Escrow
Two of three multisig, and the one move that gives up its protection.
The subject of escrow is the mechanism that holds your money between paying and receiving. Across this directory it is a two of three multisig contract, and understanding it is the difference between trusting a market blindly and knowing exactly what protects you.
Three keys, any two open it
Every order generates three keys, held by the buyer, the vendor and the market. Any two together move the coin. In a clean order the buyer and vendor sign after delivery and the market key never moves. The market cannot touch the money alone, because one key of three opens nothing.
Why three and not two
A straight two-key box between buyer and vendor jams forever if either side goes quiet. The third key is the tiebreaker. Because the market holds only one of three, it cannot walk off with deposits, which is the exit scam that has sunk weaker markets. It can only help resolve a dispute.
Disputes and refunds
When something goes wrong, a moderator reads signed evidence from both sides and co-signs with whichever side is owed. A refund co-signs with the buyer to a refund address, and the vendor is not required. Cross-reference the desk article on a first order for how to keep a dispute in your favour.
The one wrong move
Finalising early means signing your release before the package arrives. It empties the box to the vendor and removes the dispute path. On an unproven vendor it undoes every other protection. Do not do it, whatever reason is offered.