Market Documentation

Abacus Market utilizes a decentralized, geographically distributed server architecture designed to resist censorship and DDoS attacks. Built upon a heavily modified iteration of the AlphaBay codebase, the platform provides a stable environment for peer-to-peer commerce.

The system operates strictly as an escrow intermediary. We do not sell products directly. Instead, we provide the secure infrastructure, wallet management, and dispute resolution services required for vendors and buyers to transact with confidence.

Access is restricted exclusively to the Tor network via .onion hidden services. Standard browsers (Chrome, Safari, Edge) are incompatible. Users must utilize the latest stable release of the Tor Browser.

For optimal connectivity, ensure your system clock is synchronized to UTC. Time drift can cause circuit creation failures. While the market functions with JavaScript enabled, we recommend configuring Tor Security Settings to "Safer" to minimize potential attack vectors.

Abacus enforces a zero-knowledge policy regarding user credentials. Upon registration, a 12-word mnemonic seed phrase is generated. This seed is the only mechanism for account recovery.

Administrators do not have access to user passwords or PINs. If you lose your credentials and do not possess your mnemonic seed, your account and any funds contained within are permanently inaccessible. Store your seed offline on physical media immediately upon creation.

Server authenticity must be cryptographically verified before entering credentials. The market signs all legitimate mirrors with the administrative PGP key. Users should import this public key into their local GPG keychain.

On the login landing page, locate the PGP signed message. Verify the signature against the imported key. A valid signature mathematically proves you are connected to the genuine Abacus server infrastructure. Never login if signature verification fails.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) via PGP provides the highest tier of account security. When enabled, a unique encrypted message is presented at login, which must be decrypted to reveal the access code. This renders stolen passwords useless without the associated private key.

Furthermore, all shipping information must be encrypted using the specific vendor's public PGP key before submission. While the market offers an "Auto-Encrypt" feature, manual client-side encryption is strongly recommended for maximum OpSec.

Monero (XMR): The recommended standard for all transactions. XMR utilizes Ring Signatures, RingCT, and Stealth Addresses to completely obfuscate sender, receiver, and transaction amounts on the blockchain.

Bitcoin (BTC): Supported for legacy compatibility. Due to the transparent nature of the Bitcoin ledger, users depositing BTC are strongly advised to utilize the market's internal mixer or external coin-join services to break the link between their personal identity and the market wallet.

All standard orders are protected by Escrow. Funds are deducted from the buyer's wallet and held in a secure market multisig container. The funds are not accessible to the vendor until the order is finalized.

Finalize Early (FE): Select vendors with established reputations may have FE privileges. FE releases funds immediately upon marking as shipped. Buyers should only use FE with highly trusted vendors.

Auto-Finalize: If a buyer does not finalize or dispute an order within the timer (typically 14 days for physical goods), the system automatically releases funds to the vendor.

Disputes must be initiated before the auto-finalize timer expires. Once a dispute is opened, funds are frozen. A moderator will review the transaction history, communication logs, and vendor shipping evidence.

Decisions are made based on the preponderance of evidence. Vendors are required to maintain shipping logs. If a vendor cannot prove shipment, or if the product is proven to be materially different from the listing, funds are returned to the buyer.

To maintain market quality, all vendors must pay a non-refundable security bond (approx. $500 USD equivalent in crypto). This bond serves as a deterrent against low-effort scammers.

Established vendors migrating from other major markets may apply for a bond waiver. Waiver applications require PGP-signed proof of identity from the other platform. All vendors must have a valid PGP key added to their profile before listing creation.

Abacus enforces a strict harm reduction policy. The following items are categorically banned and will result in immediate vendor termination:

• Fentanyl and related analogues (Carfentanil, etc.)
• Explosives, firearms, and weaponry
• Poisons and biological toxins
• Child Exploitation Material (CP)
• Murder-for-hire or violent services