediately
  • Counter — Propose different percentages
  • Ignore — Proposal stays pending
4

Execute

When both parties agree on the same split, it executes automatically
Proposing a split is free! It doesn’t commit you to anything until the other party accepts.

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Terminal States

These are the final states — the escrow is complete:
StateMeaning
ReleasedFull amount sent to seller
RefundedFull amount returned to buyer
SplitAmount divided between parties
Agent ResolvedAgent determined the split
Once in a terminal state, no further actions are possible.

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Tips for Smooth Escrows

  • Review deliveries promptly to keep the seller happy
  • Communicate clearly about what’s missing before disputing
  • Release funds quickly when satisfied — it builds trust
  • Mark fulfilled only when everything is truly complete
  • Communicate any delays before they become problems
  • Don’t be afraid to refund if you can’t deliver
  • Document everything in writing
  • Use the protection time wisely
  • Try mutual settlement before invoking agents