Beginner / Getting Started Guide

Last updated: July 22 2025

1. What Is XMRBazaar?

XMRBazaar is a peer‑to‑peer Monero‑only marketplace that launched in May 2024. It functions like Craigslist users post listings and deal directly, but adds optional browser‑based 2‑of‑3 multisig escrow, on‑platform encrypted messaging, and a growing reputation system. There are zero platform fees, no login KYC, no custodial wallets, and moderators actively remove illegal or high‑risk listings.

Snapshot (July 2025): 3 600+ users, 4 300+ active listings, 1 600+ orders completed.

2. Core Concepts

2.1 Non‑Custodial Listings & Payments

  • Direct Pay – Buyer sends XMR straight to seller’s wallet.
  • Escrow Pay – Buyer, seller, and chosen mediator generate a client‑side 2‑of‑3 multisig wallet; funds can only move with 2 signatures.

In both flows, XMRBazaar never controls keys or touches coins.

2.2 Reputation & Reviews

Each profile displays:

  • Star rating (0‑5)
  • Completed orders, positive/negative feedback
  • Optional social‑media links (for doxxed merchants)

2.3 Categories & Modes

  • Spend XMR: Buy, Hire, Rent
  • Earn XMR: Sell, Work (jobs), Rent out
  • Businesses: List brick‑and‑mortar or online shops
  • Map view: Browse local listings geographically

2.4 Mediators

Anyone can register as a mediator (escrow agent) and set their own fee (% of trade). Buyers choose a mediator when opening an escrow listing.

3. Account Creation & OpSec Checklist

  1. Visit https://xmrbazaar.com or the Tor .onion (if available) via Tor Browser or a VPN.
  2. Click Sign‑up → pick a username + password (email optional for password reset).
  3. Add a PGP key to enable encrypted messaging & shipping details.
  4. Enable dark mode and block third‑party scripts for extra privacy (JavaScript only required for multisig escrow).

Pro‑tip: Use a fresh Monero subaddress for each order; Cake or Feather makes this trivial.

4. Funding & Wallets

XMRBazaar is wallet‑agnostic. Recommended options:

  • Feather (desktop) – easy integrated multisig
  • Cake Wallet / Monero.com (mobile) – QR scanning for quick pay
  • Monero‑CLI for power users; export/view keys offline

Escrow swaps require multisig‑capable wallets (Feather, CLI, or Nextcloud‑based Monero‑JavaScripts inside browser).

5. Buying Workflow (Direct Pay)

  1. Search listings or use Filter by category, price, location.
  2. Open a listing → click Order.
  3. Chat with seller (PGP/auto‑encrypted) for details.
  4. Seller shares XMR address & amount; you send.
  5. Seller marks “Paid Received”, ships/provides service.
  6. Leave review.

Average Monero TX fee < 0.002 XMR—fractions of a cent.

6. Buying with Escrow

  1. Choose listings flagged Escrow‑Enabled (or ask seller to enable).
  2. Select a mediator from drop‑down; review their fee & reputation.
  3. Browser generates multisig address; buyer funds it.
  4. Upon delivery, buyer & seller both sign release; mediator’s signature only needed if dispute.
  5. If dispute: upload evidence; mediator decides & co‑signs payout.

Mediator fees typically 1‑3 % of trade.

7. Selling Workflow

  1. Click New Listing → choose Sell / Hire / Rent out.
  2. Add title, price (fixed or “Make an offer”), category, shipping terms, images.
  3. Decide payment mode: Direct or Escrow (toggle).
  4. Publish; listing appears instantly.
  5. Boost option: Pay small XMR tip to push listing to Featured.
  6. When buyer orders, coordinate in chat and confirm payment.

8. Fees & Limits

Type Cost
Platform fee 0 XMR (none)
Listing/boost tip Optional (≥ 0.01 XMR)
Mediator fee Set by mediator (1‑3 %)
Monero TX fee ~0.0002 XMR (network)

No hard size limits, but large cash/XMR exchange listings may be moderated.

9. Safety & Privacy Tips

  • Use Tor or VPN to hide IP (XMRBazaar does not log IPs but server sees inbound connections).
  • PGP‑encrypt shipping addresses; never send plaintext.
  • Inspect mediator history before selecting.
  • Avoid high‑risk items (weapons, drugs) – will be removed & could ban account.
  • Escrow for big trades; direct payments fine for low‑value goods.

10. Troubleshooting & FAQ

Issue Fix
Listing vanished Mods flagged as high‑risk; open support ticket.
Multisig flow stuck Both parties must share multisig data; resend export strings via chat.
Reset password w/o email Contact support with proof of ownership (PGP‑signed message).
“Order anonymized” Buyer or seller toggled anonymity—order view limited.

11. Where to Get Help & Learn More

  • Support channel – click “Contact” in footer.
  • Trollbox – public chat for quick Q&A.
  • Monero Talk episodes – deep dives with founders.
  • Reddit r/Monero – community reviews & tips.

12. Next Steps

  1. Create a low‑risk Wanted ad (e.g., buy a gift card) to test direct pay.
  2. Try a small multisig escrow transaction with a friend.
  3. List a service or second‑hand item to earn your first XMR.
  4. Gradually build reputation—more stars = faster sales!

Live free, trade peer‑to‑peer, stay private. Welcome to the Bazaar!